Mercyhurst confirms teach-out agreement following announcement that Notre Dame College of Ohio is closing

Mercyhurst University has entered into a teach-out agreement with Notre Dame College (NDC) of Ohio, which it confirmed following today’s announcement by Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees that the college will end in-person academic instruction at the end of spring semester.

The partnership establishes a pathway for NDC students to complete their degrees at Mercyhurst without interruption, loss of time, or credits.

“It is vitally important that we support these students as they go through this challenging time,” said Mercyhurst President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D. “Mercyhurst is known for its hospitality and its inclusive and supportive community, an atmosphere that mirrors the environment at Notre Dame. We stand ready to welcome Notre Dame students who choose to complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees here, and we will work with them to make that transition as seamless as possible.”  

Notre Dame is a private, co-educational Roman Catholic college in South Euclid, Ohio, founded in 1922 by the Sisters of Notre Dame.

A news release issued today by NDC states:

“The Board of Trustees has worked tirelessly for years on multiple fronts to address long-standing issues. This includes refinancing debt, navigating a down market, strategically using Federal and State COVID-19 relief funds to maintain our mission during the pandemic, launching a Centennial fundraising campaign, pursuing two potential higher education partners for a possible merger or acquisition; and working closely with major donors and other stakeholders to raise additional revenue. These heroic efforts were not enough to close the financial gap in time to satisfy debt obligations and allow the school to continue to operate independently.”

Interim President John Smetanka added, “We are all saddened by the need to make this decision, but rest assured that as we move forward, we are doing everything we can to ensure a smooth transition for our students to continue their education.”  

According to the teach-out agreement, Mercyhurst will accept all Notre Dame student credits toward an equal or comparable degree, deploying advising, academic support, and student services to ensure the success of continuing Notre Dame students.  

Net tuition and fees will cost the same or less than what the student would pay at Notre Dame. In addition, the path to graduation will allow students to complete their program in the same time frame or sooner.  

When possible, students in licensure programs will be assisted in obtaining an equal or comparable license.  

“Our faculty and staff are ready to help interested students navigate our many degree programs, both in-person and online,” noted Interim Vice President for Enrollment Michael Joseph. “It is the goal of both institutions to meet the distinct and diverse needs of Notre Dame students and to ensure the best possible outcome for all concerned.”

To learn more about how to access educational opportunities at Mercyhurst, please visit the teach-out agreement website.