Janice R. Andrews
South Euclid’s renowned Notre Dame College has announced that it will close at the conclusion of the spring semester. First established in 1922, the college’s board of trustees took the difficult decision to close the doors, citing financial difficulties such as dwindling enrollment, increased costs, and substantial debt.
Attempts to tackle these problems, such as investigating potential merger or acquisition opportunities with other universities, were not effective. It was determined that functioning independently was unsustainable, even with efforts to bridge the financial difference.
With nine other schools and universities, Notre Dame has formed arrangements to support current students and make it easier for them to finish their degree. Students who finish more than 60 credit hours will be assured admission to partner universities under the “Teach-Out” program, with guaranteed credit transfer and equivalent tuition fees.
The following universities are partners: Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania; Baldwin Wallace University; Cleveland State University; Hiram College; John Carroll University; Kent State University; Lake Erie College; Ursuline College; Walsh University; Kent State University.
In addition, students who have completed fewer than 60 credit hours may be eligible to complete their degrees; more details and assistance will be available at the Partner College/University Fair on Wednesday, March 13.
South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo expressed profound sadness at the loss, calling the college one of the community’s “most cherished institutions,” noting its rich academic history, tradition, and community engagement. However, the future of the Notre Dame campus remains uncertain following the end of in-person instruction.
As of Fall 2022, Notre Dame College, which was first established by the Sisters of Notre Dame as an all-women’s school until become coed in 2001, enrolled close to 1,450 students and employed about 60 full-time and 100 part-time faculty members.
