You may have heard the news that last weekend (February 22-24, 2008) that the Antioch University Board of Trustees re-confirmed its decision to suspend operations at Antioch College effective June 2008. This decision was originally made back in June 2007, however, there have been many efforts in these past eight months to explore if there were other possible options. Unfortunately, at this point, no other options have seemed viable so the College will be suspending operations with the goal of re-opening in several years.
I wanted to communicate directly with you about this in case the news had prompted any questions about our PhD in Leadership & Change Program.
First, I want to assure you that Antioch University’s PhD in Leadership & Change is not affected by the recent decision to suspend operations of Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The Program is strong and growing. Focused on its mission of addressing pressing societal needs and committed to living its social justice values, the university-wide PhD in Leadership & Change Program offers non-residential doctoral education to 130+ students who meet quarterly in rigorous and innovative study. Along with Antioch University’s five other non-residential graduate campuses in Seattle (WA), Santa Barbara and Los Angeles (CA), Keene (NH) and Yellow Springs (OH), the PhD in Leadership & Change Program operates independently from Antioch College.
Antioch University, including the PhD Program, is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Below I have created a set of frequently asked questions section that I hope answers any questions you might have. However, if you have any additional questions or comments about the recent news, please feel free to contact the Program Office or me directly (lalexandre@phd.antioch.edu). We will be glad to discuss the recent news with you.
Sincerely,
Laurien Alexandre, PhD
Director, PhD in Leadership & Change Program
323-666-8181
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the Antioch University system?
Antioch University includes Antioch University New England in Keene, New Hampshire, Antioch University Seattle in Seattle, Washington, Antioch University Los Angeles and Antioch University Santa Barbara in California, and Antioch University McGregor and Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. In addition to many undergraduate and graduate programs at these individual campuses, Antioch University also offers a University-wide PhD in Leadership and Change. The individual campus presidents report to the system’s chancellor and are responsible to the Antioch University Board of Trustees. The University’s administrative offices are located in Yellow Springs as are the administrative offices of the PhD Program.
2. How does the PhD in Leadership & Change Program differ from Antioch College?
Antioch College serves traditional-age undergraduate students (18–22) in a residential, liberal arts college environment in Yellow Springs, OH. The PhD Program serves doctoral-level learners in a geographically dispersed model with students and faculty living across the US and in other countries. Our learning community comes together quarterly for robust and exciting residencies and we hold these residencies on a rotating basis at the campuses of Antioch University. The students and faculty of the PhD Program engage in technologically enabled cohort-based and individualized study between residencies. The Program has nationally known senior faculty who bring years of doctoral-level teaching experience and backgrounds rich with research, publishing and community
engagement. The program’s students are working professionals involved in leading change in their professions and communities.
3. What does the PhD Program have in common with Antioch College?
As part of Antioch University, we all share common values with Antioch College: social justice, lifelong learning, the integration of theory and practice and reflection, and educational innovation. We share a common mission to nurture in our students the knowledge, skills, and habits to act as lifelong learners, democratic leaders, and global citizens who live lives of meaning and purpose.
4. Is there any chance the PhD Program will suspend operations?
No. The PhD in Leadership & Change Program is on a solid financial footing. It began in January 2002 and the Program is strong and growing. Our Program’s newsletter shows the amazing work of our students and faculty. And, our graduates are receiving accolades for their excellent dissertations. These documents are all available from the PhD Program Office.
5. Is the PhD Program having financial difficulties?
No, absolutely not.
6. Will decisions about the future of Antioch College affect financial aid and scholarship opportunities for PhD students?
No, absolutely not.
7. What is the PhD Program’s current enrollment?
The PhD Program admits approximately 25 students once-a-year in a highly competitive process. We currently have 125 students in the program. We are currently reviewing applications for Cohort 8, which will start in Summer 2008.
8. What is the enrollment in Antioch University overall?
At its six campuses and PhD Program, Antioch University enrolls close to 4,000 students, with about 75% being graduate students. Antioch College, the residential undergraduate liberal arts campus in Ohio, has fewer than 300 students.
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