Statement Regarding Argosy University

A programmatic accreditor has a limited role to play in relation to accredited programs that are closing or have closed due to an institution’s closure. The CoA does not manage or control programs, or their resources, financial status, or ability to function. The CoA does not have authority over the decisions of the programs, the institution, the Department of Education, or any receiver appointed by the Department or the courts. Similarly, as an accreditor, the CoA has no control over or access to student funding, student loans or financial resources. The charge of the CoA is first and foremost to promote consistent quality and excellence in education in health service psychology for the benefit of students and the public that are consumers of psychological services. 

Accredited psychology programs are encouraged to assist the displaced students. In this unprecedented situation, the APA’s Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation is happy to provide consultation on transfer and acceptance plans to programs planning to receive students who are enrolled in the accredited Clinical psychology programs offered by Argosy University. Under CoA’s policies, receiving programs that are making changes with a potential impact on their own compliance with accreditation standards should inform CoA of such changes, and CoA will provide any needed review pursuant to its policies and inform the program of any needed immediate actions. Unprecedented situations like the sudden closure of a university are unavoidable events beyond the responsible control and anticipation of the accepting programs, and thus an exception to CoA’s requirement of notice in advance of the occurrence.  

CoA’s goal is to facilitate mobility of Argosy students from APA accredited programs into receiving institutions and CoA is willing and able to work flexibly with receiving institutions and programs to facilitate this process pursuant to its Standards of Accreditation.  

Programs that are accepting students from impacted programs are advised to contact the office with questions about this matter.