Notification of Change in Control

to current and prospective students

March 27, 2025 

Dear Ursuline Students,

As you may know, we are merging with Gannon University and this will open many new doors of opportunities for you to enjoy expanded programs, study abroad, and multi-campus participation.

The Education Department (ED) requires this website notification to be distributed to current and future Arrows 90 days prior to the Change of Control on June 30, 2025.  
 
The statement below outlines various regulatory aspects of our partnership with Gannon University. 
 
If you have any questions, please contact the president's office at president@ursuline.edu. As always, we are committed to maintaining the high standards of education and care that define your Ursuline College experience. 

Warmly, 

David King, EdD
President

Important Notification of Change in Control Ursuline College

March 27, 2025

Subject:  Important Notification of Change in Control Ursuline College
                OPE ID Number 00313400

Dear Current and Prospective Students,
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an important development regarding the future of Ursuline College. As an enrolled or prospective student, we believe it's essential to keep you informed about changes that may affect your academic journey.

Presently the President and the Leadership Team of The Ursuline Academy of Cleveland serve as the members of Ursuline College. As members, these Sisters have, among other limited rights, the right to approve the appointment and the removal of the Trustees of Ursuline College. These Sisters will resign as members of Ursuline College and Gannon University will be substituted as the sole member of Ursuline College with the right to appoint and remove members of the Ursuline College Board of Trustees.

Gannon University is a private, Catholic, Diocesan University with its main campus in Erie, Pennsylvania, a branch campus located in Ruskin, Florida and academic programs offered online. Gannon is dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service whose faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and professional specializations through a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility. Gannon University offers degrees at the Associates, Bachelor, and Doctoral level in a variety of programs including health sciences, engineering, business, and humanities. Gannon University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Gannon University participates in NCAA Division II sports.

The Sisters have agreed to this resignation and believe that the substitution of Gannon University in their place is in the best interests of Ursuline College. The current Trustees of Ursuline believe that this “change of control” transaction will create a new model of Catholic higher education that is comprehensive, multi-location and virtual, and will enhance the educational experience and opportunities available to our students. It is exciting because it joins two institutions with common missions while allowing Ursuline to continue as a distinct institution of higher education.

The United States Education Department (ED) requires a change of control transaction to be a two-step process. Subject to receipt of all necessary approvals, Ursuline and Gannon contemplate that the change of control will take place on or about June 30, 2025. This is the “First Step” of the process. Following the change of control, Ursuline will still issue degrees in the name of Ursuline College, classes and academic activities will still be offered by Ursuline at its Pepper Pike campus, and sports and other extracurricular opportunities are expected to continue. We do not anticipate that the change of control will result in immediate changes to your educational experience. Ursuline will retain its accreditations, and State of Ohio authorization, and will continue to be eligible to participate in both the Federal Student Aid and the Ohio College Opportunity Grant programs.

Question: How does the Change of Control (the “First Step”) impact me as a student at Ursuline College?
Answer: You will see few if any changes.

· You will still be a student enrolled in your academic program at Ursuline College.
· You will attend classes in just the same manner as you did before the Change of Control occurred.
· You will have the same professors and faculty.
· You will continue with the same course requirements.
· You will continue to be eligible for a degree from Ursuline College.
· Academic and other support services, externship and clinical relationships, dorms and dining facilities will also continue.
· For student athletes, you will continue to participate in Ursuline’s NCAA Division II athletic programs as Ursuline Arrows in the GMAC conference.
· You will continue to receive the same high-quality education.

Pursuant to a Change of Control and Merger Agreement entered into by Ursuline and Gannon on December 20, 2024, Gannon and Ursuline may in the future merge into a single institution. The merger, should it happen, must be separately approved by regulatory authorities, and will not occur before the end of June 2026. This will be the “Second Step” in the process that ED calls for. It is contemplated that, even in the event of a merger of Ursuline and Gannon, Ursuline will continue to operate from its current location in Pepper Pike as an additional location of Gannon University. We will be sure to keep you informed and updated as those decisions are made and as approvals are received.

Question: Should the merger between Gannon and Ursuline occur (the “Second Step”), how will I be affected as a student?
Answer: Should Gannon and Ursuline formally merge, you will see several changes following the date of the merger:

· You will become a student of Gannon University enrolled at the Pepper Pike campus without a need to separately apply to Gannon.
· You will be allowed to continue in what is then your academic program at the time of merger.
· You will attend classes in the same manner as you did just before the merger.
· You will have the same professors and faculty.
· You will continue with the same course requirements.
· When you complete your degree requirements, your diploma will be from Gannon University
· Academic and other support services, externship and clinical relationships, residence halls and dining facilities will be alike or similar to those available to you before the merger.
· Student athletes will continue to participate as NCAA Division II athletes, and if approved by the NCAA as anticipated, as Ursuline Arrows in the GMAC Conference.
· You will continue to receive the same high-quality education.

This letter provides formal notification required by the U.S. Education Department through federal regulations (specifically, 34 CFR § 600.20(g)(4)). We will continue to communicate with you regularly about the status of the change of control and thereafter, the merger, and how it will impact you as a student.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS NOTICE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED UPON REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL AND STATE EDUCATIONAL REGULATORY AGENCIES AND ACCREDITORS.

Your academic pursuits and welfare remain our top priority throughout this transition. We are committed to ensuring a seamless integration process and maintaining the high standards of education and support that you expect from Ursuline College.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please do not hesitate to reach out to the president's office at president@ursuline.edu. Additional information can be found on the frequently asked questions page.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we appreciate your continued trust in Ursuline College.

Sincerely,

Dr. David King
President
Ursuline College