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The comments by the commission, which accredits colleges and universities in the Northeast, were in response to Wells' notification on Sunday that it will close at the end of the spring semester. The college informed the commission before it publicly announced the closure on Monday. The state Education Department has also said it was notified over the weekend before the college's announcement.聽

In its response, the commission has requested the date of closure and for Wells to submit teach-out plans, which would allow students to transfer to other schools, for approval. The college announced its preferred teach-out partner is Manhattanville University and there are teach-out agreements with other institutions, but these plans have not been reviewed or approved by the commission.聽

Middle States says the teach-out plans must be submitted for review by May 13. Citing its policy and federal regulations, the commission said teach-out plans "must provide for the equitable treatment of students to complete their education or transfer to another institution."聽

Wells has been placed on probation by Middle States because of "insufficient evidence" it is complying with certain commission standards, including one covering substantive changes to the institution, such as a closure. The commission also notes the college's accreditation is in jeopardy, but that would end anyway once it closes.聽聽

On its website, Wells says it remains accredited and is "completing the documentation requested by (the commission) and expect to submit it to them in a timely manner to fully address their concerns."聽

The accreditor joins others, including alumni, employees and students, who have criticized Wells College's rush to close. The sudden announcement was made at the beginning of the final week of classes and less than three weeks before commencement.聽

In a letter, Wells College President Jonathan Gibralter and board chair Marie Chapman Carroll noted the "enormous financial challenges" the institution has faced. The college's declining enrollment and the COVID-19 pandemic are factors that affected its financial situation.聽

Wells, its leaders said, "does not have adequate financial resources to continue."聽

The decision to close affects more than 300 students, many of whom are now scrambling to transfer to new schools, and nearly 200 employees. There are many unanswered questions about the closure, including what will happen to the Aurora campus and other college-owned property.聽