How Does This Affect Me? 

We are dedicated to providing the necessary support and resources our community needs as PAFA moves forward with a renewed focus on its core mission. Below you’ll find resources to help you better understand and navigate this transition.

Students & Families

We recognize that winding down our degree-granting programs is disappointing and a source of stress for our college students and their families. We are particularly sensitive to the impact of this decision on our first- and second-year students. Please be assured that we stand ready to support you throughout this transition. We are focused on maintaining an academic path that will lead to your degree with minimal disruption. PAFA’s Student Services staff will work individually with students to create a personalized plan that best suits their academic goals and personal circumstances

  • o PAFA Student Services staff will work individually with all BFA first-year and sophomore students to create personalized transfer plans for a range of local and well-regarded arts schools with whom PAFA has made arrangements. They include University of the Arts, Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University, Moore College of Art & Design, Arcadia University and Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. These transfer plans will guide students as they navigate the continuing of their arts education with minimal disruption. In almost all cases, all credits will transfer, costs will be comparable, and students will be able to graduate on schedule. Should students choose to pursue transfer opportunities independently, Student Services is ready to offer guidance and support throughout the process.

  • Unique challenges are generated by transferring at this stage of their academic careers. In response, PAFA has decided to retain the option for third-year students on track to graduate in May 2025 to complete their degrees at PAFA as planned.

  • PAFA fourth-year students on track to graduate in May 2024 will continue their course of study as planned for the duration of the academic year. Our graduation ceremony will be held on May 10, 2024.

  • MFA graduate students on track to graduate in either May 2024 or May 2025 will be able to continue their course of study as planned for the duration of the academic year. Likewise, all Low-Res MFAs on track to graduate in either August 2024 or August 2025 also will be able to complete their degrees and graduate as planned.

For more detailed information on the transition, visit the FAQ page.

Faculty & Staff

Our faculty and staff are both the backbone and the heart of the college. The decision to wind down our degree-granting programs is in no way a reflection on their excellence and dedication. Throughout this transition, we are committed to providing support, resources, and assistance to faculty and staff affected by this change.

For specific details about your personal circumstances or to set up an appointment with an HR professional, call or email Carissa Patts, Director of Human Resources, Office of Institutional Safety and Equity at (215) 972-2020 or cpatts@pafa.edu. More details are available on the FAQ page.

Alumni & Fellows

PAFA remains committed to supporting artists, creators, and art lovers in our community throughout their creative lives. We will maintain the museum and our exceptional collection, as well as reimagine our studio, classroom and exhibition spaces to bring to new life to our campus. PAFA will create and anchor an “arts ecosystem” that unites our community and makes contemporary American art accessible to all.

For answers to commonly asked questions, visit the FAQ page.