The Rise and Fall of Union Institute & University: A Pioneer in Non-Traditional Education
Union Institute & University (UI&U), formerly known as the Union for Experimenting Colleges and Universities, was a private online university headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1962, UI&U distinguished itself as a pioneer in non-traditional education, offering low-residency, interdisciplinary learning opportunities tailored to working adults. For over six decades, the institution carved a niche for itself, attracting students who sought flexibility and a personalized approach to higher education. However, in early 2023, UI&U began to experience severe financial challenges, culminating in its closure on June 30, 2024. This article explores the history, academic structure, and eventual downfall of this once-innovative institution.
Founding and Early Years: Embracing Experimentation
Samuel Baskin, a psychologist and educational reformer with experience at Stephens and Antioch Colleges, served as the founding president of the Union for Experimenting Colleges and Universities, Union Graduate School, and the University Without Walls. Baskin's vision was to create an institution that challenged traditional academic norms and provided accessible education to non-traditional learners.
The university helped to pioneer the "university without walls" concept. In the late 1960s, the university, which was founded in 1962, began offering long-distance, interdisciplinary learning for non-traditional students as an alternative to full-time residency programs. Goddard College, which has a similar program, was ahead of UI by a few years. This innovative approach was designed to attract students who might not otherwise pursue a four-year bachelor's degree program - single moms, caregivers, adults who dropped out of college and are now working full time.
Union took a Deweysque approach to education, recognizing that degree-seeking adults “need a way to integrate” life and learning. Independent study was the norm: Students explore what they want to learn before they commit to a course of study and then they choose the faculty they want to work with.
Expansion and Academic Restructuring
In 1996, the college expanded its physical presence by acquiring two buildings in Cincinnati: Time Hill and the Procter and Collier-Beau Brummell Building. In 2001, Union Institute acquired Vermont College in Montpelier, Vermont, from Norwich University. This acquisition significantly broadened UI&U's academic offerings, adding several master's degree programs and an adult degree program to its existing undergraduate and doctoral programs. This enabled The Union to provide a progression of degree opportunities, along with certificates in advanced graduate study. To reflect this expansion, the Union Institute was renamed "Union Institute & University" in October 2001.
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However, the university's PhD program came under scrutiny by the Ohio Board of Regents, culminating in a reauthorization report published in 2002. In response to the report, Union underwent major academic and structural changes, including dissolution of the Union Graduate School and restructuring of its PhD programs. The PhD in Arts and Sciences, for example, was redesigned as a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies, with four majors: Ethical and Creative Leadership, Public Policy and Social Change, Humanities and Culture, and Educational Studies, and offers a specialization in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Notable Faculty and Alumni
Throughout its history, Union Institute & University attracted a diverse and accomplished faculty, including:
- H.E.M. Broner: Novelist, professor, and feminist, author of A Weave of Women and Her Mothers.
- Lez Edmond: Civil rights activist, author, and professor.
- Joan Halifax: Zen Buddhist teacher, activist, and author.
UI&U also boasted a distinguished alumni network, with graduates making significant contributions in various fields.
The "University Without Walls" Concept
Union Institute and University helped to pioneer the "university without walls" concept. In the late 1960s, the university, which was founded in 1962, began offering long-distance, interdisciplinary learning for non-traditional students as an alternative to full-time residency programs.
The real innovation was tailoring a low-residency program, Stanton says, to adult students’ individual situations. Union takes a Deweysque approach to education, recognizing that degree-seeking adults “need a way to integrate” life and learning. Independent study is the norm: Students explore what they want to learn before they commit to a course of study and then they choose the faculty they want to work with.
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Financial Struggles and Eventual Closure
Despite its innovative approach and contributions to higher education, Union Institute & University faced increasing financial difficulties in its later years. Throughout 2023, the university continued to exhibit signs of financial distress including further delayed wages and being locked out of its headquarters.
In April 2023, employees complained publicly that the university had not paid them in weeks, with one worker filing a class-action lawsuit. But during the year it took the lawsuit to conclude, Union Institute continued to struggle. The university delayed the start of its fall 2023 semester twice, citing funding problems. Its enrollment has also steadily declined over the past decade, dropping 52.8% from 1,666 students in fall 2012 to 787 in fall 2022. And in November, the Education Department accused the university of taking thousands of dollars in Title IV federal financial aid beyond what it was entitled to. Those findings led to the $4.3 million fine and loss of Title IV funds.
The university was evicted from its headquarters in Cincinnati for failing to pay rent. In November, the Education Department took "emergency action" against Union Institute for "serious, ongoing violations," ultimately terminating its access to Title IV aid.
The Board of Trustees of Union Institute & University made the difficult decision to close the university on June 30, 2024. As a result, UNION has chosen to voluntarily withdraw its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. These actions ensure that all students who have attended our “university without walls” will retain their credits or degrees from an accredited institution.
The Montpelier Campus: A Vermont Presence
Union Institute & University, a four-year, liberal arts program, closed its Montpelier campus in mid-June when its long-term lease with the Vermont College of Fine Arts ran out. The university consolidated its facilities in Vermont and continued to offer a weekend residency program in Brattleboro.
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More students are opting out of low-residency programs and taking online only courses, according to Dr. Ann Stanton, an associate dean of the university. Students are demanding more flexibility, less “seat time,” and a lower cost education. “For me what’s sad is that physical presence won’t be here anymore,” Stanton said. “Montpelier is so special for students.” The loss of the campus will be “jarring,” she said for students graduating this year.
The school’s Montpelier weekend residency enrollments have declined over the last decade, according to Carolyn Krause, associate vice president of communications for Union Institute. Most of these jobs will be moved to Brattleboro or Cincinnati. Three program adviser positions will not be filled. The university purchased the Vermont College campus from Norwich University in 2001, then sold it to the Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2007. At this juncture, Union’s Montpelier base consists of one building on the campus.
Legacy and Impact
Despite its closure, Union Institute & University leaves behind a significant legacy in the field of higher education. As a pioneer in non-traditional learning, UI&U paved the way for innovative educational models that cater to the needs of diverse learners. Its commitment to interdisciplinary studies and personalized learning continues to inspire educators and institutions seeking to create more flexible and relevant learning experiences.
Union Institute and University helped to pioneer the “university without walls” concept. In the late 1960s, the university, which was founded in 1962, began offering long-distance, interdisciplinary learning for non-traditional students as an alternative to full-time residency programs.
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