Northland College has again delayed making a definitive announcement about its future, but that comes with a sign of hope.
In March, the college announced it needed to raise $12 million by April 4 or it would likely begin the closing process. On that day, the college revealed it raised $1.5 million and needed more time to make a final decision about the college’s future. It also declaring financial exigency. Over the past several days, college officials have been weighing options on how to cut expenses and programs to keep the college open.
Students, alumni and the Bay Area community were prepared for an announcement about its future on Tuesday. However, Northland College Board of Trustees Chairman Ted Bristol sent an email to students and alumni stating the college has received “several transformative donor gifts within the last 24 hours” that “considerably impact what is possible.”
As a result, the board will reconvene with college officials to determine its options. Board members hope to reach a final decision by the end of next week.
This latest news has made Northland alumnus Kaelin Hall feel simultaneously optimistic and unsatisfied. Hall is part of a group of alumni calling themselves Northland Forever who have been raising money to save the college they love, collecting over $280,000 in pledge donations.
“I think a lot of us are pretty conflicted,” Hall said. “They haven’t announced a closure yet, so we’re hoping that no news is good news. It means they are trying to figure out how Northland continues. At the same time it’s frustrating. It’s a strange feeling to have both of these emotions.”
She can’t imagine how hard it is for students and faculty who need to make decisions soon about their future, but are left with uncertainty.
“National college decision day is May 1. With the most recent announcement, we might not know about Northland’s future until after that date,” Hall said.
In acknowledging the unease, Bristol said the board “recognizes that this creates continued uncertainty for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and neighbors, and it is committed to advancing this work as quickly as possible.”
By consistently delaying their decision, Hall said it likely has caused students to lose their patience.
“It’s a complex situation. It shows work needs to be done to figure out the most sustainable path forward for Northland. But extending the decision could make lots of students decide to leave,” Hall said.
A group of Northland faculty have come up with a plan called True Northland. Associate Professor Angela Stroud and others have come up not only with ways to cut expenses but drive in additional revenue by possibly using buildings as community housing and hubs for non profit organizations.
Board members have been reviewing plans over the past several days submitted by faculty, but Stroud said they haven’t received any feedback.
“We have no idea what they’re working with. So far communication has been one way. We have no idea what their internal conversation is about. It’s frustrating and demoralizing.”
Just like Hall is worried the delay could cause students to transfer, Stroud said “I wouldn’t be surprised if this drives faculty to seek other jobs.”
“It makes me wonder how the board is making decisions. What could they possibly be debating?” she asked.
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