Notre Dame College Will Close

Notre Dame officials did not talk publicly about the decision to close the school. But officials did release a one page statement, saying Notre Dame College quote, �faced difficult enrollment and financial issues that are becoming increasingly common to many small, private colleges.�
Despite this, students, faculty and staff who learned about the closing, said they were shocked by the announcement. Sarah Thompson is a sophomore from Merrimack.
17 105 I mean its like such a surprise to everybody today. Nobody believes it, that its actually happening. But, it is, so�

Other students had similar reactions. Rob Jones of Manchester said he�d just joined the graduate program, so the announcement left him stunned.
27 24 I just looked into this school, starting this last summer. And I said, ok, I�ll go to notre dame, and see what they have. And I did it, and I liked the school, and I liked the programs, and now I gotta go look for somewhere else. 27 37

Students who want to continue their studies have several options. They could transfer to other nearby schools, such as St. Anselm College or UNH in Manchester, if those schools agree to take them on. They could also transfer to more distant universities.
But faculty at the college may have a more difficult time making a transition. Many have taught at Notre Dame for several years, and most were reluctant to talk with the press once they�d learned the college would close. John Vinsel is adjunct history professor at the college. Vinsel says he won�t be financially hurt by the closing, because he is otherwise retired. But he says his colleagues were dealt a severe blow.
11 52 I felt more sorry for the other faculty, you know. Many of whom, most of whom are younger than I am. They really depend on that job, you know, its their careers. And, it�ll be tough for them. 11 104

Before Notre Dame closes next May, it will have to work with a state agency to wrap up its affairs. Katherine Dodge, executive director of the state�s Post Secondary Education Commission, says the college has certain obligations toward students that it must fulfill before it can close down completely.
02 32 if students are half way through their academic program, we would want to make sure that there�s a plan in place for them to be able to complete their program at that institution or elsewhere, and work with the institution to make sure that the students are eased through the process. 02 47

Dodge also says the Post Secondary Education Commission will become the keeper of student transcripts from Notre Dame. The Notre Dame collection will join those of several other New Hampshire colleges that have closed since 1969.