An Important Update from The Modern College of Design

Dear Students,

It is with sincere regret that I inform you that The Modern College of Design will stop delivering instruction on June 2, when students complete their externships, and permanently close on June 23, 2026.

The Modern is closing because we can no longer support the operations due to enrollment challenges. Over time, we have worked hard to try to address these challenges by, for example, improving our operations and introducing new programs. Despite these efforts to evolve and grow, we have not achieved the stability needed to be able to continue. As a result, closing has become the most responsible path forward. This has been a difficult, but necessary, decision.  

We are coordinating all aspects of this transition with our accreditor, state regulators, and the U.S. Department of Education.

Before I share how we will support you through this transition, I want to thank you for being part of The Modern. Your education and growth have meant a great deal to us, and we are grateful for the creativity, dedication, and passion you have brought to our community.

Physical Campus

Our physical campus will close on May 4. Operations will transition to remote delivery, and faculty and staff will continue to support students virtually. If you need to retrieve items from campus, please contact Korinne Toadvine.

Externships

The Modern’s Spring Term and Intercession will continue as scheduled. Students scheduled to begin externships will report to their employers on May 6, either on-site or remotely, and will complete their experience on June 2 as scheduled, with full academic credit.

Current Students

Graduates

We recognize that this transition changes important milestones you have been working toward, and we are committed to honoring your achievements in meaningful ways.

Federal Student Aid

Students who are unable to complete their program may be eligible to apply for a Closed School Discharge through the U.S. Department of Education, which may result in federal student loan forgiveness. You can learn more at studentaid.gov.

Student Support

We are here to support you and your family through this transition and have designated the following staff members to assist you:

Korinne Toadvine
Transfer options and transcripts
‍korinne.toadvine@themodern.edu

Katie Looney
Externships, career services, and student support
‍katie.looney@themodern.edu

Karl Wietlisbach
Financial aid, student loans, and housing
‍karl.wietlisbach@themodern.edu

Ongoing Updates

We encourage you to monitor www.themodern.edu for updates. In the coming days, we will continue to share additional information regarding your academic status, transfer opportunities, and available support services.

For immediate questions, please call 937-294-0592.

Please know that this news does not diminish your talent, the skills you have developed, or your ability to build a meaningful and successful career. I hope that you will carry forward the creativity and experiences you gained at The Modern.

As an alum, serving as President of The Modern College of Design has been my greatest honor. Please know that I will continue to support you during this transition.

United in Design,
Jessica Barry
President
The Modern College of Design

May 13, 2026

Dear Students,

We wanted to send an update as we continue supporting you through this transition. Below are a few important updates and reminders.

Transfer Updates

We are actively working with Sinclair Community College, Full Sail University, and Wright State University to develop transfer opportunities for students.

We understand many students are eager for immediate answers, and we want to acknowledge how difficult this uncertainty can feel. Transfer agreements are formal agreements between institutions that require detailed academic review to protect students and maximize the transferability of credits. These agreements must be reviewed and approved by institutional leadership at both schools, and our accreditor must also review the agreements before they can be finalized.

While this process is underway, students are encouraged to begin exploring and submitting applications to institutions they may be interested in attending. Starting the application process early may help reduce delays once transfer pathways are finalized.

Our team is working on these discussions every day, and we will communicate updates as soon as agreements are completed. Our priority is ensuring students have accurate information and the strongest possible transfer options available.

Graduation Materials

Graduation regalia, including caps, gowns, honors cords, and valedictorian sashes, will begin shipping this week.

Externship Students

Career Services Support

Director of Career Services Katie Looney continues to actively work with employers and industry partners on behalf of students and graduates. Katie is available to work one-on-one with students who would like assistance with portfolio reviews, resumes, interviewing, networking connections, and employment opportunities.

We remain committed to supporting students and graduates as they transition into their careers and continue building professional connections within the industry.

Adobe Software and Modern Email Access

Please note that access to Adobe software and Modern email accounts will end on June 15. We encourage you to begin saving or transferring any files, emails, or important materials connected to these accounts. We will continue sending instructions and support resources to help make this process easier.

Reveal 2026

Reveal will launch as an online experience designed to showcase graduate portfolios to employers and industry professionals. The website will allow employers to explore student work in a format similar to a professional online portfolio showcase.

Each graduate will have a dedicated portfolio feature that includes their name, accomplishments, and portfolio website link so employers can connect directly. We will also continue supporting employer connections by assisting with introductions and follow-up requests when needed.

We understand that many students and families value the in-person networking experience that Reveal has traditionally provided. While this year’s format will be different, the goal remains the same: connecting graduates with employers and showcasing their work professionally to the design industry.

An online format also allows us to share student work with a much larger audience, including more than 1,000 employers and industry contacts across the country. Reveal will continue to be promoted just as it has in previous years.

Commencement and In-Person Events

We know many students and families are disappointed that Reveal and Commencement will be held virtually this year. These events are important traditions and meaningful milestones for our graduates.

As we navigate this transition, we must also carefully consider the well-being of students, families, faculty, and staff. After thoughtful evaluation of the current circumstances surrounding the closure process, we determined that virtual events are the most appropriate path forward this year.

Although the format is changing, our commitment to recognizing and celebrating our graduates has not changed. Additional details about the virtual Commencement experience will be shared soon.

Transcripts

Transcript requests are currently being processed. Students who are still completing coursework will receive final transcripts after their classes have been completed and finalized.

We will continue providing updates as additional information becomes available. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support during this transition.

United in Design,
Jessica Barry
President
The Modern College of Design