Dowling College intends to affiliate itself with another academic institution to help keep its doors open, it was confirmed this month.
The liberal arts institution is in Oakdale, about six miles from Central Islip, and draws students from throughout the area. Declining enrollment and financial problems have led it to take positive steps to insure its future, one of which was to execute a letter of intent to affiliate with another school.
According to school officials, the letter results from Dowling's relationship with RBC Capital Markets LLC, an investment firm that has helped the institution explore its options. These include affiliating with another institution of higher learning. Associating itself with another college will allow Dowling to immediately begin cost-saving measures that will make itsfinancial position secure going forward.
Dowling is also on probation with regard to it accreditation. A report by Middle States, a non-governmental agency that accredits colleges and universities, found that Dowling was failing to comply with certain standards. Last November, the commission gave Dowling a deadline of March 1 to show why it should not lose its accreditation, and the college met the goal.
Dowling officials might like to work with a brochure printing company on an informative booklet that explains the college is working hard to resolve its problems, and that it has met the goal of retaining its accreditation standards.
