In order to keep everyone involved and informed during this time of transition, we’re providing answers to Frequently Asked Questions generated by the recent announcements.

What is happening at National Labor College (NLC)?
The NLC Board of Trustees authorized the College to sell the entire property in Silver Spring, Maryland, including all the land, buildings, Kirkland Conference Center and residence halls.

Does that mean National Labor College is closing?
No. National Labor College does not need to remain physically located on the current campus to offer high quality programs by experienced faculty and dedicated staff.  In fact, for several years National Labor College has been offering online-only college degree programs. Certain programs, however, including the Bonnie Ladin Union Skills program, have had residency requirements.

Will NLC still be fully accredited?
Yes, NLC maintains the gold standard of accreditation. Since 2004, we have been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (256) 284-5000. For more information about how accreditation works and what it means, go to www.msche.org.

Why is NLC selling the campus?
The cost to operate and maintain a large campus in such an expensive metropolitan area is exorbitant. NLC degree students have also been increasingly expressing a preference for online-only courses since they do not have travel costs or require time off from work.

What will happen once the property is sold?
College staff and faculty will move to another location in the greater Washington, DC area, but this process may take months or even years. Many faculty, adjuncts and staff will be able to continue to work remotely.

What will happen to all the people who work on National Labor College’s campus?
National Labor College and Aramark management (operator of the Kirkland Conference Center) are meeting with the respective bargaining unit representatives for all the unions on campus to determine what will happen to employees.

What will happen to the National Workers Memorial?
The National Workers Memorial will be relocated to an appropriate location. This year Workers Memorial Day will be celebrated on Friday, April 27, 2012.

What will happen to the George Meany Memorial Archives & Library?
NLC will stop managing the George Meany Memorial Archives & Library on August 31, 2012. These entities belong to the AFL-CIO and they are considering many options to continue to preserve these important records and collections.

Will NLC degree students still have a library?
Yes, NLC degree students will continue to have access to a state-of-the-art online library through an online portal at http://libguides.nlc.edu/content.php?pid=190994.

Will residencies continue to be held?  Where?
Although most of our students are currently in online-only degree programs, many still participate in residencies as part of their degrees or through the Bonnie Ladin Union Skills training program. All residences and events before August 31, 2012 will continue on campus as scheduled.  Future residencies and Union Skills programs will be held at partner institutions, union halls or other suitable meeting spaces, and locations may rotate throughout the United States.

Will future semesters be cancelled?
No. Registration for Summer 2012 is available through Self-Service. Registration for Fall 2012 will open in late May 2012.

Do I still have to do my homework?
Yes! Your same professors will be teaching your courses and your curriculum will not change.

What about this year’s Graduation?
NLC’s Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 and there will be a family picnic on the day before (Friday, June 22, 2012). More information is available at: http://www.nlc.edu/commencement.html.

Will I be able to get my degree from National Labor College?
Yes. Since NLC is regionally accredited, all students who start a program of study at NLC will be able to earn a degree from NLC (as long as you pass all the required courses!)