Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

DAVID Y. IGE
GOVERNOR

CATHERINE P. AWAKUNI COLÓN
DIRECTOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2019

State Urges Argosy Hawaii Students to Take Necessary Steps to Continue their Education

HONOLULU – The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) encourages current and former Argosy Hawaii students to obtain their academic and financial records from the institution as soon as possible.  These records may be relevant and necessary for students to secure financial aid, loan forgiveness, or to continue their education.

Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH), the owner of Argosy Hawaii, provided notice to students that DCEH filed for receivership in federal court on January 18, 2019.  Subsequently, Argosy Hawaii’s accrediting agency, WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) placed the school on show cause status.  The school is still accredited and operating; however, students should be aware of the possibility that the school could abruptly close prior to the completion of their program.

The Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP) is monitoring the situation closely and is in contact with the U.S. Department of Education, DCEH/Argosy leadership, and WSCUC to try to prevent an abrupt closure and reduce disruptions to students.  HPEAP has provided notice to all current Argosy Hawaii students with information about the institution’s situation and that a dedicated website is available with more information and updates. The page is accessible at https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/main/argosy-university-status-information/.

“We share the frustration over the inability to tell students anything definitive as it is a fluid and evolving situation that changes daily,” said Bobbi Lum-Mew, HPEAP Program Administrator.  “We are working to provide guidance and information on federal student loan forgiveness, transfer credits, and transcripts so that they can make the best decisions for themselves.”

Students were advised to review HPEAP’s resource guide in case the school closes.  The “Closed School Guide for Students” may be viewed at: https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/files/2014/11/HPEAP-Closed-School-Guide-for-StudentsOct2015.pdf.  This resource guide provides students with information on obtaining records, understanding available options, differentiating between teach out vs. transfer, and explaining loan discharge.  Information about the federal loan discharge criteria, process, and application can be found at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/closed-school

For more information, visit the HPEAP website at https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/main/argosy-university-status-information/, or email [email protected] or call (808) 586-7327.

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About Hawaii Post-secondary Education Authorization Program

The Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP) operates within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 305J. HPEAP authorizes accredited, degree-granting institutions physically present in Hawaii.

Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Phone:  (808) 586-7582
Email:  [email protected]