The board of regents was left puzzled by the decision to close SHU’s Luxembourg campus, said Raymond Schadeck, who chairs the board, in a statement sent to Delano. Members of the board found out about the decision at the same time as the campus’ six staff.

“We would have expected to be included in the decision-making process and asked for exactly what we were constituted to do: give advice. Advice not only about the decision itself, but especially on the way to execute and communicate such a decision,” said Schadeck.

SHU by email informed staff and the board that the campus would close in six weeks’ time. Both the former board of regents and  have said they lack answers to questions about the consequences of the closure.

“It was especially cruel to the students who won’t be able to complete their studies by the end of June and those students who had signed up and arrived in Luxembourg to start their studies in July. We cannot fathom how such a lack of transparency and respect and inconsiderate treatment of loyal employees, students, faculty and partners could be reconciled with the very mission, vision and values that the university proclaims,” said Schadeck.

Speaking on behalf of the former board Schadeck stated that the decision to close the Luxembourg operations was incomprehensible as they had been generating positive results over the last five to six years. In addition, , featuring brand-new courses since last October, had been the subject of considerable investment over the last 12 months.

“Sacred Heart University has burnt all bridges, not only with the Luxembourg ecosystem but also with the international community and stakeholders around its Luxembourg campus,” said Schadeck.

The former board of regents has made efforts to remedy the situation of the students enrolled at SHU Luxembourg. Schadeck referenced a shared commitment by another foreign education institution, with which he has been in contact with, but said he is unable to provide further details for the time being.