"In these current very uncertain economic times, colleges, particularly ones like us, are facing very difficult strategic choices. Skidmore is too," he told .

In a public forum two days ago, University Without Walls students and alumni expressed their distress over the possible closing.

"They're sad to see (that this could) pass," Seagraves said in the interview. "The program is for many of them a powerful moment in their careers and their lives."

Faculty will vote on the issue in a private meeting on February 27th.

Administrators at the University Without Walls did not respond to an Industry Standard request to speak with school officials or students.