University of Phoenix campus in Walker.
WALKER, Mich. (WZZM) -- The University of Phoenix is closing its Walker campus, part of a national restructuring aimed at saving money for the for-profit educator.
Our partner, the Arizona Republic, is reporting the university's parent company, Apollo Group, plans to shut down 115 locations nationwide and cut 800 jobs.
The Apollo Group says the closings and cuts will save the company $300 million dollars over two years. The company says it will also cost $175 in restructuring charges, mostly in ending leases, according to the Republic.
Rick Castellano, a spokesman for University of Phoenix, says three employees in Michigan will be affected by the job cuts.
Students say they received emails saying the Walker campus, located at 318 River Ridge Dr. NW, would be closing by April 2014.
Castellano says any students currently taking on-campus classes at the Walker facility will be able to continue doing so, or at another facility nearby. He says the school is working with state and regional accrediting agencies to ensure students needing a physical classroom will have a place where they can learn.
The cuts are also impacting a University of Phoenix "learning center," or satellite facility, in East Lansing. Castellano says that facility will also close. University locations in the Detroit area will remain open.
Castellano says a key factor in the decision to close the Walker campus and other facilities is that most University of Phoenix students want to take their classes online. He says the school is also trying to make college more affordable for students, including a recently announced tuition freeze.
Any students with questions about the change is encouraged to call a toll free number, (866) 992-3302.