On May 3, 2019, the Washington Student Achievement Council notified Ashford University that it is not permitted to engage in any actions that constitute “operating” in Washington, as defined in the state’s Degree-Granting Institutions Act. Ashford may not engage in targeted advertising, promoting, publicizing, soliciting, or recruiting for the institution. In addition, it may not offer any future field placements in Washington, which can be part of the course requirements for some degree programs such as social workers. The state based its decision on a number of factors that Ashford is at risk of closure under statute. Ashford has appealed the Council’s decision. WSAC letter to Ashford May 3, 2019