Degreeboard Follow-up Questions Discussions:

[Robert J.]

Open for business...

[plcscott]

Just to note this was my exact question:
I would like to know the specific procedures or policy for evaluating, assessing, and verifying experience credit because I have never heard anyone say that KWU verified or asked for proof of their experience. Also, if KWU only accepts students provisionally does KWU then go back later to add more courses after the setting the number of courses (exams) required for graduation?

Note: I have NEVER heard of any courses being added nor have I heard of any verification, but I have heard MANY say that nothing was ever checked out.

[plcscott]

Degreeboard.com Asks


From Response to Question #1:

We see KWU have invested heavily in a base infrastructure using Blackboard
Software. As a Blackboard user myself and used by several Degreeboard
Staff members, a typical course would have a Syllabus, lectures, course
discussions threads, assignments posted, quizzes, tests etc. all with the
oversight of a faculty member. Does a typical KWU course have these
elements and can Degreeboard get a temporary access to a KWU course to
review at your discretion for a very limited time (1-2 days only)?

Mr. David Gering Responds:

KWU has invested in much more than Blackboard to provide the most robust online learning resources and experience for our students. Specifically regarding Blackboard, though, KWU uses Blackboard exactly as you describe in your question. In fact, Blackboard has used KWU as an example of how an institution can maximize the implementation and use of the platform.

It isn't possible to give you temporary access because, as you undoubtedly know, we must purchase a subscription for each student and we don't have any other way to provide such a live 'test drive' of an actual course. Our students will verify that we do, indeed, use Blackboard as described.

Unless things have changed a lot recently the blackboard is used VERY little, and is not required for any course. There is no syllabus, no assignments, no quizzes or test, and no required lectures. Blackboard has used KWU as an example? With all the MANY institutions using Blackboard they decided to use KWU as an example? I would like to see article or advertisement.



Degreeboard.com Asks:


From #3 and Discussions Responses:

Can you clarify why exactly in the ODA lawsuit you pursued and more to the
point only pursued the free speech issue and not clearing KWU's name?
Why did KWU choose this route versus clearing and helping their
reputation? Which in effect helps everyone associated to KWU ?

Mr. David Gering Responds


KWU decided to file the lawsuit against the State of Oregon in federal district
court because our graduates living and working in that state believed their rights were violated by the state law. As has been said before, our lawsuit has nothing to do with accreditation. To whatever extent "clearing KWU's name" resulted from the lawsuit and settlement, it is a byproduct of the settlement. Aside from this, it is unclear what other route can be taken to "clear KWU's name" beyond our consistently communicating messages substantiated by facts that KWU degree programs are academically rigorous and comparable to those of traditional institutions.

What facts? No specifics are answered in regards to how KWU handles "experience" credit, graduation requirements, determining the amount of work required by applicants for graduation, and because KWU keeps repeating over and over that the programs are academically rigorous and comparable to those at traditional institutions people are just supposed to believe it?

Degreeboard.com Asks:

From #8 and #9 partial:

Also asked by Degreeboard Community Member "plcscott".

Your answer to question 8 basically states something the public already
knows, which is you review the applicants real-world experience and equate
it to college level credit. However, what the public doesn't know, which
is why we asked, is how KWU does this actual conversion. What precisely is
the system/matrix call it what you will you use to do this? In question #9
you also go on to state that it is "Well Documented and consistent". Can
you explain and provide to us this well documented and consistent process?


Mr. David Gering Responds:

There is no more information beyond our original answers that can answer this question.

I wonder why these specific questions are always avoided. :rolleyes:


Degreeboard.com Asks:


From #11:

We see you are consistent using the term "non-accredited" versus the term
"unaccredited". Is the term you use (non-accredited) acceptable as part of
the settlement with the state of Oregon? Also, does the settlement require
all communications about degree qualifcations to have this disclosure,
i.e. Business cards, letter head, etc. Is stating that the degree is
"Wyoming Licensed" as the only disclosure acceptable?


Mr. David Gering Responds:

Again, accreditation was not any part of the lawsuit we filed. As I am not an
attorney, I can't give you an opinion about the use of 'non-accredited' versus
'unaccredited' and to what extent the disclosure requirement is to be applied.

I guess the only time accreditation is brought up is when a reporter is told that KWU is working on becoming accredited, yet that is avoided also when called on it.

[DegreeSeeker]

I've been reading these Q and A's. Great Job Degreeboard!

I think KWU really shot themselves in the foot with the follow-ups. They made themselves look really bad and stupid. If they can't answer properly these moderate questions they are in a heap of trouble when they really get asked some tough questions!