Robert J.
02-10-2005, 03:37 AM
Hi Folks, here are the answers from Kennedy Western University to our final follow-up questions. This will conclude this series with them. Degreeboard.com would like to thank KWU for this dialogue with them.
Degreeboard.com will also provide some final editorial comments sometime this weekend for the community as a whole.
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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.
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.
Degreeboard.com Asks:
Additional Follow-up to #3:
Does KWU feel there are certain public and private individuals with a
purpose to discredit KWU and ultimately attempting to get KWU out of
business?
Mr. David Gering Responds:
No.
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.
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.
Degreeboard.com will also provide some final editorial comments sometime this weekend for the community as a whole.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
Degreeboard.com Asks:
Additional Follow-up to #3:
Does KWU feel there are certain public and private individuals with a
purpose to discredit KWU and ultimately attempting to get KWU out of
business?
Mr. David Gering Responds:
No.
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.
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.