Trinity C & U/ Concordia etc. Legal or not?

Hello.

I am puzzled. I am completing due diligence on some of the online university. I have an undergrad degree in Canada (Uvic) and would like to get a MBA. I have a strong business background. Thus, credit for experience is of interest.

Is Trinity C & U/ Concordia legally allowed the granting of degrees? I spoke with Trinity and they seem fairly open about who they are and who they are not. They state they are legal, a member in good standing with BBB and Chamber of Commerce (Trinity).

Also,m is there any difference between Trinity and Concordia.

See a letter I got from Trinity...

Trinity College & University - Rebecca Williamson wrote:

Dear

Thank you for submitting details of your credentials and qualifications as a
result of visiting our website http://www.trinity-college.edu.
Congratulations! After a thorough review of your qualifications, we approved
the Master of Business Administration in Finance.

We are delighted for you to empower yourself by earning verifiable
credentials from an AOAEX http://www.aoaex.org accredited organization that
will enhance your life and career from the world's largest Internet distance
learning organization.

A degree from Trinity College and University is a source of pride for you.
Here is why:

* Trinity College & University is in strict compliance with all regulations,
rules and laws governing the authority of a privately owned university.

* Trinity College & University is accredited by the Association for Online
Academic Excellence, and has been approved by the Association of Private
Colleges and Universities.

*Trinity College & University is a member in good standing with the Chamber
of Commerce of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

*Trinity College & University is a member in good standing with the Better
Business Bureau of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Trinity's program is exclusive.
Only five percent of those who apply are approved.. You are, however, one
ideally fitting for this type of recognition. Trinity C&U is committed to
serving the educational needs of adults by offering a unique opportunity to
earn an accredited on-line university degree. This opportunity enables
adults with a special expertise or with years of experience on the job or in
their field to further develop their careers, professional ambitions, and
even recreational and creative activities by qualifying for university
degrees. This program offers academic credit for qualifying work experience.

THE BBB
We earned the coveted BBBOnLine Privacy Seal only after a rigorous review of
our online privacy policy and practices. "Trinity College and University has
shown the strongest dedication to protecting its online customers' privacy
by participating in the BBBOnLine Privacy Program and posting the BBBOnLine
Privacy Seal on their website. We commend them for helping to build consumer
trust and confidence on the Internet," said Russ Bodoff, senior vice
president and chief operating officer of BBBOnLine.

"The BBBOnLine Privacy Program builds on eight decades of Better Business
Bureau experience in fostering ethical business practices through voluntary
self-regulation programs," said Ken Hunter, president and CEO of the Council
of Better Business Bureaus. The council is the umbrella organization for the
132 BBBs in the United States and Puerto Rico, and the parent organization
of BBBOnLine.

OFFICIAL U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT AUTHENTICATION/APOSTILLE IN
THE HAGUE
If you are a student or a person seeking immigration into the United States
and your Trinity documents need to be authenticated, our Legal Department
will perform this function for you and return the appropriately
authenticated forms to you prepared for presentation at the U.S. Embassy in
your country where they will be accepted. The fee for this service is
$400.00US. This process is a legal and bureaucratic one that can take up to
six weeks to complete.

THIS IS WHAT WE OFFER FOR YOUR FEE
1. DEGREE. Printed on the highest quality parchment paper to the highest
standards in the world, your degree is better or comparable to the very best
produced by any university in the world. It is 8.5 x 11 inches and
received by you in a handsome leather presentation folder. View the degree:
http://trinity-college.edu/pics/diploma.html

2. STUDENT RECORD. The University upon the student's graduation issues the
official academic record, the Student Record. This important and useful
document is proof of graduation. Based upon our assessment of your
qualifications, all pertinent information, including courses are recorded.
http://trinity-college.edu/pics/sr.html

3. ACADEMIC LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION. A formal letter signed by a
Director
is issued verifying the conferring of your degree and the date of
graduation. http://www.trinity-college.edu/pics/rec.html

4. VERIFICATION TO THIRD PARTIES FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES.
Your degree and the date conferred shall be verified in writing via postal
mail or fax upon receipt of an inquiry from a legitimate third party,
providing written permission is received from you authorizing this
disclosure. You should always disclose to your prospective employer that
your degree was earned through Distance Learning. (In fact, many current
employers pay all or a portion of distance learning fees). In order to
maintain strict confidentiality rules, verifications cannot be done by
telephone.

5. ALUMNI IDENTIFICATION CARD.
You will receive a wallet sized I.D. bearing the name of the university with
your personal name. This handsome card is the source of pride to those who
have it.
View the Alumni I.D. Card: http://www.trinity-college.edu/pics/idcard.html

HOW TO PROCEED
When you are ready to proceed, this is what we will require from you:
1). Name, as you would like it to appear on your documents.
2). Shipping address (post office boxes are usually not acceptable).
3). Telephone contact.
4). Confirmation of the degree(s) you desire.
5). Payment of fees.

DEGREES AND FEES
Associate degrees - $395 ($356 + shipping fee with 10 percent discount*)
Bachelor's degrees - $695 ($626 + shipping fee with 10 percent discount*)
Master's (MBA) - $995 ($895 + shipping fee with 10 percent discount*)

*10 PERCENT DISCOUNT APPLIES
Payment via AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA, MASTERCARD or BANK WIRE
TRANSFER earns a
10 percent discount, reducing the fees above to $356, $626, and $895
respectively (plus shipping fees).

PAYING BY AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA OR MASTER CARD
We are approved so that you may use your AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA or
MASTER
CARD with total confidence of security at our Secure Server location at:
http://www.trinity-college.edu/secure.

If you would rather give your credit card information by telephone, you may
call our customer service department (toll free): (866) 831-4854

If you wish to pay by bank wire transfer, please request routing information
by Email to: [email protected].

PAYING BY CHECK?
If your check in drawn on a United States bank, you may pay electronically
using our online Pay-by-Check form. Instructions can be found at:
http://www.trinity-college.edu/secure

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
WE PROCESS AND SHIP VIA FedEx WITHIN EIGHT (8) BUSINESS DAYS of
sending you
confirmation via Email of acceptance of your payment. Shipment by other
means to addresses requiring another type of delivery is available upon
request.

ADD SHIPPING CHARGES AS FOLLOWS:
Anywhere in the USA, Alaska, Hawaii: $10.00
Canada: $25
Anywhere else in the World: $50.00

GUARANTEE:
Delivery is guaranteed. If your package is lost in shipment it will be
replaced by us at NO CHARGE to you.

SPECIAL NO CHARGE REPLICA OF DEGREE ETCHED IN BRONZE
http://trinity-college.edu/pics/bronze.html

A special one-time NO CHARGE premium offer with a Retail Value of $125 - A
Replica of Your Degree ETCHED into Bronze on a plaque for wall display.
Richness and durability are among the qualities that contribute to the
lasting appeal of bronze for dedication and commemorative plaques. The
quality and distinction of bronze reflects the importance of your
credentials. This classic material has a timeless elegance that announces to
everyone who sees it that they associate with the very best. Unfortunately,
this FREE OFFER must EXPIRE soon.

In all cases, all regulations against discrimination on the basis of race,
color, national origin, gender, age, disability, status as military veteran,
or any other characteristics protected by law in any policies, practices, or
procedures are followed.

We are here to help you get more out of life!

Rebecca Williamson,
Admissions Center Administrator
http://www.trinity-college.edu
http://www.tcu.ws
For Customer Service call (toll free): (866) 831-4854

 

Neither of these entities are schools. Their diplomas are completely worthless. Trinity is no longer allowed to operate from its mailbox in South Dakota, and is registered in the British Virgin Islands. Don't waste your money.

------------------
Bill Gossett

 

PS

Here is a letter that I received from Concordia University.

We acknowledge receipt of your resume.

Based on your knowledge gained from the combination of
your prior studies and professional experience, Concordia
College can award the Bachelor and/or Master of Business
Administration (MBA) degree with a major in International
Relations.

Please feel welcome to complete our online enrollment form
located at concordia-college.net.

Sincerely
Admissions / Ron Pridgen

CONCORDIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY http://www.concordia-college.net

--
This email message is for the sole use of the
intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential
and privileged information. Any unauthorized review,
use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you
are not the intended recipient, please contact the
sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the
original message.

 

Concordia C&U is a fake school. Avoid both Trinity C&U and Concordia C&U. The credentials they sell have no value.

------------------
Bill Gossett

 

I don't know how you can say that. Read this:

 

It's a piece of work, all right. This will add new meaning to the traditional degree mill "view the diploma" page. http://www.tcu.ws/pics/bronze.html

------------------
Bill Gossett

 

The 95% who are not approved are those who do not have cash in hand.

Russell

 

Originally posted by Ma Wen Long:


I am puzzled. I am completing due diligence on some of the online university. I have an undergrad degree in Canada (Uvic) and would like to get a MBA. I have a strong business background. Thus, credit for experience is of interest.


You would be foolish to even *consider* a Trinity degree. The school is a blatant fraud. It's degrees are worthless. A time bomb waiting to explode in your resume. Almost all major credential checking services recognize the school as a fraud, and a Trinity degree on a resume might get you eliminated from further consideration for a job you might otherwise be eligible for.


Is Trinity C & U/ Concordia legally allowed the granting of degrees?

In whatever country their PO box is located this week, I have no doubt that they've paid the necessary fees to register as a corporation and therefore can grant worthless degrees. You see, many countries and some US states place little or no regulation on the granting of degrees, so *anyone* can award one. Those degrees, of course, are worthless.


They state they are legal, a member in good standing with BBB and Chamber of Commerce (Trinity).

In other words, they paid a fee to the Chamber and to the BBB, and they bought a business license. This means absolutely nothing.


Also,m is there any difference between Trinity and Concordia.


Yes, there is a difference. One is named "Trinity" and one "Concordia".

Other than that, they are the same. They both issue degrees that are nearly if not completely worthless. They both will grant degrees to anyone with a pulse and $300 (or whatever they are charging this week). Scratch that, you *don't* have to have a pulse, just the $300.
See a letter I got from Trinity...

And now for some specifics:



Congratulations! After a thorough review of your qualifications, we approved
the Master of Business Administration in Finance.


The "thorough review" most likely consists of checking whether your credit card has $300 in available credit. I've heard of absolutely laughable stuff being approved.



We are delighted for you to empower yourself by earning verifiable
credentials from an AOAEX accredited organization


AOAEX: A fraudulent accreditor operated by Trinity.


* Trinity College & University is in strict compliance with all regulations,
rules and laws governing the authority of a privately owned university.


In a country that has no regulations governing privately owned universities. Hence, it is in compliance with regulations that say it can do absolutely anything it wants to do. Very impressive.



* Trinity College & University is accredited by the Association for Online
Academic Excellence, and has been approved by the Association of Private
Colleges and Universities.


Both of which are completely fraudulent. The "one woman show" that runs APCU misrepresented her organization, threatened to sue at the first sign of someone questioning its legitimacy, and refused to answer any detailed questions about its operations, how it makes decisions, how many schools it accredits... oh, and she also admitted that APCU was started by one Gus Payne, who was originally associated with Trinity.


*Trinity College & University is a member in good standing with the Chamber
of Commerce of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.


Funny, that. They are now, as of July 1st, prohibited from doing business in South Dakota. Of course, all this *ever* meant is that they paid their membership fee.


*Trinity College & University is a member in good standing with the Better
Business Bureau of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.


Ditto above. They paid up for the year. This is virtually meaningless.



Trinity's program is exclusive.
Only five percent of those who apply are approved..


Riiiiiight. And I have some beautiful oceanfront property for sale in Kansas.


You are, however, one
ideally fitting for this type of recognition.


In other words, you have a credit card with $300 credit available on it.



Trinity C&U is committed to
serving the educational needs of adults by offering a unique opportunity to
earn an accredited on-line university degree.

In other words, by doing no work at all and paying a fee.


This opportunity enables
adults with a special expertise or with years of experience on the job or in
their field to further develop their careers, professional ambitions, and
even recreational and creative activities by qualifying for university
degrees. This program offers academic credit for qualifying work experience.


Translation: This program allows people dumb enough to fall for it the opportunity to be fleeced for $400 so that they can then defraud their employers by representing themselves as holders of qualifications and/or credentials that they do not legitimately have the right to claim.


THE BBB
We earned the coveted BBBOnLine Privacy Seal only after a rigorous review of
our online privacy policy and practices.

In other words, they don't sell the names of the people dumb enough to buy their degrees to other people that are looking for people to fleece.


OFFICIAL U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT AUTHENTICATION/APOSTILLE IN
THE HAGUE


In other words, "notarized". Absolutely meaningless. "Yes this piece-of-crap degree really did come from that fraudulent school that's in the business of selling worthless degrees." That's essentially what they mean.



This process is a legal and bureaucratic one that can take up to
six weeks to complete.


5-1/2 of it is waiting for the mails.



THIS IS WHAT WE OFFER FOR YOUR FEE
1. DEGREE. Printed on the highest quality parchment paper to the highest
standards in the world, your degree is better or comparable to the very best
produced by any university in the world. It is 8.5 x 11 inches and
received by you in a handsome leather presentation folder.


Ooh, aah! That must cost all of $5, maybe $ for the portfolio case and the piece of parchment. Both of which can be had at Office Depot for about that much, if you'd like to save yourself the hassle.


2. STUDENT RECORD. The University upon the student's graduation issues the
official academic record, the Student Record. This important and useful
document is proof of graduation. Based upon our assessment of your
qualifications, all pertinent information, including courses are recorded.


Not only do they give you a pretty, worthless degree, but you get a fraudulent transcript to go with it.


3. ACADEMIC LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION. A formal letter signed by a
Director
is issued verifying the conferring of your degree and the date of
graduation.



Now this is a *real* hoot. Someone recommending your academic performance that's never seen any of it. Some letter that must be.


4. VERIFICATION TO THIRD PARTIES FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES.
Your degree and the date conferred shall be verified in writing via postal
mail or fax upon receipt of an inquiry from a legitimate third party,


And they're even willing to back up their fraudulent transcript with a bogus reference check. PRetty cool, if you're into fraud.




(In order to
maintain strict confidentiality rules, verifications cannot be done by
telephone.


Of course, they don't mention that the confidentiality in question is that of the *STAFF OF TRINITY*, not the student. They don't want anyone to know who works there... or where they are physically located.



5. ALUMNI IDENTIFICATION CARD.
You will receive a wallet sized I.D. bearing the name of the university with
your personal name. This handsome card is the source of pride to those who
have it.



You're in really sad shape if you have to get your pride from a second-rate fake ID.



If you would rather give your credit card information by telephone, you may
call our customer service department (toll free): (866) 831-4854


HEY!!! A PHONE NUMBER!!!

Oh, wait... what a disappointment. It's just voicemail. No real people to answer it. But they do promise that "a faculty member" will call back. I guess that they have no administrative staff. Of course, since they teach no courses, they don't have any faculty , either. Oh well...


So... I hope this clears it up for anyone with the slightest question about the completely fraudulent Trinity College and University.

 

I was in Taiwan in september 2000 when Robert Barnett (of ROBACO, a Trinity agent) was arrested and deported for using a Trinity PhD to get work as Assistant Professor of English at Foo Yin Institute of Technology, Koahsiung.

 

Trinity alumni news

It is incredible the number of graduates from Trinity college that advertise their credentials over the Internet. They are professionals that even provide links to their alma mater in their CV. The worst case is a guy from brazil that has from a bachelor’s degree to a Post-doctoral degree from Trinity ( I guess he had the package deal). Just take a look and see the proud alumni of this institution.

http://www.medstat.durham.net/dres.htm

http://www.sellars-family.com/RESUME.HTM

http://www.indobase.com/resumes/davem.htm

http://www.auburn.edu/~limchho/

http://www.scguild.org/Resume/6615R.html

http://teachers.net/mentors/esl_language/topic2547/5.02.02.09.34.26.html

http://englishexpert.com/resumesL2.htm

http://nac-4u.tripod.com/CV.htm

http://www.acciontrabajo.com/hugo3/

http://experts.universalclass.com/smith4719

http://www.fortunecity.co.uk/shangrila/las/717/resume.htm

 

Re: Trinity C & U/ Concordia etc. Legal or not?

I would like to add that I'm also a Trinity graduate. When they started about 7 years ago, I got my PhD from them for 100$. Fist they contacted me via email for a PhD for $850, two months latter they sent me a special offer for $100 dlls for a PhD, and I was stupid enough to take it. 100 dlls waited, the worst buy I've never made.

 

Trinity College & Trinity University

It seems that "Trinity" is a popular name for academic institutions. A simple search from google.com can identify at least the following (legitimate) institutions using "Trinity" in their names.

Trinity College - The University of Dublin (Ireland)
http://www.tcd.ie

Trinity College (Hartford, Connecticut)
http://www.trincoll.edu

Trinity College in Washington, D. C.
http://www.trinitydc.edu

Trinity College - Cambridge University (UK)
http://www.trin.cam.ac.uk

Trinity University (San Antonio, TX)
http://www.trinity.edu

The University of Trinity College (Toronto, Canada)
http://www.trinity.utoronto.ca

and many others with similar names .................

 

Oxford also has a Trinity College. And there's Trinity College, Bristol (Anglican).