Masters Institute in San Jose.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs has joined forces with the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office and the U.S. Department of Education to help approximately 2,000 students who were locked out of classes at Masters Institute in San Jose.

Masters Institute closed its doors without notice midnight Monday, giving students a bitter lesson about continuing their education at Masters Institute.

Representatives of Consumer Affairs' Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE), the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office and the U.S. Department of Education will meet with students on Friday, March 9th, at the County Government Center in San Jose. The informational meeting will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Board Chambers (East Wing), First Floor, 70 West Hedding St. in San Jose. Representatives will advise students about their rights and protections in cases of unexpected school closures.

BPPVE representatives are now engaged in ongoing discussions with Masters Institute to ensure the school keeps students informed of their rights and educational options.

Bureau Chief Michael Abbott said: "Student rights and protections are our primary concern. We're moving quickly to resolve this matter in the best interest of students. This informational meeting is a good first step. Additionally we are working closely with the U.S. Department of Education to make sure the students are protected."

On Tuesday, March 6, 2001, students were shut out of Masters Institute classrooms and found a notice posted on the Web site stating, "Unforeseen operational circumstances have necessitated that the Masters Institute temporarily cease operations as of midnight, March 5, 2001. …"

Masters Institute is a private educational institution offering classroom and long-distance learning programs in computer sciences.

The State Department of Education first licensed Masters Institute in April 1973. BPPVE granted re-approval from January 2000 through December 2004. The Bureau regulates private postsecondary and vocational schools in California.

 

I believe this is why students in California pay into a tuition recovery fund, a form of insurance against schools that close abruptly.

Rich Douglas