Hello, I came accross this place doing a google search for "non traditional Learning" http://www.universalu.com/accreditation.htm. Has anyone ever heard of this school? They have a very odd accreditation statement, just wondering out of curiosity, thanks!
Like most "schools" of its ilk (and I've stumbled across several in my travels), they probably offer some sort of basic coursework that might or might not actually be interesting and/or valuable. I suspect it's more likely that they do than that they don't. But they're not accredited by anyone who matters. And that's a very important thing for you to keep in mind before handing-over your hard-earned dollars.
Sniff. Sniff. Flower essence? Nope. Bullroar accreditor. Come on, man, get a grip. If this site's rhetoric doesn't holler "pompous fake" at you, then you are deaf to the music of the spheres. Please show me one blessed-be thing on this gossamer website that bespeaks credibility to you. I'm serious. Go through the website and pick out some statements that make you want to take it seriously (note that I didn't say you do take it seriously). Anything. Everything. I am not, repeat not, picking on you. If you really think this outfit may be credible, then display what makes you think so. I believe that the initially alluring statements will not smell so good when exposed to fresh air and sunlight. Don't take my word on it. Let's analyze this thing together. A little metaphysical blitzkrieg never hurt any (astral) body.
You know, one of the things that really irritates me about you is that you beat around the bush so much and won't just up and say what you really mean. [grin] But seriously... I, for one, hear you loud and clear. You're essentially correct. I would caution, only, that one not be too completely dismissive. When one is assessing the credibility of courses of study proffered by holistic spiritualist and interdenominationalist types, I think it's appropriate to take into consideration their ethereal perspective and allow that to factor-in to the appearance of credibility (or lack their of) of the documents (in this case, the web site) they use to promote themselves. I wrote some licensure legislation back East a few years ago and in the process of my research I met some holistic types that really helped me understand the funny angle from which they approach things we take as seriously as, for example, the simple notion of credibility -- an attribute into which they may or may not even place any value. What sometimes seems like pompous fakery (and often is) can sometimes be little more than a prospectus created using parts of the brain that sometimes people like you and I dismiss as all but vestigial. I'm not saying that "Universal U" is credible. I'm just saying that it's the very nature of folks like those running the "institution" to present themselves with a straight face as this entity has presented itself on its website (linked-to above), and when folks like you and I challenge it as you're doing (and probably rightly so), the Universal U types furrow their eyebrows in response and say, "Wha... what are you talking about?" and they're sincere. With the holistic and interdenominational types, perfectly valid (though often unsound) courses of study are often so poorly presented to outsiders like us that the appearance of pompous fakery is inescapable but is not always true.
figured Hey guys, I figured as much, I just hadn't seen this one before. It definitley seems to be along the lines of Almeda, TC&U, etc.. just not as famous..yet I wasn’t planning on spending money there, I already have 3 legitimate undergrad degrees, (4 soon), and I am heading attending grad school @ GMU as well. I'm just fascinated by the whole degree mill situation in general, and am on this site every day. I really enjoy reading both of your posts, unkle janko, you always have something interesting to say, and are a very intelligent person. I also learned quite a bit about defamation and libel laws after reading Deselms reply to Dr. Bear’s question. Thanks for the info, and have a great 4th!
