I’m considering in enrolling in Orion College’s DL program (distance.edu or orioncollege.com). They were formerly LaSalle University prior to being bought out by a company that wants to revamp their image and bring them to accreditation status with the DETC (according to the articles listed at these links) http://www.i5ive.com/article.cfm/7635/63710 http://chronicle.com/free/v47/i28/28a03401.htm According to the articles, Dr. Bear even said within this paragraph: In late 1997, according to Mr. Bear, the institution was purchased by "new and serious owners," who appear to be respectable and include, for example, the chairwoman of the state's Republican Party. They created Orion Education Corporation, which now operates LaSalle University and Orion College, a distance-learning institution. Does anyone have any more information on this school? Is it a good program? Any current students that can provide insight? I spoke to a person there yesterday that said that even if I obtained my degree prior to their accreditation next year, I will still have an accredited degree after they obtain it because the courses they offer are the ones that are going to the accrediting organization. Does anyone have any insight on this? I like the programs they offer, the DL part, and the cost is great for me. I don’t have a lot of money to spend on education raising a family. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it.
1. I believe it has been reported that Orion was rejected by the DETC. In fact, it was reported that DETC has three categories for responding to an accreditation review. I believe they were something like (a) Yes, (b) No, but you can get there, and (c)No, and go away. Reportedly, DETC would have given Orion a fourth category (something along the lines of "Not only NO, but HELL NO!") if it had one. 2. The costs may or may not seem attractive, but they pale in comparison to the costs of having a degree from this outfit stinking up your resume. 3. If you earn your degree before a school's accreditation, you have earned a degree from an unaccredited school. If a school official indicates otherwise he/she is being disingenuous. No one may care when you got your degree compared to when the school was accredited, but that doesn't change the facts. 4. There is no clear way to determine the likelihood Orion will be accredited by DETC. DETC doesn't have a candidacy status; schools either are or are not accredited. 5. If the state of Louisiana determines that Orion is no longer on an accreditation track--and being rejected soundly by DETC would be an indicator of that--they could pull Orion's license. 6. With many programs out there offered at relatively low cost--and with financial aid available at many--you might want to consider another. Even a degree from a school DETC actually accredited would be better. Rich Douglas
I find it rather extraordinary that Orion continues to praise LaSalle, and sound proud to have evolved from LaSalle. The following is from the website this 22nd of June 2001: Orion has inherited the best in service and programs from LaSalle and is on course to set new standards in distance education. Orion College specifically designed its programs to meet - or exceed - stringent accrediting guidelines. LaSalle University continues to deliver its fine academic program and services to all its current students. The staff at LaSalle invites those who are interested in obtaining a degree via distance learning to join our revolution by applying to Orion College today. Come on, folks. There may have been a reason why LaSalle was raided by the FBI, the IRS, and the Postal Service; why the officers were indicted on 18 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, tax fraud, and conspiracy, and all three went to federal prison. LaSalle University, a highly respected name in distance education, is evolving to meet the needs of its students in the 21st century. Born from LaSalle University, which has educated thousands of busy adult students, is Orion College.
Please don't. There are a myriad of DL programs that are regionally accredited, especially at the undergrad level. I can't think of a single reason why someone would go for an unaccredited Bachelor's degree, unless you were involved in a bet on who had the crappier degree. What field of study are you interested in? Whatever it may be, I'm sure there is a RA DL program available for it. Bruce
Rich: I am constantly trying to expand my vocabulary to include big words to impress others. This big word you used (DISINGENUOUS), is a new one for me. Is this anything akin to LYING, DECEPTION, SOMETHING UNETHICAL, or INTENTIONALLY MISLEADING someone, for the purpose of enrolling them in an academic program? Wow man! I can't imagine a "school official" doing such a thing!!! Russell
