Infamous emails from comical University of Ravenhurst operation.

I have the author's permission to post this article. I found it quite amusing, and I wonder if this operation is the same one that has been harassing us all with emails for some time. Their contact phone number used to be in Texas and now they're operating using a phone number in New York's 914 area code. Herewith:

Seeking degree in futility: E-mails tout programs without classes
Calgary Herald
Date: 01-14-2002
By: Todd Babiak

EDMONTON-- In university, it is difficult to balance financial concerns and exam stress with dangerous alcohol consumption and irresponsible sex. If you have an e-mail account, you already know there is another option. Yes, you can receive a diploma without attending classes, indeed without cracking a book.

"University Diploma Program," says the e-mail headline. You receive several of these e-mails every day. You can receive bachelor's, master' s and PhD diplomas "according to your life experience." All you have to do is call the number at the bottom of the message.

The number has a Seattle area code and goes straight to an answering machine. The voice asks you to leave two phone numbers, a work number and an evening number. You begin to imagine your PhD in Laser Spectroscopy. Will you require friends and family members to call you doctor?

Finally, a week later, a woman calls. Her grasp of the English language is tenuous. "You called because you are interesting in a university degree program," she says.

"Yes, I am interesting," you tell her.

"If you are a qualified profession in your field you are comfortable to use this diploma material.
We are tailor-making this diplomas according to reflect your training."

"Splendid!" you tell her.

There are many voices in the background. She begins to go away. There is digital interference. She is gone.

The University Diploma Program calls every three days.

Each time the call is undone by digital interference. Finally, on a Tuesday morning, the line is clear.

"Where are you calling from?" you ask.

"We are near London," she says. It is a different woman. Clearly she is a graduate of the University Diploma Program, because her English is marvellous. "The name on our diploma is the University of Ravenhurst, a non-accredited university founded in 1983. We have an office in Netherlands."

She says some incomprehensible stuff about affiliations. Her name is Ashley. You inquire about a PhD in Laser Spectroscopy.

"Are you a professional in that field?"

"I am keenly interested in Laser Spectroscopy."

"The diploma in your field of academic achievement must reflect your age. The date of your graduation must be correct."

"Can I graduate this year?"

"Certainly."

The sweetest word in the English language. Yet, just then, the sound of digital interference overwhelms Ashley and she is gone. You begin to wonder if the University Diploma Program uses legitimate phone lines.

According to John Bear, the FBI's principal consultant on diploma mills and fake degrees, there are more than 300 non-accredited universities in operation today. Most diplomas cost between $3,000 and $5,000.

The most famous fake school was Columbia State University, founded in the '80s by millionaire U.S. con man Ronald Pellar. When the news magazine program 60 Minutes interviewed Pellar, many of his customers in high places were discovered with Columbia State degrees on their resumes. And duly fired.

The University of Ravenhurst is typical, with a phone number in Seattle, a telemarketing operation in London and a mailing address in the Netherlands. Jurisdictional difficulties make it impossible to catch these people.

Even if authorities could catch them, what would they charge them with? The wilful creation of delusions?

"We can't control what somebody does outside Alberta," says Alberta Learning spokesman Jerry Bellikka.

"People should know there's a huge difference between online courses and quickie degrees. Our advice would be to check with us. If there' s not an actual campus or any courses, I'd be nervous about the school."

So much for the PhD in Laser Spectroscopy.

For a list of accredited universities, see www.learning.gov.ab.ca.