Comes now Midtown University

Here's the full text of my on-line chat this morning, from gracious beginning to angry end, with the "world's leading university." I hope and trust there will be other dialogues to follow, with these new phonies. Accredited Online University Degree Programs - Midtown University
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You are now chatting with 'James Bentley'
James Bentley: Hey
James Bentley: How may i assist you John?
John : I got an interesting email from Mr. Clooney, in the same area code I live in, so I assume you must be nearby. Where are you located?
John : Dear James I got an interesting email from Mr. Clooney, in the same area code I live in, so I assume you must be nearby. Where are you located?
James Bentley: Which e-mail you got?
John : It was from your Mr. Clooney, asking me to phone him at a 510 area code number.
James Bentley: Yes but I want to know in what Regards he send you an email
John : It says:
John : Welcome to Midtown University Midtown University applauds the efforts of working professionals, like yourself, for taking the first step in pursuing their academic mission. To facilitate them, the University is offering upto 50% scholarship to students with competent profiles. Midtown Scholarship Program: Midtown is offering a limited time Scholarship, for upto 50% of their degree program's fee, to students with exceptional academic profile and/or extensive work experience on first come-first served basis. This will help you overcome your financial constraints and realize your dream of a quality and globally recognized education. The scholarship is being extended to students from a limited pool of funds. If you wish to apply, we recommend you to do it today and reserve your seat. Click here to sign up for up to 50% Scholarship- Limited Time Offer! Midtown University Quick Facts Extremely flexible, self-paced programs Accredited online degree, diploma & certificate programs 16 diversified fields of study with 71 majors Highly industry responsive curriculum Global faculty of expert instructors Affordable education with multiple fee reducing options Complimentary career placement services 24/7 student services State-of-the-art online classrooms Please note that funds are being granted on first-come-first serve basis, and we strongly recommend you to sign up now and reserve your seat. For more information, please contact our student counselors at 510-984-3221. You can also start a live chat or email us. Best Regards, Richard K. Clooney l Admissions Counselor l Midtown University Call 510-984-3221
James Bentley: Ok
James Bentley: so you received an email for 50% Scholarship
John : Yes.
James Bentley: as he is not available how ever I can guide you with that so tell me what is it I can do for you ?
John : I am interested in getting an MBA degree. But I need to know where, in the 510 area code, you are located. Thank you.
James Bentley: California
John : Well yes, that's where I live, and where the 510 area code is, but I don't find you in my local telephone directory.
James Bentley: this is the University Number
John : And where is the University located? And how much will the MBA cost?
James Bentley: we have our Global offices
James Bentley: how ever University is in Panama City
James Bentley: Enrollment Fee :: $599
James Bentley: Total fee :: $14000
James Bentley: any thing else I can help you with ?
John : Yes. By coincidence, my brother is currently in Panama City on business, saying at the Intercontinental Miramar Hotel off Calle d'Este. I would like to telephone him and ask him to visit your campus. Please tell me the address in Panama City. I am very interested.
James Bentley: John
James Bentley: this is an Online University and we do not deal with the students on Campus or office
James Bentley: that is the reason why we have 24/7 Support available
James Bentley: this is 100% Online University
John : OK. I am starting to gt really suspicious. My brother will visit the Ministry of Education on Avenida Justo Arosemena, to see if they know about you, and I shall be in touch with the Consejo de Rectores de Panama.
James Bentley: you can get in touch with any one you want to
James Bentley: and confirm with them
John : Great. I think I'll start with the FBI's "DipScam" diploma mill task force.
James Bentley: [email protected] which university you work for?
James Bentley: How much do you get paid for doing all this?
James Bentley: Thank you John and have a nice day
Chat session has been terminated by the site operator.

 

I guess the fact that they are accredited by IAO says something, as well.

 

Yeah -- we have a l-o-n-g thread on another umm..."school" that was accredited by IAO. But I MUST not talk about that one... :smile:

Johann

 

I notice also that this uh...place is a USDLA member. USDLA is a well-meaning, legit organization. A lot of very good schools are members. But USDLA consistently makes the mistake of admitting some of the worst and least legitimate "schools," like this one.

When will USDLA realize how much undeserved damage this "wide-open-door" policy can do to their reputation, when someone takes a close look at the membership list? http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/31744-what-do-you-guys-think-about-usdla.html And also http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/28107-usdla.html

Johann

P.S. I'm not referring to the mistake (as I see it) USDLA made "certifying" Clayton College of Natural Health. That's a whole 'nother ballgame!

 

LOL "Which e-mail you got?" Haha...

 

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

Valentino Ross: Looking to enroll yourself today with the special offer!

Please wait while I transfer the chat to 'James Bentley'.

You are not currently in a chat session.

James Bentley: Looking to enroll yourself today with the special offer!

James Bentley: Hello

Gert Smurfland: What is the offer?

James Bentley: how can I help you ?

James Bentley: I will give you the details

James Bentley: but before that what is it you want to study

Gert Smurfland: I am looking for 18 graduate credit hours in marketing

Gert Smurfland: I have an advanced management degree; but want to teach marketing at a US university

James Bentley: We have a Diploma available in Marketing where you can get 30 Credits

Gert Smurfland: Is it a grad certificate?

Gert Smurfland: Because my credits must be at masters level or above

Gert Smurfland: Are you still there James?

James Bentley: Yes I am here

James Bentley: yes this is Graduate Diploma which you will be doing

Gert Smurfland: OK

Gert Smurfland: brb

Gert Smurfland: Sorry I had to take a quick call from my wife

Gert Smurfland: So, I am looking around the website - is this a US degree or foreign degree?

James Bentley: No problem

James Bentley: University is in US

Gert Smurfland: Great, because I'd like to visit the school before I make a committment. I have some ideas for my advanced project that I'd like to discuss with some of the faculty.

James Bentley: this is an Online University Gert

Gert Smurfland: I understand that, but you have offices for the full-time faculty, administation, right?

James Bentley: Yes

Gert Smurfland: OK, so I'd like to discuss my project with one of your full-time marketing faculty. I'm willing to travel to visit your faculty members.

James Bentley: They all available online for you 24/7

Gert Smurfland: I am a member of the IUSAFS and have presented many papers on military personnel matters, and I am looking to publish in in academic journal.

James Bentley: Ok

Gert Smurfland: So I'm willing to pay a visit to meet the faculty member who will chair my advanced project. Could you tell me who I will be working with?

Gert Smurfland: Because I can look up the LinkedIn profiles of the faculty and make an appointment to visit.

Please wait while I transfer the chat to 'Ramon Lee'.

Ramon Lee: Looking to enroll yourself today with the special offer!

Ramon Lee: Hello

Ramon Lee: You are looking for 18 graduate credit hours in marketing

Gert Smurfland: Hi, I want to set an appointment for a visit. I am looking for a graduate mareting certificate. I have an advanced degree in management

Ramon Lee: This is a online university all teachers are available online

Ramon Lee: As they are working as home based

Ramon Lee: you can skype with them or chat live like this or on phone

Ramon Lee: this is how they work

Ramon Lee: http://www.midtownuniversity.com/mtu/faculty.asp

Ramon Lee: http://www.mtuvoice.com/

Gert Smurfland: So Terry Powell is your marketing professor? Are there others?

Ramon Lee: there are more

Ramon Lee: but we have not added more as we update sites and profiles accordingly

Ramon Lee: so you will get the best one

Gert Smurfland: BRB

Ramon Lee: do not worry Gert

Ramon Lee: SURE

Gert Smurfland: OK

Gert Smurfland: I am also looking around your site, are you a regionally accredited university

Ramon Lee: http://www.usdla.org/for-profit-organizations/

Ramon Lee: Part of Us Edu

Ramon Lee: which is recognized regionally, nationally and internationally

Gert Smurfland: USLDA is not a accrediting body

Ramon Lee: why do they list Kaplan and Cappella online university

Ramon Lee: as they are also regionally recognized

Ramon Lee: long story short

Ramon Lee: your hours you complete

Ramon Lee: will be honored world wide

Gert Smurfland: Here is a link from USLDA's website. Is your school accredited from one of the US Regional Accreditors:

Gert Smurfland: http://www.usdla.org/special-advisory-on-diploma-mills

Ramon Lee: then why would USDLA list the name of our school on their site

Gert Smurfland: Good question, but USDLA is not an accreditor

Ramon Lee: Its an form of accreditation in which they are a part of recognition

Ramon Lee: which makes the credibility of the university recognized

Gert Smurfland: I'm going to USDLA's site right now...

Ramon Lee: okay

Ramon Lee: http://www.usdla.org/for-profit-organizations/

Ramon Lee: there you go

Gert Smurfland: For-Profit Organizational Members: Academic Institutional Membership For-profit Organizational Members of the United States Distance Learning Association are members of the largest professional distance learning association in the world. USDLA recognizes best practices and standards of excellence in distance education and online training programs. The following organizations are for-profit members of USDLA. USDLA does not accredit or license any academic institutions. USDLA welcomes the opportunity to work with members to assist them in meeting the United States Distance Learning Association’s Standards of Excellence. It is important to check with the Department of Education for the accreditation status of individual institutions. To research the accreditation status of an academic institution, please visit the Department of Education site at: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation. The following are for-profit Institutional Academic Member Organizations affiliated with the United States Distance Learning Association through current membership.

Ramon Lee: http://midtownuniversity.com/mtu/memberships.asp

Ramon Lee: click the link above

Gert Smurfland: Note the line - USDLA does not accredit or license any academic institutions...

Ramon Lee: and see other recognition

Ramon Lee: Then what is their point for creating such site

Ramon Lee: and listing the names of the schools

Gert Smurfland: USDLA is a dues paying organization.

Ramon Lee: Dear no one is forcing you to enroll

Ramon Lee: you want to do research then go ahead and do so

Ramon Lee: then come and enroll

Ramon Lee: i am just brining a point for USDLA

Ramon Lee: what is the point for their existance

Gert Smurfland: OK - I'm going to end the charade. My name is not Gert. I am posting this chat on a distance discussion board. You are not an institution that is accredited by a legitimate agency. You are also representing USLDA as an accreditor when they are not one.

Gert Smurfland: So have a good day!

Ramon Lee: we get alot of people like you

 

These scammers are sad, sad people.

 

Nicely done, Doctor Smurfland. You left poor old Ramon feeling blue.

I wonder how many folks they have manning their chat line, and where they are located. I also wonder about being given a local (same area code as my home) phone number to call. Coincidence, or do they really have a large number of local phones?

I'd never thought much about chat rooms . . . but websites like this one (Chat: User Protocol HELP - Online CHAT!) suggest that one person can handle many chatters at the same time, by deftly manipulating a whole set of possible response menus.

 

One person with an IAO accredited PhD in multi-tasking.

 

These days, with the advent of IP-based phone services, one can get pretty much as many phone numbers as they want, from almost any area code and specific city within that area code, for very little money. For example, with the provider I use, I have a London number that I use so that an associate who lives there can make local calls (for him) to me, for about 4 cents/minute with a $2 monthly fee for the number. I also have several Northern California numbers and tollfrees which are even cheaper.

The incoming lines can be programmed to show which number the incoming call is calling from, so the phone can be answered appropriately.

So these jokers could literally be anywhere, with a bank of local phone numbers from different parts of the world.

 

Looking at their faculty profiles, I found this (under Computer Science)
http://www.midtownuniversity.com/mtu/faculty.asp

If they are referring to this person:
IGNOU - School of Management Studies (SOMS) - Faculty - Dr Subodh Kesharwani

IGNOU is a state-owned, well-respected DL school in India and few other countries. If MTU is not lying and Dr. Subodh is a "genuine" faculty with them, I am afraid he might be tarnishing his own reputation.

 

I think anybody who works for /at this "school" could be tarnishing his/her rep. I checked out some of the Midtown faculty's resumes on the Web. One was a Capella grad (Ph.D.) who had worked as a car salesman on his way up. If Midtown is the best gig he could get with his degree ...well, maybe it wasn't the best way to spend a whole pile of edu-dollars.

Some academic professionals -- not all of them overseas - are real scholars in their field, but make very bad career decisions -- such as affiliation with the "Midtown" type of school. It appears some are very easily tempted by promises of far more money than they are used to.

Johann