Pacific Western University, Hawaii

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by adelheid, May 22, 2002.

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  1. adelheid

    adelheid New Member

    In their website they state at http://www.pwu.com/images that they are recognized and commenced by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the State of Hawaii.

    Both documents are shown in PWU's website, and they read as PWU's "quality distance education programmes are meeting the needs of business and other professionals in all walks of life throughout the world... the legislature recognizes Pacific Western University's efforts to establish Hawaii as a world center for quality innovative distance learning... "(we) "hereby recognize and commence Pacific Western University for its innovative, cost effective quality distance education programmes, and for meeting the diverse educational needs of many populations in the United States and abroad, and extend to them the warmest aloha and best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors."

    Both documents are signed by all members of the senate and the house of representatives and bear the Great Seal of the State.
    I am aware of PWU, their past, present legal status and the threats so far. However, all of us (some?) might develop for the better... does above mean an approval of the quality and a sign of an academic integrity of the PWU programmes?

    What do you all think? Aloha.

    adelheid

    :)
     
  2. adelheid

    adelheid New Member

  3. adelheid

    adelheid New Member

    Now that's a nasty one: In my post it should read "threads" and not "threats" - which is quite a different meaning.. English is a difficult language!
    adelheid:)
     
  4. Kane

    Kane New Member

    PWU is unaccredited!

    From the PWU Website: http://www.pwu.com/home.asp?ID=8

    "Pacific Western University has not sought membership in any independent accrediting association."

    and

    "THE UNIVERSITY IS NOT ACCREDITED BY A RECOGNIZED ACCREDITING AGENCY OR ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZED BY THE UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION."

    Just because it is legal does not mean it is accredited. I would avoid it personally, however, if you like their curriculum and they meet your individual needs. Go for it!
     
  5. Ike

    Ike New Member

    Yes but my mother tongue is more difficult. :D
     
  6. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    No. It means some gutless politicians--who, BTW, are in a position to pass laws and fund sufficient enforcement to eradicate these "schools"--chipped in a little support, probably for one of their colleagues who is in the pocket of PWU. (I do not suggest anything illegal in this. Legislators get support from and provide support to businesses all the time.)

    This is like being a pickle manufacturer and getting Congress to declare "National Eat-a-Pickle Day" or something. It has no academic--and very little legal--merit.

    PWU is still an operation that can't offer most of its degrees through its California approval. It opened a sister operation in Hawaii to get around this, continuing to award degrees under the PWU name. Apparently, neither Hawaii nor California can or will do something about it.
     
  7. drwetsch

    drwetsch New Member

    I wonder what James Brunton has to say. The documents look like a means to confuse students who are not up on accreditation and the overall acceptibility of the degree. At the same time PWU represents itself and it upfront on its nonaccredited status.


    To be so accepting of an unaccredited school I wonder if the Hawaiian politicians received any honorary degrees from PWU?

    John
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 22, 2002
  8. BillDayson

    BillDayson New Member

    That's what's disturbing to me. Either these Hawaii politicians knew what PWU was, or else they didn't know. Either way, the fact that they endorsed PWU doesn't demonstrate very much integrity or professionalism on their part.
     
  9. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I believe that the statement about accreditation is required. IIRC, it has to say what it says, and in a minimum type size.

    I wonder if honorary degrees would do the trick. I would expect to find that PWU--or someone acting on their behalf--made political contributions. Or not.
     
  10. adelheid

    adelheid New Member

    The most impressive and "open" legal disclaimer I have seen so far is from St. George University International http://www.stgeorgeuniversity.edu:

    "SGUI is a private international university, and not a UK, USA or Japanese university and not accredited or recognized by any governmental ministry of education. It does not offer licenses and credentials. SGUI is a non-traditional university without the traditional campus, and has no offices or facilities in any other country except for the registered head office in St. Christopher and Nevis. Therefore, some countries or institutions might not accept our degrees. It is the responsibility of the student to confirm acceptance of the degree prior to enrollment. The university does not act as an employment agency and can not give assurance that its graduates will automatically obtain pay rises or employment."

    Having said before that everybody should be granted the right to develop for the better, I am aware of SGUI's past and all of your posts, but reading this, they - lately? - do represent themselves correctly. I can not find any "misleading" information in the SGUI website. Same like PWU - not accredited but legal? Any comments?

    adelheid:)
     

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