Hi, I attended a school that has since closed, but was accredited by what is now DETC. I have tried to contact the records keeper but have been unable. The state education department (California), tells me they are only obligated to keep records for 5 years after closing. I have contacted, and have heard back from both TESC and COSC. Both have stated that unless the school was regionally accredited, they will not accept anything. The only transcript records I have are copies I had asked for before they closed. What are my alternatives? I really would hate to think I have to take basic courses again, or study to pass CLEP exams. Thanks,
A closed school with lost records, accredited by an agency not acceptable to the schools you wish to attend. What else is there to say? This is like cashing a paycheck and then losing your wallet. A little hard to replace, and no one's going to give you credit for it. There are many people who've attended schools still in business who cannot get their credits accepted. Consider TESC's portfolio process, as well as the examinations you don't want to take. Also consider attending a school based on a learning contract, like Union Institute and University or one of the schools that still offer UWW programs. (Disclosure: I'm enrolled in UIU's doctoral program.) Perhaps you could shape a degree program around your interests and what you already know.
I'm sorry this had to happen to you. I just wish more people would read Dr. Bear's books and heed the advice on this forum. It just does not pay to enroll in questionable schools.
Monte, the transcript copies that you have are probably not useless. You can submit them as part of portfolios. British Columbia Open University's application form says: "BCOU will accept notarized copies,subject to approval, only if original documents are not available. Include an explanation when submitting notarized copies." I imagine similar rules are in effect elsewhere. (I doubt BCOU accepts DETC credits, but you could ask.)
