Berne University loses US government certification

The word from Washington is that on April 30, 2003, Berne University, which has operated from New Hampshire and does an optional* summer month on St. Kitts, lost its eligibility under Title IV (student loans). Apparently they failed to file the necessary financial statements for three years.

Further, the head of the Department of Educations Foreign School Section, Janet Buntebart, says they don't meet the definition of a foreign school. But they are not approved or licensed in any way by New Hampshire.

Further still, the investigative staff of the Government Accounting Office (Robin Stewart, Sheri Quade) has opened a file on this situation, regarding which I can only hope the fascinating details become public soon.
_________
* Berne maintains the summer month is mandatory, but I have the evidence sent me from three people for whom the summer session was waived, when they asked.

 

Interesting

Thanks

 

I'm shocked. I've always had such nice things to say about Berne's setup.

Perhaps Mercy College should know of this?

 

Thank you for the update, Dr. Bear.

 

Mercy me, Dr Douglas made a funny!

(Go get 'em.)

 

I met Janet on my recent visit to Washington DC. Once my agenda items had been covered, I started discussing Berne, the old Warnborough story etc etc. Of course she made no comment, but it is good to see the Department is aware of all these goings on. And, of course, I alerted Janet to this stunning forum so she can remain professionally developed without having to leave the office.

I bet one of the main reasons Berne lost its eligibility is because it is a for profit organisation.

Cheers,

George

 

Re: Berne University loses US government recognition

Someone should get the word to "lionel". He seemed so fond of this school. I am sure he would want the information so he could reconsider his position.

 

It is quite revealing how when Berne qualified for Title IV participation, that meant nothing according to the “experts” here (“given that the USDE does not accredit schools”). Now that Berne apparently no longer qualifies, it’s a big deal (a blessing in disguise for some I guess).

BERNE & ROSS UNIVERSITIES REMAIN FULLY ACCREDITED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FEDERATION OF SAINT KITTS & NEVIS. I know that most of you are fans of Berne, so worry not. Even in the absence of Title IV participation there are 70 students currently pursuing the summer residency in St. Kitts. Also its seems quite likely that Title IV eligibility will be restored.

Ross University lost Title IV eligibility a few years ago and it was reinstated soon thereafter. Berne remains listed for 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 (see Foreign Country - Title IV database). Also, the Berne University in St. Kitts is incorporated in St. Kitts as a NOT-FOR-PROFIT organization. Loss of eligibility is quite common and for a variety of reasons.

Recently medical school(s) in Israel lost eligibility because of their academic/accreditation standards. Thanks for the status given to Title IV eligibility (albeit ODA does not think anything of it), as when I graduated from Berne, it was both accredited by St. Kitts and had Title IV eligibility.

Please remember your regard for Title IV eligibility and accord that respect to Berne when its eligibility is reinstated. Also, for “veterans” note that Berne University programs are recognized by the Veterans Administration. Also, Berne psychology graduates can qualify to sit for licensure in psychology (California).

Thanks, and have a great summer.

Roy

 

I don't know about their education program, other than question why someone would spend that much money for a marginally recognized foreign degree when they could get a real one for less.

I do question their basic intelligence in offer a summer program on a tropical island. I mean what is wrong with January or February? More than half their target market has this stuff called snow.

 

I'm sure that during the off season the conference rooms are much cheaper. I would guess that is why it is scheduled for the off season.

 

Why would someone choose Berne? One of the reasons must be that they would not be able to complete a more rigorous RA program. I can't imagine anyone willing to pay that much for a program with so many problems otherwise.

And don't you just love it when people show up and their first post is about a degree mill?



Tom Nixon

 

And...

at www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.html

Mr.Singh and others can find out Berne University degrees are illegal in Oregon and other states.

I'd rather do a club med. It is a much better value on the islands.

 

Well this is surely proving to be a blessing in disguise. I personally called the GAO and gave some information to Robin Stewart who works in the Special Investigation Office. In particular, I advised her of the background to all of this including possible vendetta by John and Alan, and therefore potential bias on their part. As you may all know, John was sued by the institution and hastily settled the case in favor of the institution.

Alan tried to get the Berne degree to be deemed illegal in Oregon in an act of vendetta (an old and bitter story with former colleagues), and the Attorney General ruled against him to the extent that a graduate of Berne who Alan attacked, was recently promoted at his college based on his Ph.D. from Berne University.

The only reason why the ODA has not removed the negative remarks about Berne from its web site is simply because it will further hurt them in an existing law suit (admission of wrong doing). Worry not folks, it will be off soon.

Amidst these attacks on Berne, NACES and AACRAO member agencies continue to evaluate Berne degrees as equivalent to degrees from a regionally accredited university in the USA. In general, Berne is preferred over fully online RA schools. The summer residency is quite convenient for high school teachers and junior faculty who comprise most of Berne students.

Roy (who is enjoying the attention that Berne is getting)

 

give it up, Roy!

Roy, a word to the wise, if you please.

Don't post here unless you have a very thick skin. Your unaccredited status is anathema in these here parts!

Perhaps you can join me in DegreeInfo purgatory... This is where all holders of unaccredited degrees go unless and until they achieve RA status! In my case, a Summit University of Louisiana degree moving towards completion of an Excelsior degree.

Seriously Roy, if you have done quality work at Berne, you'll ace anything Excelsior has to offer, believe me! Make your unaccredited diploma work FOR you!

All the best, and welcome to this board!

Regards,
Dan East

 

Oh Danny Boy/Girl!!!

Take your studies seriously, and it is a pity that your first degree has to be from Excelsior. Don’t worry, you may get by. Note that California has some problems with Excelsior degrees (especially nursing). I have facilitated some students to get credits from Excelsior. You may find it interesting to learn that Excelsior uses NACES evaluation for the award of credits (foreign education).

Thank you for your advice, however, my Ph.D. from Berne University has been evaluated by an agency that is a member of both NACES and AACRAO, and deemed equivalent to a PhD from a regionally accredited university in the USA.

This site has helped at least two Berne graduates to get full-time permanent employment and money award from schools. They are both faculty members. A TRUE BLESSING IN DISGUISE!!!! Keep it flowing.

Yours in appreciation,
Roy

 

Where do these guys with the Charmin degrees keep coming from and why are they so aggressive?

I guess the aggression comes from spending $18,000 and a couple years getting a degree that can't get any respect, and never will.

One evaluator says it's equivalent to R/A - Whoopi! This wouldn't be the same one that says St. Regis is equivalent to R/A? Everybody considers Podunck State University equivalent to R/A because it is R/A.

When I get my California Coast University DBA, please kick my ass out of here if I start saying it is better than an R/A degree or at least humiliate me and shame me.

I am paying less than $5,000 and I get an MBA to boot and in all liklihood the MBA will be accredited and who knows, maybe the DBA.

 

Really? How much did you have to bribe, uh, I mean pay them?


While I suppose there is an organization somewhere on the planet that would equate Berne with real schools, I'm always amazed to actually hear of one. I guess there is incompetence all over.

As for your saying that anyone with a Berne degree got an academic position based on that doctorate, I think you would have to prove it.


Tom Nixon

 

Just to clarify, you are saying that John was sued and John settled out of court?



Tom Nixon

 

And a California Coast University DBA is worth so much more than a Berne "doctorate" that it's not even funny.

While I wouldn't choose CCU, it is, at least, a legitimate choice. It's a real school. Anyone going to Berne just wants to get over on the world.



Tom Nixon

 

I really do love it. But, I have this over active funny bone that can never be fully satisfied.