Hi everybody. First of all, I sincerely want to thank everyone for the kind words and advice about my step-son and his attempts to obtain a RA degree. I will advise later how this is going. I have a problem and want to know what to do. I own a small company in NW Georgia close to Chattanooga, and I am reviewing applications for a position, and have come across something strange. First of all, is there a web site for Scotland to verify academic crenditials, like Australia has? (http://www.degreeoftruth.com.au/home.htm) English is not my first language, and I have lived in several countries, including Scotland. Well, I have interviewed an applicant who is claiming a Ph.D. from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. (This job does not require a Ph.d. of course). He would not let me make a copy of his transcript, citing identity theft worries. When I asked him about Scotland, his answers just didn't seem to add up. But he said he was busy studying, so who knows. Well, to be truthful, it was a long time since I lived in Scotland. It was just a feeling that he wasn't truthful to me. For instance, sometimes, he would look to his right, then another time to his left. Maybe I watch too many police shows. Now, you might say, why not just ignore this guy. Well, I guess for a couple of reasons. One, my step-son is sick and wants to obtain a federal job for the health benefits and pay. But he is not cheating. He will earn his degree. (By the way, Excelsior said on the phone that they will not accept his Draughon's credits since they are not RA.) The other is that I am sick of how people lie now in this country. When I was little, we looked to America as an example to the rest of the world. Now, America (and I am an American citizen now) is laughed at. And so, if this guy is lying and faking and cheating, well, I want him to know that I know. Well, I have learned so much from this site in just a few weeks, and grateful for all the help, and if someone thinks of a search I can do here to save people posting, that would be fine. Anyway, from what I remember about his transcripts, is that it listed his Ph.d. work from 1997-2003. It did not list his dissertation title. His Ph.D. is in economics. I emailed and phoned University of Strathclyde but they said that I needed his student ID number to verify. I remember he had 5-6 classes every school term for 6 years. Isn't that too long for a Ph.d.? I thought one could obtain a Ph.D. in 4 years. Also, how can I go about getting him to let me make a copy so that I can verify it? Maybe you people think that I am crazy, but it really makes me mad that someone might try and cheat me. I am sick of liars and a lack of morals. I want this guy to know that he cannot fool me. Well, perhaps I am a bit angry now. I thank everyone for letting me sound off here. Good day.
In the UK most PhDs are awarded when a student successfully defends his/her dissertation. I find it strange that this candidate has taken doctoral level courses for nearly 6 years. In Europe, Africa and Australian, many PhD programs are dissertation only. In North America, PhD programs are structured to include coursework, comprehensive exams and a dissertation. Transcripts usually indicate the title of the dissertation. Strange that his transcripts don't disclose this since the dissertation is usually a major component of the program. You many need to get his student number and verify this with the university. Also, have him provide you with some of his course work. You will be able to see for yourself if he is telling the truth or playing games.
Based on what you've said, I don't blame you for being suspicious. The "identity theft" issue has got to be a red herring. I would think that the easiest thing to do would be to simply say that you want to speak to his dissertation advisor as one of his employment references. Clearly, a PhD is a major undertaking and a doctoral degree advisor should be able to tell you much about the person's work habits and general knowledge in his area of study (which I assume is relevant, even if a PhD is not required for the position). If he resists I'd lose his number and forget his name. Jack
I concur with Jack a PhD advisor is someone who knows much about you because they are direct links to answers on: Study Habits, Work Ethic, Resiliency, etc. That would be a great place to start, especially if his advisor is a Faculty member of the school. Jack is also correct in asserting that if the guy goes through great measures to represent an academic accolade then pushes away when you want verification, then what does this tell you about his character? Good Luck, and hey...I'm looking for a job!! Mike AA Burlington College, NJ BA TESC, NJ MS SMSU PhD, NCU (starting Feb-02)
Jacques, you have a right to be angry! You have a business to run and your name is on the bottom line...not some employee! However, that employee can cause you a lot of heartache and headache if you don't properly screen them out! What is just as important is the fact that you are being cautious about which school your son attends. That is the worst thing in the world...when you end up buying into a less-than-wonderful school, which I did about three years ago (God...its been since April 2001 since I found this forum!) and thankfully, I got out before I paid the first year's tuition. Don't lose your perspective on America! This is a place that has been good to a lot of people and I don't know about other countries...but many of us have been free to pursue great careers, academia, and wonderful lives! Its the great majority of people that want to succeed just like yourself and just a few con-men out there that tend to "sully" things for a lot of us! Good Luck Jacques, I wish you the best! And I appreciate your giving some folks down in my "home state" (Georgia) some business and providing jobs! Mike AA Burlington College, NJ BA TESC, NJ MS SMSU PhD NCU (starting Feb 04)
I dont think this is a difficult decision. State that you verify all educational and prior work experiences and you need additional evidence of his educational/vocational claims. If he resists in providing them then inform this person that he is no longer a serious candidate for the position and proceed to the next. End of issue. Liars and cheats know no nationality, the world is full of them and most hold some political office. I digress. I am sure you will find a credible and qualified candidate soon.
Conventional wisdom is that if you feel that kind of edgy feeling that "something ain't right" it probably isn't
Strathclyde is at least a good start as it is a good university. The Ph.D. transcript will not necessarily show the name of the dissertation but it should show the credits earned for the dissertation work. My Ph.D. transcript does this while my master's transcript also shows the name of the thesis. What is best is to request a transcript from the univeristy. Have the applicant do this but have it sent directly to you and not the job candidate. When you get the transcript the student ID number should be there and then you can call the University and verify his credential. John
Jacques, It is quite conceivable that he simply doesn't have a transcript -- I don't for my (Nottingham) PhD, nor for my (St Andrews) MPhil. Six years is a touch long: the British PhD funding agencies get very antsy nowadays about completing the degree in 4 years or so. (My (leisurely) 5-year PhD probably wouldn't be allowed under the new rules.) I'd ask him for his advisor's name, e-mail, and phone number, and get in touch with Strathclyde if you're really interested in finding out. Or, as others have suggested, move on. jon
