GAO report on degree mills in government

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by John Bear, Mar 18, 2004.

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  1. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    The results of their degree audit of the Pentagon and 6 federal departments is due out this month.

    A "highly placed official" says it is really quite devastating. "Many many" highly placed people with degree mill degrees, and even more with unaccredited ones, all in positions requiring degrees. Lots of problems with people's SF-86 forms. (I don't know what those are.)

    So . . . one wonders how much they are going to report, and how public it will be, and what effect (if any) it will have?

    Interesting times, indeed.

    Oh, and Wired was supposed to be doing something on degree mills this week, presumably online.
     
  2. vonnell1

    vonnell1 Member

    Awesome News

    Alright!!!!, Maybe I can move up from my current position.

    s/
     
  3. galanga

    galanga New Member

    SF-86

    SF-86: "Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, is completed by persons performing, or seeking to perform, national security duties for the Federal Government."

    The possibility for blackmail raises concerns for the security risk that diploma mill degree holders present, doesn't it?

    G
     
  4. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Re: SF-86

    Assuming such information truly represents a risk to the person in question. Government has shown a remarkable proclivity for covering up the misdeeds of its own.

    The more widespread the problem, the easier it's going to go on the perpetrators. One or two people can be fired or, more likely, reassigned. But hundreds or thousands? Dismissing so many would not only hamper the mission(s) they support, it would also reflect badly on their leadership--the very people who would take such actions.

    A possible scenario: giving these people time to remediate their educational backgrounds. Remove those fake degrees not necessary for their jobs and allow them time to earn the credentials that are required. Example: Joe Blow is in a position that requires a bachelor's. He's got a legitimate bachelor's and a fake master's listed. Remove the fake master's and carry on. Another: Jane Blow has a fake bachelor's where a real one is required. Remove the fake degree from the list and give her time to earn a real one.

    I'm in favor of firing them all, but I'm like that about the truth.
     
  5. MarkIsrael@aol.com

    [email protected] New Member

  6. MarkIsrael@aol.com

    [email protected] New Member

  7. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    Just to piggy back on the SF-86. Most clearances require periodic review and reevaluation. It will be interesting to see how the government handles folks who do not remediate their information.

    My observation is that most folks are allowed to bring education up to par when changes are made to their duties giving them time to acquire the creditials of the position. However most positions have a caveat that education can be waived by a specific level of management if so deemed.

    But normally, the motto is "Screw up, move up!" so I would anticipate reassignments, probably with promotions.

    Kevin

    Vonnell,

    I'm with you on this one......Keep your OF612 handy :)
     
  8. David Boyd

    David Boyd New Member

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