Trident's accreditation is in jeopardy

I spoke with Mr. Miura, Trident's Interin President just the other day. Given his busy schedule he took the time to talk with me regarding the issue with WASC. True, this was certainly a legacy issue that goes way back; the fact that Trident found it and reported it says a lot about Trident wanting to do things the right way. The errors were made during the "not-for-profit" days so the "evil" for-profit mentality that seems to be all so pervasive on this forum really holds no water. I am confident that the WASC Commission will rule favorably for Trident, Trident has spent a lot of money correcting the issue and instituting business rules that will prevent the same from happening again.

Good posts Stu_Dent, I concur.

 

I think we are being a little premature here. I understand the desire to be prepared, but it just seems to me so many individuals on this forum are taking advantage of this situation and using it to trash a great school that is working through their issues with the RA. I'm at a loss as to why so many are hoping Trident fails; I thought this formum was to promote education, not discourage it.

 

I do agree that it is a bit premature but maybe it is just a general concern of, "I am xx years into a PhD...what will happen if there is the worst outcome?" As far as why people hope Trident fails is beyond me. I certainly do not.

 

I agree, and as I stated in an earlier post, Trident most likely hired consultants to help them with the process with WASC. Peer reviewers are permitted to serve as consultants to the accrediation process with restrictions as to when they visited the school, etc. It is very rare that accreditation is lost, even when schools are on "show cause."

That being said, if I were close to completion, especially in a doctoral program, I would be VERY concerned about completion, transfer options, etc. Generally, doctoral work does not transfer, and asking the appropriate questions about teach out and such is appropriate.

Shawn

 

They're sponsoring an Air Force marathon. I'd guess they're not planning on closing up anytime soon; I doubt any institution in the process of closure would be sponsoring a large charitable event.

Trident University International Sponsors Air Force Marathon | TUI

It'd be nice to get some updates on their situation, though. I may drop them a line and see what their public statement of the moment is.

 

I just got an email that they are moving to a new 20,000 square foot facility. Does not sound like a business that is losing their doors anytime soon.

 

For $5000 Trident got to heavily advertise to the cash cow of military personnel. It isn't like they were a major sponsor of the event.

 

Just sent an E-mail from the contact page on their website. Hopefully I'll get something substantive and not a rehash of the press statement.

 

Randell:

I wonder if Trident made/will make the 2010-2011 low financial responsibility list - See this thread:

http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/39996-degree-granting-institutions-low-financial-responsibility-scores-2009-10-a.html

 

Trident is on the latest list for 2009-2010, with a relatively low composite score of 0.2. This means that it is considered "not financially responsible"; however, it can still qualify for Federal financial aid programs if additional credit and monitoring requirements are met.

 

Haven't heard a peep from them yet. I suppose we'll just have to wait to see what they say to WASC in March.

 

Anything that happens before the visit by WASC is pure speculation.

Trident will write a report to WASC addressing WASC's concerns; followed by a follow-up visit with WASC. After the visit, Trident will receive an outbrief report from the accrediting team; after the outbrief, Trident administration will have an idea where things stand...but accrediting decisions are NOT made by the site team; the site team makes recommendations.

Shawn

 

A brief except from an email I received from Trident:

"Trident University International is hosting a site visit by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) on November 7-8, 2011, in connection with its accreditation."

Maybe we will hear an update sooner than what some have expected...

 

Beware of these online only schools offering degrees to thousands of students. They have no idea who writes asssignments or exams or from where the student work(if the actual student is doing all the work).. Its just scary.
If investigated, almost all of these online outfits will be in trouble.

I would strongly suggest these schools to offer exams through VUE/Pearson/Prometric for all the classes/courses where they(VUE/Pearson/Prometric) check 2(two) ID's and the college/university ID card and/or admission ticket.

Assignment only assessment should be stopped. Either there should be a 3hr closed book exam or two 2 hr online tests through VUE/Pearson/Prometric. Untill then these online outfits will not have any credibility.

 

Good to hear. Maybe they will get everything cleaned up before March 31.

Trident was on my original list for a potential master's before all this nonsense broke out. If I can keep busy until March, maybe we'll have an answer by then.

 

It looks like Trident has pulled out all of the stops to ensure that the retain good standing with WASC. Here's the latest info contained in an email I received yesterday.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

In Trident University's continued commitment to put students first, I am writing to update you on the progress made related to the WASC Show Cause action.



In previous correspondence I noted that we completed a detailed review of almost 13,000 academic records. Because the method used in the past to code transfer credits resulted in some degree plans not satisfying the University's general education requirements, we manually inspected each undergraduate record to ensure degree plans and transcripts were properly coded. We delivered to WASC on September 19, 2011, a detailed report of our findings and efforts to address the issues raised by WASC. Some of the improvements highlighted in the report include:

New academic leadership with significant experience leading WASC-accredited higher education institutions.
Continuing implementation of administrative best practices, systems and processes to comply with WASC standards.
Two third-party audits by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
Contract with AACRAO to train staff on best practices.
Trained call centers to provide specialized student and alumni support.
New physical campus with expanded space enabling student support teams to work collaboratively for responsiveness and quality service.
That said, TUI's focus remains with those students and alumni directly affected by the Show Cause action. The vast majority of records reviewed are those of current students, and only a limited number of the degree plans appear to be deficient in general education. Some records are missing official transcripts, which, upon receipt, may allow us to resolve discrepancies without modifying current degree plans. Students missing transcripts should have received at least one email or phone call requesting a signed Transcript Release Authorization Form (TRAF). If we contacted you, please expedite the form to us. The TRAF is essential to preserving a complete history of your educational accomplishments. For a TRAF in PDF format click the link below:



http://www.trident.edu/files/tui_traf.pdf



Of the 4,812 undergraduate alumni student records reviewed, about 7% appear to be deficient in general education. We contacted or attempted to contact all the affected alumni. We will work with each of them to resolve discontinuities in documentation and develop solutions that minimize the impact on affected students for meeting general education requirements.



We are devoting significant resources and manpower toward caring for affected students and alumni. As a result, our response time to our other valued students has been slower than usual. We aim to return to our normally responsive student support in the very near future. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience in the meantime.



Looking forward, in November a WASC team will review our progress and visually inspect the processes and procedures implemented for corrective action. AACRAO noted in its second report that "the attitude of institution observed on both visits has been one of sincere, serious concern for the institution and their students." We are prepared for the WASC team visit. The full WASC Commission is scheduled to review the WASC team report in February 2012. It is important to note that Trident University International's accreditation remains in place through the "Show Cause" period, and any degree earned or courses successfully completed during this time frame are recognized as fully accredited.



I want to thank each of you again for your patience, trust and commitment to Trident University International. We are truly committed to remaining a University you can be proud of and worthy of your faithfulness.



Should you have any questions regarding Show Cause or your individual status, you may contact our hotline at 1-888-382-1844 or via email at [email protected].

 

Good to see they're serious about this. They were on the short list for my next program, so I'm glad to get an update finally.

 

Hi,
I am fairly new here although I have read along for some time.
Although I do not believe that Trident will lose their accreditation, I am working my butt off to finish 26 March. I hold an AA and a BA in Humanities from TESC and will finish the MBA with Trident 26 March 12. Previously, I had switched from Baker Flint MI to Trident. Anyone who currently faces the worry of accreditation loss while enrolled, double up!!! It can be done. Just finished 2 courses in 18 days. I am truly tired but I would rather finish with a 6 months sleep deficit than a non-accredited degree.

As far as the for profit discussion goes...I am a fan. PBS had a pretty good report on it - College Inc.

Again, hi to all.

JT

 

I do agree - I am not too concerned that they will lose it. I actually signed up for a class for "fun" with Trident this month!