Central University of Nicaragua Degree Scheme

Indeed. Thanks. That's him. And thanks for informing me about the partnerships. I'm guessing quite a lot of them may indeed be as worrisome as I thought, in the early days. I won't hazard any guess on how ANY evaluations will pan out. So many, all different. Doubtless, there's going to be some lost money here - money that didn't pay for the good degree people hoped they would get. Most people will research a car purchase ten times over, but not a degree. Not even a proper once-over. For those, they're gamblers.

Only consolation: These programs were mostly at the cheaper end. People can usually survive a loss of this sort. Expensive lesson, though.

 

Hopefully, it all works out for you in your favor. Must be a bit frustrating waiting.

 

I’m actually getting a bad feeling about Azteca/UCN as the Dean has not responded back to any of my messages that I have sent for the past several weeks. I’m trying to give him the benefit of the doubt since we are in the summer months and will wait to message him again in August. By then, it will have been 6 months since I’ve submitted the thesis.

 

I am sorry to hear that. I know you not only spent money but put in a lot of work. I do hope for a favorable resolution. Six months and repeatedly ignored messages is not acceptable and a bit of a cautionary tale to anyone else. Bad sign when they get your money and become unresponsive. Hopefully, their (his) conscience is pricked. That sort of business model only works short term until the word gets out.

 

If you don't hear from Dr. Saavedra, you might try contacting Azteca main campus directly and the Mexican Department of Education and detail your experience. May or may not help and Dr. Saavedra may be hacked but if you aren't hearing from him anyway, I am not sure what difference it makes. If there are issues the main campus and the Mex. Dept of Ed need to be aware. You probably aren't the only one in that boat.

 

Indeed. Somehow, I have a very strong feeling he isn't...

 

Getting a degree from a sub-let might not be such a good idea.

 

At this point now, I'm willing to cut my losses. The tuition was paid with a credit card and discharged in a recent bankruptcy I had last year. I may enroll in my local university or an online program from one of the states in my region and see if I can get some type of fellowship. I'm keeping all of my research in case this situation falls completely apart because I may be able to use what I have with a few touches here or there for the dissertation at a more reputable school.

 

Just to clarify, are you ABD and trying to submit your dissertation? I'm wondering if a thesis-only program at somewhere like Capitol Tech U might work.

 

Yes Azteca admitted me at ABD status. I've looked at Capitol Tech U before and it looks interesting. I've thought about going the route Steve Forester is going with his DBA at Baker College.

 

The Dean from Azteca finally reached back out to me this past weekend. He had been traveling and has a new WhatsApp number which is why their were so many missed communications over the summer.

 

Sounds legit. I wish you all the best in getting the results you are looking for.

 

And? Did you get your dissertation approved?

 

They are suppose to be going over it this week. I'll let you all know when I have my results.

 

Keeping good thoughts and prayers for you!

 

I have to agree, "I have been busy and let things slide. I am sorry and there really is no excuse for not getting back to you sooner" would have been more professional.

 

You are a patient man. Any word yet?

 

Not yet... I will follow up next week.

 

Just wanted to let you know that I read quite a few stories like that in this forum of german doctoral students (who usually study at german state universities), e.g. this topic:
https://doktorandenforum.de/board/viewtopic.php?t=8048
So Azteca is not the only school with long waiting times.

Interesting that your dissertation is being overlooked by the dean himself and not by someone lower-level.

All UCN/Azteca PhD´s are propio?!

Does anyone know how the degree award procedure at the many (and partly a little suspect) global franchise (or whatever system that is) partners of UCN/Azteca is being conducted?
Do they need Azteca approval for dissertations or can they decide by themselves if the dissertation is acceptable? I assume if they can decide by themselves this might tend to reduce the quality standards. And reduce the waiting times....