Waaaaay ON Topic

A poster in another, now-closed, thread announced the completion of a DBA from Breyer State University. A discussion ensued regarding the nature of this accomplishment, largely centered on the nature of Breyer State. Inexplicably, the thread was closed for being "way off topic." No way.

When someone purposely announces something like this, he/she is inviting discussion. This is, after all, a discussion board. The original topic was the "academic" accomplishment, and the entire thread was a discussion about that accomplishment. How is it "off topic"?

Example: Say someone starts a thread about buying a new BMW. You might see some congratulatory notes like, "Hey, way to go on your new BMW 335i convertible, Barbera Red with the premium package, comfort access, navigation, parking distance control, and cold-weather package. Pretty neat!"

But you might also see someone say, "BMW? Didn't you read about the fuel pump problems and the orange peel they're seeing in some paint jobs? That car isn't up to standard." Can you imaging a thread like that being shut down because it is "off topic"? Strange.

I'll start a thread in the unaccredited forum to post more on Breyer State.

 

I was just reading that post actually and noticed it was closed. Good analogy, Rich, thanks.

 

Hi. Good idea. I wanted to hear more about the doctoral process at Breyer State.

Dave

 

Please note: This isn't a criticism of Bruce, who does a fine job moderating. (Much better than I could ever do, certainly.) I just didn't understand its closing. And constructive comments about the operation of a board should be okay, too, and I'm glad it's been civil thus far.

Again, thanks to Bruce for his outstanding service.

 

Although you've made an excellent argument, Rich, I don't feel as though it was the suitability of the topic that the moderator objected to. From reading all of the posts, relating to the Breyer State University DBA Disussion and noting the traces of crass and snide remarks that appeared to be laced with scarcasm and cynicism, I could be wrong but I really feel that the moderator was preventing what was clearly turning out to be a distasteful fight. I probably would have done the same.

 

But he closed it because, as he said, it was "off topic." Not that it was getting snide, or rude, etc. "Off topic." It was hardly that.

 

Thank you Rich for posting and acknowledging this current discussion. I had in no way intended it to continue as it had in regards to my personal and proud accomplishment.

I understand that in the majority of those on Degreeinfo, one finds what I have sought to complete a waste of time, effort and expense. However, I do know and understand my limitations along with the countless issues such as certain states displaying that a degree from a voluntary but recommended accreditation would asteem me from making application within a state where my unaccredited degree would be considered to be of illegal measure.

I have no plans of pursuing a position within a state or federal institution much less even seeking a teaching profession, which has made note, I hold a Masters degree from Auburn and that would suffice at least within a standard faculty pay rate.

I have and will continue to state that one must come to seek what he or she is most interested in accomplishing. Will the degree meet his or her current and future needs and will the degree meet one's academic goals and achievements.

I enjoyed both the faculty and the students of which I became involved with throughout the coursework requirements. Many of them have the same aspirations yet were avoiding the high cost of tuition that continues to climb.

I cannot state that my employer recognizes or would offer assistance for my degree as I am self employed, however, those accounts of which I currently have found my personal desire to continue my educational needs to be of value and of course, I learned from the many text books that you will find utilized within other universities.

I seek to take ideas and comments from others as an opportunity to learn and have always enjoyed sharing a difference of opinion as I find it meaningful in that this allows us to learn more about various subjects, interests and above all, ourselves.

I look forward to seeing where Breyer State will direct within the near future and I have hopes that it will be a positive decision for all students who have been enrolled.

 

bactocali:

Interesting sig line. However, Alabama doesn't "approve" unaccredited schools. It gives them a license to operate. This isn't the same as actually evaluating the school and its programs for academic sufficiency. This means they don't actually "approve" schools. And in case anyone thinks this is just a case of semantics, the state consistently uses the term "licensed," not "approved."

This lack of institutional review made it simple for Breyer State to "move" to Alabama from its previous digs when the laws in that state changed. Not a good sign. Real universities almost never move.

 

I'm glad you contributed to the discussion. While it is possible that you may be questioned (or harassed) on this board by those who have earned lower degrees, it would be interesting for you to respond to your peers (in business administration and distance education) on this board and tell us more about the doctoral process at Breyer State; typically, the doctoral process at unaccredited schools is thought to be substandard but this measure may vary from school to school. Again, anything you could tell us about the research process and requirements at the school would be valuable.

Dave

 

There is a difference between the quality of the learning and the legitimacy of the degree. I tend to focus on degrees, not processes. But....

It would be interesting to hear about the coursework, comprehensive examination (if any), dissertation topic (published or otherwise available?), who the advisors were, what role the school played in assessing learning, etc. That might give people more insight into BSU than is found on their website, and on the State of Alabama's.