I have an interview for a full time faculty position at Ashford University. I was very excited until I did some research about the accreditation issues they are currently facing. What are the thoughts on accepting this position (and quitting my current job) if there is an offer? My gut tells me not to do it? I am just very concerned they will lose their accreditation and I would then not have a job?
Not sure its worth rehashing dozens of pages of content and reflection on this issue. Perhaps a search for "Ashford" would help to provide you that content. As with any position, there are positive and negative aspects. For me, I'll note that I am an online adjunct for Ashford and didn't apply for a full-time position there. But that relates more to other personal/professional goals right now and not the university itself.
Ashford has been criticized in the past for its lack of full-time faculty, and so it looks like they are trying to boost their hiring in this regard: So if you accept the job, you will be increasing the number of full-time faculty, which in turn will improve Ashford's chances of remaining accredited. On the other hand, no one can tell you exactly what those chances are. So it would be a gamble on your part. If Ashford does lose regional accreditation, it doesn't necessarily mean that they have to close; they are based in California, where it is perfectly legal to operate unaccredited schools. But without accreditation, Ashford would lose their eligibility for government financial aid. The assumption is that nobody would attend Ashford without such assistance.
That's an extremely reasonable assumption, especially considering the other drawbacks that come from trying to meet most professional goals with degrees from unaccredited schools.
I do have a job already, one that pays less but that I enjoy. I was lured by the money but after everything I have read I think I will decline!
Money is always nice, but at the cost of a job you already know you actually enjoy? I'd decline as well.
IMHO, I would turn down the position also until the accreditation issues are resolved. I believe the school will lose accreditation over the HLC significant presence issue before they can resolve their issues with WASC. Shawn
I agree that I think that they will lose accreditation also based on how the dates for the deadlines fall. I can always keep an eye on the situation and see if it improves. Thanks for the feedback, I just needed a sounding board to see if it was a sound decison! Much appreciated!
Sound advice. I would add to this "If you have no better options and no job - take it" A job is better than no job. It looks like the school is heading to bankruptcy but it might take few years for this so you can profit from some salary and experience while this happens. They still need to teach out some students and try to remain accredited so this might give enough cash to stay alive for few years.