New student at the former MIGS

Oh, there was much more than that. They were quite concerned about the use of the terms "accredited" and "fully accredited." They were also concerned that MIGS was actually taking in students, promoting the school, running academic programs, etc. I spoke with the same person you did, and posted the results of that conversation on this board.

Rich Douglas

 

Ponotoc2, please email me at [email protected] - I'd like to compare notes with you. In fact, anyone who wants to email me privately to talk about this, feel free.
-Gila

 

>>Granted the Florida site is a bit messy,

David - I've been taking distance learning classes since the 80's - Cal State, Emporia, Webster, Maryville, Fontbonne - a nightmare at times concerning organization - there were divisions within divisions and no one knew who did what, or even who was offering what. Just about everyone I've attended have their 'messy' moments.

At the University of Alaska I signed up for a distance learning class at one of their schools branched from the main campus. For over a month into the course, no one answered the phone or my email - I thought I'd been 'had' and chalked the $400 or so loss up to experience gained - no one at the main campus ever heard of the address I sent my check to or the professor.

I finally found someone at the main campus who acknowledged that 'someone' was suppsoed to have that class but that 'someone' disappeared, and that 'someone' was also the only staff at that campus.

I was given the choice of another class, a credit, or a refund. I tried it again and the classes were excellent - I ended up taking almost every class they had to offer.

Just last week, our state university couldn't figure out who the contact person was for distance ed - took two days, several emails, and phone calls before the man himself called me to let me know that it was him, but no one on campus apparently knew it - he was assigned as a temporary until they could fill the position - no one ever asked who was in charge before.

I went for a student ID at an Illinois university that I had been attending for two years distance learning - and I was told I wasn't a student so I could 't have one to use the library since 'real' students attended classes. No one heard of my advisor. She was in a small office off campus set up especially for distance learning students.

Incidents like the above have been happening to me since the moment I started distance ed. Nothing surprises me anymore with major universities, so nothing should surprise me with a small one like MIGs. Mary

 

Originally posted by davidf:
Have you checked the actual site for CEU and the direct link to the distance learning program?

If you're referring to degree.com, it's Sheila Danzig's site shilling for MIGS, which now they're trying to claim is actually CEU itself.

More than one person has actually spoken to people at the CEU. These people reported that CEU staff *CONFIRMED* that the MIGS operation is simply a contractual deal between the Danzigs (who own MIGS/degree.com LLC) and the CEU. They may be trying to cover their collective asses now, but the past records are clear.


all my communiction has gone through the Monterrey campus.


Riiiiiight. Five bucks says that even if you mail it to Monterrey, it is answered by somebody in Florida. Maybe they're sufficiently sophisticated to email the documents to somebody in Monterrey, who prints and mails them, but the Danzigs and their "make millions selling schlock" empire is still in Florida, and that's where the MIGS staff is located, in spite of their attempts to convince Florida officials otherwise.


I am interested in a PhD in Psychology,and am impressed with the faculty. I have not found a RA school that is as reasonably priced and meets the requirements for licensure as a psychologist in California and also eligible for membership in the APA,(non RA PhD's are not eligible for membership even if licensed.


BEWARE!! As of a few months ago, the MIGS site was pretty clear in disclosing that the MIGS psychology doctorate was not necessarily appropriate for someone seeking clinical licensure.

There are *plenty* of good psychology doctoral programs, including Fielding Institute, which I believe is APA accredited. There's also ITP in Palo Alto, which has a good doctoral clinical psychology program (not APA accredited, as far as I know) and JFK University, who I recently heard (but haven't verified) is starting a DL program. They are, I believe, in the process of getting APA accreditation.

I can't possibly imagine that MIGS would be the best choice for anyone. Keep in mind that Rich Douglas gave it every effort and attempt, and gave up what was essentially a no-cost program for him after becoming completely frustrated at the incredible lack of concern/interest/faculty/etc on the part of MIGS/CEU.

Please, please reconsider this decision. Even if you believe that the CEU is fully in charge (which I think is absolutely not true), the CEU knows nothing about DL, they have never issued a doctorate, and they have no experience in educating American students. The only folks with experience are the unpaid MIGS educational staff (Armando Arias and Bruce Foreman) who are most certainly *NOT* in Monterrey.

No, it's still a less-than-wonderful, and the sudden influx of MIGS apologists seems like a pathetic attempt on the part of Sheila (who, in spite of her claims to the contrary, reads this board) to bring credibility back to her tarnished, less-than-wonderful program that operated illegally in Florida (and, if you believe MIGS chair and bumbling attorney Enrique Serna, in Texas as well) for more than a year before being caught by Florida authorities.

Stay away. There are many options that are much better.

 

David,

Reading Chip’s last post on this subject I want you to consider few things

1) Still the same game i.e. anyone that differ in opinion other than those marketed on this forum must be an apologist or an agent of some sort (according to the forum’s inner caucus)
2) Most schools will advise you to check with your local authority to ensure that their program will meet your Licensing needs if licensing is of paramount importance to you .So it’s nothing phenomenon with MIGS.

3) “There are many options that are much better” oh what a news! ! There are many better options in almost everything. There are many better options to Penn State U, New York U, Texas A&M, Princeton, Brandies, Walden, Capella, U of Phoenix, Sunny Albany, U of London and Yes Migs.

4) If MIGS/CEU is indeed operating illegally in Florida, it must be to the pleasure of the state authority over there since they know all about MIGS/CEU.

5) Bottom line pal, Do your homework very well and if MIGS will suit your purpose
Go for it.

Timmy Ade who is not in anyway shape or form associated with MIGS/CEU,
Sheila, Bruce Forman or Dr. Arias. (Other than considering them amongst other Schools
Enjoy your weekend.


David,

Reading Chip’s last post on this subject I want you to consider few things

1) Still the same game i.e. anyone that differ in opinion other than those marketed on this forum must be an apologist or an agent of some sort (according to the forum’s inner caucus)
2) Most schools will advise you to check with your local authority to ensure that their program will meet your Licensing needs if licensing is of paramount importance to you .So it’s nothing phenomenon with MIGS.

3) “There are many options that are much better” oh what a news! ! There are many better options in almost everything. There are many better options to Penn State U, New York U, Texas A&M, Princeton, Brandies, Walden, Capella, U of Phoenix, Sunny Albany, U of London and Yes Migs.

4) If MIGS/CEU is indeed operating illegally in Florida, it must be to the pleasure of the state authority over there since they know all about MIGS/CEU.

5) Bottom line pal, Do your homework very well and if MIGS will suit your purpose
Go for it.

Timmy Ade who is not in anyway shape or form associated with MIGS/CEU,
Sheila, Bruce Forman or Dr. Arias. (Other than considering them amongst other Schools)

Enjoy your weekend.

 

Hi Timmy - I am not in anyway shape or form associated with MIGS/CEU, Sheila, Bruce Forman or Dr. Arias either, or anyone else from the university - and speaking from many years of experience in taking distance ed courses, confusion is par for ANY university, especially when distance ed is involved since it still has a derogatory, sometimes negative 'feeling' to it.

- and I agree, Florida told me that they know MIGS/CEU is operating in Florida, and all that their State Board lawyers say is that MIGS/CEU can't offer Florida or US degrees, but they ARE allowed to have an office and offer their own degree.

- and MIGS / CEU states right up front that they are NOT accredited and that state licenses do not apply and to check with your individual state

- I dug up some old and some recent university brochures and even the local universities have that same statement in their books that MIGS / CEU has.

- and, I'm still considering MIGS / CEU and other universities as well.

- when I applied for undergrad, I applied to several, and when my nieces applied for their grad they applied to many - it's a loss of money, but acceptance choices are worth it - many items come out about a university AFTER the acceptance, not before or during. And you never know until acceptance how many credits will be transferrable. So, line up your acceptances, weigh the options, do your research and homework well, and make a choice - that's my philosophy. Mary

 

I have to agree with the above statement, except that in a previous thread I referred to the "inner caucus" as "The Group"!

Mary:

I would suggust that if you are serious about doctoral study at MIGS/CEU that you resign from this NG as you'll only find negative remarks -- some accurate and some not.

Good Luck!

Wes

 

Thanks to Mary & thank you too Wes.

Tim.

 

I am sorry but these pro MIGS boiler room post are hilarious. As has been stated any MIGS students will, if lucky, get a degree from a lower level Mexican College that offers ONE Master degree and NO Phds! Just think what prestige that will command. With all the legitimate programs available looking to this program is just sad. Best of luck.

------------------
Best Regards,
Dave Hayden

 

>>these pro MIGS boiler room post are

What are 'boiler room posts'? Can anyone enlighten me? Thank you. Mary

 

The term "boiler room" is often associated with telemarketing companies who fill a room full of phones and salespeople who all squawk the same drivel about a product no one wants or should buy. Sound familiar?

Rich Douglas

 

Rich - you want to take a step back and listen to yourself.

You are one of the bitter, disgruntled and moaning types who tries to bully his opinion onto everyone. And of course through the 'experts' here you have abundant company. Everyone needs a forum to be heard in I suppose, and if they don't have a fulfilled and effective life elsewhere, they boringly harp on the one string in places like this.

A pity really as surely there is some redeemable talent there that could be useful somewhere?

CEU didn't work out for you - so go somewhere else. We have both shared notes on this, but I have persisted one way or another since 1999, and I am going through with it. I have been involved with many schools at various stages of development and demise, and this is nothing out of the ordinary. It is as if you have never had a 'real' experience anywhere else. For me it is who my mentors will be, what I will publish and where, and where I will be invited to speak. At this stage this is not a problem, but then I am not you.

It is a non-US institution and for me is a viable option, and as you are aware I have plenty - I am not begging for entrance, acceptance or credits. For you it is not what you want - so why don't you accept that and stop tying to force your opinion as if it was the only one that mattered.

You insult the intelligence of many here, but I really don't care personally as your type really only brings a smile, and provides more material for my new applied psych classes. But when we quote you, we do you the honour of acknowledging you )

As Tom said earlier, you'll find problems with where ever you are now, because that is clearly demonstrated as being your very nature - it is not really MIGS, CEU, or anywhere at all - it is a lot closer home than that.

I do suppose that there is a bright side to all of this - the longer that you rave on, the more people will realise that you are biased and unrealiable, which is a pity as you do add some value quite often, but that will be lost.

Peter French

 

The truth has a tendency to do that. This is from a guy who has listed--without qualification--two degree mill doctorates. He did it while participating in the a.e.d. "Official" FAQ. Of course, now he claims they're just novelty items, not to be taken seriously. One could also say that about their holder....

Peter, you don't get it. The facts, which you cannot refute or make disappear, are at issue here. Of course I'm biased against MIGS; I've seen what it has become. Levicoff called it very early "on spec," and he was right. Others took a look and thought it might turn out alright, then changed their minds. Many of them post here, including me. Of course, if people like you would shut up about MIGS--especially when lying about what it is and isn't--this thread would die. But many of us feel a need to respond to these lies each time they're posted. (Note that I have started only a couple of threads ever.) And if posting here makes someone less credible, why do you persist? Go get your third fake doctorate and be done with it already.

Rich Douglas

P.S. It is refreshing to be on the other side of the MIGS issue. Hey, Macarena!

 

This is nothing more than a personal attack. It does not contribute anything; it does not offer any additional information that would add to an intelligent debate of the issues; it does nothing except try to silence the critics of an entity that is truly deserving of criticism.

Peter, you have not offered one sound, logical reason to attend el MIGS/CEU, beyond the obvious: you will be able to complete a degree (a dubious Ph.D.) in less time, with less effort, and incurring less cost (if any at all) than anywhere else.

Aren’t these the same advantages a de facto degree mill touts in their marketing efforts to the deceitful and unsuspecting?

Gus Sainz

 

Interesting thread but if someone is really bent on a MIGS/CEU doctorate then --

Go out an earn that MIGS/CEU doctorate. Then come back and tell us honestly if the program met your needs professionally or if you must defend it constantly and it was a sham. You spent the time, energy, and money so make the best of it.

For MIGS/CEU grads you should be able to ascertain fairly quickly how the rest of the world accepts the credential. Will you be bold enough to come forward and share your experience?

John

 

No, I don’t think so, Peter. If you take the time to read my posts you will see that I don’t just chime in for the sake of argument. On the contrary, it is quite possible that no one has posted more factual information (information that at the time was unpopular and extremely hard to come by) than me.

Peter, in response to your question, you were never required to advise me of your reasons. It is simply that since your decision to return to el MIGS you have chosen to shill for them in this forum. This is understandable behavior exhibited by many students of substandard institutions attempting to enhance the value and utility of a dubious degree. This is even more applicable to individuals who, like you, are employed by said institutions. However, by continuing to promoting el MIGS without providing one single solid, logical reason to do so (except, “I go there, so it has to be primo mucho very good bueno”), you insult the intelligence of all the members of this forum.

Moreover, (Administrators: take note) because of your employment by el MIGS, your refusal to fully disclose your position, responsibilities or activities on their behalf, your incapability to offer any relevant information or logical rationale, your incessant personal attacks upon anyone who dares voice any criticism of el MIGS, you add nothing to the discussion of the issues, and therefore, your continual promotion of el MIGS may constitute a blatant commercial use of this forum and violate its TOS. This is especially relevant in light of the fact, that no less of a marketing authority than Sheila Danzig, advocates posting to newsgroups and discussion boards such as this one as a way to garner free publicity. An employee of an institution should not be allowed to make unsubstantiated comments and allegations whose sole purpose is to promote their employer on this forum. Full disclosure should be required before allowing someone to post concerning their own or competing institutions.

And as to the degrees from el MIGS being dubious (I chose that word very carefully as I doubt the individuals involved have changed their litigious ways), how can they be anything but? If for no other reason than they have yet to issue a single one, a degree from el MIGS’s degree is at best dubious. (I do not wish to argue semantics—just look it up in the dictionary.)

It is interesting that you state that only Americans pay for a Ph.D. in Australia; this is news to me. The obvious inference is that they are the only ones stupid enough to do so: shame on the Australian institutions who take advantage of the poor gullible Americans. However, I wonder if all of this would also be news to the vast number of students from Asia and the rest of the world who have also paid their fees? Should they contact their institutions and tell them that no less of an authority than Peter French stated that only Americans pay for their degrees and demand a refund?

I have no idea what you mean by “thanks to the continued attention we get,” but I’m sure you know that many Ph.D. candidates in the United States also do paid research, do not pay fees and receive a meager stipend (mostly in a traditional, full-time, residential program where they are employed as research assistants and TA’s)—your arguments are weakened by such a condescending tone. Most of us involved with distance education find the associated costs (and because you profess to be an accountant I assumed you realized that “costs” are not just money) of such an arrangement prohibitive. Moreover, few reputable distance education programs offer such opportunities.

I also am not clear what you meant by “In my case with CEU I am entitled to a local research grant from the system here, so not everyone concurs with your opinion Gus ... maybe they should have consulted you!” There is a big difference between feeling you are “entitled” to something, and submitting a research grant proposal, having it approved and funded. And, surely you jest about having those in “the system here” (whatever that means) consult me; it would take me less than five minutes (well within the time constraints you have imposed upon me ) to provide them with all the information they need to not only deny you any grant concerning el MIGS, but also have them rolling on the floor laughing their asses off. The mere fact that el MIGS operates illegally should suffice. Unless, of course by “the system” you mean your local crime syndicate, in which case you are probably right; it is possible they might want to fund research concerning el MIGS's activities.

Peter, Peter, Peter, I don’t, not even for a second, believe you do not have a clue concerning the activities of degree mills. On the contrary, I believe you are very well versed with their tactics and marketing efforts, gleamed from first hand experience. That, by your own admission, you couldn’t care less (regardless of the harm you may cause to other’s lives or careers), that, I do believe.

Gus Sainz