I have withdrawn from the MIGS Ph.D. program. It has become increasingly clear to me that, despite a wonderful opportunity, they have no intention of running a distance learning graduate school. There isn't a thing I think or know about MIGS that I haven't already posted, so that's about it. I'll be glad to answer serious inquiries regarding the program as I know it to be. Rich Douglas
I'm sincerely sorry that it didn't work out for you Rich. I'm not sure what you meant by the above clipped sentence. Do you mean that the investment necessary to get the school up and running is not being made? Or do you mean that MIGS is falling apart or both? Or?
Rich, I too am sincerely sorry that things had to come to this. As you said, a great opportunity has been squandered. Any plans on another doctoral program? Your research area sounded like it would be a great resource to the DL community. Bruce
Bravo for this bold move. It is the right thing to do. I have never doubted your sincerity in your quest for a credible doctoral degree. It is very unfortunate that your doctoral study at MIGS/CEU has to end this way. You are a soldier and I strongly believe that you should match on until the objective (Ph.D.) is accomplished. I wish you the best. Ike
Needless to say, I have, this evening, resigned as a faculty member for MIGS, since my only reason for staying on was my promise to work with Rich in his doctoral program. And I do look forward to doing just that in another, happier venue. John Bear
Rich: For whatever my opinion is worth, you have proven yourself to be a man of honesty and integrity. You have my respect and admiration; I can only imagine what a difficult and agonizing decision this must have been. I once wrote concerning your plight with MIGS that it reminded me of a quote from “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes: “’There can be no doubt, Sancho,’ he said, ‘that this is going to be a great and perilous adventure in which it will be necessary to display all my strength and valor.’” You have demonstrated that strength and valor, Rich, but unfortunately the windmills (pun intended) won. Rich, your research is of prime importance to all of us interested in distance education, and worthy of a degree from a reputable institution. I understand that you must be concerned with the staleness of the data (I can only assume it was a significant factor in choosing MIGS in the first place—the ability to complete the research, statistical analysis, and dissertation as quickly as possible), and as such, I sincerely hope that you find a program that meets all of your needs soon. With your credentials and knowledge of distance education this should not prove to be an arduous task. Once again, Rich, I must congratulate you for making such a tough choice. It is my opinion that your decision to disassociate yourself from them denies MIGS use of the greatest marketing opportunity and tool they ever had: your affiliation, research and future success. MIGS does not deserve the credibility and integrity your endeavors would have lent them. With sincerest wishes for you future success, Gus Sainz
Actually, the data for this project have not been collected; there was no concern about staleness. I chose MIGS because at the time it looked like a great opportunity to finish the unfinished (and escape from ABD-hood), and to get in on the ground floor of a good effort. While I'm still sorta convinced the effort would have resulted in a properly issued degree, I cannot be sure. Anyone reading all I've written about this subject over the last year will realize the considerable concerns I've had regarding the execution of this effort. Everything else will work out in time. Rich Douglas
Dr. Bear: Your behavior throughout this entire debacle is commendable. I am most impressed by your level of restraint, and how you managed to refrain from sharing the numerous delicious witticisms that must have cross your mind. I can only hope Rich realizes how fortunate he is to have a friend and mentor like you. Have a safe and enjoyable trip; I look forward to your return. And I do believe you will return to this forum, as I am of the opinion you will come to realize that, however time consuming, and as much of a pain as it can be, it would be extremely selfish of you to deny us your wisdom, wit, and humor. Gus Sainz, who counts himself among the many who owe Dr Bear an eternal debt of gratitude for opening his eyes to the many life-changing educational opportunities available.
Hi, Rich. I think that your choice to withdraw is the right decision. And it's good that you are doing it sooner rather than later, before you had too much invested. I still hope that MIGS can pull itself together, answer the skeptics, and put together a credible program. But taking a degree there now seems little better than a roll of the dice. I admire your courage in getting involved in what seemed like a promising new educational startup. Though this one didn't work out, there will be many more opportunities. And I admire your honesty and candor through all of this as well.
I just wanted people to realize that I took on this project in good faith. The idea of a group of American academics banding together to develop and deliver degree programs under the auspices of a Mexican university is a reasonable thing to do. But that is not what is happening. I used the Touro International analogy more than a few times. But Touro had a staff, qualified faculty, structure, FREAKIN' PERMISSION TO OPERATE IN ITS HOME STATE, etc. So, while the analogy is reasonable in principle, that's not what is actually happening. Finally, I really appreciate all the fine words since my announcement. I really was in this for the right reasons, and am as disappointed as anyone at the outcome. But much more fun things are on the horizon. I'll let you know in a year. Rich Douglas
Sorry to hear about MIGS/CEU not working out. You sound somewhat relieved. You also sound like you have something else in mind. I wish you all the best Rich. North
Rich, It did seem (at first) that MIGS was a serious attempt at offering DL programs. I regret they didn't fulfill that objective, and do believe that your involvement with MIGS was in good faith. As you are well aware, there are numerous opportunities available--RA and GAAP--to complete your research and earn the Ph.D. So, while the MIGS ordeal has no doubt been frustrating, continue the journey! Russell
John, You might want to periodically check the MIGS web site/catalog, if they continue to exist. The name "John Bear, Ph.D." might be listed as a faculty member for the next 20 years. Russell
Good luck on the new program. I think MIGS did benefit from all this, although they may not feel like it after such a vetting. If they'll take a few dozen hints to heart, they'll be much stronger two years from now. It depends on what kind of institution they want to be and with what kind of institution CEU wants to be associated.