American InterContinental University

[Mark]

Do you know if this university (or "con.iversity") is listed among diploma mill universities? I'm planning to enroll at the university and before doing so, I'd like to know your opinion before I invest a quite a lot of money to the programme.

[ShotoJuku]

Do you know if this university (or "con.iversity") is listed among diploma mill universities? I'm planning to enroll at the university and before doing so, I'd like to know your opinion before I invest a quite a lot of money to the programme.

Taken from their website:

American InterContinental University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees.

[Kyle]

Hey Mark,

You can read more about American InterContinental University (http://www.degree.net/college-and-university/american-intercontinental-university-online.html)at degree.net University review

[johann]

Hi -

American Intercontinental has been on PROBATION with their accreditor (SACS) since Dec 2005 for a whole SLEW of issues. 2 years is the limit for probation so by Dec 2007 they either lose accreditation or regain it without probation.

If I really wanted to enroll here I'd wait till after then to see how their accreditation status is. WAIT! DON'T SEND YOUR MONEY YET!

Moderators - ShotoJuku and Kyle - you read the forums and press - YOU GUYS SHOULDA PICKED UP ON THIS!

Johann

[Tedmeister]

Do you know if this university (or "con.iversity") is listed among diploma mill universities? I'm planning to enroll at the university and before doing so, I'd like to know your opinion before I invest a quite a lot of money to the programme.American Intercontinental University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

[johann]

Hi Guys -

Tedmeister, I've read your many postings in other fora and I know you're one of the most respected authorities on the subject of Higher Ed.

I'm sure you're aware of AIU's controversy and its probationary status with its accreditor, SACS. Why then no mention?

For those who want more info, the following text is lifted from a Wikipedia article and there's much more stuff available just by searching on "American Intercontinental + probation."

"SACS placed the university on probation in December 2005.[3] In December 2006 the probation period has been extended for another year.[4][5]. The Commission stated that AIU "failed to demonstrate compliance with" the following sections of the Principles of Accreditation[4][5]:

Section 1 (Integrity)
Core Requirement 2.7.2 (Program Content)
Core Requirement 2.8 (Faculty)
Comprehensive Standard 3.2.8 (Governance and Administration)
Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1 (Institutional Effectiveness)
Comprehensive Standard 3.4.4 (Educational Programs)
Comprehensive Standard 3.4.5 (Educational Programs)
Comprehensive Standard 3.5.1 (Educational Programs-Undergraduate)
The University has come under scrutiny for its student recruiting practices and the fact that it falsely listed students as enrolled when they never actually attended. The University is an open-enrollment institution, where nearly everyone who applies is admitted. AIU argues that these open standards help create educational opportunities for low-income and minority students who might not otherwise be able to attend college. Others, including current and former AIU employees, have countered that enrolling students who lack adequate preparation and qualification does not actually help them. One anonymous professor stated: "If you can breathe and walk, you can get into the school."[6]

On June 21, 2005, the U.S. Department of Education put a freeze on approving CEC's new applications for additional campuses or acquisitions while it examined the company's financial records and compliance with federal student aid regulations.[6] According to a CEC press release, that restriction was lifted in January 2007. [7]"

May I also repeat my previous comment that probation can only extend for two years? By Dec. 2007, a decision must be made to restore or withdraw AIU's accreditation.

Johann

[cklapka]

They have been removed from probation according to their press release:
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20071211005990&newsLang=en

However, the website for SACS has yet to be updated:
http://www.sacscoc.org/details.asp?instid=12550