Cambridge State University Dishonest Diploma Mill And Scam School lied about their former association with same school and legal issues in LA ripoff deception Honolulu Hawaii
In July of 2002, I requested information from the non-accredited school, Cambridge State University, concerning a MBA program. Upon receipt of their materials, I contacted their office and spoke with the receptionist. I asked her if the Cambridge State University in HI was the same Cambridge State University from LA. She told me they were not, and I completed their enrollment materials and sent in $2,495.00 for tuition. On December of 2002, I was speaking with an associate of mine at the law school who informed me the two schools were the same. The reason I chose Cambridge State University in HI was because they were not associated with the acclaimed "diploma mills" and legal battles that ensued in LA. I called the school on December 9, 2002 and was again told they were not the same school. After graduating from law school, I started working as a litigation case manager for a prominent law firm in Birmingham Alabama that handles various class action lawsuits in all parts of the nation. While doing legal research, specifically with Arkansas and Louisiana Attorney Generals offices, I learned the Cambridge State University in HI was part of the same Cambridge State University that has such a negative association still in the South, and left Louisiana after legal actions were commenced against them. I called Cambridge State University again on April 25, 2003 and was this time told they left Louisiana on their own free will so they would not be associated with the "diploma mills" that were under investigation by the LA AG's office. When I told her it was my understanding they had a Temporary Restraining Order against Cambridge State before ever leaving the state, she denied their school ever having involvement in any legal actions and again assured me they had left on their own accord with a good reputation. When I told her I would like to speak with someone about a refund, Loretta admitted she had not worked for the school very long, but would get someone who could better answer my questions and assist me. I spoke with Conrad Smith, who told me he was the head of academic affairs. When I explained my prior conversations, he told me they were associated with the school in LA and that there were legal issues pending (i.e. the TRO, etc...), but that they do not advertise or publicize their associations in LA for obvious reasons. I stated I could understand why, as it was a strong stigma that still stood in the South today. I informed him I had relied on information to the contrary to participate in their program, but he said he would not provide a refund since it was after their 30 day refund period. I stressed if they had been open and honest with me from the beginning, I would never had participated in their program to begin with. Cambridge State's receptionists(s) are legal agents of the school, and I relied on their information to my detriment, as the Cambridge State University in LA was a school I was deliberately trying to avoid due to their negative associations in the South. I feel the school owes me a refund for misrepresenting information to me. I told the receptionist the first time I called I did not want to complete the enrollment application if they were associated with the school in Louisiana. They knew I would rely on their misinformation to make a decision to remain and participate in their program. This is unethical and unprofessional. Your assistance in obtaining a refund would be most appreciated, as I have attempted to negotiate with them, but they have refused to do so. Robert Birmingham, Alabama
U.S.A.
14 Updates & Rebuttals
NIANDA
NORFOLK,Virginia,
U.S.A.
I DID'NT BUY MY DEGREE FROM CAMBRIDGE STATE
#15REBUTTAL Individual responds
Tue, November 16, 2004
I WORKED FOR MY DERGREE! IT TOOK ME 16MOS TO GET MY DEGREE, I WISH THAT CAMBRIDGE JUST GO AHEAD AND JUST GET RECONIZED BY THE DEPT OF EDUCATION AND DISTANT LEARNING.
Brenda
New York,New York,
U.S.A.
cambridge statae degree is just as good or better!
#15UPDATE Employee
Mon, September 13, 2004
i know some so call graduates from a so accredited school that are'nt so intelligent either!!.I have hired the so called graduates of the high standard level of education institutions ans found out that they were no better than some high school drop outs. I had hired a cambridge state graduate and received good results frome this individual.If you don't have common sense in the first place,then all the degrees is not going to make anyone a better worker. i wish cambridge state go ahead and register with the department of distance learning, because there are other cambridge state graduates are just as good or better.
Jim
Floyds Knobs,Indiana,
U.S.A.
these are educators and directors that never had to do a full 8 hours of work
#15Consumer Suggestion
Sat, June 05, 2004
i do believe there is a ploy that all these so called accredited universities to just set back pull in the money- these are educators and directors that never had to do a full 8 hours of work, or set out on a battlefield or on a aircraft carrier for six months - and really have lost reality - no hands on - no sweat - no applying their trades/ thoughts- as a welding/manufacturing engineer i deal with everyday and long term mistakes that the above did not apply or understood. and really Kenneth you are a typical bigot that can not spell!!!
Jim
Floyds Knobs,Indiana,
U.S.A.
these are educators and directors that never had to do a full 8 hours of work
#15Consumer Suggestion
Sat, June 05, 2004
i do believe there is a ploy that all these so called accredited universities to just set back pull in the money- these are educators and directors that never had to do a full 8 hours of work, or set out on a battlefield or on a aircraft carrier for six months - and really have lost reality - no hands on - no sweat - no applying their trades/ thoughts- as a welding/manufacturing engineer i deal with everyday and long term mistakes that the above did not apply or understood. and really Kenneth you are a typical bigot that can not spell!!!
Jim
Floyds Knobs,Indiana,
U.S.A.
these are educators and directors that never had to do a full 8 hours of work
#15Consumer Suggestion
Sat, June 05, 2004
i do believe there is a ploy that all these so called accredited universities to just set back pull in the money- these are educators and directors that never had to do a full 8 hours of work, or set out on a battlefield or on a aircraft carrier for six months - and really have lost reality - no hands on - no sweat - no applying their trades/ thoughts- as a welding/manufacturing engineer i deal with everyday and long term mistakes that the above did not apply or understood. and really Kenneth you are a typical bigot that can not spell!!!
Jim
Floyds Knobs,Indiana,
U.S.A.
these are educators and directors that never had to do a full 8 hours of work
#15Consumer Suggestion
Sat, June 05, 2004
i do believe there is a ploy that all these so called accredited universities to just set back pull in the money- these are educators and directors that never had to do a full 8 hours of work, or set out on a battlefield or on a aircraft carrier for six months - and really have lost reality - no hands on - no sweat - no applying their trades/ thoughts- as a welding/manufacturing engineer i deal with everyday and long term mistakes that the above did not apply or understood. and really Kenneth you are a typical bigot that can not spell!!!
Jim
Floyds Knobs,Indiana,
U.S.A.
i feel the the degree is valid
#15Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 04, 2004
i recieved my BSME from Cambridge - i took over a year to write the papers and criteria that was set forth - so i feel the the degree is valid- but also what am i suppose to do about and what are my options- i do have a few experience in my feild, so basically i have lost 2,000.00 dollars
JOSEPHINE
DOVER,Delaware,
U.S.A.
MY DEGREE IS JUST AS BETTER AS ANYONE ELSES
#15Consumer Comment
Mon, February 16, 2004
CAMBRIDGE STATE MADE WORK HARD FOR MY DEGREE,AND I HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM AT ALL WITH IT.MY DEGREE IS JUST AS BETTER AS ANYONE ELSES I DID'NT BUY MY DEGREE I DID MY PAPERS AND SUBMITTED THEM LIKE ANY TRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENT! I KNOW A LOT OF TRADITIONAL COLLEGE GRADS THAT CAN MKE YOU WONDER WHERE IN THE WORLD THEY AQUIRED THEIR EDUCATION.
Andrew
Heidelberg, Germany,Europe,
U.S.A.
Sad, Sad, Sad!
#15Consumer Comment
Thu, June 26, 2003
I guess you would consider me a non-traditional student, I finished highschool early and joined the military. My college career was a single course at a time, weekends and nights, bewteen deployments.
After a hard earned AAS, I went to work. You know the deal, suporting a family, paying taxes, being a part of society. Since then I have continued my education in other ways. Weekend seminars, Special schools from my employer.
Finally I returned to school, albeit via the internet. I have no time to take off 5 years and ponder. Wish I could! Something about food and housing for my kids keeps me working. I finished my BS and MS in my career field via the internet. Four long years and hard work.
Is it accredited? Nope! Did I learn from the experience, YEPPERs! Was I able to influence the product I supplied to my employer, I believe so.
Do I care about initials after my name? Never have, never will. Would I recomend this venue to my kids? I would hope to assist them in their traditional college education.
Bottom line, accredited or no, did the individual person seeking self improvement recieve what they were looking for?
Kenneth
Alexandria,Virginia,
U.S.A.
BGS and DMD and SBD
#15Consumer Comment
Sat, June 21, 2003
Let us tell the whole story ...
The collegiate honor societies for business (usually school-wide) are as follows:
BETA GAMMA SIGMA for graduates of b-schools accredited Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (which includes the appropriate regional association).
DELTA MU DELTA for graduates of b-schools accredited by the second-rate accreditation authority in business known as the Association for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs(which includes the appropriate regional association).
SIGMA BETA DELTA for graduates of b-schools which do not hold specialized business accreditation but which are part of a lager collegiate institution which is accredited by the appropriate regional association only.
Two "departmental" honor societies, BETA ALPHA PSI in Accounting and SIGMA IOTA EPSILON in Management, are established only at A.A.C.S.B. accredied schools. These honor societies are not operated by the A.A.C.S.B. unlike BETA GAMMA SIGMA which is "owned" or "operated" by the A.A.C.S.B. Here the Academy of Management, the sponsor of SIGMA IOTA EPSILON has made a determination that its honor society will only be established at the A.A.C.S.B. schools.
::: Staff Note :::
Don't forget about the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). From what I understand, they also accredit collegiate business programs.
Additionally, after reviewing the AACSB website, it appears as if they will approve deserving business programs if the school is institutionally accredited by a national or regional agency recognized by the Secretary of Education.
Kenneth
Alexandria,Virginia,
U.S.A.
AACSB
#15Consumer Comment
Fri, June 20, 2003
Insofar as the AACSB two comments: The national honor and professional society in Management, Sigma Iota Epsilon only recognizes AACSB school graduates as does the American Acacdemy of Financial Management. Further, the AACSB, when it was known as the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, was first just a USA-schools only organization. Then the best foreign business schools petitioned the AACSB to get approved. So even foreign universities recognize the worth of AACSB status.
::: Note :::
Graduates of non-AACSB schools can be inducted into Sigma Beta Delta. SBD is a recognized International Society for Business, Management, and Administration.
Kenneth
Alexandria,Virginia,
U.S.A.
AACSB
#15Consumer Comment
Fri, June 20, 2003
Insofar as the AACSB two comments: The national honor and professional society in Management, Sigma Iota Epsilon only recognizes AACSB school graduates as does the American Acacdemy of Financial Management. Further, the AACSB, when it was known as the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, was first just a USA-schools only organization. Then the best foreign business schools petitioned the AACSB to get approved. So even foreign universities recognize the worth of AACSB status.
::: Note :::
Graduates of non-AACSB schools can be inducted into Sigma Beta Delta. SBD is a recognized International Society for Business, Management, and Administration.
Maxwell
Cambridge,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Ken is a hiring bigot
#15Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 20, 2003
Kenneth is mostly wrong; not to mention a hiring bigot .....
In addition to the above referenced regional accreditors, there are several accreditors that are nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Examples of such accreditors include the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). These accreditors are just as valid and legitimate as the regionals, and are considered to be equal in the eyes of our Secretary of Education.
Specialized accreditation is often times a plus. For some professions, such as the case in law or medicine, specialized accreditation is basically a necessity. However, since there are no licensing requirements for business graduates, AACSB accreditation is by no means a requirement. There are many good fully accredited business schools that hold national or regional institutional accreditation, but not AACSB accreditation.
Unfortunately, many elites refer to anything less than AACSB as inferior. Luckily, however, the introduction of the CMBA examination will allow graduates of less expensive non-AACSB schools to prove that they are just as competent, if not more so, than graduates of top-tier schools.
Personally, I feel that AASCB is over-rated. From what I understand, much of their accreditation is based on how many faculty members are full time. This means that many of the professors at AACSB schools are likely to be lazy academic elites with no professional experience. In contrast, students at non-AACSB schools will have the opportunity to learn from adjuncts who actually 'work' in their field.
I am able to make this comparison because I earned a BS in Business from a top-tier AACSB program, and an MBA from a nationally accredited non-AACSB program. Although I enjoyed both experiences, I feel that the AACSB program was sub-par overall. On the other hand, the 51 credit non-AACSB MBA program featured an extremely difficult curriculum, and required a thesis as well as a capstone project and internship.
My MBA credential is just as valid as Kenneths, and it allows me to sit for the CMBA examination. I hope to take advantage of this eligibility by sitting for the exam before starting back at law school (ABA) this fall.
So what do you say Kenneth? Do you want to put your money where your AACSB is? Do you think you would be able to out-score me in even one of the ten major component areas of the exam? I doubt it.
Fortunately, law is my true passion. As a result, I will never have to deal with prejudiced hiring personnel such as Kenneth. Then again, via litigation, I could make a pretty good living ending his type of discriminatory hiring practices.
Even if Kenneths type of discrimination is not illegal now, there is a possibility it will be after higher education is reauthorized in 2004. From what I understand, Congress is expected to address the issue of accreditation discrimination. Hopefully, after the issue is addressed, the denial of employment, admissions, transfer, etc will be prohibited if such denial is based only on the source of recognized accreditation.
Individuals should not be denied employment only because their credentials come from institutions that hold lesser known forms of recognized accreditation. If this happens, and the applicants meet all other employment requirements, they could probably take action, and help to set a precedent.
Credentialed education is an extremely important requirement for some employment positions. However, accreditation, so long as it is recognized by our government, should not be a hiring factor. In the case of business, hiring personnel should consider other important factors; such as the applicants GPA, prior work experiences, and scores on certification exams such as the CMBA.
Not everyone can afford to attend $30,000+ per year top tier graduates programs. Likewise, there are many who can not even afford to properly prepare for graduate admissions exams such as the LSAT, GMAT, or GRE. Individuals who overcome such obstacles and still find a way to obtain valid academic credentials should not be punished by people like Kenneth when it comes time to gain employment.
Kenneth
Alexandria,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Get your MBA from a real school!
#15Consumer Comment
Fri, June 20, 2003
The so-called students enroll in any degree program from a school that is known to them as not being accredited have only themselves to blame.
Whatever college or university you attend, make sure that is is accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. These include the SOUTHERN ASSOCATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS, the MIDDLE STATES ASSOCATION, etc. This is the most basic of all accrditations.
Also, if you want a buiness degree, you would be well-avdised to attend a school that is accredited by the ASSOCIATION TO ADVANCE COLLEGIETA SCHOOLS OF BUSINESS - INTERNATIONAL (the A.A.C.S.B.). That is one of the many subject-area accrditing authorities. Nursing has their own accrediting authority as does engineering and law and ... These subject-area accrediting authorities re "over an above" the regional accredtation.
If you go to an un-accredited school you are just buyng your degree! Go to a real b-school like the ones at Columbia U, Rutgers U, U of Penn, U of Southern California, Harvard U, etc. I suspect that you would find those M.B.A. degree programs a whole lot more demanding, maybe too demanding for you to earn a M.B.A. degree. My own MB.A. from one of the above-listed schools took me 60 semester hours of graduate course work ... that is two years goinng full time or five years going part-time.
All things worth having in life require good effort.
And being a hiring manager in a business, I would never hire any b-school degreed person who came from a non-AACSB school. They made a terible decision insofar as their personal educational life. I don't want that type of sub-standard decision making around me in a business envronment!