Complaint Review: Warren National University

Here is the letter sent to all Warren National University students (a/k/a Kennedy Western University). They failed accreditation, are being ordered to cease operations by State of Wyoming. They are referring all students to Preston University in Alabama, which was also expelled from Wyoming, and is apparently unlicensed in Alabama?

"Warren National University receives its licensure through the Wyoming State Department of Education, under W.S. 21-2-401 through 21-2-407. Such oversight requires the University to meet the standards as indicated within Article 4: Private School Licensing. This is a time of economic challenge for organizations both large and small. Every industry faces change brought in by new and unprecedented economic factors. Organizations that provide services to consumers are experiencing the impact of this economic downturn more and more each day. Warren National University is proud of our long history as a Wyoming private postsecondary institution providing adult learners nationwide with affordable online degree programs.

Warren National initiated an application for accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission of the NCA in June 2005. In December, 2007 the University was granted eligibility status from the HLC which lead to the scheduling of an onsite visit. The HLC site visit was held in October, 2008. On December 15, 2008 WNU was informed that it did not receive the team's recommendation for candidacy.

Warren National's plans to achieve accreditation were adversely impacted by the limitations of a tightening credit market and made more difficult by the increased costs of daily operation. Wyoming law requires that all private post-secondary degree granting institutions either obtain accreditation or remain "a candidate for accreditation" or "otherwise in the process for accreditation" to retain its degree granting authority. Effective January 22, 2009, Warren National University is no longer an applicant for accreditation. Warren National University is therefore required by Wyoming law to cease operation.

The University formally solicited the Wyoming Department of Education for the opportunity to support our students through an extended teach-out period. On January 15, 2009, WNU received a letter from the Wyoming Department of Education informing the University that "Wyoming law does not provide the Department with the necessary authority to grant the request for a 'teach-out' period".

On January 27, 2009 the University received notice from the Wyoming Department of Education notifying that our registration was being revoked. Warren National University is initiating an appeal of this decision. The degree granting authority for WNU is preserved while the appeal is being heard by the Wyoming Department of Education. Without the degree granting authority of the State of Wyoming, WNU cannot provide educational services to our students.

We are saddened to announce that the last day of instruction for Warren National University will be March 31, 2009."

Wilson
Hollywood, California
U.S.A.