Crap

The Mountain State University Board of Trustees is both disappointed and surprised to receive notice from the Higher Learning Commission of its intention to remove the University’s accreditation.

We are disappointed because the decision profoundly affects the students currently being served and the faculty and staff who serve them, as well as the opportunity the University affords for future generations.

We are surprised because the report ignores the significant progress that has been made since the Higher Learning Commission notified the University of its concerns a year ago. Major changes have been undertaken in all of the areas of concern that were cited by the Higher Learning Commission and significant progress has been demonstrated in implementing these changes.

The issues that are cited by the Higher Learning Commission as justification for its action are stated largely as they were a year ago. Missing is recognition of the evidence the University community presented documenting our significant progress. Also missing is acknowledgement, as was recognized by the members of the HLC team that visited the campus in March, that not enough time had passed to enable the University to demonstrate permanent change.

The Board is committed to continue to do what is in the best interests of the students, faculty and staff of Mountain State University and the community it has served since 1933. It is the Board’s intention to promptly appeal the decision in accordance with the procedures available to the University, and to forcefully pursue our appeal. We are also weighing all options to preserve and protect MSU. We will provide updates on a regular basis as decisions are made.




Guys please do not post negative comments, this is a very stressful time.

I just wasted a lot of money. OMG.

To all fellow MSU'ers I feel your pain

Yeah, we've been discussing this a little in the GIBill post in the FBO section. As we have a couple people using their GIBill to pursue flight training, now they won't be able to do so at MSU.

Going to be interesting to see what comes of this, for all involved.

?
Are you already enrolled? What year?

@Douglas

I am a junior and yes I am enrolled. I was a transfer aviation student.

Might have to seek legal counseling for the money lost and lies.

Well, at the very least, an FAA certificates that you have gained are still valid... Still a lot of money for other classes involved.

That sucks for you, purpel. I don't know anything about it, but from what you posted it sounds like msu wants an "a" for effort?

Are they the ones who were partnered with ATP?

@MercFE

Yes my flight certificates hold water, but I have been working so hard to achieve this degree. I might take this as a sign to start over and get a new degree.

@gne in prog
I had a feeling this was coming down the poke, but I hoped for the best. Unfortunately, MSU couldn't get their ducks in order and because of that the students are feeling the consequences.

@mojo6911

Yes.

At least I can recourperate the costs since most of my credits were from flight ratings...

I think I might start a new degree outside of Aviation at a physical college and get the real college experience.

Without knowing the particulars of MSU's circumstances, I will say that there are some clown colleges out there masquerading as institutions of higher learning. Maybe MSU isn't one of them, can't say, but as a general proposition, it's high time the accreditation boards found a red pen.

That said, I am sorry for your troubles. Doesn't seem fair that one can invest money in a degree and then through no fault of their own find it meaningless. Ought to be some sort of escrow involved. Perhaps a class action lawsuit?

@Boris Badenov

Thanks for your support man.

I am hoping the lawsuit pulls through as there is one in motion currently.

Two Charleston law firms announced July 11 that they will be filing a class action lawsuit against Mountain State University.
The Webb Law Firm PLC and DiTrapano, Barrett & DiPiero PLLC filed the suit which seeks class certification on behalf of all current and former students affected by the loss of accreditation.

According to the Higher Learning Commission's public disclosure notice, the board of trustees of the HLC decided to withdraw accreditation effective Aug. 27.

However, in a news release issued earlier this week, Mountain State University officials stated they will "pursue a vigorous appeal" of the regional commission's decision, adding accreditation will not be withdrawn until the process is completed.

The suit was filed against Mountain State University, former president Charles H. Polk and the university's board of trustees.

According to the law firms' news release, plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages for misrepresentation, loss of accreditation, consumer protection statutes, negligence, breach of contract and breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing

Things like this are why we continue to suffer the existence of jtrain and his lawyer buddies. Every once in a while they actually sue someone for a good reason. Hey, it's rare, but it happens. I think it's probably a faint hope that they'll wind up having any assets to seize, but I'll nourish that faint little hope with you.

Does this really mean that the classes you succesfully completed while the place was accredited wont transfer? If so I would say you definetely have a concrete lawsuit.

Beat me by 2 seconds Steve

My understanding of it is that the credits transfer, but only by the same rules as would have applied prior to the loss of accreditation. Which means that, as a junior, he's pretty much hosed for a significant portion of the cost of his "education". Another case of "too bad, so sad" for the consumer and laughing all the way to the bank for those responsible. But go ahead and vote for Mittens or The One, there's nothing to see here. Ok, ok, that was a bit of a derailment. Truly sorry purpel. On the plus side, JC is full of people who have gotten a degree and their ratings...there will be good advice coming.

I don't understand the validity of a lawsuit. They didn't lie about being accredited, they lost accreditation AFTER the fact.

Probably depends on the university you're transferring them to.