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'''Rochville University''' is an [[Distance education|online university]] offering a "Life Experience Degree, and Certificate Program". It has been accused of being a [[diploma mill]], but these alogations have never been substantiated. T
'''Rochville University''' is an [[school accreditation|unaccredited]] [[Distance education|online university]] offering a "Life Experience Degree, and Certificate Program". It has been accused of being a [[diploma mill]]. The [[Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board]] has indicated that Rochville, [[Belford University]], and the agencies from which they claim accreditation, "appear to be operated by the same people".<ref name=Malisow>Malisow, Craig, "[http://www.houstonpress.com/Issues/2006-07-20/news/news.html First Degree Fraud]", ''[[Houston Press]]'', July 20, 2006. Accessed August 17, 2006.</ref>The [[Oregon Office of Degree Authorization]] lists it as "fake".<ref name="oda"/>


==Accreditation status==
==Accreditation status==
Rochville is accredited by various organizations that offer online Accrediations. These have included the [[International Accreditation Agency for Online Universities]] (IAAOU), the [[Universal Council for Online Education Accreditation]] (UCOEA), the [[Board of Online Universities Accreditation]] (BOUA), and the [[World Online Education Accrediting Commission]] (WOEAC). Because Rochville University is not accredited by any [[List of recognized higher education accreditation organizations|recognized accreditation bodies]] in the United States, its degrees and credits may not be acceptable to employers or other institutions.<ref name=thecb/> Jurisdictions that have restricted or made illegal the use of credentials from unaccredited schools include [[Oregon]],<ref name="oda">[http://www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.aspx Unaccredited Colleges], ''[[Oregon Office of Degree Authorization]]''</ref><ref name="gazette">[http://www.billingsgazette.com/newdex.php?display=rednews/2005/01/30/build/wyoming/40-online-learning.inc State mulls online learning] by the [[Associated Press]], ''[[Billings Gazette]]'', January 30, 2005</ref> [[Michigan]],<ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Non-accreditedSchools_78090_7.pdf Colleges and Universities not accredited by CHEA], ''Michigan Education and Children's Services''</ref> [[Maine]],<ref>[http://www.maine.gov/education/highered/Non-Accredited/non-accredited.htm Accredited and Non-Accredited Colleges and Universities], ''Maine’s List of Non-Accredited Post-Secondary Schools''</ref> [[North Dakota]],<ref name="gazette"/> [[New Jersey]],<ref name="gazette"/> [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]],<ref name="oda"/><ref>[http://www.hecb.wa.gov/autheval/daa/ConsumerInformation.asp Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board], ''Washington Consumer Information''</ref> [[Nevada]],<ref name="oda"/><ref name="nevlaw">[http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-394.html#NRS394Sec700 Use of False or Misleading Degrees] Nevada statute NRS 394.700</ref> [[Illinois]],<ref name="oda"/> [[Indiana]],<ref name="oda"/> and [[Texas]].<ref name=thecb>[http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/AAR/PrivateInstitutions/NoTX.cfm Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas], ''Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board''</ref><ref>[http://www.herald-coaster.com/articles/2007/09/28/news/top_story/topstory.txt Two less doctors in the house - Hebert, Wilson back away from Ph.D.'s issued by ‘diploma mills'], by Stephen Palkot, ''Fort Bend Herald'', September 28, 2007</ref> Many other states are also considering restrictions on the use of degrees from unaccredited institutions.<ref>[http://www.osac.state.or.us/oda/faq.html Is Oregon the only state that disallows use of unaccredited degrees?] ''Oregon Office of Degree Authorization''</ref>
Rochville has claimed to be accredited by various organizations but none are recognized higher education accreditors. These have included the [[International Accreditation Agency for Online Universities]] (IAAOU), the [[Universal Council for Online Education Accreditation]] (UCOEA), the [[Board of Online Universities Accreditation]] (BOUA), and the [[World Online Education Accrediting Commission]] (WOEAC). Because Rochville University is not accredited by any [[List of recognized higher education accreditation organizations|recognized accreditation bodies]] in the United States, its degrees and credits are unlikely to be acceptable to employers or other institutions.<ref name=thecb/> Jurisdictions that have restricted or made illegal the use of credentials from unaccredited schools include [[Oregon]],<ref name="oda">[http://www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.aspx Unaccredited Colleges], ''[[Oregon Office of Degree Authorization]]''</ref><ref name="gazette">[http://www.billingsgazette.com/newdex.php?display=rednews/2005/01/30/build/wyoming/40-online-learning.inc State mulls online learning] by the [[Associated Press]], ''[[Billings Gazette]]'', January 30, 2005</ref> [[Michigan]],<ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Non-accreditedSchools_78090_7.pdf Colleges and Universities not accredited by CHEA], ''Michigan Education and Children's Services''</ref> [[Maine]],<ref>[http://www.maine.gov/education/highered/Non-Accredited/non-accredited.htm Accredited and Non-Accredited Colleges and Universities], ''Maine’s List of Non-Accredited Post-Secondary Schools''</ref> [[North Dakota]],<ref name="gazette"/> [[New Jersey]],<ref name="gazette"/> [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]],<ref name="oda"/><ref>[http://www.hecb.wa.gov/autheval/daa/ConsumerInformation.asp Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board], ''Washington Consumer Information''</ref> [[Nevada]],<ref name="oda"/><ref name="nevlaw">[http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-394.html#NRS394Sec700 Use of False or Misleading Degrees] Nevada statute NRS 394.700</ref> [[Illinois]],<ref name="oda"/> [[Indiana]],<ref name="oda"/> and [[Texas]].<ref name=thecb>[http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/AAR/PrivateInstitutions/NoTX.cfm Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas], ''Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board''</ref><ref>[http://www.herald-coaster.com/articles/2007/09/28/news/top_story/topstory.txt Two less doctors in the house - Hebert, Wilson back away from Ph.D.'s issued by ‘diploma mills'], by Stephen Palkot, ''Fort Bend Herald'', September 28, 2007</ref> Many other states are also considering restrictions on the use of degrees from unaccredited institutions.<ref>[http://www.osac.state.or.us/oda/faq.html Is Oregon the only state that disallows use of unaccredited degrees?] ''Oregon Office of Degree Authorization''</ref>


==Criticism and controversy==
==Past History==
An allegation by a Korean newspaper claims that Rochville University is a fraudulent [[diploma mill]].<ref>[http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2007/08/117_8792.html Diploma Mills: Purchase Fake Credentials], by Kim Rahn, ''The Korea Times'', August 22, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/may/21/officer_has_pay_back_raise_after_degreemill_probe/?local_news Officer has to pay back raise after degree-mill probe], by Aisling Swift, ''Naples Daily News'', May 21, 2006</ref><ref>[http://suburban.gmnews.com/news/2005/0505/Front_Page/058.html ‘Diploma mill’ suit settled by boro, cop] by John Dunphy, East Brunswick Sentinel Suburban, 5 May 2005</ref>
Claims have been made that Rochville University is a fraudulent [[diploma mill]].<ref>[http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2007/08/117_8792.html Diploma Mills: Purchase Fake Credentials], by Kim Rahn, ''The Korea Times'', August 22, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/may/21/officer_has_pay_back_raise_after_degreemill_probe/?local_news Officer has to pay back raise after degree-mill probe], by Aisling Swift, ''Naples Daily News'', May 21, 2006</ref><ref>[http://suburban.gmnews.com/news/2005/0505/Front_Page/058.html ‘Diploma mill’ suit settled by boro, cop] by John Dunphy, East Brunswick Sentinel Suburban, 5 May 2005</ref>


According to GetEducated.com, an online learning consumer group, Rochville University operates under various aliases, including affordabledegrees.com.<ref>[http://www.geteducated.com/diploma-mill-police/degree-mills-list/rochville-university-accreditation], GetEducated.com, June 9, 2001</ref> GetEduacated.com states on their website concerning Rochville University "We have NO Consumer Warnings on file for this online college. "http://affordabledegrees.com/], AffordableDegrees.com, June 9, 2011</ref>
According to GetEducated.com, an online learning consumer group, Rochville University operates under various aliases, including affordabledegrees.com.<ref>[http://www.geteducated.com/diploma-mill-police/degree-mills-list/rochville-university-accreditation], GetEducated.com, June 9, 2001</ref> An advertisement on affordabledegrees.com asks prospective students whether they "struggle in relationships, as 'she' thinks you don't have a promising future?" The advertisement then promises "an accredited degree on the basis of life experience you already have with no studies, no attendance, no waiting, and no examinations." The website claims that this degree can be obtained online "for as little as $399 and received in just 14 days!"<ref>[http://affordabledegrees.com/], AffordableDegrees.com, June 9, 2011</ref>


In 2009, GetEducated.com reportedly managed to purchase an online MBA for its mascot, a dog named Chester Ludlow. The news release indicates that they submitted a fraudulent resume as well as $499 and a week later they received a degree based on their perpetrated fraud. <ref>Chronicle.com, [http://chronicle.com/blogPost/Unmuzzling-Diploma-Mills-Dog/8175/?sid=pm&utm_source=pm&utm_medium=en Unmuzzling Diploma Mills: Dog Earns M.B.A. Online], ''[[Chronicle of Higher Education]]'', September 23, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.geteducated.com/breaking-news-consumer-alerts/21-breaking-news-consumer-alerts/289-dog-gets-online-mba Dog Earns Online MBA], GetEducated.com, September 21, 2009</ref>
In 2009, GetEducated.com reportedly managed to purchase an online MBA for its mascot, a dog named Chester Ludlow. The news release indicates that $499 and a resume were submitted to Rochville in May and a week later the degree with a packet of corresponding paperwork arrived from [[Dubai]] showing that the dog graduated with a 3.19 G.P.A. In addition to the MBA diploma and transcripts, Chester received a "certificate of distinction in finance and a certificate of membership in the student council".<ref>Chronicle.com, [http://chronicle.com/blogPost/Unmuzzling-Diploma-Mills-Dog/8175/?sid=pm&utm_source=pm&utm_medium=en Unmuzzling Diploma Mills: Dog Earns M.B.A. Online], ''[[Chronicle of Higher Education]]'', September 23, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.geteducated.com/breaking-news-consumer-alerts/21-breaking-news-consumer-alerts/289-dog-gets-online-mba Dog Earns Online MBA], GetEducated.com, September 21, 2009</ref>


On 15 December 2005, [[CNN]] aired a report on [[diploma mill]]s and terrorism.<ref name=CNNdiploma>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0512/15/pzn.01.html Diploma Mills Represent Security Threat to United States] December 15, 2005 [[CNN]], [[Paula Zahn Now]]</ref> Attempts to find a physical presence for Rochville failed, although this is very common for an online University. CNN reported that its website was operated from [[Sarasota, Florida]].
On 15 December 2005, [[CNN]] aired a report on [[diploma mill]]s and terrorism.<ref name=CNNdiploma>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0512/15/pzn.01.html Diploma Mills Represent Security Threat to United States] December 15, 2005 [[CNN]], [[Paula Zahn Now]]</ref> As part of its coverage, the network purchased a master's degree in chemistry from Rochville in the name of Abu Salsabil Hassan Omar, presumably an identity of their own creation. Attempts to find a physical presence for Rochville failed. CNN reported that its website was operated from [[Sarasota, Florida]]. The diploma received by the network was mailed from the [[United Arab Emirates]].


There have also been concerns that some people may have used degrees obtained from Rochville and other online universities for fraudulent purposes. On 22 February 2007 [[Yorkshire]] police announced plans to re-investigate 700 court cases after the conviction of [[Gene Morrison]], "a [[fraudster]] who conned the courts for three decades by posing as a forensic expert."<ref name="Yorkshire">{{cite news | url=http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2066400&SectionID=55| title=700 court cases thrown into doubt by fraudster | publisher=[[Yorkshire Post]] | date=22 February 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-03-13}}</ref> Morrison was convicted of 22 counts involving his claimed education, including four counts of obtaining money by deception, seven counts of attempting to obtain property by deception, eight counts of perverting the course of justice or intending to pervert the course of justice, and three counts of perjury.<ref name="Yorkshire" /> The court ruled that his BSc degree in [[forensic science]], a master's degree with excellence in forensic investigation and a doctorate in [[criminology]] from Rochville University in the United States were gained "not from years of study and learning, but from accessing a website, www.affordabledegrees.com, and paying a fee."<ref name="Yorkshire" />
There have also been concerns that some people may have used degrees obtained from Rochville and other online universities for fraudulent purposes. On 22 February 2007 [[Yorkshire]] police announced plans to re-investigate 700 court cases after the conviction of [[Gene Morrison]], "a [[fraudster]] who conned the courts for three decades by posing as a forensic expert."<ref name="Yorkshire">{{cite news | url=http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2066400&SectionID=55| title=700 court cases thrown into doubt by fraudster | publisher=[[Yorkshire Post]] | date=22 February 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-03-13}}</ref> Morrison was convicted of 22 counts involving his claimed education, including four counts of obtaining money by deception, seven counts of attempting to obtain property by deception, eight counts of perverting the course of justice or intending to pervert the course of justice, and three counts of perjury.<ref name="Yorkshire" /> The court ruled that his BSc degree in [[forensic science]], a master's degree with excellence in forensic investigation and a doctorate in [[criminology]] from Rochville University in the United States were gained "not from years of study and learning, but from accessing a website, www.affordabledegrees.com, and paying a fee."<ref name="Yorkshire" />

Revision as of 17:14, 19 February 2013

Rochville University
MottoRedefine Your Future
TypeDistance education
Established2001
CampusVirtual campus
Websiterochvilleuniversity.org

Rochville University is an unaccredited online university offering a "Life Experience Degree, and Certificate Program". It has been accused of being a diploma mill. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has indicated that Rochville, Belford University, and the agencies from which they claim accreditation, "appear to be operated by the same people".[1]The Oregon Office of Degree Authorization lists it as "fake".[2]

Accreditation status

Rochville has claimed to be accredited by various organizations but none are recognized higher education accreditors. These have included the International Accreditation Agency for Online Universities (IAAOU), the Universal Council for Online Education Accreditation (UCOEA), the Board of Online Universities Accreditation (BOUA), and the World Online Education Accrediting Commission (WOEAC). Because Rochville University is not accredited by any recognized accreditation bodies in the United States, its degrees and credits are unlikely to be acceptable to employers or other institutions.[3] Jurisdictions that have restricted or made illegal the use of credentials from unaccredited schools include Oregon,[2][4] Michigan,[5] Maine,[6] North Dakota,[4] New Jersey,[4] Washington,[2][7] Nevada,[2][8] Illinois,[2] Indiana,[2] and Texas.[3][9] Many other states are also considering restrictions on the use of degrees from unaccredited institutions.[10]

Criticism and controversy

Claims have been made that Rochville University is a fraudulent diploma mill.[11][12][13]

According to GetEducated.com, an online learning consumer group, Rochville University operates under various aliases, including affordabledegrees.com.[14] An advertisement on affordabledegrees.com asks prospective students whether they "struggle in relationships, as 'she' thinks you don't have a promising future?" The advertisement then promises "an accredited degree on the basis of life experience you already have with no studies, no attendance, no waiting, and no examinations." The website claims that this degree can be obtained online "for as little as $399 and received in just 14 days!"[15]

In 2009, GetEducated.com reportedly managed to purchase an online MBA for its mascot, a dog named Chester Ludlow. The news release indicates that $499 and a resume were submitted to Rochville in May and a week later the degree with a packet of corresponding paperwork arrived from Dubai showing that the dog graduated with a 3.19 G.P.A. In addition to the MBA diploma and transcripts, Chester received a "certificate of distinction in finance and a certificate of membership in the student council".[16][17]

On 15 December 2005, CNN aired a report on diploma mills and terrorism.[18] As part of its coverage, the network purchased a master's degree in chemistry from Rochville in the name of Abu Salsabil Hassan Omar, presumably an identity of their own creation. Attempts to find a physical presence for Rochville failed. CNN reported that its website was operated from Sarasota, Florida. The diploma received by the network was mailed from the United Arab Emirates.

There have also been concerns that some people may have used degrees obtained from Rochville and other online universities for fraudulent purposes. On 22 February 2007 Yorkshire police announced plans to re-investigate 700 court cases after the conviction of Gene Morrison, "a fraudster who conned the courts for three decades by posing as a forensic expert."[19] Morrison was convicted of 22 counts involving his claimed education, including four counts of obtaining money by deception, seven counts of attempting to obtain property by deception, eight counts of perverting the course of justice or intending to pervert the course of justice, and three counts of perjury.[19] The court ruled that his BSc degree in forensic science, a master's degree with excellence in forensic investigation and a doctorate in criminology from Rochville University in the United States were gained "not from years of study and learning, but from accessing a website, www.affordabledegrees.com, and paying a fee."[19]

The Sacramento Bee reported that firefighters who had purchased degrees from diploma mills to get raises were having their raises revoked. Rochville University was listed as one of the institutions that had provided degrees.[20] In Guam, a Rochville online degree was determined to be inadequate to meet the educational requirements for the position of chief of police.[21]

See also

References

  1. ^ Malisow, Craig, "First Degree Fraud", Houston Press, July 20, 2006. Accessed August 17, 2006.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Unaccredited Colleges, Oregon Office of Degree Authorization
  3. ^ a b Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
  4. ^ a b c State mulls online learning by the Associated Press, Billings Gazette, January 30, 2005
  5. ^ Colleges and Universities not accredited by CHEA, Michigan Education and Children's Services
  6. ^ Accredited and Non-Accredited Colleges and Universities, Maine’s List of Non-Accredited Post-Secondary Schools
  7. ^ Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board, Washington Consumer Information
  8. ^ Use of False or Misleading Degrees Nevada statute NRS 394.700
  9. ^ Two less doctors in the house - Hebert, Wilson back away from Ph.D.'s issued by ‘diploma mills', by Stephen Palkot, Fort Bend Herald, September 28, 2007
  10. ^ Is Oregon the only state that disallows use of unaccredited degrees? Oregon Office of Degree Authorization
  11. ^ Diploma Mills: Purchase Fake Credentials, by Kim Rahn, The Korea Times, August 22, 2007
  12. ^ Officer has to pay back raise after degree-mill probe, by Aisling Swift, Naples Daily News, May 21, 2006
  13. ^ ‘Diploma mill’ suit settled by boro, cop by John Dunphy, East Brunswick Sentinel Suburban, 5 May 2005
  14. ^ [1], GetEducated.com, June 9, 2001
  15. ^ [2], AffordableDegrees.com, June 9, 2011
  16. ^ Chronicle.com, Unmuzzling Diploma Mills: Dog Earns M.B.A. Online, Chronicle of Higher Education, September 23, 2009
  17. ^ Dog Earns Online MBA, GetEducated.com, September 21, 2009
  18. ^ Diploma Mills Represent Security Threat to United States December 15, 2005 CNN, Paula Zahn Now
  19. ^ a b c "700 court cases thrown into doubt by fraudster". Yorkshire Post. 22 February 2007. Retrieved 2007-03-13.
  20. ^ Robert Lewis, The Public Eye: 'Diploma mill' degrees for firefighters cost city $50,000, grand jury says, Sacramento Bee, July 9, 2009
  21. ^ Steve Limtiaco, Palacios: Scrutinize GPD applicants, Pacific Daily News, June 16, 2010
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