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'''Almeda University''' is an accredited Post-Secondary Educational Institution that offers various ] through ], including a "Life Experience Degree".
'''Almeda University''' (also known as '''Almeda College''', '''Almeda College & University''', or '''Almeda International University'''<ref name=oda>, Oregon State Office of Degree Authorization, accessed and September 16, 2011</ref><ref name=tx-fraudnotx/><ref>, Almeda College website, accessed September 16, 2011</ref><ref>, accessed September 17, 2011</ref>) is an ]<ref name=oda/><ref name=maine>, ] state government</ref> ] institution that offers various ] through ], including a "Life Experience Degree".


==History== ==History==
Almeda University was founded in 1997 as a distance learning program and currently has a mailing address in ].<ref name="BBB"/> In 2001, the school established an online presence. It currently offers undergraduate degrees as well as masters and doctorate degree programs. In addition to its degree programs, Almeda University also offers a wide selection of non-credit courses intended for professional development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indyposted.com/188224/almeda-university-agrees-degree-holders-more-likely-to-find-work/#A1g8s32oTA3gJOGk.99 |title=Almeda University Agrees: Degree Holders More Likely to Find Work |publisher=Indyposted |date=2012-06-08 |accessdate=2012-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.netcheck.com/almedauniversity.shtml|publisher = Netcheck|title = Almeda University}}</ref> ''Bears' Guide'' says that it could not locate the physical address of the institution and was informed by reception that Almeda University is a "web only" institution.<ref name=bear187>, ], Maria Bear, (2003-01-01), pp.187 Ten Speed Press, 215. ISBN 1-58008-431-1</ref> As of 2005, the ] reported that Almeda had been closed by legal action in Florida but might still be operating there, had been based in ] for a brief time, and also was using an Idaho address.<ref>, ], archived by archive.org on December 29, 2005</ref> Richard Smith is Almeda’s current CEO.<ref name="BBB">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbb.org/boise/business-reviews/correspondence-schools/almeda-university-in-boise-id-34000083/ |title=BBB Business Review |author= |year=2004 |publisher=Better Business Bueau |accessdate=24 November 2012}}</ref> Almeda University was founded in 1997 as a distance learning program and currently has a mailing address in ].<ref name="BBB"/> In 2001, the school established an online presence. It currently offers undergraduate degrees as well as masters and doctorate degree programs. In addition to its degree programs, Almeda University also offers a wide selection of credit and non-credit courses intended for professional development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indyposted.com/188224/almeda-university-agrees-degree-holders-more-likely-to-find-work/#A1g8s32oTA3gJOGk.99 |title=Almeda University Agrees: Degree Holders More Likely to Find Work |publisher=Indyposted |date=2012-06-08 |accessdate=2012-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.netcheck.com/almedauniversity.shtml|publisher = Netcheck|title = Almeda University}}</ref>


==Programs and courses== ==Programs and courses==
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==Accreditation status== ==Accreditation status==
Legally, Almeda University is a corporation registered on the Caribbean island of ].<ref name="almeda-pp"/> Legally, Almeda University is a corporation registered on the Caribbean island of ].<ref name="almeda-pp"/>
Almeda is listed as an accredited member of ]<ref name="IEM">{{cite web |url=http://interfaitheduministries.org/members.html |title=Accredited Member Schools and Universities |author= |year=2001 |publisher=World Association for Online Education |accessdate=24 November 2012}}</ref> and the ],<ref name="AOAEX">{{cite web |url=http://aoaex.org/ful_acc_mem.html |title=Fully Accredited Members |author= |year=2001 |publisher=The Association for Online Academic Excellence |accessdate=24 November 2012}}</ref> and claims accreditation by the ].<ref name="Almeda-accred">{{cite news | url=http://www.almedacollege.org/certification-accreditation.html | title= Almeda University-Certifications and accreditations | publisher=Almeda University | year=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060813154908/http://www.almedacollege.org/certification-accreditation.html| archivedate= 13 August 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> None of these are recognized by the ] or the ].<ref name="chea">{{cite news | url=http://www.chea.org | title=Accreditation Database and Information | publisher=] | date= | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060820045039/http://www.chea.org/| archivedate= 20 August 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> On its website, Almeda states that its claimed sources of accreditation are not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with the result that students cannot receive U.S. federal loans or assistance under the ] and Almeda degrees may not be recognized by academia or employers.<ref name="Almeda-accred" /> Almeda is listed as an accredited member of ]<ref name="IEM">{{cite web |url=http://interfaitheduministries.org/members.html |title=Accredited Member Schools and Universities |author= |year=2001 |publisher=World Association for Online Education |accessdate=24 November 2012}}</ref> and the ],<ref name="AOAEX">{{cite web |url=http://aoaex.org/ful_acc_mem.html |title=Fully Accredited Members |author= |year=2001 |publisher=The Association for Online Academic Excellence |accessdate=24 November 2012}}</ref> and is accredited by the ].<ref name="Almeda-accred">{{cite news | url=http://www.almedacollege.org/certification-accreditation.html | title= Almeda University-Certifications and accreditations | publisher=Almeda University | year=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060813154908/http://www.almedacollege.org/certification-accreditation.html| archivedate= 13 August 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

*'''Connecticut:''' In October 2001, the ] ordered Almeda to cease offering degrees in ]. In 2002, when an investigation showed that Almeda continued to advertise its programs in Connecticut, the Department of Higher Education sent a second cease and desist letter to Almeda and referred the issue to the ] for possible legal action.<ref name=CT_DHE>{{cite web| url = http://www.ctdhe.org/info/pdfs/ReportUnlicensedSchools.pdf
| format=PDF
| title = Actions against unlicensed colleges and private occupational schools in Connecticut Fall 2001-Spring 2003
| publisher = Connecticut Department of Higher Education
| accessdate = 2007-01-17}}</ref>
*'''Florida:''' In 2003, the ] entered into an agreement with Almeda requiring the institution to cease operating in the state. Although Floridians can still get a degree from the online university, Almeda warns Floridians that its degrees may be invalid for public employment in Florida.<ref name="NBC2">{{cite news
| url = http://www.nbc-2.com/Articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=7965&z=3&p=
| title = University not recognized by state of Florida
| publisher = NBC2
| date = 2006-07-17
| first = Kathryn
| last = Simmons
| accessdate = 2006-08-18
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071026165001/http://www.nbc-2.com/Articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=7965&z=3&p= |archivedate=2007-10-26}}</ref>
*'''Texas:''' Almeda is on the ] list of "Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas."<ref name=tx-fraudnotx>{{cite web| url = http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/AAR/PrivateInstitutions/NoTX.cfm
| title = Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas
| publisher = Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
| accessdate = 2008-05-09 and 2011-09-16| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080510233955/http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/AAR/PrivateInstitutions/NoTX.cfm| archivedate= 10 May 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
*'''Other states:''' Almeda also warns that its degrees may be invalid for public employment in Illinois, Oregon, New Jersey, North Dakota, Washington and Idaho.<ref name="almeda-pp">{{cite web
| url = https://almedauniversity.org/application/policy-procedure.html
| title = Almeda Policies and Procedures
| accessdate = 2006-10-04}}</ref> The ] advises that residents of Oregon, New Jersey, North Dakota, Washington and Idaho "should consider the Almeda degree as a novelty item only".<ref name="BBB"/>


==Reception== ==Reception==
Almeda's academic standards have been criticized by a variety of education organizations. According to ''Bear's Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning'', Almeda College and University is a web-only university that offers degrees based on an assessment of a candidate's "life experience". Bear notes that Almeda states that it is accredited by the ], but that that association is unrecognized.<ref name=bear187/><ref name="chea" /> Almeda's academic standards have been criticized by a variety of education organizations. According to ''Bear's Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning'', Almeda College and University is a web-only university that offers degrees based on an assessment of a candidate's "life experience". Bear notes that Almeda states that it is accredited by the [[Association for Online Academic Excellence.

In 2004 the ] affiliate in ], reported that Peter Brancato filled out an Almeda application for an ] on behalf of his dog, Wally. On the application, Brancato listed "Plays with the kids every day ... teaches them to interact better with each other ... Teaches them responsibilities like feeding the dog." Almeda granted Wally a "life experience" ] in childhood development.<ref name="CBS6">{{cite news | url=http://www2.wrgb.com/iteam/investigation/investigation.asp?selection=article_23366 | title=Degrees for Sale | publisher=CBS6 | date=2004-02-19 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060824192605/http://www2.wrgb.com/iteam/investigation/investigation.asp?selection=article_23366| archivedate= 24 August 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Almeda claims Brancato ] himself by creating a false identity using a fabricated name and date of birth. They write, "He completed an application that included a background of the following: Eight-years tutoring pre-K children, curriculum design and development, teaching coping skills, and volunteer coaching."<ref name="Perjury to prove a point?">{{cite web | url=http://almedauniversity.org/press-release.html | title=Perjury to prove a point | publisher=Almeda University | accessdate = 2006-10-20| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20061108181011/http://almedauniversity.org/press-release.html| archivedate= 8 November 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

In 2006 a ], police officer had to return a salary increase based on an Almeda degree.<ref name="NBC2" /> Two Naples police officers were also temporarily terminated when an investigation showed that they received diplomas from Almeda.<ref name="NBC2-fired">{{cite news
| url = http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=7960&z=3&p=
| title = Police officers fired over fake degrees
| author = Kara Kenney
| publisher = NBC2
| date = 2006-07-17
| accessdate = 2006-10-04
|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070330070241/http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=7960&z=3&p= <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-03-30}}</ref> Both officers appealed, stating to investigators that they spoke to department administrators before submitting the degrees to verify that they qualified for the incentive program.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/oct/12/hearing_today_fired_naples_police_officers/?latest|title=City manager hears arguments in ex-officers' firings|date=2006-10-12|accessdate=2009-03-26|author=Staff|work=]}}</ref> In October 2006, both officers were reinstated with back pay but received 10-day suspensions and had to take an ethics course.<ref>{{cite news
| url = http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/oct/28/two_naples_officers_get_jobs_back/?local_news
| title = Officers fired for online degrees rehired
| author = Ryan Mills
| publisher = Naples Daily News
| date = 2006-10-28
}}</ref> Similarly, in 2009, eight Washington state troopers who obtained degrees from Almeda had to relinquish educational incentive pay but avoided prosecution for ] because prosecutors could not find ].<ref>Sharon Pian Chan, , '']''. Republished by ''Yakima Herald'', February 3, 2009</ref><ref>Scott Gutierrez, , '']'', February 2, 2009</ref> Also in 2009, the '']'' reported that Sacramento city firefighters had raises revoked after purchasing degrees from diploma mills, including Almeda.<ref>Robert Lewis, , ], July 9, 2009. .</ref>


In 2011, the U.S. News University Directory, operated by '']'', published an article about online education that favorably mention of Almeda's master's degree program in psychology. '']'' reported in June, 2011 the U.S. News website removed the posting after being alerted that Almeda "is not recognized as a legitimate degree-granting university by the U.S. Department of Education or any mainstream accrediting agency." Website editors stated their commitment to "focus on accredited colleges and universities" and blamed an "editorial oversight" for the site's use of an Almeda ].<ref>Steve Kolowich, , '']'', June 30, 2011</ref> In 2011, the U.S. News University Directory, operated by '']'', published an article about online education that favorably mention of Almeda's master's degree program in psychology.


==See also== ==See also==
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]

Revision as of 14:22, 28 June 2013

Almeda University
Almeda logo
TypeDistance education
Established1997
AffiliationsUSDLA
Websitewww.almedauniversity.org

Almeda University is an accredited Post-Secondary Educational Institution that offers various academic degrees through distance education, including a "Life Experience Degree".

History

Almeda University was founded in 1997 as a distance learning program and currently has a mailing address in Boise, Idaho. In 2001, the school established an online presence. It currently offers undergraduate degrees as well as masters and doctorate degree programs. In addition to its degree programs, Almeda University also offers a wide selection of credit and non-credit courses intended for professional development.

Programs and courses

Almeda University offers associate, bachelor and master degrees using "Prior Learning Assessment" and also master and doctorate programs in business and theology that require the completion of a thesis or dissertation, according to its website. Almeda University also offers some 1,000 nondegree technical and business courses and certification preparation programs by e-learning.

Accreditation status

Legally, Almeda University is a corporation registered on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Almeda is listed as an accredited member of Interfaith Education Ministries and the Association for Online Academic Excellence, and is accredited by the Council for Distance Education Accreditation.

Reception

Almeda's academic standards have been criticized by a variety of education organizations. According to Bear's Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning, Almeda College and University is a web-only university that offers degrees based on an assessment of a candidate's "life experience". Bear notes that Almeda states that it is accredited by the [[Association for Online Academic Excellence.

In 2011, the U.S. News University Directory, operated by U.S. News & World Report, published an article about online education that favorably mention of Almeda's master's degree program in psychology.

See also

References

  1. Cite error: The named reference BBB was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. "Almeda University Agrees: Degree Holders More Likely to Find Work". Indyposted. 2012-06-08. Retrieved 2012-08-03.
  3. "Almeda University". Netcheck.
  4. ^ "Almeda University". Almeda University. Archived from the original on 14 October 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) Cite error: The named reference "Almeda University" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  5. Cite error: The named reference almeda-pp was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. "Accredited Member Schools and Universities". World Association for Online Education. 2001. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  7. "Fully Accredited Members". The Association for Online Academic Excellence. 2001. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  8. "Almeda University-Certifications and accreditations". Almeda University. 2006. Archived from the original on 13 August 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

External links

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