This letter can also be viewed on the Bay Citizen website: http://www.baycitizen.org/letters/
Not All Unaccredited Schools Are 'Diploma Mills'
In the article “California Leads Nation in Unaccredited
Schools” (Jan. 14), Jennifer Gollan unfairly singles out
Frederick Taylor University. While the topic of unaccredited
schools is worthy of discussion, Russ Heimerich from the
Department of Consumer Affairs points out that schools like
FTU operate within the existing laws of the state of
California.
Furthermore, Frederick Taylor University provides a valuable
service to students who cannot further their careers within
the traditional school system. As Dibyendu Malakar, one of
the two students Ms. Gollan interviews, indicates that he
“needed a graduate business degree to advance his career,
but he was working full time and could not afford $100,000
or more for a two-year M.B.A. program at Berkeley [or]
Stanford.” Malakar adds that the education he received at
Frederick Taylor University helped him prepare to “get a job
as director of product management at a software company in
Cupertino” — an outcome that is beneficial to him.
Additionally, Shakila Marando, the other student that Ms.
Gollan interviews, reminds her that distance-learning
education “is very convenient and I can work full time”
while completing her education. For many working
professionals like Mr. Malakar and Ms. Marando, our
distance-learning programs provide an opportunity to earn a
postsecondary education for students who may not otherwise
have the means or opportunity to do so.
In fact, Ms. Gollan’s statement equating unaccredited
schools to “diploma mills” reveals little understanding of
the definition of distance learning or its benefits.
Although I explained to Ms. Gollan that a distance-learning
school does not need a traditional library (reading
materials are mailed or available through the Internet),
lecture hall or a dormitory, she still presents these issues
as if they are shortcomings. Those who are more familiar
with higher education trends know that Internet-based
learning — not more classrooms and dorms — are being
embraced by leading American universities such as the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Furthermore, because
distance-learning programs are not subject to the costs of
traditional education programs (campus, library, dormitory),
these schools successfully leverage Internet technology to
provide students with a quality education program at a more
affordable price point.
Frederick Taylor University operates within the existing
laws of the State of California and provides a unique
opportunity to students who cannot further their careers
within the confines of the traditional school system. If the
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education changes its
requirements, Frederick Taylor University will adjust its
curriculum to continue to meet and exceed any rules or
regulations set forth by the state of California.
Sincerely,
Mansour S. Saki, Ph.D.
President, Frederick Taylor University