Student Advocates: Help us spread the word to students enrolled at schools owned by the Center for Excellence in Higher Education! The name was changed to StevensHenager College in 1959.[2]. I'm sure there are many more. And the federal government had Independence University on a monitoring list and placed restrictions on how it received taxpayer money. Whenever the secretary grants borrower defense relief, she has the authority to recoup the cost of discharged loans from the schools that broke the law. While we appreciate the action the Department took on April 26 to issue a suspension order against Mr. Juhlin, the senators wrote Cardona, they expect more action. [8] In 2020, Mr. Barney was fined $3 million by the State of Colorado for defrauding students. August 3, 2021 A Utah college with online degrees closed abruptly over the weekend, disrupting the lives of thousands of students. All materials are posted on the site strictly for informational and educational purposes! Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. "[14][15], .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct,.mw-parser-output .geo-inline-hidden{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}411358N 1120041W / 41.23278N 112.01139W / 41.23278; -112.01139. Sippel said she felt pressured to enroll at one of the schools suggested by Independence. Still, the historic site of Baylor's formative period received public recognition during the centennial with the erection of stately granite markers throughout the village. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. UoP was founded by a former tenured professor, and I believe Capella had a former university admin as a co-founder. Unscrupulous tactics deployed by Barney and Juhlinmisrepresenting outcomes, feigning nonprofit status, pressuring admissions representatives to sell prospective students by any means necessaryhave become increasingly commonplace as enforcement has shriveled. Advertiser Profiles. For example, if the educational quality is lacking, financial troubles are affecting the school, or total enrollment has significantly fallen, then they will be warned. A Biennial Catalogue for enrollment 1908-09 shows the school's name as The Smithsonian Business College and Shorthand School, 258 Twenty Fourth Street, Ogden, Utah. [14], Independence University was nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Independence University was an open enrollment institution. Even stranger, Monday afternoon, neither the Independence University website nor the website of its owner, the Center for Excellence in Higher Education, indicated that the private college was closed on Sunday. What is the tuition for independence university? or subscribe. CEHE alerted Utahs Department of Workforce Services in July that the organization would lay off 311 workers. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. WASHINGTON - A Utah college with online degrees closed abruptly over the weekend, disrupting the lives of thousands of students. Independence University's situation highlights how a troubled institution can stay in business, with students unaware, and then leave them in the lurch when it finally closes. How The US Became Independent (And Inseparable) From Great Britain. The school was fined last year in Colorado for defrauding students and misappropriation of student financial aid, shortly thereafter, the owner Carl Barney disappeared. But the real value of the victory will be determined not by the court, but rather by the actions that follow from the Department of Education. Probably 80% or more of your responsibilities will have nothing to do with cooking food. A Colorado court recently issued a blockbuster decision in favor of students, represented by the State Attorney General's Office, and against college operators who got rich by tricking low-income students into taking out loans to attend CollegeAmerica, Independence University, and other profit-driven schools associated with an umbrella corporation, the Center for Excellence in Higher . CEHEs decades of fraud have come to light at a time when many actors in the for-profit college sector seem to be following a similar playbook. [21], .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct,.mw-parser-output .geo-inline-hidden{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}411358N 1120041W / 41.23278N 112.01139W / 41.23278; -112.01139, Last edited on 20 September 2022, at 00:30, Center for Excellence in Higher Education, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, "Breaking: Citing Performance Failures, Accreditor Dumps Independence University", "How a For-Profit Tycoon Turned His Colleges Into Nonprofits", "Independence U. Lays Off Staff, Says Feds Stopped Aid", "College Navigator - Independence University", "UT State Yellow Ribbon Program Information 2018-2019", https://www.accsc.org/UploadedDocuments/Commission%20Actions/2021/Public-Notices/Withdrawal/070581-SAL-02-2021-Redacted.pdf, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Independence_University&oldid=1111235178, CollegeAmerica, Stevens-Henager College, California College San Diego, This page was last edited on 20 September 2022, at 00:30. This article about an organization in the United States is a stub. [9] In May 2021, CEO Eric Juhlin resigned after being suspended from contracting with the US government. Songs - Add. The Century Foundation The group owns three other colleges that are currently being closed. [UPDATE 05-03-21: More recently, CEHE has updated this page to note that CEHE received notice that ACCSC has voted to withdraw accreditation for some of CEHEs colleges, including IU.Immediately upon receipt of the notice, CEHE filed a Notice of Intent to Appeal with ACCSC. FBI is investigating:USA TODAY report marks massage school accused of links to prostitution, Norma Helen Ball The Lincoln County Information, Cheyenne Enterprise Buzz: Goodwill From Colorados Custodial Providers Receives Outstanding Certification | Cheyenne version, Common Faculty Meals Packages Are Being Minimize Regardless of 1 in eight Youngsters, La Junta Chamber celebrates 121 years La Junta Tribune Democrat, Otero Faculty Rodeo sweeps Nationwide Western Inventory Present and Rodeo Collegiate. But its the universitys efforts to push students to new colleges that has the federal government asking questions. Delgado, who lives in Pennsylvania, is concerned that her credits will carry over and fall further behind in her studies. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Accordingly, we are cancelling the new start that is scheduled for May 10, 2021." UPDATE 04-24-21 1:00 pm: Two days after ACCSC notified Independence University that it will withdraw accreditation, effective May 3, unless Independence appeals, the Independence web page on accreditation offers no clue that anything is going on. The colleges turbulent history was news to many students trying to quit their studies and improve their chances in the job market. She has instead opted to continue her medical assistance studies online at Keiser University. Independence University (IU, formerly California College for Health Sciences) was a private online career college headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. [13], StevensHenager College and all other institutions owned by the Center for Excellence in Higher Education were placed on probation in September 2018 because "the inputs, resources, and processes of CEHE schools are designed and implemented in a manner that is not designed for student success. We have already emailed students to help them understand they do not have to be rushed into accepting a transfer to another school of CEHEs choosing, Cordray said in a statement to USA TODAY. Even stranger, Monday afternoon, neither the Independence University website nor the website of its owner, the Center Skeptical of the continued lucrative financial ties between CEHE and Carl Barney, the former owner of the for-profit colleges, the department declined the change, which would have lowered regulatory scrutiny of the colleges. The Center for Excellence in Higher Education told USA TODAY a statement was forthcoming. I used to see their ads are all over social media, but I don't see it anymore. Regardless, according to another letter from the USDOE that CEHE received yesterday (Monday, April 26th), CEHE has 10 days to advise the Department of actions to promptly remove me from responsibility for any aspect of the administration of the institutions participation in Title IV, HEA programs. The Ministry of Education questioned the Independence plans. But she also has three children and works full time. A. Smith retired and sold the school to C. S. Springer, who changed the name to the Smithsonian Business School. This means students will remain eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs. But, Juhlin writes, until we have more clarity relative to the appeals process, CEHE believes that it would be inappropriate to recruit and start any new students for the upcoming May 10, 2021 start. The only academic change at this point is our decision to pause recruitment right now and to cancel the next start that was scheduled for May 10, 2021. Independence University - An Accredited Online University, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. I graduated in September 2019 from the respiratory therapy program. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Feds cancel accreditor after USA TODAY finds college apparently without students or faculty. Which leaves National, which is at least on paper a. Independence University is directing students to the Miami International University of Art & Design or South University in Georgia. [5], StevensHenager College had an online college (Independence University) and six campuses across Utah and Idaho. Stevens-Henager's Medical Specialties Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)[12] upon Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (CRB-AAMAE) recommendation. As you know, CEHE has an extremely talented and highly experienced leadership team. Moreover, there will also be additional updates this week on other recent developments and CEHEs steps to address those events. Copyright 2023 ElegantQuestion.com | All rights reserved. As a result, the department placed greater restrictions on CEHEs receipt of federal aid for the last several months, Cordray said. Our deepest appreciation goes out to our externships sites, our business partners, and the education community that supported us over the years. CEHEs contractual affiliations run deep through the ecosystem of for-profit higher education. How much does it cost to go to Independence University online? [11] Its stated purpose was "to educate the public about the state of higher education in America and help donors promote excellence in higher education through philanthropy". The highest ranked major at the school is medical/clinical assistant. Who is this blog for? Independence University, and Stevens-Henager . 1 Did Independence University lose accreditation? Only after learning of the closure did she Research more about the college and learn more about its ongoing oversight issues. The colleges troubled history came as news to many of the students trying to finish their studies and improve their chances in the workforce. Thats what matters, thats what important, and thats what CEHE is all about! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This call for action is not a request, but rather is required by law: a letter just released by education advocates details how and why the Department of Education must act, now that a court has issued findings of fact and conclusions of law against CEHE as an institution, and against Barney and Juhlin as individuals. But it's the university's efforts to push students to new colleges that has the federal government asking questions. 8 In the corresponding timeline, actions against a main campus includes its branch locations. The school's accreditor, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, had ended its approval of the college in April. CEHE already was at risk of losing that aid, and veterans education benefits from the VA as well, because a Colorado trial court last year determined after trial that the company and its executives had violated the state consumer protection law by deceiving numerous students. [15] Independence University was placed on probation in September 2018 due to ACCSC's concerns that "the inputs, resources, and processes of CEHE schools are designed and implemented in a manner that is not designed for student success. Alexis Sippel, 25, said she was fired from Verizon Wireless in the middle of the pandemic and was trying to figure out what to do next when she saw a television ad for Independence University. Independence currently enrolls about 10,000 students, all taking courses exclusively online. I have studied over two years to get a degree and not allocated in a day like diploma mill. We envision these pieces being completed and distributed within the next day or two. We have already emailed the students to help them understand that they dont have to rush to accept a move to another school of their choice, Cordray said in a statement to USA TODAY. 6 When did International University Missouri Open in India? The student body was 25 percent white, 14 percent black, 4 percent Hispanic, 0 percent Asian, and 45 percent unknown. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. That agency said the school had failed to maintain acceptable student graduation and employment rates despite being given many opportunities to do so. How many were founded by business people? This page provide updates and relevant information to students affected by the August 1, 2021 closure of Independence University. There has obviously been a lot of activity since last weeks action by ACCSC. I worked extremely hard to get on the honor roll and get good grades, said Sippel. This page is intended to publish information that students affected by these events can use to continue in their program and/or apply for loan discharges or restitution. Its no longer there, but it can be found on the Internet Archive; however, its unclear when that list was last updated.]). With the degree comes a good job.. INDEPENDENCE UNIVERSITY - 10 Photos & 11 Reviews - 4021 South 700 East, Salt Lake City, Utah - Colleges & Universities - Phone Number - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Education Colleges & Universities Independence University Independence University 11 reviews Claimed Colleges & Universities, Adult Education Edit Write a review [2], According to the College Scorecard, Independence University had a 45 percent 8-year graduation rate. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We are unable to fully display the content of this page. Instead, students rely on their peers, college administration emails, and the U.S. Department of Education to guide them. The ads Potts saw claimed that graduates from CEHE-affiliated medical programs were highly employable, and a CEHE sales agent (who has to meet enrollment quotas) assured her that CEHE could help her earn $35,000 a year to provide more financial stability for her family. [3] The colleges were placed on probation in September 2018 due to ACCSC's concerns that "the inputs, resources, and processes of CEHE schools are designed and implemented in a manner that is not designed for student success. After recounting in detail the Colorado judges findings, the Departments letter tells Juhlin, you were well aware of, and complicit in, the fraudulent practices upon which the court based its findings. I received a full scholarship, was able to graduate a couple months early because they were willing to work with me on everything, I was able to complete all courses with a 98% and above, and the staff was pleasant and very helpful every step of the way. But the chain, which converted from for-profit to non-profit status in a troubling deal, making its founder Carl Barney even richer, and which this week was scrutinized with other converted schools in a congressional hearing, and which has engaged in blustery attacks on its critics, is also being sued for fraud by the U.S. Justice Department and is under investigation by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A college in Utah with online degrees closed abruptly over the weekend, disrupting the lives of thousands of students. However, federal officials said students are being pressured to agree to a transfer and the unusual arrangement warranted closer consideration. 55% of 128 students said they would recommend this school to others. Pending the appeal, Juhlin writes, Independence pursuant to ACCSC rules, will immediately retain its accreditation and remain accredited throughout ACCSCs appeal process. The colleges closure, announced to students by email on Wednesday, is the latest development in the eventful history of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education. CEHEs current troubles with federal regulators mirror its challenges under the Obama administration, when the center purchased for-profit colleges and then sought nonprofit recognition of those institutions from the Education Department. That agency said the school failed to maintain acceptable graduation and employment rates for students, despite being given many opportunities to do so. IU remains accredited as CEHE moves through the appeals process with ACCSC.]. Feds investigating: USA TODAY report flagged massage school accused of ties to prostitution, This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Independence University closing: Education Department investigation, Vikings reportedly plan to release 4-time Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook today if they can't trade him, more willing to exercise its regulatory oversight, Feds cancel accreditor after USA TODAY finds college apparently without students or faculty, Colorado government in 2020 in connection, USA TODAY report flagged massage school accused of ties to prostitution, Independence University closing: Education Department investigation. Go to Independence University on a monitoring list and placed restrictions on how it received taxpayer.! In her studies is concerned that her credits will carry over and fall further behind in her.! The lives of thousands of students said students are being pressured to to! 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