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|established = ] |established = ]
|faculty = 120 |faculty = 120
|students = 30,000 from 1984 to ] <ref name="LCCC">Lesley Lipska, , ''Wingspan'' (] student newspaper), November 2004.</ref> <ref> by Wilson P. Dizard III, '']'', May 17, 2004</ref> |students = 30,000 from 1984 to ] <ref name="LCCC">, ''Laramie County Community College'', ].</ref> <ref> by Wilson P. Dizard III, '']'', May 17, 2004</ref>
|city = ] |city = ]
|state = ] |state = ]
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'''Warren National University''' is a ], ], ] ] offering ] and ] ] in the ], with ] offices in ], and ] offices in ]. It was established in ] in 1984 under the name '''Kennedy-Western University''', and adopted its new name in 2007. The university has reportedly been economically successful<ref name="SAGE">In the '''', Dr. Kjell Erik Rudestam writes, "There are some unaccredited, profit-making online universities that have achieved reported economic success. One example is Kennedy-Western University, which has significant history in serving the corporate education markets." (SAGE Publications'', ISBN-13: 978-0761924517, ], ])</ref> targeting ] ]. It has also been the subject of controversy and criticism due to involvement in a ] investigation. '''Warren National University''' is a ], ], ] ] offering ] and ] ] in the ] . It was established in ] in ], and was formerly known as '''Kennedy-Western University'''. Warren National has ] offices in ], and ] offices in ]. It is named for ] who was the first ] of the state of ]. For several years the university has been financially successful targeting those who are unable or would rather not attend ] classroom courses, where the work is more rigorous. It has also been the subject of controversy and criticism due to a ] investigation.


==History== ==History==


{{Expand|section with information on the history of Warren National. We're looking for the story behind how it got started; any significant milestones, and perhaps some statistics on overall students and degrees awarded and so forth. Your research assistance for this section is appreciated|date=October 2007}} {{Expand|section with information on the history of Warren National. We're looking for the story behind how it got started; any significant milestones, and perhaps some statistics on overall students and degrees awarded and so forth. Your research assistance for this section is appreciated|date=October 2007}}
Warren National University was established as Kennedy-Western University in California in ]. Warren National University was established as Kennedy-Western University in ] in ].




===University Name Change=== ===University Name Change===


According to Warren National University, the official date for the name change from Kennedy-Western University to Warren National was ], ]. <ref name="KWU">, ''Former KWU website''</ref> The new name was selected in honor of the first ] of ], ], and reflects the university's strong ties to the State of Wyoming. <ref name="KWU"/> According to Warren National University, the official date for the name change from Kennedy-Western University to Warren National was ], ]. <ref name="KWU">, ''Former KWU website''</ref> Warren National states the name change is a small part of a ] to introduce new ] to provide the best possible ] for the ].<ref name="JHST" /> The new name was selected in ] of the first ] of ], ], and reflects the university's strong ties to the ]. <ref name="KWU"/> <br><br>


==Campus== ==Campus==
As a ] ], Warren National does not have a physical ]. The university operates primarily out of offices in ], and it maintains a ] in ]. Mr. Gene I. Maeroff, Director of the Heichinger Institute on Education and Media at ] and the author of ''A Classroom of One'' notes the changes occurring in higher education as a result of online learning and the lack of a traditional campus: As a ] ] for the ] ], Warren National does not have a physical ]. The university ] primarily out of offices in ], and it maintains a ] office in ]. Over the university's 23 years of ], it has had mailing addresses in ], ], ], and ].
<blockquote>"What is an educational institution?
It was once clear that an entity calling itself an institution of learning was supposed to have a ], a ], a resident ], and ]s where students attended courses. This is no longer the case. ] is redefining the concept of an ]. Such entities as ], ], ], and ] are ] of ] lacking almost all of the features shared by most other universities."<ref>, ''A Classroom of One'', by Mr. Gene I. Maeroff, ISBN: 1403960852, ].</ref></blockquote>


⚫ The university was established in ] in ]. According to the Bears' Guide to College Degrees by Mail & Internet, "For a few years the state had a three-tiered system: authorized (the $50,000 rule) for entire schools, state approved (for specific programs within schools), or accredited. The authorized category was dropped, and approval was extended to entire schools, resulting in the two-tier system. At that time, dozens of schools closed down, and some of the big ones opened offices in other states: Kennedy-Western in ] (later ] and ])..."<ref name="Encyclopedia">, ''Ten Speed Press'', ISBN-10: 1580084591.</ref>
Over the university's history, it has had mailing addresses in California, ], ], and Wyoming.


⚫ In ], when the state of ] rejected their renewal application for ] to operate because of a lack of institutional ], Warren National University left ] for ]. <ref name="chronicle"> by Andrea L. Foster, '']'', April 12, 2002</ref>
⚫ The university was established in California in 1984. According to the ''Bears' Guide to College Degrees by Mail & Internet'', "For a few years the state had a three-tiered system: authorized (the $50,000 rule) for entire schools, state approved (for specific programs within schools), or accredited. The authorized category was dropped, and approval was extended to entire schools, resulting in the two-tier system. At that time, dozens of schools closed down, and some of the big ones opened offices in other states: Kennedy-Western in Idaho (later Hawaii and Wyoming)..."<ref name="Encyclopedia">, ''Ten Speed Press'', ISBN-10: 1580084591.</ref>


⚫ In ], when the state of Idaho rejected their renewal application for ] to operate because of a lack of institutional ], Warren National University left Idaho for Wyoming. <ref name="chronicle"> by Andrea L. Foster, '']'', April 12, 2002</ref>


==Organization== ==Organization==
In 2002 '']'' described Kennedy-Western University as a privately held ] ] in ] and ], with ] in ]. Principal shareholders named in the article, based on publicly filed papers, were Kennedy-Western ] and ] Paul S. Saltman of ], and Joseph Benjoya.<ref name="chronicle"> by Andrea L. Foster, '']'', ], ]</ref> The ''Chronicle'' article stated that Kennedy-Western also claimed to have offices in ], ], and ], although it is unknown if such offices currently exist under the institution's new strategic initiatives and its new name. <ref name="USDLA">, ''United States Distance Learning Association'', ].</ref> The Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning written by Dr. Kjell Erik Rudestam states, "There are some ], ] ] that have achieved reported economic success. One example is Kennedy-Western University, which has significant history in serving the ] ] ]s." <ref name="SAGE">, ''SAGE Publications'', ISBN-13: 978-0761924517, ], ].</ref> In 2002, '']'' described Kennedy-Western University as a privately held entity ] in ] and ], with headquarters in ]. Principal shareholders named in the article, based on publicly filed papers, were KWU president Paul S. Saltman of ], and Joseph Benjoya.<ref name="chronicle"> by Andrea L. Foster, '']'', ], ]</ref> The ''Chronicle'' article stated that KWU also claimed to have offices in ], ], and ]. <ref name="USDLA">, ''United States Distance Learning Association'', ].</ref> The article stated that an Idaho education official had estimated KWU's revenue at as much as $10-million a year.<ref name="chronicle" />



===Accreditation=== ===Accreditation===


Warren National University is currently not accredited by any ] accreditation body recognized in the United States. As such, its ] and ] might not be acceptable to some ]s or other institutions. For example, Warren National University graduates are not qualified for ] positions at Warren National University, at least not based on their Warren National University ]s.<ref name="faculty"/> The primary function of accreditation is verifying that an institution meets established academic standards.<ref> ]</ref> The Wisconsin Education Approval Board notes, however, that accreditation is not a guarantee that credits from one institution will be accepted by another or that a prospective employer will recognize a particular degree.<ref name="WEAB">, "State Approval and Accreditation: Detailed Description"</ref> Warren National University is currently ] by any ] ] body recognized in the ]. As such, its ] and ] might not be acceptable to some ]s or other ]. For example, Warren National University ] are not qualified for ] positions at Warren National University, at least not based on their Warren National University ].<ref name="faculty"/> The primary function of accreditation is verifying that an institution meets established academic standards.<ref> ]</ref> The Wisconsin Education Approval Board notes, however, that accreditation is not a guarantee that credits from one institution will be accepted by another or that a prospective employer will recognize a particular degree.<ref name="WEAB">, "State Approval and Accreditation: Detailed Description"</ref>


⚫ ===Licensing===


⚫ ===Licensing===
⚫ Warren National University is ]d by the ]<ref>, ''Wyoming Private School Licensing''</ref> under W.S. 21-2-401 through 21-2-407. This licensure allows the university to legally conduct business in the state.<ref>, ''Joint Education Interim Committee''</ref> As a condition of licensing, Warren National University must meet standards contained in "Article 4: Private School Licensing." One such requirement, which took effect in July 2006, is that a school must either be accredited or be in the process of becoming accredited by a ] recognized by the ].<ref name="Wyo">, ''Registered Private Degree Granting Post-Secondary Education Institutions''</ref> <ref name="IHE">, "Inside Higher Education", ], ]</ref> In order to continue operating in Wyoming, Warren National University applied for accreditation from the ], the recognized ] agency serving the state. <ref> By Mead Gruver, Codycafe.com, ], 7/1/2006</ref> <ref name="JHST">, ''Jackson Hole Star Tribune'', ]</ref>


⚫ Warren National University is ]d by the ]<ref>, ''Wyoming Private School Licensing''</ref> under W.S. 21-2-401 through 21-2-407. This ] allows the university to legally conduct business in the state.<ref>, ''Joint Education Interim Committee''</ref> However, ] should not be confused with ], which is a voluntary<ref name="gao">, "GAO Report"</ref> ] process. Note: Licensing is insufficient in a number of states where degrees from state licensed schools that are not accredited are restricted from certain state and local position or are considered illegal. <ref> By ], ] Office of Degree Authorization</ref> As a condition of ], Warren National University must meet standards contained in "Article 4: Private School Licensing." One requirement enacted ], ], by the state of ], is that a school must either be ], or be in the process of becoming ] by a ] recognized by the ].<ref name="Wyo">, ''Registered Private Degree Granting Post-Secondary Education Institutions''</ref> <ref name="IHE">, "Inside Higher Education", ], ]</ref> In order to continue operating in ], Warren National University applied for ] from the ], the recognized ] agency serving the state. <ref> By Mead Gruver, Codycafe.com, ], 7/1/2006</ref> <ref name="JHST">, ''Jackson Hole Star Tribune'', ]</ref> In the ] and ], ] minutes of ] Select School Finance Committee and Joint Education Interim Committee,<ref name="WY">] and ], ] Minutes: ]</ref> co-chaired by ] ] and ] ]: “Mr. Saltman, Kennedy-Western ] and ], spoke in support of ]. Mr. Saltman explained that candidacy status is the first big step in ] and ] would ensure the integrity of the ] being provided by ] in ].”<ref name="WY" />
While the university has applied for accreditation to ], such accreditation will take many years through North Central according to the '']''.<ref name="BG">, ''Billings Gazette'', ], ].</ref>
<blockquote>"] generally involves an intensive review, including inspection visits by teams from the accrediting agency. After today's deadline to apply for accreditation, the law gives schools five years to achieve it. With North Central, that's a tight schedule. Just being accepted as an accreditation candidate with North Central is a process in itself. They could be candidates within four to five years. It's unlikely that it would be sooner," said Lady Branham, deputy to the association's executive director. And then accreditation is usually four years after candidacy begins. And it's not automatic. It assumes that the institution actually completely fulfills all the criteria."<ref name="BG" /></blockquote>


==Academics== ==Academics==


Warren National University offers 18 ] programs. Its degree programs are grouped within its three primary schools: School of ], School of ], and the School of ]. Also available is the Department of ]. The School of ] offers ] in six concentrations; ]s in five concentrations, and a ] in ]. The School of ] offers bachelor's and master's degrees in two concentrations. And the School of ] offers bachelor's and master's degrees in Health Administration.<ref name="WNU-Academics"></ref> According to a 2004 article in the ] student newspaper, in the KWU program in 2004 the average time for graduation was 2.4 years; the average student age is 42, with an average of eight years of work experience in their field of study.<ref name="LCCC" /> Warren National University offers 18 ] programs. Its ] programs are grouped within its three primary schools: School of ], School of ], and the School of ]. Also available is the Department of ]. The School of ] offers ] in six ]; ] in five ], and a ] in ]. The School of ] offers ] and ] degrees in two ]. And the School of ] offers ] and ] degrees in one ], that of ].<ref name="WNU-Academics"></ref> According to ], in the KWU program in ], the average time for graduation is 2.4 years; the average student age is 42, with an average of eight years of work experience in the field in which they’re studying.<ref name="LCCC" />


At the 2005 Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning at the ], Warren National University ] members gave a presentation on the method used to deliver ]. Andree Swanson and Keren Meier-Emerich offered the following ] for their presentation. At the 2005 Annual Conference on ] at the ], Warren National University ] members gave a presentation on the method used to deliver ]. Andree Swanson and Keren Meier-Emerich offered the following ] for their presentation.


<blockquote>"This is an example of one course, out of 500 courses offered, which demonstrates the delivery model used by Kennedy-Western University. Courses are designed using a ], which includes multiple ] opportunities. Offered as open-entry, a student may be the only one taking the course at a given time or may be one of many enrolled at the same time. ]."<ref>, ''Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning'', The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, ]</ref> <blockquote>"This is an example of one course, out of 500 ] offered, which demonstrates the delivery model used by Kennedy-Western University. ] are designed using a ], which includes multiple ] opportunities. Offered as open-entry, a student may be the only one taking the ] at a given time or may be one of many enrolled at the same time. ]."<ref>, ''Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning'', The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, ]</ref>
</blockquote> </blockquote>


In the "Understanding ]" book's section on ], author Kim Veltman mentions, "By leveraging the power of the ], Kennedy-Western has refined the ] process and opened up countless opportunities to ]s. And they used Jones e-Global ]." <ref name="New-Media">, ''University of Calgary Press'', ISBN-13: 978-1552381540, ] ].</ref> In the "Understanding ]" book's section on ], author Kim Veltman mentions, "By leveraging the power of the ], Kennedy-Western has refined the ] process and opened up countless opportunities to ]s. And they used Jones e-Global ]." <ref name="New-Media">, ''University of Calgary Press'', ISBN-13: 978-1552381540, ] ].</ref>


In a ''Chronicle of Higher Education'' article, Kennedy-Western faculty members stated students, "...often use the same textbooks and take exams as rigorous as those offered in professors' ] classes."<ref name="chronicle"> by Andrea L. Foster, '']'', April 12, 2002</ref> In a ] article, Kennedy-Western faculty members stated students, "...often use the same textbooks and take exams as rigorous as those offered in professors' ] classes."<ref name="chronicle"> by Andrea L. Foster, '']'', April 12, 2002</ref>


===Faculty=== ===Faculty===


According to spokesmen for the university and its website, 80% of the academic faculty hold ] from accredited institutions and the remainder hold ]s. <ref name="faculty">, ''Warren National University website''</ref> <ref name="gazette"> by the ], '']'', January 30, 2005</ref> Mr. Bob Patterson, ] for Warren National states there are between 135 and 150 ] members.<ref name="JHST" /> According to an article in the ] at least 22 ]s at Warren National University are full time faculty at other state and private academic institutions. According to spokesmen for the university and its website, 80% of the ] ] hold ] from ] institutions and the remainder hold ]. <ref name="faculty">, ''Warren National University website''</ref> <ref name="gazette"> by the ], '']'', January 30, 2005</ref> Mr. Bob Patterson, ] for Warren National states there are between 135 and 150 ] members.<ref name="JHST" /> According to an article in the ] at least 22 ]s at Warren National University are full time ] at other state and private ] institutions.
<blockquote> <blockquote>
"Most are ] or ] in ], ], or ] at ] who were recruited by Kennedy-Western through mass mailings and fliers. "Most are ] or ] in ], ], or ] at ] who were recruited by Kennedy-Western through mass mailings and fliers.
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This information is not confirmed by Warren National University. According to the ], the university refused to disclose at the time the number of ], the method of compensation, the proportion of ] that is full-time or the ownership of the institution.<ref name="chronicle"/> This information is not confirmed by Warren National University. According to the ], the university refused to disclose at the time the number of ], the method of compensation, the proportion of ] that is full-time or the ownership of the institution.<ref name="chronicle"/>


In 2005 the '']'' reported that Kennedy-Western University had become the first ] in the United States to screen faculty research and course materials with ]-detection software. The impetus came from the faculty itself, says Susan Ishii, director of ]. No faculty members were found to be ]. Tim Dodd, the ] of the Center for ], criticized the use of such software as undermining "the expectation of trust in a mature ]." However, John Berry, ] of ], the ] software company used by Kennedy-Western, said, "That would be the equivalent of saying the ] out on the basketball court erodes trust." "Soon, he predicts, will become "the next-generation spellchecker." In 2005 the '']'' reported that Kennedy-Western University had become the first ] in the ] to screen ] research and course materials with ]-detection software. The impetus came from the ] itself, says Susan Ishii, director of ]. No ] members were found to be ]. Tim Dodd, the ] of the Center for ], criticized the use of such software as undermining "the expectation of trust in a mature ]." However, ], ] of ], the ] ] used by Kennedy-Western said, "That would be the equivalent of saying the ] out on the basketball court erodes trust." "Soon, he predicts, ]."
<ref> By Susan Llewelyn Leach, '']'', April 27, 2005</ref> And according to University Business magazine, Ms. Ishii states in response to use of plagiarism-detection software, "...that ] and ] ] are at a crossroads, and we bear collective responsibility to head toward restoring and maintaining instructional credibility. The proper use of established, reliable technology can fulfill this responsibility." <ref>, ''University Business: The Magazine for College and University Administrators'', ]</ref> <ref> By Susan Llewelyn Leach, '']'', April 27, 2005</ref> And according to University Business magazine, Ms. Ishii states in response to use of ]-], "...that ] and ] ] are at a crossroads, and we bear collective responsibility to head toward restoring and maintaining instructional credibility. The proper use of established, reliable technology can fulfill this responsibility." <ref>, ''University Business: The Magazine for College and University Administrators'', ]</ref>


===Staff===
Warren National employs staff in functions such as admissions and student services to name two.<ref>, ''WNU Staff Webpage''.</ref> <ref>, ''WNU Student Services Webpage''.</ref>


===Electronic Enrollment===
In ], according to ], as part of the university's continuing effort at improvement to meet the demands of the ], "Kennedy-Western leveraged WebEx Sales Center to move its ] process from static phone conversations to ] demonstrations of the ] experience." The university can now, "...dynamically demonstrate degree tracks, student libraries, and its powerful ] solution with prospective students all over the country." According to ], the application creates an informative experience that really helps students understand the breadth and depth of the university's programs.<ref name="WebEx">, "WebEx Customer Success Story", 2005</ref>


==Controversy== ==Controversy==


===GAO investigation=== ===GAO investigation===
"From ] through ]"<ref name="govexec">, By David McGlinchey, ''Government Executive'', May 12, 2004</ref>, an investigation was conducted by the ] ] (GAO) to determine whether the federal government had paid for degrees from ]s and other unaccredited ] schools. Investigators determined that the federal government employed 463 individuals with degrees from unaccredited institutions including Kennedy-Western University.<ref name=GAO>http://www.senate.gov/~govt-aff/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=716&Affiliation=R</ref> Senator Collins presented the GAO report to the ], of which she was the ] and ]. <ref name="govexec"/> "From July 2003 through February 2004"<ref name="govexec">, By David McGlinchey, ''Government Executive'', May 12, 2004</ref>, an investigation was conducted by the ] ] (GAO) to determine whether the federal government had paid for degrees from diploma mills and other unaccredited postsecondary schools. Investigators determined that the federal government employed 463 individuals with degrees from unaccredited institutions including Kennedy-Western University.<ref name=GAO>http://www.senate.gov/~govt-aff/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=716&Affiliation=R</ref> Senator Collins presented the GAO report to the committee on Governmental Affairs, of which she was the Chair and ranking Republican. <ref name="govexec"/>


Witness testimony was provided during the same hearing by ] ] Claudia Gelzer, who was assigned as a staff aide to the committee, testified that Kennedy Western gave her life experience credit towards a master's in environmental engineering. Kennedy Western waived 43% of the course credit required for the degree based only on her application and descriptions of prior coursework and military training. She testified that Kennedy Western didn't check any of her claimed work experience. With 16 hours of effort she was able to earn 40% of the total remaining coursework required for her master's. <ref name="gazette"/> "As for my first-hand experience with Kennedy-Western courses and passing the tests, I found that basic familiarity with the textbook was all I needed. I was able to find exam answers without having read a single chapter of the text... As for what I learned, the answer is very little."<ref>http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hearings.Testimony&HearingID=176&WitnessID=632</ref> Witness testimony was provided during the same hearing by Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Claudia Gelzer, who was assigned as a staff aide to the Committee on Government Affairs, testified that KWU gave her life experience credit towards a master's in environmental engineering. KWU waived 43% of the course credit required for the degree based only on her application and descriptions of prior coursework and military training. She testified that KWU didn't check any of her claimed work experience. With 16 hours of effort she was able to earn 40% of the total remaining coursework required for her master's. <ref name="gazette"/> “As for my first-hand experience with Kennedy-Western courses and passing the tests, I found that basic familiarity with the textbook was all I needed. I was able to find exam answers without having read a single chapter of the text... As for what I learned, the answer is very little. “ <ref>http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hearings.Testimony&HearingID=176&WitnessID=632</ref>


Kennedy-Western was not invited to testify before the ].<ref name="GAO" /> Kennedy-Western was not invited to testify before the Senate committee.<ref name="gao"/>
The university's Director of ], Mr. David Gering, stated to '']'', "We clearly believe that we are not a diploma mill and have an academically rigorous program." <ref>, ''Star Tribune'', ], ]</ref> Mr. Lewis M. Phelps, a ] for Kennedy-Western University, said the ] was unfairly tarnished in the report. "The basic equation GAO seems to have come up with is 'no accreditation, no good,' " Phelps said. "We don't think that's valid." <ref>, ''Washington Post'', ], ].</ref> The university's Director of Corporate Communications, David Gering, stated to '']'', "We clearly believe that we are not a diploma mill and have an academically rigorous program."<ref>, ''Star Tribune'', ], ]</ref> Mr. Lewis M. Phelps, a spokesman for Kennedy-Western University, said the online school was unfairly tarnished in the report. "The basic equation GAO seems to have come up with is 'no accreditation, no good,' " Phelps said. "We don't think that's valid." <ref>, ''Washington Post'', ], ].</ref>


=== Oregon lawsuit=== === Oregon lawsuit===


The State of ] passed a law making it illegal for graduates to list Kennedy-Western on ]s, specifically referring to the school as a diploma mill. According to the ], "Oregon has one of the strictest résumé laws in the country."<ref>, ''Indiana Daily Student News'', ], ]</ref> According the ], "Oregon's approach to regulating unaccredited higher-education institutions is among the strictest in the nation, and is unusual in that the state both keeps a close eye on its own such programs and warns its residents about questionable ones elsewhere."<ref name="CHE">, ''] - Information Technology'', ], ].</ref> In July 2004, Kennedy-Western filed a ] challenging the law on behalf of three former students. In December 2004, Kennedy-Western and Oregon reached an ].<ref>http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/ArticleNews/story/BWIRE/20041221/20041221005728</ref> Under the terms of the ], ] of Kennedy-Western may list the school on a résumé as long as they note its unaccredited status in the résumé <ref>, ''73rd Oregon Legislative Assembly - 2005 Regular Session, Measure: SB 1039 A*'', ], 2005.</ref> The ]'s office also agreed to provide ] (ODA) personnel with a training session on ].<ref name="PBJ">, ''Portland Business Journal'', ], ].</ref> Further, the ODA agreed to refrain from referring to the school as a "]".<ref name="PBJ" /><ref>, '']'' ], ] </ref> However, Oregon still does not allow the degrees to be used for governmental employment or for ] <ref> , ''Inside Higher Education'', ], ]</</ref> because the ODA has determined that Kennedy Western does not meet standard academic requirements as specified by Oregon ] ORS 348.609(1).<ref name="oda"/> Mr. Lewis M. Phelps, a ] for Kennedy-Western, said the school has qualified faculty, and requirements that students show mastery of their work in courses and a final project.<ref>, ], ].</ref> The State of ] passed a law making it illegal for graduates to list Kennedy-Western on ]s, specifically referring to the school as a diploma mill. According to the ], "Oregon has one of the strictest résumé laws in the country."<ref>, ''Indiana Daily Student News'', ], ]</ref> And according the ], "]'s approach to regulating ] ] institutions is among the strictest in the nation, and is unusual in that the state both keeps a close eye on its own such programs and warns its residents about questionable ones elsewhere."<ref name="CHE">, ''] - Information Technology'', ], ].</ref> In July 2004, Kennedy-Western filed a lawsuit challenging the law on behalf of three former students. In December 2004, Kennedy-Western and Oregon reached an out-of-court settlement.<ref>http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/ArticleNews/story/BWIRE/20041221/20041221005728</ref> Under the terms of the settlement, graduates of Kennedy-Western may list the school on a résumé as long as they note in the résumé its unaccredited status.<ref>, ''73rd Oregon Legislative Assembly - 2005 Regular Session, Measure: SB 1039 A*'', ], 2005.</ref> The ] office also agreed to provide ] personnel with a training session on ].<ref name="PBJ">, ''Portland Business Journal'', ], ].</ref> Further, the ] (ODA) may no longer refer to the school as a diploma mill or substandard;<ref>, '']'' ], ] </ref> however, the State still does not allow the degrees to be used for governmental employment or for professional licenses <ref> , ''Inside Higher Education'', ], ]</</ref> because the ODA has determined that WNU does not meet standard academic requirements as specified by Oregon ] ORS 348.609(1).<ref name="oda"/> Lewis Phelps, a spokesman for Kennedy-Western, said the school has qualified faculty, and requirements that students show mastery of their work in courses and a final project.<ref>, ], ].</ref>

"We believe that this agreement is fair and reasonable," stated ] Myers. "It strikes a proper balance between protecting the rights of graduates and ensuring appropriate public disclosure."

Kennedy Western's ] and ], Mr. Saltman stated, "We are pleased that the State recognizes the need for changes to its regulations. We look forward to working with the ] to develop the new ].<ref>, ''Oregon Settles Federal Lawsuit Filed by Kennedy-Western University'', ], ].</ref>


===Degree restrictions=== ===Degree restrictions===


The use of unaccredited WNU degree titles may be legally restricted or illegal in some jurisdictions.<ref>, ''U.S. Department of Education''</ref> Jurisdictions that have restricted or made illegal the use of credentials from unaccredited schools include ] <ref name="oda">, ''Oregon Office of Degree Authorization''</ref> <ref name="gazette"/>, ]<ref>, ''Michigan Education and Children's Services''</ref>, ]<ref>[http://www.maine.gov/education/highered/Non-Accredited/non-accredited.htm Accredited and Non-Accredited The use of unaccredited WNU degree titles may be legally restricted or illegal in some jurisdictions.<ref>, ''U.S. Department of Education''</ref> Jurisdictions that have restricted or made illegal the use of credentials from unaccredited schools include ] <ref name="oda">, ''Oregon Office of Degree Authorization''</ref> <ref name="gazette"/>, ]<ref>, ''Michagan Education and Children's Services''</ref>, ]<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>, ]<ref name="gazette"/>, ]<ref name="gazette"/>, ]<ref name="oda"/> <ref>, ''Washington Consumer Information''</ref>, ]<ref name="oda"/>, ]<ref name="oda"/>, ]<ref name="oda"/>, and ].<ref>, ''Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board''</ref>. WNU is also restricted from accepting students from ]<ref name="gazette"/> <ref name="WNUonlinedegrees" />, ]<ref name="chronicle"> by Andrea L. Foster, '']'', ], ]</ref> <ref name="WNUonlinedegrees">http://www.wnuonlinedegrees.com/admission.asp?code=</ref> or ]<ref name="WNUonlinedegrees" />. Many other states are also considering restrictions on unaccredited degree use in order to help prevent fraud. <ref> ''Oregon Office of Degree Authorization''</ref> Colleges and Universities], ''Maine’s List of Non-Accredited Post-Secondary Schools''</ref>, ]<ref name="gazette"/>, ]<ref name="gazette"/>, ]<ref name="oda"/> <ref>, ''Washington Consumer Information''</ref>, ]<ref name="oda"/>, ]<ref name="oda"/>, ]<ref name="oda"/>, and ].<ref>, ''Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board''</ref>. WNU is also restricted from accepting students from ]<ref name="gazette"/> <ref name="WNUonlinedegrees" />, ]<ref name="chronicle"> by Andrea L. Foster, '']'', ], ]</ref> <ref name="WNUonlinedegrees">http://www.wnuonlinedegrees.com/admission.asp?code=</ref> or ]<ref name="WNUonlinedegrees" />. Many other states are also considering restrictions on unaccredited degree use in order to help prevent fraud. <ref> ''Oregon Office of Degree Authorization''</ref>


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==References== ==References==
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== External links == == External links ==

Revision as of 05:05, 27 October 2007

Warren National University
TypePrivate, distance learning, and unaccredited university
Established1984
Academic staff120
Students30,000 from 1984 to 2005
Address200 West 17th Street, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82001-4412, Cheyenne, Wyoming
CampusVirtual campus
Websitehttp://www.wnuedu.com/default.asp

Warren National University is a post-secondary, distance learning, unaccredited private university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the United States . It was established in California in 1984, and was formerly known as Kennedy-Western University. Warren National has administrative offices in Agoura Hills, California, and corporate offices in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It is named for Francis E. Warren who was the first governor of the state of Wyoming. For several years the university has been financially successful targeting those who are unable or would rather not attend traditional classroom courses, where the work is more rigorous. It has also been the subject of controversy and criticism due to a federal government investigation.

History

Warren National University was established as Kennedy-Western University in California in 1984.


University Name Change

According to Warren National University, the official date for the name change from Kennedy-Western University to Warren National was January 1, 2007. Warren National states the name change is a small part of a strategic initiative to introduce new resources to provide the best possible program for the online learner. The new name was selected in honor of the first governor of Wyoming, Francis E. Warren, and reflects the university's strong ties to the State of Wyoming.

Campus

As a distance learning virtual institution for the mid-career adult learner, Warren National does not have a physical campus. The university operates primarily out of offices in Agoura Hills, California, and it maintains a corporate headquarters office in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Over the university's 23 years of operation, it has had mailing addresses in California, Hawaii, Idaho, and Wyoming.

The university was established in California in 1984. According to the Bears' Guide to College Degrees by Mail & Internet, "For a few years the state had a three-tiered system: authorized (the $50,000 rule) for entire schools, state approved (for specific programs within schools), or accredited. The authorized category was dropped, and approval was extended to entire schools, resulting in the two-tier system. At that time, dozens of schools closed down, and some of the big ones opened offices in other states: Kennedy-Western in Idaho (later Hawaii and Wyoming)..."

In 1998, when the state of Idaho rejected their renewal application for license to operate because of a lack of institutional accreditation, Warren National University left Idaho for Wyoming.


Organization

In 2002, The Chronicle of Higher Education described Kennedy-Western University as a privately held entity incorporated in California and Wyoming, with headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California. Principal shareholders named in the article, based on publicly filed papers, were KWU president Paul S. Saltman of Westlake Village, California, and Joseph Benjoya. The Chronicle article stated that KWU also claimed to have offices in Moscow, Jakarta, and Singapore. The article stated that an Idaho education official had estimated KWU's revenue at as much as $10-million a year.

Accreditation

Warren National University is currently not accredited by any higher education accreditation body recognized in the United States. As such, its degrees and credits might not be acceptable to some employers or other institutions. For example, Warren National University graduates are not qualified for faculty positions at Warren National University, at least not based on their Warren National University degree. The primary function of accreditation is verifying that an institution meets established academic standards. The Wisconsin Education Approval Board notes, however, that accreditation is not a guarantee that credits from one institution will be accepted by another or that a prospective employer will recognize a particular degree.


Licensing

Warren National University is licensed by the Wyoming Department of Education under W.S. 21-2-401 through 21-2-407. This licensure allows the university to legally conduct business in the state. However, licensing should not be confused with educational accreditation, which is a voluntary quality assurance process. Note: Licensing is insufficient in a number of states where degrees from state licensed schools that are not accredited are restricted from certain state and local position or are considered illegal. As a condition of licensing, Warren National University must meet standards contained in "Article 4: Private School Licensing." One requirement enacted July 1, 2006, by the state of Wyoming, is that a school must either be accredited, or be in the process of becoming accredited by a higher education accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In order to continue operating in Wyoming, Warren National University applied for accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the recognized regional accreditation agency serving the state. In the December 6 and 7, 2005 minutes of Wyoming’s Select School Finance Committee and Joint Education Interim Committee, co-chaired by state Sen. Hank Coe and state Rep. Jeff Wasserburger: “Mr. Saltman, Kennedy-Western Chief Executive Officer and President, spoke in support of accreditation. Mr. Saltman explained that candidacy status is the first big step in accreditation and accreditation would ensure the integrity of the education being provided by post secondary education institutions in Wyoming.”

Academics

Warren National University offers 18 academic degree programs. Its degree programs are grouped within its three primary schools: School of Business, School of Technology, and the School of Health Administration. Also available is the Department of General Education. The School of Business offers bachelor degrees in six concentrations; master degrees in five concentrations, and a doctorate in Business Administration. The School of Technology offers bachelor and master degrees in two concentrations. And the School of Health Administration offers bachelor and master degrees in one concentration, that of Health Administration. According to Laramie County Community College, in the KWU program in 2004, the average time for graduation is 2.4 years; the average student age is 42, with an average of eight years of work experience in the field in which they’re studying.

At the 2005 Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Warren National University faculty members gave a presentation on the method used to deliver academic courses. Andree Swanson and Keren Meier-Emerich offered the following abstract for their presentation.

"This is an example of one course, out of 500 courses offered, which demonstrates the delivery model used by Kennedy-Western University. Courses are designed using a modular format, which includes multiple self-assessment opportunities. Offered as open-entry, a student may be the only one taking the course at a given time or may be one of many enrolled at the same time. The model allows for anytime, any pace, and any place learning."

In the "Understanding New Media" book's section on virtual universities, author Kim Veltman mentions, "By leveraging the power of the internet, Kennedy-Western has refined the academic process and opened up countless opportunities to adult learners. And they used Jones e-Global Library."

In a Chronicle of Higher Education article, Kennedy-Western faculty members stated students, "...often use the same textbooks and take exams as rigorous as those offered in professors' traditional classes."

Faculty

According to spokesmen for the university and its website, 80% of the academic faculty hold doctorate degrees from accredited institutions and the remainder hold masters degrees. Mr. Bob Patterson, chief operating officer for Warren National states there are between 135 and 150 faculty members. According to an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education at least 22 professors at Warren National University are full time faculty at other state and private academic institutions.

"Most are associate or assistant professors in business, computer science, or engineering at state universities who were recruited by Kennedy-Western through mass mailings and fliers. While Mr. Gellin and some of his peers are proud of their work for Kennedy-Western, others decline to talk about it for fear that their full-time employers will frown on their second jobs, or that their colleagues will scoff at them. That's not surprising, given that many educators hold Kennedy-Western in low regard, troubled by the institution's secrecy and slick marketing, decision to avoid oversight by accrediting agencies, awarding of academic credit for work experience, and attempted moves to different states."

This information is not confirmed by Warren National University. According to the Chronicle, the university refused to disclose at the time the number of faculty, the method of compensation, the proportion of faculty that is full-time or the ownership of the institution.

In 2005 the Christian Science Monitor reported that Kennedy-Western University had become the first college in the country to screen faculty research and course materials with plagiarism-detection software. The impetus came from the faculty itself, says Susan Ishii, director of student affairs. No faculty members were found to be plagiarizing. Tim Dodd, the executive director of the Center for Academic Integrity, criticized the use of such software as undermining "the expectation of trust in a mature scholarly community." However, John Berry, founder of turnitin.com, the plagiarism software company used by Kennedy-Western said, "That would be the equivalent of saying the referee out on the basketball court erodes trust." "Soon, he predicts, it will become "the next-generation spellchecker." And according to University Business magazine, Ms. Ishii states in response to use of plagiarism-detection software, "...that traditional and online postsecondary educational institutions are at a crossroads, and we bear collective responsibility to head toward restoring and maintaining instructional credibility. The proper use of established, reliable technology can fulfill this responsibility."


Controversy

GAO investigation

"From July 2003 through February 2004", an investigation was conducted by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) to determine whether the federal government had paid for degrees from diploma mills and other unaccredited postsecondary schools. Investigators determined that the federal government employed 463 individuals with degrees from unaccredited institutions including Kennedy-Western University. Senator Collins presented the GAO report to the committee on Governmental Affairs, of which she was the Chair and ranking Republican.

Witness testimony was provided during the same hearing by Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Claudia Gelzer, who was assigned as a staff aide to the Committee on Government Affairs, testified that KWU gave her life experience credit towards a master's in environmental engineering. KWU waived 43% of the course credit required for the degree based only on her application and descriptions of prior coursework and military training. She testified that KWU didn't check any of her claimed work experience. With 16 hours of effort she was able to earn 40% of the total remaining coursework required for her master's. “As for my first-hand experience with Kennedy-Western courses and passing the tests, I found that basic familiarity with the textbook was all I needed. I was able to find exam answers without having read a single chapter of the text... As for what I learned, the answer is very little. “

Kennedy-Western was not invited to testify before the Senate committee. The university's Director of Corporate Communications, David Gering, stated to The Oregonian, "We clearly believe that we are not a diploma mill and have an academically rigorous program." Mr. Lewis M. Phelps, a spokesman for Kennedy-Western University, said the online school was unfairly tarnished in the report. "The basic equation GAO seems to have come up with is 'no accreditation, no good,' " Phelps said. "We don't think that's valid."

Oregon lawsuit

The State of Oregon passed a law making it illegal for graduates to list Kennedy-Western on résumés, specifically referring to the school as a diploma mill. According to the Indiana Daily Student, "Oregon has one of the strictest résumé laws in the country." And according the The Chronicle of Higher Education, "Oregon's approach to regulating unaccredited higher-education institutions is among the strictest in the nation, and is unusual in that the state both keeps a close eye on its own such programs and warns its residents about questionable ones elsewhere." In July 2004, Kennedy-Western filed a lawsuit challenging the law on behalf of three former students. In December 2004, Kennedy-Western and Oregon reached an out-of-court settlement. Under the terms of the settlement, graduates of Kennedy-Western may list the school on a résumé as long as they note in the résumé its unaccredited status. The attorney general's office also agreed to provide ODA personnel with a training session on defamation law. Further, the Oregon State Office of Degree Authorization (ODA) may no longer refer to the school as a diploma mill or substandard; however, the State still does not allow the degrees to be used for governmental employment or for professional licenses because the ODA has determined that WNU does not meet standard academic requirements as specified by Oregon statute ORS 348.609(1). Lewis Phelps, a spokesman for Kennedy-Western, said the school has qualified faculty, and requirements that students show mastery of their work in courses and a final project.

Degree restrictions

The use of unaccredited WNU degree titles may be legally restricted or illegal in some jurisdictions. Jurisdictions that have restricted or made illegal the use of credentials from unaccredited schools include Oregon , Michigan, Maine, North Dakota, New Jersey, Washington , Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, and Texas.. WNU is also restricted from accepting students from Oregon , California or Utah. Many other states are also considering restrictions on unaccredited degree use in order to help prevent fraud.

See also

References

  1. ^ Private institutions offer opportunities for students, Laramie County Community College, November 2004.
  2. Online Extra: Inside diploma mills by Wilson P. Dizard III, Government Computer News, May 17, 2004
  3. ^ Kennedy-Western University is changing its name to Warren National University, Former KWU website
  4. ^ New law prompts online school changes, Jackson Hole Star Tribune, 2006
  5. Bears' Guide to College Degrees by Mail & Internet, 9th Edition, Ten Speed Press, ISBN-10: 1580084591.
  6. ^ Moonlighting for an Unaccredited University by Andrea L. Foster, The Chronicle of Higher Education, April 12, 2002 Cite error: The named reference "chronicle" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  7. A Virtual Revolution:Trends in the Expansion of Distance Education, United States Distance Learning Association, November 2001.
  8. ^ Warren National University Faculty, Warren National University website
  9. Accreditation Serving the Public Interest Council for Higher Education Accreditation
  10. Wisconsin Education Approval Board (EAB), "State Approval and Accreditation: Detailed Description"
  11. Wyoming Department of Education Private School Licensing, Wyoming Private School Licensing
  12. Wyoming Private school licensing-amendments, Joint Education Interim Committee
  13. ^ Federal Employees Have Obtained Degrees from Diploma Mills and Other Unaccredited Schools, Some at Government Expense, "GAO Report"
  14. Regional and specialized accreditation boards By George Gollin, Oregon Office of Degree Authorization
  15. Wyoming Department of Education, Registered Private Degree Granting Post-Secondary Education Institutions
  16. Wyoming Toughens Up on Unaccredited, "Inside Higher Education", March 20, 2006
  17. Schools seek accreditation, By Mead Gruver, Codycafe.com, Associated Press, 7/1/2006
  18. ^ Wyoming’s Select School Finance Committee and Joint Education Interim Committee December 6 and 7, 2005 Minutes:
  19. Warren National University Areas of Study
  20. Asynchronous delivery of an open-entry course, Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning, The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2005
  21. Understanding New Media: Augmented Knowledge and Culture, University of Calgary Press, ISBN-13: 978-1552381540, July 30 2006.
  22. ^ State mulls online learning by the Associated Press, Billings Gazette, January 30, 2005
  23. Profs who plagiarize: how often? By Susan Llewelyn Leach, The Christian Science Monitor, April 27, 2005
  24. Preventing Professional Plagiarism, University Business: The Magazine for College and University Administrators, 2006
  25. ^ Lawmakers consider legislation to close diploma-mill loophole, By David McGlinchey, Government Executive, May 12, 2004
  26. http://www.senate.gov/~govt-aff/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=716&Affiliation=R
  27. http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hearings.Testimony&HearingID=176&WitnessID=632
  28. Wyo university sues Oregon to defend its diplomas, Star Tribune, August 5, 2004
  29. Public Paid for Bogus Degrees, Washington Post, May 12, 2004.
  30. Trust employers, not the state, Indiana Daily Student News, August 5, 2004
  31. States Struggle to Regulate Online Colleges That Lack Accreditation, The Chronicle of Higher Education - Information Technology, March 23, 2001.
  32. http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/ArticleNews/story/BWIRE/20041221/20041221005728
  33. Conference Committee on SB 1039, 73rd Oregon Legislative Assembly - 2005 Regular Session, Measure: SB 1039 A*, June 22, 2005.
  34. Oregon settles with unaccredited university, Portland Business Journal, December 22, 2004.
  35. "Oregon Settles Federal Lawsuit Filed by Kennedy Western University", Globe Investor December 21, 2004
  36. Scarlet Letter, Inside Higher Education, July 7, 2005</
  37. ^ Unaccredited Colleges, Oregon Office of Degree Authorization
  38. St Petersburg Times Online, May 12, 2004.
  39. Diploma Mills and Accreditation, U.S. Department of Education
  40. Colleges and Universities not accredited by CHEA, Michagan Education and Children's Services
  41. [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
  42. Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board, Washington Consumer Information
  43. Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
  44. ^ http://www.wnuonlinedegrees.com/admission.asp?code=
  45. Is Oregon the only state that disallows use of unaccredited degrees? Oregon Office of Degree Authorization

External links

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