Bronte International University

Bronte International University (formerly known as Trinity College and Universitycite news | url=http://www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.aspx | title=Unaccredited colleges | publisher=Oregon State Office of Degree Authorization | date= 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-04-13] ) is an unaccredited post-secondary educational institution formally in South Dakota. It is widely considered to be a diploma mill. According to Oregon State Office of Degree Authorization, it is "probably" operated in the Caribbean and "also operated in Louisiana and maybe elsewhere." The "school's" webpage offers "fast" degrees from "life experience".

Academics and accreditation

The institution claims to be accredited by the Association for Online Academic Excellence (AOAE), but this is not a recognized accreditation association of higher learning. [cite news | url=http://www.chea.org | title=Accreditation Database and Information | publisher=Council for Higher Education Accreditation | date= | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18]

Other institutions with similar names

Bronte International University was originally known as "Trinity College & University, South Dakota." It should not be confused with a number of mainstream academic institutions with similar names (see Trinity College). [cite news | url=http://www.maine.gov/education/highered/Non-Accredited/an-bu.htm| title=Non-Accredited Colleges & Universities List: AN - BU | publisher=Maine Department of Education | date= 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-03-13]

The name "Trinity College & University" is used by a distance education institution based in Dover, Delaware, United States, with offices in Málaga, Spain and Islamabad, Pakistan. [http://www.tcupk.com/aboutus.html About Us] , Trinity College and University website, accessed March 17, 2008] This institution is rumored to be a diploma millcite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/10/news/UN-GEN-UN-Faked-Degrees.php | title=AP Exclusive: U.N. fired staff member with academic degrees from non-accredited Internet-based academy | publisher=Associated Press | date= 2007-02-09 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-03-13] . This institution advertises that it awards degrees "in any subject" [ [http://www.tcupk.com/degrees.html Degrees] , Trinity College and University website, accessed March 17, 2008] on the basis of "practical experience."

The Trinity College and University, South Dakota that later became Bronte International University is currently based in the British Virgin Islands, and is registered as a corporation with the United Kingdom (Tortola, BVI).Fact|date=March 2008

United Nations scandal

In February 2007 the Associated Press reported that several employees of the United Nations had lost their jobs when it was revealed they had listed Trinity College and University degrees on their resumes.cite news | url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,251301,00.html | title=U.N. Fired Staff Members With Academic Degrees From Diploma Mill | publisher=Associated Press |date=2007-02-12 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-03-13] A U.N. spokeswoman was quoted as saying that one staff member's misrepresentation of his Trinity credentials as being from a legitimate university was considered "serious misconduct." The article described Trinity as a "diploma-sales business" and noted that the institution was "actively pursuing the soldiers in Iraq" as customers for college degrees.

References

ee also

*List of unaccredited institutions of higher learning
*Educational accreditation