I have been corresponding with people at the Gates’ Foundation about their support for WGU.
Good people there tell me that Gates has been associated with WGU for some time and is assured that WGU is not another online scheme like Phoenix or Ashford. I have made it clear that I am not opposed to profit. If Phoenix or Ashford can do the job, why would I care f they make a buck? At the same time, I am not reassured by WGU’s claim to be non profit.
The Gates people tell me that their interest is “(serving) low-income young adults … “creat(ing)” more effective pathways for them in college so more them get a quality education, (and) complete for careers ….”
Of course i agree with this intent!
All I want is to be reassured that Gates has done due diligence and that WGU is a good investment for WA state kids. I have restated my questions to the Gates in the hope that they have answers I can not get from WGU’s slick website. :
!. What is WGU’s time to earn a BA or BS degree?
Their own numbers suggest that the “2 1/2” years is not correct. MY guess is that WGU is conflating certificate programs for computer professionals with the much larder issue of serving students who meet your criteria as being undeserved.
2. Are WGU Bachelor and Master degrees valid?
Again, the WGU site suggests that these degrees do not meet the standards we expect. This is especially worrisome since they claim to be training people to be high school teachers.
I refer you to the pointed questions offered by Professor Stiber about the lack of math courses needed to complete a valid BS in computer science, my similar concerns about the lack of course offerings in biology required for a valid BS in teaching or nursing, and the apparent absence of qualified faculty on the liberal arts council.
3. Do WGU’s numbers add up?
You emphasize expense to the students, , but WGU tuition seems to be twice what tuition is at WA state community colleges. At the same time, WGU appears to have an income of $120,000,000. As a non profit, aren’t they supposed to publish a balance sheet?
If they are not paying faculty, where does this money go? How much do they spend on marketing?
4. What is the evidence that WGU improves employment for the poor and undeserved.?
Where is the data? I
The greater part of WGU’s testimonials seem to be by software professionals who buy WGU rebranded certification tools. Upgrading software professionals is a good thing but is that the Gates’ goal?
5. Can WGU back up its claims and if so why do they present themselves as they do on their website?
have been corrsp