Degree Mills

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Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:54 am

A degree mill is an organization who sells degrees in various fields based on life experience. I've been recently receiving spam emails trying to sell me degrees and I've just jutted them to the side into the bin. However, a relative of mine recently bought one of these a couple months back and she used it to get a new job paying 80k a year, but was instantly terminated when her employer found out the degree wasn't really authentic, even though she performed her job functions better than the properly accredited coworkers. I'm wondering what you all think of the situation and what you would advise my aunt do to try to receive compensation. On one hand, the degree was false and questionably illegal in nature, but she performed her job functions better than the other workers and her employer acknowledged this.

Whats mostly sad is that people are getting sucked in by this scam and it has yet to be federally outlawed, allowing the scam to go on undisturbed.

Chuck Norris Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 1369

Well, since she got her job under false premises, there's really nothing she can do to the job that sacked her. She's got nothing to use against the former employer, regardless of how well she performed her job duties, she got the job dishonestly in the first place. That is grounds for immediate termination in most places in the U.S.

Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 3:58 am

In the state that I live in, it is called an "employment at will state" which means companies technically don't need a reason to fire you, just can't do it for the obvious no-no's (age, sex, creed, ...). I don't think there is much she can do either in the circumstances you describe.

Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 4:34 am

I just got a new job myself; one thing HR has me sign was a form stating that the info I submitted was 100% accurate etc. I don't think there is much she can do honestly......

*** BANNED *** Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Posts: 2021

So she cheats her way into a job and then expects compensation when she gets caught...... Ok Confused

Master of Master Baiters Joined: 26 Sep 2008 Posts: 689

I know a few lawyers and barristers that can help out. I know they're genuine I've seen their RSOT's Laughing

But basically what he said above me. It wouldn't wash in most other countries either.

Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:45 pm

Actually, the reason I asked is because the people she bought the degree from told her and guaranteed her it was legal and it turns out it wasn't. I just needed to see whether if a claim of this being a scam could be substantiated, seeing as how the people she bought her degree from won't return her money. Maybe legal action could be taken against the "university" but I highly doubt it.

Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 8:14 pm

Did she ever have class, or take a test for this university, or did she just send some money to them? It all sounds pretty funny to me. Not funny weird, but funny in a laughable way. I think the funniest part is that she feels she may be entitled to something. We could ask Marvinator to knock her up a new "diploma". That might help get her back on her feet.

Or, she could just try being honest.

Adamu's soulmate Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 337

A degree indeed any qualification can only be legit if you undertake the study and pass the exams. You cant therefore buy a legit degree.

If holding a degree was a requirement of the post then she hasnt a case. The degree is meant to demonstrate a level of ability and expertise. If on the other hand it wasnt she still would have no case as she has made a fraudulent statement in her application upon which her job offer was based.

Why does she want to pursue this - she was caught out fair and square.

Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 10:55 pm

There's a 5 year old article on them
www.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2003-09-28-fakedegrees_x.htm
As using one to get a job is a criminal offence in some states, trying to sue someone may not be a god idea.

Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 4:48 pm

A degree based on life experience (based on the ability to mail money to the "university" or college", no doubt), with no coursework, without sitting any exams or writing any papers for submission. Legit.................Yeah, right.

Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:06 pm

At one time there was a program that allowed Credit for Life Experience (CLE) so that one could get college credits without having to attend (and pay for) the classes. However, one had to sit for (and pay for) an exam to receive the credit. And one could receive no more than half the credits required for graduation and degree status.

Receiving a degree for life experience with no proof that one has actually learned from that experience is not ethical or honest.

Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:20 pm

The ONLY degree I have heard of someone getting without classes is an honorary degree, given to professionals who have developed their field above and beyond measure. These degrees are usually given to industry professionals who the college system wants to bring in for their amount of experience and advancements of a certain field to teach other college students.

As far as degree mills, they should be illegal 100%. Fake degree in civil engineering, lets cross that bridge. Fake degree in mechanical engineering, lets drive that ford expolder. Fake degree in nursing, drug me right on up with that medicine cocktail. Fake degree in business or accounting, please come help me run my business. Endless possibilities here, none of them are very good. As far as her being able to get anything, not a snow balls chance in hell. She lied, signed paperwork more than likely admitting she was qualified or knew of the qualifications. Even if she didn't, the use of a fake degree is an admission to that knowledge. So suing her old place of work, no go. Getting to the degree mill, you might have to look at disclaimers that came with it. Also, as it was not an accredited institution (more than likely) it would be illegal for them to offer a degree. Can she sue them, maybe, but I doubt it.

Torques this college student. I've met plenty of industry people who have no college degree, but they started out low and worked their way up by getting enough experience.

What ever happened to good old fashioned work ethic?

Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 8:40 am

Ex. wrote:

...the people she bought the degree from told her and guaranteed her it was legal and it turns out it wasn't.

You mean just like the trunk box was meant to be risky free?