Commonweath Open University Comments

This is a fake and horrible 'university'. The 'degrees' are not worth the paper they are printed on.

Let's face it!!! The world hates this 'university' and their fraud 'degrees'. We have now documented the fact that the U.S., Western Europe and even Africa rejects this piece of crap 'university'. DO NOT GET SUCKED INTO THIS SCAM!!!!!

This is a fake 'university' that issues worthless degrees in my opinion. My opinion is based on the fact that the degrees are not recognized in the United States and Western Europe. 'Kevin' said " I am not worried about accreditation issues in some countries." We are talking about dozens of countries. There is a post above that clearly shows that even two African Nations will not accept the 'degrees' from COU. Don't even try to defend such a trashy establishment as COU. Some people have had their lives ruined by COU.

I just completed the MSc in Environmental Sciences. It is a great program and very affordable. The staff are very student friendly and there anytime you need them. I am not part of the computer generation, but I found this a very rewarding process. Check out COU if you want a good quality online program. The degree program combines rigour and accessibility. That is the most important thing for me. I am not worried about accreditation issues in some countries.

I cannot believe that the people who participate in this form are "accredited" or "unaccredited" university graduates. The vitriolic comments and jingoistic assertions are an embarrassment to read. In fact, I am ashamed of myself for having spent so much time following the .. well, it was not a debate ... the, the, shouting match. To coin a phrase,(hardly) ... "a pox on both your houses!"

To: For Real
(aka Anden, Chang, James, Hi Friend, Mary, Appreciation,& Folk)

You should be a shammed of yourself. You are a plant for this degree mill. The 'degrees' are useless in the vast majority of countries. Anyone with half a brain will do a little research and find that out for themselves. You are taking advantage of people's laziness; those individuals that are trying to get a 'quick and easy degree'. You have also fabricated 6 'reviews' all written in a two month period between May 31st and July 27th, 2010. They are all written in the exact same style; very short (typically two or three sentences) featuring horrible written English. Yet, you persist in trying to rip people off. There are many honest ways of making a living. I suggest you try one of those!

This is to anyone reading this forum. I have spent time trying to open your eyes to the fraud that is COU. They are a degree mill. I have provided you with sources from the U.S., Western Europe and Africa (both South Africa and Tanzania). Please do your research on this 'university' before throwing your money away! Please read this warning carefully:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

Here is a beauty from East Africa (Tanzania) which hates COU as well.

Minister Defends his PhD


The minister for East African Cooperation, Dr Diodorus Kamala, yesterday defended his doctorate degree in the wake of reports that a number of ministers and MPs have dubious academic qualifications. 

Dr Kamala acquired his doctorate degree from the Commonwealth Open University, which the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) does not recognise.

Eight ministers and several MPs have reportedly acquired dubious degrees from foreign institutions that are not recognised internationally. 

They include the Commonwealth Open University where Dr Kamala and Dr Nchimbi acquired their doctorate degrees, according to their CVs on the parliament website. 

TCU has already warned Tanzanians to be on the lookout for foreign institutions offering "bogus" degrees.The TCU executive secretary, Prof Mayunga Nkunya, has advised Tanzanians seeking degrees abroad to first check with his commission on the status of universities they intend to join. 
He said that Tanzanians could also check with Tanzanian embassies in countries where such institutions claim to be based. 

After TCU listed the Commonwealth Open University as among institutions it does not recognise, Dr Kamala referred The Citizen to the UK Naric website which shows the agency has registered over 20 universities, including the Commonwealth Open University. 

Others are the International University (USA), Post Graduate Institute of Business Mgt (Sri Lanka), Society of Sales & Marketing (UK), Business Management Association (UK) and London Churchill College (UK). 

The list also includes the London Reading College (UK), London School of Business (UK), London School of Law (UK), American University of London (UK), ST. Albert's College & Graduate School (USA), Daffodil International University (Bangladesh) and Corporation of Executives and Administrators (UK). 

UK Naric also recognises the World Information Distribution University (Belgium), University of Enterprise (Ghana), University of NorthWest (USA), European Continental University (USA), British American University (USA), University College of Hospitality & Care (USA), International Board of Registered Chaplains, Mental Health Therapists & Practitioners (USA) and London Executive Schools (UK).

Minister defends his PhD
Gus Sainz 
Administrator 
DegreeDiscussion.com


Tanzania hates COU as well!!!!!

If COU is a "fake university" as you call it, why is it still in operation?  Obviously it must be a legal establishment regardless of accreditation status if it is still allowed to operate.  

It is important to stress that just because a school is not accredited it does not mean that they are inferior or illegal. For example, there are innovative non-traditional schools that may have not sought accreditation for legitimate reasons. When making decisions about it is important to not only consider the institution's accreditation status but your educational goals and learning needs as well. Just because an institution is accredited does not mean that you are
guaranteed a high quality education. Even if two institutions are accredited they may not allow you to transfer credit from one to the other. You should
avoid an accredited or unaccredited institution that grants degrees without ensuring students are properly qualified. I can assure you that you have to work a lot in order to get a COU degree.

I am interested in the MSc in Mathematics degree program. Can you give me some info about it?

This program basically covers the following areas: A Beginning Library of Elementary Functions, Additional Elementary Functions, Mathematics of Finance, Systems of Linear Equations: Matrices, Linear Inequalities and Linear Programming, Probability, Markov Chains, The Derivative, Graphing and Optimization, Additional Derivative Topics, Integration, Additional Integration Topics, Multivariable Calculus.

The MSc in Applied Matematics offered by COU is a degree program in finite mathematics and calculus. This look at some of the maths commonly used for business, economics, life sciences, and social sciences.

I would highly recoomend Commonwealth Open. For those who want to gain a body of knowledge from Commonwealth Open,I would say they will give you a great education.

I will not hesitate to recommend the University to friends and colleagues looking to do distance learning. I expect to complete the MSc in Mathematics course work this April.

Sorry "governmental employer".

I have completed with them my MA in International Relations. I showed course material and assignments to my govermental employeer and fully accepted. Wonderful course and academic integrity. Recommended.

I'm  unsure if I have commented on this site regarding COU. If  I have please forgive the error.

COU may or may not meet the needs of the individual. Careful attention is therefore suggested.
My personal experience  was very good. The degree satisfied my need and desire. I have encountered no difficulties whatsoever regarding acceptance. At the point of my attending COU,  it was or had a form  accreditation from a British authority. However, this  wasn't required since I'm licensed prior to attending.  COU did accept much of my previous doctoral work. This was important since I was ill and frankly, fighting for survival.

With all this in mind, I'm grateful for the opportunity to do my final doctoral work with COU. In every regard they worked professionally, efficiently and with academic integrity? In the end it depends on what is needed by the student. I would not hessitate to work with COU again, if need be. Use the thoughts of the hacks with caution

Here are some people really just stating the same thing over and over in numerous posts without adding any value to anyone.

I am a graduate from both COU and fully recognised universities in South Africa, so if I may give my opinion on this matter.

My COU qualification was not accepted for further studies in South African universities, but they did give me RPL and after doing additional subjects was awarded a fully recognised degree by a proper South African university.  I am now busy with a fully recognised (SAQA accredited) Master's Degree at a South African university.

Yes, COU might have qualifications that are not on the same standard as recognised by accrediting authorities, but they definitely do add value to your life.  Their motto has always been that study is not about what you learn, but about what you become.  That is definitely true in my life and what I learned from COU is in some instances more valuable that what I've learned at the recognised and accredited universities.

I guess at the end of the day it is a matter of what you want to do with your qualification.  If you want a COU degree to help you feel good about yourself and give your self-image a boost, go for it.  If you want to study and want to do it formally to benefit your own business or entrepreneurial venture, do it.

However, if you think you are going to find employment with a COU degree, think again.  If that is your purpose, please rather spend your money on a recognised institution and get a proper qualification recognised in your country.

Personally, I think the COU qualifications add much value to your life if you put in the studies.  Comparing the coursework and research I had to do for my COU qualification is in some instances even a notch above what the recognised universities require.  So that definitely added value to my life and I am glad about the COU experience and qualification I obtained.

Due to the COU studies, I decided where I wanted to spend my life and based on that, I continued my studies with a recognised South African university.  COU was the foundation from which I could build and for that I will forever be grateful.  COU instilled in me a desire for research and lifelong learning.

Thank you, COU.

That University only have a post office box in the BVI. There is no such school existing

I am impressed with the way you run your school!  You "hit the road running!" The theory is there, but the practical application of the theory is also there, getting you immediately involved in the process.

Hi 
 
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I'm looking for Dr.Rev.Potgieter - Pretoria
I studied a certificate in theology (1997-1998)How can I optain results

Your 'degree' is completely useless in most of the world! It is a disgrace that this website would even allow this so-called 'university' to even be listed!

I have completed a MBA degree program. I pursued other courses and the best approach to distance education is provided by Commonwealth Open University. COU is an institution where value is created for those with a goal. 

Why attend a 'university' that is not recognized by the majority of first world countries? The school is accredited by a vocational education accrediting body in the UK, not by a serious university accrediting agency! You forgot to mention that! In addition, COU is not recognized by any university or employer in the United States. This 'university' does not meet the standards of any First World Nation for a university (end of story)!

I have completed my PhD Programme in Information Technology February, 2011.
I am so impressed with COU and their committed Staff.
I recommended COU degrees to many of my colleagues. It is accepted in UK and in our countries.
Regards,

Gamal Karrar
Addis Ababa
ETHIOPIA

Which bogus accrediting agency are you referring to?
If you were referring to REAL agency then COU 'degrees' would be accepted in the U.S. and else where (which they are not)!

Which UK authority???????????????

This is ACRREDITED and ACCEPTED and AUDITED by a UK authority. 

NO! No university recognizes COU in Western Europe, Canada and the U.S.! No one is confused! They are not recognized; period!

Many are getting confuse about the credibility of The Commonwealth Open University. IS it really accredited? Spain Education Board does not recognize them, what about the United Kingdom? 

You must be a COU 'graduate'.

I am Dr. BSer. I would like to inform you about COU. 

Your so-called 'degree' from COU will not be recognized in the U.S., Canada, Europe (and not even in Africa). Only god knows where else your worthless paper will not be accepted. However, I must say that if you happen to be in the Caribbean you will not have any problems with acceptance and recognition. If you take the time to read the posts against COU (testimonials and articles) you will understand that this 'university' is truly a WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY!!!

Just to inform you about Commonwealth Open University.

I have a Bachelor of Education - BEd and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - BSc and was offerd a Honorary Doctorate in Engineering and Education - HonDUniv. I am very pleased with the efficient administration of COU and their expertise in their answering of emails Also my BSc was accepted by a UK registered Professional Body.

Thank you

Dr John H Wilkinson 
BSc  BEd  DPSE  CertEd  GCGI  LCGI  PE  PEng  FIET  MBCS  CITP  FInstLM  FInstCM

You said "This IS ACCREDITED !!! I did my homework and you must do your work here. Great School!" The accreditation you are referring to is not recognized anywhere except in the Caribbean. It is not even accepted in Africa! Do you understand that? If you really did your homework you would know that fool! Your 'doctor degree' is probably from COU! :-(

This IS ACCREDITED !!! I did my homework and you must do your work here. Great School!

"I studied with Mensana," said a former student who did not want to be named as she is operating as a medical practitioner with her degree. "The standards were terrible. Sometimes we came to class and nothing was prepared. There were lots of things that weren't kosher and every time we queried what was happening we were told a different story." 

When The Star called Marius Herholdt, he denied having anything at present to do with the university. 

"I'm no longer involved," he said. "SAQA wants all these overseas universities to register with them so we terminated our contract. This happened at the end of 2005, but there were still a number of students in the system that we had to finish up with. We are not enrolling any new students. Mensana is only a campus. We are open to any organisation who wants to lecture there." 

The Star, however, has in its possession a degree issued by Commonwealth Open University signed by Herholdt. 

Mensana spokesperson Gary Prince said they were being mixed up with Commonwealth Open University and were in fact called the Commonwealth Closed Corporation. 

"The activities of Mensana have nothing to do with that of Commonwealth Training cc. We apply a service to people who want us to facilitate their studies through any other institution."

By Angelique Serrao The Star 11/04/07.

South Africa hates COU!!!!!!

Since our foolish friend has tried very hard to paint me as an individual that is U.S./Western European Centric, let's read about what South Africa thinks about the Degree Mill otherwise known as Commonwealth Open University:


For your info here is a clipping from the Star newspaper (South African daily newspaper).:


There's Nothing Open about this University


Some are practising with their degrees from Mensana and Commonwealth Open

They were promised an international degree and after years of hard work were left with nothing to show for it. 

The Commonwealth Open University advertised internationally accredited degrees to South African students. But a month ago an article appeared in Rapport newspaper exposing Mensana college for admitting students on short courses that were not accredited with any South African institution. 

Concerned, some students of Commonwealth Open University contacted The Star, claiming they studied for degrees through Mensana. 

"My heart stopped when I saw that report," said one student. "I thought after all my years of hard work my (PhD) thesis might be worth nothing." 

After paying R20 000 (+/-$2900), she said all she had to do was bind her thesis and hand it in for marking. 

"I called Liezel Herholdt to ask what was happening after the report, but she told me it just involved the certificate courses and I won't be affected because mine is a degree. Professor Marius Herholdt (her adviser) told me over the phone that he applied for accreditation with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) and the CHE (Council for Higher Education) in 2006 but was just waiting for it to come through." 

The CHE told The Star that they had received many complaints about the two institutions - neither of which was accredited with them. The Department of Education confirmed it had written Mensana a letter after discovering they were not accredited as a higher institution in South Africa. It received a reply from Mensana saying it Mensana not offering higher education courses. 

SAQA said that they first find out whether international institutions are recognised in their own countries before giving them accreditation in SA. 

"Commonwealth Open University operates out of the Virgin Islands and it is not recognised by their own body in the UK," said Joe Samuels, the deputy executive officer at SAQA. 

The university is listed on website Wikipedia's list of unaccredited institutions of higher learning, which warns potential students that their degrees are also not accepted in the US.

You said "It's amazing, but not surprising that this gentleman believes that if the US does not validate something, it is not worth validating." I can only conclude that you cannot read properly. I clearly said that COu 'degrees' were not recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and in other countries such as South Africa. Here is what I have posted numerous times in this forum:

"I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'."

I recently read an article that a head minister of an African Nation (I believe it was Nigeria but I will check) was under fire for claiming a PhD from COu. They would not even recognize the so-called PhD from COu in their country (as well as not being accepted in South Africa). I have also said that if these 'degrees' from COu are accepted in your country, great for you! I am warning all who are considering this ‘university’ to check with their country’s accrediting agency and/or corporation at which they intend to use the ‘degree’ for promotional purposes before committing their hard earned money. What is wrong with that? Surely you cannot protest such a prudent step.   

So you see, it isn't just the U.S. that I speak of as you claim. It is essentially every where (or at least the majority of the world that will not accept COu 'degrees'). I repeat my warning to all reading these remarks. STAY AWAY FROM COu.

It's amazing, but not surprising that this gentleman believes that if the US does not validate something, it is not worth validating.  It takes me back to a survey that was conducted in the US where the interviewer asked the question "Do you believe that the US and the rest of the world should assist in alleviating poverty?"  The majority of the persons interviewed could not assimilate the question - for several reasons, including:
- They did not know that other countries existed outside the US.
- They thought the US WAS "the world".
- They could not rationalize the concept of poverty.

This is what we call in the "real world" a bubble mentality, where one believes that his existence is the only existence and his opinion the only one.

I have had the good fortune to work with "professionals" from the US.  I say good fortune because it proved to me time and again that their concept of "the world" is truly limited and as such, their recommendations or suggestions usually met with abject failure in the rest of the world - YES, there is a rest of the world!  It was only when they failed that they had to admit that the suggestions that my colleagues and I were proposing were the right way to go.  Today, the US benefits greatly from those suggestions which are still creating value and opportunity.

Needles to say, I am not from the US or Western Europe and my educational qualifications came from neither place.  You see, certification is one thing; actual thought and the application of learning and multiple intelligences is quite another ball game.  Additionally, I asked for an outline for a Masters' programme from and recognized and accredited US university in the behavioural sciences.  It was quite entertaining to me that I would have been able to do, as my electives, jewellery making, pottery, etc - nothing that actually related to my chosen field of learning.  I suppose that's the American psyche for you.

Still, I do not paint all American universities or scholars with the same brush, for I have had very productive and enlightening interactions and conversations with intellectuals and professionals from the US.  Their mental framework, however is that the world is their oyster, not just the US.  I would only recommend that persons such as yourself be more open to the reality that the "American" way or the "Western European" way is not the only way.  It is only then that we would see the folly of such terminology as "first world" and "third world".  There's only ONE world.

Please visit a psychiatrist before your condition gets out of hand.  The first response to my Appreciation post could not have been written by a sane person.

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

Thanks to Ken Hay for his information.  I did google search and found the profile of one PhD COU graduate who is a university teacher.  It fascinates me and since I am neither in the US or Europe I don't think it hurts.  I just like what I saw.

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

Mary said "I am graduate." Is this the quality of student CO'u' has? If you look closely at the quality of writing (and the lack of grammatical correctness)of CO'u' supporters and 'graduates' you realize why this is a sub-standard 'university'

I am graduate. I definitely recommend COU.

Why???????? July 4, 2010 at 9:46 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

You wrote:

"This is not to say that I am recommending COU. The decision is entirely yours, so is any consequence."

That's right! You better write this DISCLAIMER! People that believe your garbage may fall into this degree mill trap and you will be to blame.

Put your crack pipe down for a minute! This is a DEGREE MILL!!!!!!! Do you understand? Have you come out of your drug induced daze long enough to get it?

I know how painful it is for your to be told what you look like.  You only need to work on yourself as no one could do it for you.

From your writings I suspect that you must be holding some questionable certificates/degrees - which you would find very difficult to defend.  It's either your institution(s) withdraws their certificate from you or those institutions are themselves closed down.  You will be unmasked and brought to justice no matter how best you try to hide and cover up.  No US institution or company will hire you.  No place for lazy, careless guys in today's organizations.

Anyone with 'Half a Brain' will check out this "university" carefully and realize that you are simply full of crap. They will go to CHEA and see that it is not accredited. They will click on consumerfraudreporting.org and read the consumer warning about this "university". They will do their homework and realize that you have deceived them. How do you suppose a so-called "university" like CO'u' gets on a consumer fraud alert list you jackass? It gets on such a list because it is a DEGREE MILL. Do you get it crack head? It is unfortunate that people like you have decided to act as a front for this degree mill. How do you live with yourself knowing that you are pedaling worthless paper? There are 'suckers' out there that you will probably be able to convince. What a way to make a living. You are disgusting!Here in the U.S. you would be hunted down and jailed!

Why???????? July 4, 2010 at 9:46 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

You wrote:

"This is not to say that I am recommending COU. The decision is entirely yours, so is any consequence."

That's right! You better write this DISCLAIMER! People that believe your garbage may fall into this degree mill trap and you will be to blame. 

Put your crack pipe down for a minute! This is a DEGREE MILL!!!!!!! Do you understand? Have you come out of your drug induced daze long enough to get it?

You are too lazy for my liking.  

You wrote:

"Ken Hay made some similar claims about CO"u" "faculty" doing great things within their area of study but could not produce a single name."

I followed Ken Hay's contributions with interest. Personally I would not expect Ken Hay to reveal anyone's name without the person's consent. S/he could not secure the individual's consent so he did not go any further. Is that why you concluded Ken Hay "could not produce a single name"? Your problem is that of selective perception. Ken Hay did give us readers a lead but you did not bother to find out because of your laziness, bias, negative attitude and pre-conceived wrong notion(s). S/he maintained that some COU graduates have published book chapters/articles in the same books/journals where leading scholars have. You expected him to spoon-feed you by mentioning names, etc when you have been dodging the same request. If you google up you will find out that Ken Hay was not wrong. But you are damned too lazy and myopic to find out. Also remember that the Ken Hay mentioned that the guy was not recommending COU. Ken Hay however maintained that some COU graduates are doing a good job. You claimed to have googled but failed to see this!

Frankly speaking, you are a negative advertisement of whatever institution you may claim to have attended. You are neither painstaking nor serious in your effort to find out.

After reading Ken Hay's submissions, I took the pain to search. Probably, S/he might have exaggerated on the achievements of some COU graduates, but he is not altogether wrong to have claimed that they have contributed book chapters and/or journal articles. I personally saw two book chapers, some abstracts and one conference paper presentation by one of them who is currently a senior member of faculty in an institution of higher learning.

(I know your won't make effort to find out but rush to ask for details from this contributor - lazy you!)

From your writings I suspect that you must be holding some questionable degrees - which you would find very difficult to defend.

I'd rather hire a sane and skilled COU graduate than make the mistake of hiring someone like you.

Readers Note:

This is not to say that I am recommending COU. The decision is entirely yours, so is any consequence.

Nice disclaimer at the end of your nonesense. Everyone knows COU is a degree mill and you must be a crack head for trying to sell this crap to people. The other poster is right; you are an island fool!!!

You are too lazy for my liking.

You wrote:

"Ken Hay made some similar claims about CO"u" "faculty" doing great things within their area of study but could not produce a single name."

I followed Ken Hay's contributions with interest.  Personally I would not expect Ken Hay to reveal anyone's name without the person's consent.  S/he could not secure the individual's consent so he did not go any further.  Is that why you concluded Ken Hay "could not produce a single name"?  Your problem is that of selective perception.  Ken Hay did give us readers a lead but you did not bother to find out because of your laziness, bias, negative attitude and pre-conceived wrong notion(s).  S/he maintained that some COU graduates have published book chapters/articles in the same books/journals where leading scholars have.  You expected him to spoon-feed you by mentioning names, etc when you have been dodging the same request.  If you google up you will find out that Ken Hay was not wrong.  But you are damned too lazy and myopic to find out.  Also remember that the Ken Hay mentioned that the guy was not recommending COU.  Ken Hay however maintained that some COU graduates are doing a good job.  You claimed to have googled but failed to see this!

Frankly speaking, you are a negative advertisement of whatever institution you may claim to have attended.  You are neither painstaking nor serious in your effort to find out.  

After reading Ken Hay's submissions,  I took the pain to search.  Probably, S/he might have exaggerated on the achievements of some COU graduates, but he is not altogether wrong to have claimed that they have contributed book chapters and/or journal articles. I personally saw two book chapers, some abstracts and one conference paper presentation by one of them who is currently a senior member of faculty in an institution of higher learning. 

(I know your won't make effort to find out but rush to ask for details from this contributor - lazy you!)

From your writings I suspect that you must be holding some questionable degrees - which you would find very difficult to defend.

I'd rather hire a sane and skilled COU graduate than make the mistake of hiring someone like you. 

Readers Note:

This is not to say that I am recommending COU.  The decision is entirely yours, so is any consequence.

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

Why?????? May 20, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

You said:
"After reading Ken Hay's submissions, I took the pain to search. He/She might have exaggerated on the achievements of some COU graduates, but he is not altogether wrong to have claimed that they have contributed book chapters and/or journal articles. I personally saw two book chapers, some abstracts and one conference paper presentation by one of them who is currently a senior member of faculty in an institution of higher learning.

For you, any institution (in any part of the world) that is unaccredited by a US (national or regional) accrediting agency is no institution and the graduates are good-for-nothing. From your writings I suspect that you must be holding some questionable degrees - which you would find very difficult to defend."

You are incorrect again. To begin with there are NO COu graduates that have contributed any substantial academic research or work at all....period! 

You are indeed an island fool! My degrees (both undergraduate and graduate degrees) are from Regionally Accredited universities here in the U.S. (from top 25 tier I universities) as well as a degree from a public, well known university in Germany. I have friends in university positions in Germany, France and Italy all of whom have said to me that COu "degrees" are not accepted in their countries. I already know that they are not accepted in the U.S. How would you explain the individual from South Africa that was scammed by this so-called "university"? You continue to ignore the facts and instead level personal attacks on me. My job is to continue to warn individuals about this school regardless of your personal attacks. I say to you, put down the rum and your crack pipe! Ken Hay and you are frauds!

You are just too lazy!

You wrote:

"Ken Hay made some similar claims about CO"u" "faculty" doing great things within their area of study but could not produce a single name."

I followed Ken Hay's contributions with mounting interest.  Ken promised to reveal the identity of a COU graduate.  But he could not secure the individual's consent so he did not go any further.  Is that why you concluded Ken Hay "could not produce a single name"?  Your problem is that of selective perception.  Ken Hay did give us readers a lead but you did not bother to find out because of your laziness, negative attitude and pre-conceived wrong notion(s).  He/She maintained that some COU graduates have published book chapters/articles in the same books/journals where leading scholars have.  You expected him to spoon-feed you by mentioning names, etc when you have been dodging the same request.  If you google up you will find out that Ken Hay was not wrong.  But you are damned too lazy and myopic to find out.  Also remember that the Ken Hay mentioned that he/she was not recommending COU.  Ken Hay however maintained that some COU graduates are doing a good job.

Unfortunately, you are a negative advertisement of whatever institution you may claim to have attended.  Your style is crude.  I think by the time you discover that a COU graduate have actually published book chapters and journal articles in some high impact books/journals, you would be dazed!

After reading Ken Hay's submissions,  I took the pain to search.  He/She might have exaggerated on the achievements of some COU graduates, but he is not altogether wrong to have claimed that they have contributed book chapters and/or journal articles. I personally saw two book chapers, some abstracts and one conference paper presentation by one of them who is currently a senior member of faculty in an institution of higher learning. 

For you, any institution (in any part of the world) that is unaccredited by a US (national or regional) accrediting agency is no institution and the graduates are good-for-nothing.  From your writings I suspect that you must be holding some questionable degrees - which you would find very difficult to defend.

I'd rather hire a sane and skilled COU graduate than make the mistake of hiring someone like you. You are fond of prevaricating and not skilled for success or excellence.

The problem is simple. CO"u" is not a university by U.S. or Western European standards. Here is what I wrote on January 27, 2010:

"You are very correct in stating that COu is unaccredited in the United States and in fact in Western Europe as well. I have studied and lived in the U.S. and Western Europe as well and know that they are not accredited there either. It is not really a matter of 'keeping an open mind'. It is simply a matter of fact that anyone living in the U.S. and Western Europe planning on using their academic degree for employment purposes should STAY AWAY FROM COu!

I also understand that COu is acceptable in the British V.I. and other places and that is fine. However it is NOT ACCEPTABLE here in the U.S. and Western Europe."

So, we are talking essentially about the entire 'First World'(I will check into Canada and Australia as well to see if CO"u" "degrees" are accepted there).

Therefore, when you said "They are not accredited in the USA, but they are not an American institution." it goes well beyond the scope of the U.S.

In addition, you said "I think they do not claim anything false." You need to read more carefully my friend. The posters on 1/14/10 & 3/22/10 will disagree with you there. They have been cheated by this diploma mill (according to several sources like CHEA and consumerfraudreporting.org).

Please give us the names of these 'team members' so that they can be researched. Ken Hay made some similar claims about CO"u" "faculty" doing great things within their area of study but could not produce a single name. The proof is in this forum. Check for yourself.

Bottom Line: I believe CO"u" is a diploma mill. Every accrediting organization in the U.S. says they are a diploma mill. The "degrees" from CO"u" are not recognized in Western Europe either. Consumerfraudreporting.org refers to them as a diploma mill. My advice is to go to a real university and get a real degree.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

Your degrees and institutions are probably no better than COU!  You will soon be unmasked.

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

As an employer of labor I'd rather bring on board a graduate of COU with soft skills than have someone like you no matter where you claim to have graduated.  It is clear that you won't add value to any 21st Century organization/institution.  I think some COU graduates will out-perform a lazy and lying fellow like you!

The fact remains that you're damned too lazy to search!  You must be one of those who rush to speak and afterwards sit to think after blowing it!  You need help.  One person could have written all these but you attributed it (with false assurance) to the wrong person.  You must be dangerous.  I think you need to come out with your actual name, affiliation, qualifications and where you got them and what you are doing now.  Come out of the dark and let's know you.  It's like you passed through institutions that you did not allow to pass through you.  A shame!

Sorry but you are wrong. One person has made all of these comments and in fact has written the 'university' reviews from May 31 to the most recent one. You know this is true yet you continue this farce. Nice try!

Your writing skills need improving but that is besides the point. We will let the readers decide who is right and who is wrong. 

The point remains that this is not an acceptable 'university' in many, many countries. In addition to the U.S. and Western Europe, there is a post from South Africa that clearly states that this 'university' and its 'degrees' are not accepted there either. 

Your continual refusal to accept this fact is indeed comical and sad. I have said to you that if the CO'u' "degrees" are accpeted on your small island then that is great for you. However, I am here to WARN ALL INDIVIDUALS FROM THE U.S., WESTERN EUROPE AND OTHER COUNTRIES SUCH AS SOUTH AFRICA THAT THESE 'DEGREES' FROM CO'u' WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!!!! 

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

This is rather unfortunate.  You lied.  Too lazy to check your facts.  In fact, one is disgusted at your style. The one(s) who contributed under the pseudo names of Anden, Chang, Chang II, James must have laughed at your laziness in checking up.  I maintain that you need help!  May you come to terms with your evident deficiencies.

Can you read???? There are newspaper aticles posted here highlighting everyones rejection of COU. Even Africa rejects their bogus 'degrees'! Anyone considering this craphole of a 'university' is crazy!!!

Why would anyone listen to the rants of Anden, Chang et al. This guy is a 24KT a**hole. He entirely misses the point.
The world hates COU??? Anyone that may be considering COU do so with an open mind and wisdom. Doing so, you may in the end have what  you need, whether it be COU or not.

Repeat: Anden, Chang et al is a 24KT wacko.

Here is a post from this discussion forum that nicely illustrates the fact that CO'u' "degrees" are not accepted in countries outside the U.S.A. and Western Europe:

"OOOHH!!! March 22, 2010 at 7:55 a.m.

HI, i studied with COU in South Africa, had a huge graduation ceremony with more than 60 students, awarded qualifications from certificated to PHD. It was a great day for me. Until my employer offered to pay for my MBA studies in a different university,All universities told me is was a degree mill. The COU professor,Marius Herholdt told me they were still waiting for accreditation from SAQA (south african body than valuates education). This never happened. He then suggested i apply for recognition of prior learning to qualify for credits to study my undergraduate degree, (which I already receive from COU but was not recognised) or proceed to MBA via COU. I had doubts and today the institute is closed and he denies everything about his knowledge for COU. Except that all students have pictures & videos taken of him during the graduation. I LOST MONEY & TIME, AND MANAGEMENT KNEW THAT. Today Professor Marius Herholdt DENIES everything saying he was just an employee(himself & the south african institute are still on the COU website). I'm trying to register my undergraduate studies with a normal university, but no funds anymore. THIS UNIVERSITY IS A SCAM!!!!! I'm still very bitter and cannot be employed at any government dept, can only work for the naive companies.i suffered emotionally because everyone thought i bought it online and did not study for it.I even changed jobs as nobody believed i could be so stupid to be conned daylight."

Again, please check with your country's accrediting agency or government if the CO'u' "degree" is accepted and recognized. As you can see from this unfortunate individual in South Africa it was not accepted in his country either. Good luck and remember to STAY AWAY FROM COU!!!!!!

Why?????? May 20, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

To:
Hi Friend (a.k.a. Anden, Chang, Chang II, James)

You again are not fooling anyone. You are the very same person under several posting names. Please do not lie to us and tell us otherwise. 

You said:
"Even when you are presenting what seem to be a reasonable argument don't you think the mode of presentation is important? At times your writing, if you don't know, is drawing sympathy towards the institution you are writing against. You may be surprised that, unknowingly, you are becoming a vital advertising/marketing tool."

The only thing I can say that I agree with you on is the fact that my "argument" is reasonable. Actually, they are simple facts that I have stated. You cannot tell me otherwise. Anyone who takes the time to check CHEA or any of the sources I have listed in this forum will realize that CO'u' is a fraud. I am not "drawing sympathy towards the institution" at all (in fact, that truly sounds insane). Individuals can merely go to the sources I have listed and read them for themselves. Any potential student in the U.S.A. and Western Europe that checks these sources will realize that I am correct and you are completely wrong. You have no 'argument' against that. You cannot argue against these sources. Please feel free to present any sources that you might have to the contrary. I will say this one final time to all of the educated individuals out there living in the U.S.A. or Western Europe: check my sources listed under the post "why????". Make your own decisions based on the facts that I have listed. For those of you in other parts of the world, please check very carefully with the accrediting agency in your country (government or company for which you plan to use the degree) and check to see if CO'u' "degrees" are accepted. If they have never heard of the "university" or if they say that they will not recognize the "degree", then please do not make the mistake of going to CO'u'.

If that is what you are now living on and living for, get going! I wish you the best of luck in your career.  Let's hope it works.  

But you seem to be sour and acidic in your communication and, probably, in your personality.  A lot about a person is revealed through speech and writing. Even when you are presenting what seem to be a reasonable argument don't you think the mode of presentation is important? At times your writing, if you don't know, is drawing sympathy towards the institution you are writing against.  You may be surprised that, unknowingly, you are becoming a vital advertising/marketing tool.  I MEAN IT!  Why don't you take a short course in communication skills, even if it is a basic, elementary course?  This may go a long way to help you.  I am not saying this to slight you. It is a gap that you may need to fill.  It will go a long way to help you.

Actually, I do respect others' opinions. However, it is my duty to warn all of those potential students of CO'u' that their "degrees" from this "university" will not be valid in the U.S. and Western Europe. You do not respect that fact. Again, as I have said at least three times in this forum, if it works in your part of the world, great for you. Give me one GOOD reason why I shouldn't warn people that it is in fact illegal to use a CO'u' "degree" on their resume in the U.S.(many states). It is see here as a fraudulent degree.

To James

Don't bother about this guy any longer. He needs help in communication skills.  He does not respect others' views and opinion if such run counter to his.  When I realised that, I had to stop contributing to this discussion.  It' a waste of precious time bothering about what he holds, says or believes.  He has turned this site to a mud-slinging or battle arena.

That is too bad. You insult my country by saying that because some states have the death penalty we are uncivilized. You don't like my manners? What about your lack of manners? The facts are simple: If you wish to stay in your 'neck of the woods' a degree from CO'u' may be just fine. The Western World has very different academic standards. Why can't you understand that simple fact? Co'u' 'degrees' are not permitted for use in many states (if not all) in the U.S. In addition, my contacts in three Western European Countries including France, Germany and Switzerland say that the 'degree' from CO'u' will not be recognized in their countries. If you hard proof to the contrary, bring it on! Otherwise stop lying and posting messages (garbage) in this forum that CO'u' 'degrees' are 'well respected' every where in the world!!!!!!!!!!

It is not my review, but a mistake typing the title is not uncivilized. I don't find your jokes funny any more. I don't like your manners.

Civilized???? I laugh! You wrote:

"Here is illegal death penalty." 

You cannot even write in civilized English!

Here is what you wrote in a review (June 3, 2010) above:

"Very proffesinal"

Another joke! You are not fooling anyone! This school is an illegal operation and a diploma mill!!!!

Sorry but it is not illegal, at least in this civilized part of the world where I live. Here is illegal death penalty.

All the caring attention in the world will not help you when you are arrested because you used an illegal degree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Honestly I need to say that I continue to be impressed with the caring attention from COU, the course assignments, and the efficient administration that provides.

Ok! I would not recommend trying to use that "degree" outside of your "neck of the woods". Remember, trying to use it in the U.S. or Western Europe will land you in a lot of trouble.

Ok, you have your position and me a different one. I think COU may be an useful school for some people and very affordable. I have a friend with interest in art history, which is my field of expertise, and I recommended COU among other schools.

My Dear Friend! 
The problem is simple. CO"u" is not a university by U.S. or Western European standards. Here is what I wrote on January 27, 2010:

"You are very correct in stating that COu is unaccredited in the United States and in fact in Western Europe as well. I have studied and lived in the U.S. and Western Europe as well and know that they are not accredited there either. It is not really a matter of 'keeping an open mind'. It is simply a matter of fact that anyone living in the U.S. and Western Europe planning on using their academic degree for employment purposes should STAY AWAY FROM COu!

I also understand that COu is acceptable in the British V.I. and other places and that is fine. However it is NOT ACCEPTABLE here in the U.S. and Western Europe."

So, we are talking essentially about the entire 'First World'(I will check into Canada and Australia as well to see if CO"u" "degrees" are accepted there).

Therefore, when you said "They are not accredited in the USA, but they are not an American institution." it goes well beyond the scope of the U.S.

In addition, you said "I think they do not claim anything false." You need to read more carefully my friend. The posters on 1/14/10 & 3/22/10 will disagree with you there. They have been cheated by this diploma mill (according to several sources like CHEA and consumerfraudreporting.org). 

Please give us the names of these 'team members' so that they can be researched. Ken Hay made some similar claims about CO"u" "faculty" doing great things within their area of study but could not produce a single name. The proof is in this forum. Check for yourself. 

Bottom Line: I believe CO"u" is a diploma mill. Every accrediting organization in the U.S. says they are a diploma mill. The "degrees" from CO"u" are not recognized in Western Europe either. Consumerfraudreporting.org refers to them as a diploma mill. My advice is to go to a real university and get a real degree.

After your message, I have checked with COU asking for details. I have some technical info about the satellite, but I am not expert. I also have the names of the team members and curriculum. I get seriousness and rigour in all their answers. I think they are a small school by distance learning. They are not accredited in the USA, but they are not an American institution. I think they do not claim anything false.

I just checked it out. You forgot to mention that your source was the CO"u" website! They can say anything they want. They are not legitimate and everything they say or print is suspect! Put down the pipe Chang!

Are you high? This sounds like complete bulls*it! 

Give us the names of the individuals involved in this supposed "collaborative project with coordinating professors from a variety of disciplines..."

This is a degree mill according to several sources. The 'degrees' from this 'university' have been outlawed in many states. They are not a legitimate university. If you cannot back up this trash that you have posted then get lost!

COU formally announced on December 15, 2009, the proposed development of a micro-satellite. The micro-satellite Igdal-1 will be a comparatively simple one weighing around 20 kg. It will have body-mounted solar panels generating about 40 Watt of electrical power and will be spin-stabilised. The micro-satellite development will be a good opportunity for the students and the faculty of Commonwealth Open University to get an insight into the various aspects of space technology. It will also help them to conduct meaningful application studies and gain experience in satellite mission operations. 

The Department of Sociology of the University is working on an investigation project on sociology of cyberspace. It is a collaborative project with coordinating professors from a variety of disciplines including sociology, anthropology, philosophy, business, art, and information technology. The sociology of cyberspace examines the contemporary revolution in human interaction via computer.

I really do not intend to continue this useless arguement.I had thought that my statement was quite clear.  However I would like to point out that all my dissertations were over 100 pages of A4 paper and that that experience helped greatly when I worked for my Masters of Education with the University of Sheffield.  I wished only to introduce some honesty in the debate. I have no desire to make sarcastic comments nor to make a point using dis-honest statements. I would also like to add that here in Trinidad and Tobago, we do not readily accept US degrees and would rather our citizens to obtain the more prestigous British degrees. I have made my contribution on this issue and have nothing more to add.

Anden;
So, if I understand you correctly, you wrote 6 thirty page papers and took a test in each of the six classes and they awarded you a BA. For our standards, that is simply a joke (sorry to be so direct). The CO"u" degree is laughed at here in the U.S. and in fact it is illegal to use (or attempt to use) those 'degrees' in most states. You are correct in not recommending this unrecognized degree. Good for you. This is what I would say to your final statement: There are many people, not just here in the U.S., that have been sucked into this scam known as CO"u". They have spent their hard earned money on a worthless degree! They have been misled!!! Have you read some of the experiences in this forum? This 'university' issues the degrees not even worth the paper they are printed on.

You said:
" I wished only to introduce some honesty in the debate. I have no desire to make sarcastic comments nor to make a point using dis-honest statements. I would also like to add that here in Trinidad and Tobago, we do not readily accept US degrees and would rather our citizens to obtain the more prestigous British degrees."

After living for four years in Western Europe I can tell you that you are absolutely wrong. I know from experience having both a degree from Western Europe (Germany) and the U.S. that British degrees are no more prestigious than U.S. degrees. You on the tiny islands of T&T may believe that to be true but Western Europe and the U.S. doesn't really care what you believe there. You also have misspellings in your statement. I guess that is what a prestigious British degree will get you.

Several years ago, I studied with COU in Trinidad in collaboration with a local institution.  The truth is my experience with the local institution was far from perfect and I would not repeat the experience for anything in this world.  However, the work that I did  for the BA was challenging.  I had to do a lot of reading, to submit six 15.000 words dissertations in addition to taking  examinations.  Even though, this degree may not be recognised the work it did put me in good stead when I went on to successfully complete my Masters In Education at the University of Sheffield, one of the most prestigous universities in England.  I do not know what happens in other countries where this degree is offered and I certainly would not recommend an un-recognised degree to anyone out there but in my experience as a lifelong learner what is learned can never be taken away even if one does not get recognised for it.

I cannot figure it out!!!! Why would anyone in their right minds even consider this 'university'. After reading all of these posts I have noticed that there is one fellow from the U.S. that has made excellent point after excellent point about CO'u'. This school is a fraud. It is that simple. Anyone who gets a 'degree' from this 'university' and tries to pass it off as legitimate is also a fraud. I believe that 'Why?????' said it best in his/her post on May 20, 2009:

"Why?????? May 20, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

This 'university' SUCKS! STAY AWAY!!!!

This 'university' SUCKS! STAY AWAY!!!!