Northcentral University

NCU student October 11, 2006 at 12:23 a.m.

My personal experience with NCU has been favorable. It is a writing intensive school, which is like running a marathon -- it's one paper after another -- and it never seems to end. However, I have to admit that I've learned quite a bit, as a result of all the writing. They are also very strict about APA writing standards.

I received a Masters degree from a local state university (not online) and it was a richly rewarding experience, due to the exchange of ideas in the classroom. However, I seem to have learned more at NCU's online program because of the volumnious writing that is required. In order to write all of those papers, I have perused hundreds and hundreds of professional journals -- and I did it with the convenience of an online library. Professional journals are now just a keystroke away and the days of card catelogs are now a part of history, along with dinosaurs and Model T Fords.

NCU doctoral student June 23, 2007 at 11:10 a.m.

Dissertation research and composing the manuscript are lonely processes. Remember, it's your project and responsibility. You decided to pursue it. If you're pursuing a Ph.D., hopefully, one day you'll hear your chair of your dissertation committee say "congratulations doctor."

The dissertation manuscript format NCU recently adopted mimics the format used at many other institutions of higher learning. It's not an obstacle. It's a guide to success.

It's not a accrediting body issue.

Note: this writer is pursuing a second doctorate ... this one at NCU.

WOW!! August 15, 2007 at 7:55 p.m.

Thats all I can say about the reviews posted in this forum. I am considering pursuing studies with this university and I am trying to find a balance between the positive and negative comments.

Regarding the negative comments about this university, I am confused as to why this university would be given all the legitimate accredation status it now holds.

Karlene Diane - Prospective Student August 27, 2007 at 12:05 a.m.

Regardless of the university, Harvard, Spellman, whatever, there will always be mixed reviews. The key is to go with your gut instincts. I am in the process of completing my masters at St. Joe's of Maine. I just completed my application for NCU. Am I concerned about their reputation? Of course I am. I don't care about the title 'Dr.' I care about getting a GOOD education. With that said I did my research and am satisfied. Again, there will always be mixed review. Just follow your instinct. And yes it is good enough outside of NCU.

Northcentral University BEWARE September 17, 2007 at 6:29 p.m.

I was interested in attending Northcentral university, but I called the Dept of education today 9/17/07 and this school does not have a Federal School Code and it is "NOT" approved by the dept of education.
Northcentral University is "Another Worthless Diploma Mill" sorry to say.

ADK September 29, 2007 at 5:22 p.m.

NCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, a recognized regional accrediting body. I taught at a "bricks and mortar" university for over 30 years and am now a mentor at NCU. While I am obviously not a disinterested party, I know that the "diploma mill" label is not accurate.

DRT October 14, 2007 at 3:49 p.m.

NCU is one of the best on-line universities in the nation. The negative feedback is most probably from those who have not attended or could not meet the standards and requirements. I have been attending this university since 1/04 and let me tell you, this is no give me intitution. You will learn and earn your degree.

JA November 1, 2007 at 9:11 p.m.

Being a current student at NCU, BEWARE! Your so called "academic advisors" don't return my emails quick enough and NEVER asnswer their phone. As for the last "mentor" I had, what can I say other than I feel like I wasted 700 dollars on that class. My mentor taught me nothing. So if you future students want to waste your money and time than pay the 50 dollars and take the rediculous yet required search strategies class.

MiKby November 20, 2007 at 1:22 p.m.

I'm hoping to finish my studies at Northcentral Univ. this month. It has been a rewarding experience filled with research paper writing. On my own account, I am not completing my PhD. Its not because of NCU, its because my life's priorities have changed in the last eighteen months focusing on building a family and not pursuing a doctoral degree which for me was for personal enrichment. My academic advisors have always been prompt in replying to emails. My financing was through a private lender and I never had any interest in getting federal financial aid. These academic programs are totally online which means no travel and lodging expense to attend a residency program or seminar. Best of all, the university is regionally accredited, meeting the gold standard for higher education standards. When I started the program, financially it produced more credit hours for the dollar than other private distance universities. You cannot go wrong with NCU.

Kelli December 3, 2007 at 4:56 p.m.

Thanks everyone! This has been helpful. I'm a student at Univ. of Maryland (online) and I think I'm making the switch into NCU's Psych.program(s).

Can someone explain the 8 week course terms?--How does this make the process quicker? How quickly can I accelerate through the BA Psychology program and then onto the Master Pyshc. ?

Thanks for your help! --Kelli

accredited December 25, 2007 at 10 p.m.

"Northcentral University BEWARE"

all you have to do is conduct a simple search.... please find NCU's accreditation information on US Dept of Education's website at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/InstDeta....

perhaps you SHOULD attend to further develop your researching skills....

Johnny January 22, 2008 at 9:51 a.m.

I have completed my Masters at Capella University in Counseling and my Masters at Walden U. in Psychology and now I am looking to do my PhD. I could not do my PhD at either on-line college because the PhD would not be accepted in the State of Florida. Can someone let me know if the PhD from NCU would be accepted in Florida? Thanks.

Cindy January 29, 2008 at 9:49 p.m.

Johnny: I work for the school board-they told me that if a masters is accepted in Florida, so is the PhD.

Brian: As far as APA goes, I was told by MY accredited university that APA recognizes no Masters program.

Lang February 4, 2008 at 11:21 p.m.

Hi, Ph.D. from NCU would be accepted anywhere as they are regionally accredited. They are getting ready for their comprehensive visit at the end of the month, and I know from some of my learners -they are a bit concerned by the overwhelming changes that seem to be happening there in a short while. Seems lots of full time faculty and one chair-who I worked for and was absolutely dynamic and had great credentials, very proactive and well-just great! My thoughts from having once been a full time faculty at regionally accredited school is that they should not have been terminated which isn't good, especially since I knew these folks and they all had strong credentials and were into their learners. Isn't in keeping with what I see going on at Walden who seems to know how to grow and support academics. Even if you are a for profit you need to have a solid group of faculty who understand curriculum, teaching, etc. Doesn't seem like the new administration know what the heck they are doing, but then I don't want to be unfair as I am only an adjunct. Seems student support part has gone down hill as they are cutting lots of heads, and my learners are contacting me asking me for help and I am an adjunct! Heck, I cannot even get anyone to answer me from the faculty perspective, and that never happened before. Anyway, it was a great place, time will tell.

Mary Mathias February 8, 2008 at 4:51 a.m.

Yes, I have a cousin who still works at NCU and has informed me that the director of the writing program resigned and there is NO support personnel remaining in that department. Dramatic changes continue (25 total terminations since 12/6/07) and communication to learners and adjunct faculty is non existent. Full time faculty status is horrific at NCU: in education 2 full time for more than 1700 learners - none at NCU campus, Business has 4 full time faculty with none at NCU campus for more than 2500 students and Psychology has 3 full time faculty for 1300 students-2 at NCU campus. How administration will justify these faculty:student ratios to the Higher Leaerning Commission will be interesting.
My cousin states that staff morale is pitiful and folks are in fear of losing their jobs. I hope interested applicants do their due diligence - only time will tell - as folks there are NOT talking.

Karyn -NCU learner February 11, 2008 at 7:31 p.m.

Okay, so the new president has a video for NCU Learners explaining all the budgetary juggling that has gone on these past months. He states that personnel were dismissed because of salaries - well those positions are still being filled therefore salaries continue AND the salaries for president, new provost and new COO approxmiate 1 million dollars.

Such folly - and they think the students will not 'see through this smoke screen?' Seems like a mega dance right before HLC visit later this month!!

Bob February 14, 2008 at 1:38 a.m.

NCU does not offer any rigor. It is a pay your way to a degree process.

George February 20, 2008 at 5:32 p.m.

It is a concern that the school is undergoing major changes right before the HLC visit. It will be interesting to see what the HLC decide. My understanding is the classes are all writing intensive. So who is grading them and how are they being graded ? Let's assume you have 20 students per class, and five classes to teach; a single 10 page assignment across 100 students yields 1000 pages. How can one person grade all that within several days ? Moreover, my understanding is that there are no lectures and communication with mentors is very limited. Anyone have insight into the Dissertation process ? Do you get to have one-on-one interaction with the Chair of your committee at least ?

Mel February 28, 2008 at 6:33 a.m.

I just read Bob's comments. I have to add my own thoughts regarding NCU. As a Learner I was thrilled with my experience. Then the problems started when my chair was riffed. Then faculty were riffed. I got lots of double talk as to the WHY WHY WHY. Money? Credentials? Lots of BS really.I was told my the new chair that the school of education was going in a different direction. What new direction? I cannot get feedback on my dissertation. I cannot get a straight answer on anything. This wasn't the way it was before. In the end, it was politics-and the politics didn't involve trying to create a better learning experience.I am not naive. I don't expect people who are still there to tell me the truth, but I don't expect lies and nastiness. Well today the HLC finished their comprehensive visit for reaffirmation (I think this is the correct term). Seems that they didn't get a GOLD STAR. They ONLY got 3 years as Bob said. 3 years????? UoP, Capella, Walden-well they all have ten years and they are for profits, so what happened? From what Bob says, and I can confirm because I spoke to someone inside who is leaving in a few days and has nothing to lose-it was all about governance. The HLC web site had NCU down for a focused visit last summer regarding governance. Lots of changes by the owner with the board and lots of changes in administration. Why? The inside opinion was a cover up by the owner for his financial foul play. So, I guess the accreditors aren't as foolish as they may have thought, which gives me hope for some quality assurance in higher education, especially in the for profit arena.They got caught with their pants down. Luckily 3 years gives Learners a chance to finish and get out with an accredited degree. I am sure the new president will try to cover up like he did with that Hollywood style video he produced, but those of us who have a clue know that we finish-we get out, and leave these power ball players to play games with themselves-not us and our futures. NCU is not a place to trust now folks. 3 years is not a seal of approval!!! The fact that the business school dean posted -a WE GOT REAFFIRMED without giving us the real details shows me they cannot be trusted.

Mary Mathias February 29, 2008 at 4:05 a.m.

My cousin works at NCU and confirmed 3 year reaffirmation is to be the recommendation to the HLC commission. Seems there are major governance, financial, and ownership issues that are still not in full compliance - minutes of all Board meetings must be submitted within a week after the meetings are held - seems to be many gaps of information and action between board of trustees, owner, IMG (company that owns NCU - Dr Hecht sole owner) and ncu administration.
3 years is worst case scenario for ncu short of probation. Owner and president were hoping for 10 years -- guess HLC has some clout after all - my cousin added that HLC visiting team stated that the Chicago office had 4 inch binder of complaints against NCU. The visiting team will make recommendation to the HLC commission for 3 yrs - the Commission does NOT have to honor this recommendation, from what my cousin tells me.

Mary Mathias February 29, 2008 at 4:01 p.m.

Dear Another Opinion -- if I were a gamblin' woman, which I am not :) I would recommend that you consider finishing - assuming there is qualified staff to facilitate your research and dissertation experience. No institution will absorb all your credits so from a financial and practical point, I would hate to see you lose your investment - can you seek the CAGS from ncu -- should you decide to stop, you can at least secure the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies -- if the new administration has not eliminated this opportunity. Check the website to see if CAGS are still offered.
As long as the current owner remains SOLE owner and decision maker, ncu's future is bleak at best. The current board of trustees is comprised of predominantly local business folks who are friends of owner ...and so it continues.

Karyn - NCU learner February 29, 2008 at 5:07 p.m.

I spoke with a few inside staff members at NCU as well as some Learners who participated in the visit(a good friend of mine was there) - and indeed it was an intense session with much 'digging' by HLC - questions about governance, student voice, dissertation support, and the like - from what I hear, students were very candid and critical of numerous administrative actions during the past 4 months.
The 3 year reaffirmation is true -- as probation would cause great havoc for students - so let's see if the owner and new administration can wiggle their way out of this situation.
Learners are scrambling to finish while the place is still accredited.

anthony A. March 19, 2008 at 3:39 a.m.

NCU is a fine institution. As a PhD learner, I am learning. The standards are high, courses intense,
and learning active!
I love NCU. Tuition is low enough that anyone in
Middle America can afford it!

Roxane Walden March 20, 2008 at 11:16 p.m.

I am a liitle bit puzzled by some of the reviews about NCU. I have applied for admission. I am having doubts about NCU not being a title IV university to receive federal financial aid for the students. They do offer private loans. I don't understand how private loans work as for as in-school deferment etc. I have spoken with an NCU enrollment advisor. Everything I have heard thus far just seem to good to be true. The one on one mentoring, etc. Do you know any other online doctorate in education degree programs that has the one on one mentoring similar to NCU? I prefer a non-cohort program.

Randy April 11, 2008 at 10:27 p.m.

I don't know how people can say that NCU is not recognized in FL when Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (based in FL) has or had a partnership with them for graduates of ERAU to take their PhD. They even pay 25% of my tuition.

Can you provide any evidence about FL NOT recognizing NCU??

Mike May 10, 2008 at 10:27 p.m.

I just applied to the PhD in Psychology program with an emphasis in Health Psychology after having completed my MS in Psychology from another university. I have compared the same core curriculum to other schools and find it more than comparable. After reading these reviews, my only concern is the accreditation status of 3 years. I'm not sure if that will be enough time for me to finish the program if NCU does not get reaffirmed. I'm also worried that even if it gets reaffirmed and in another 3, 5 or 10, it does not, what will that mean about the reliability of my "NCU" PhD? Anyone with some thoughts about direction of schooling and where I would find the best fit for distance learning?

John May 19, 2008 at 8:31 p.m.

Mike
If you receive your degree while they are accredited then the degree is valid. However, in real market terms, if the school has lost accreditation your degree came from a bad school.
However, I do not believe they will lose it. Very few schools in the US have lost it.

Mike May 23, 2008 at 7:16 p.m.

Thanks for the input. By the way, I have applied to the program and NCU has accepted the maximum transfer credits leaving one foundational class for the program. I was pretty sure it was going to happen and everyone has been very helpful. Man, do they push getting signed up right away though! Figures... CYNTHIA, Hope this helps:

February 28, 2008

Letter to Members of the Northcentral University Community:

I would like to thank our faculty, staff, mentors, learners, partnering institutions, and representatives in our community for their assistance with the University’s Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation of accreditation process. As you know, this week Northcentral University hosted a five member team of consultant-evaluators from the Higher Learning Commission. This team reviewed and evaluated our status in regards to continued accreditation.

The team stated that they will be recommending to the Higher Learning Commission that continued accreditation be granted to Northcentral University. The policy of the Higher Learning Commission does not allow us to share any details of this recommendation with our community until the recommendation has been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission. The full process, from the team submitting its report to the Higher Learning Commission to the Higher Learning Commission’s Board of Trustees rendering a final decision on the team’s recommendation, may take up to three or four months.

Again, I want to thank you for your continued support and assistance during our reaffirmation of accreditation process.

Sincerely yours,

Clinton D. Gardner, Ph.D.

This was copied and pasted by my learner advisor who has been more than helpful each step of the way. Talk soon.

RR June 11, 2008 at 9:01 p.m.

I was an NCU PhD student in the Business Administration program up until January, 2008. During the first research class leading up to the dissertation, I encountered a couple of professors (mentors) that didn't participate. In one case, the mentor only initiated contact once via email during the 16 week course. When I brought the issue up to the attention of the Dean, she chose to academically dismiss me instead of correcting the issue by re-assigning an engaged and active mentor. The university has not responded to any of my attempts to contact them via phone message, email or fax.

Unfortunately, NCU has forced me to explore legal actions against them. A lawsuit is currently pending against one of the mentors. After that lawsuit is resolved, I will be suing another mentor and then finally the school.

NCU is a for profit business entity. If they cannot deliver on their promises of mentor conduct and quality, then NCU should be held financially accountable. Minimally, any student who feels that they didn't get their money's worth from a class should be able to request a refund. If the refund isn't given, then legal options should be explored. Most lawyers will say that you will have to file the case in Arizona. Not true. Check out Compuserve vs Patterson as a precedent to filing an "internet transaction" case against NCU in a court local to you. Show that case to your lawyer. After reviewing my original enrollment document, I discovered that it was electronically signed. No idea if NCU has corrected this loophole since I enrolled back in 2002. This makes Compuserve vs Patterson all the more on point to submitting a lawsuit to a court local to the student.

The limitations of small claims court could also be in your favor. In my local court, I can recover the complete cost of the course and the mentor/NCU cannot be represented by a lawyer. Total cost out of my pocket is less than $60, along with an hour or two to get the documents and evidence together for each case.

RR June 18, 2008 at 2:05 a.m.

BeCool - I'm assuming from your post that you are looking for a good doctorate program, what with you holding 2 master's degrees soon (congrats!). Check out UNISA (University of South Africa). The degree programs are considered as good as RA (regional accreditation, the usa gold standard in US education). The programs are inexpensive at about $1,500 per year. The doctorates are dissertation only, no coursework required. There's a liaison in canada that help students in the americas navigate the UNISA admissions process at www.iaci-canada.com, free of charge.

Why spend $25,000+ at NCU when you can spend $4,500 at UNISA? You'll also end up with a degree that's way more respected by the academic crowd should you want to teach.

In the US, studies report a 50% to 70% dropout rate of students at the point where they transition from coursework to dissertation. That's a lot of time and money that just went nowhere. By starting at the disseration phase at UNISA, you'll know very quickly whether you want to and/or can do the work. American universities know the attrition rate and bank on it. Why do you think that you've already paid 2/3rds of the program costs before even starting the research/dissertation phase?

You shouldn't have to settle for NCU when there are better schools that are immediately available to you. Check out Dakota State University and University of Illinois at Springfield for good online, reduced-residency programs.

Good universities are creating online programs now. Don't settle for NCU when you can wait 6 months and find that there will be a lot of new online programs to choose from. And from universities that don't have perceived accreditation issues.

BeCool June 19, 2008 at 6:53 p.m.

Thanks for your comments folks. I guess I have a lot of research to do. I will be following NCU closely over the next weeks and months as I'm curious to find out the results of their accreditation. If anyone finds out anything please update us.

RR June 21, 2008 at 8:54 p.m.

Mike - A shill is someone who fakes being a satisfied customer, with the goal of getting you to follow their advice. I was a bit zealous in talking up UNISA, so I probably earned the false accusations. Fair enough.

No, I'm not a shill for UNISA or any other college. I am a disgruntled former-NCU student who hit the research phase of the program at the time of "the great NCU staff shakeup and purge of 2007-2008". I was assigned mentors who weren't interested in teaching. The university refused to correct the mentor issues. I was dismissed. www.ncublogs.com is the result.

My court case against the 1st mentor is set for July 15th. Soon after that, I'll file against a second mentor. The findings from both of those cases will be used in a civil suit against NCU. I would welcome like-minded folks interested in a class action lawsuit against NCU.

I've been doing a lot of research since December 2007 on finding good, respectable programs outside of NCU that has little or no residency requirements. The intent of my postings here is to highlight those schools that rose to the top of my lists. Schools like Bellevue Univ., Dakota State Univ., Univ. of Illinois and UNISA.

I see too many posts about people "settling" for NCU when there are so many other programs that are less expensive and provide better academic rigor and value. In my case, I also want to teach. The word on the street is that online universities are frowned upon when trying to find an adjunct teaching position.

Mike is correct as well about the 3 year accreditation extension. HLC could have extended accreditation for 3, 5, 7 or 10 years. NCU got the minimum of 3 years. Even with all of the HLC consultants on the NCU executive board and staff, they still only got 3. Read into that what you will.

RR June 23, 2008 at 5:05 p.m.

From what I've read from holders of UNISA and UK degrees that post on various discussion sites, the academic equivalence is the same as a B&M. UNISA has been around since 1877 and has a current student population of 200,000+.

Here are two good DL discussion sites that talk about a number of good distance education schools, including UNISA.

www.degreeinfo.com
www.degreediscussion.com/forums

Since I talked it up earlier, I feel obligated to share some of the negatives.
- A UK or UNISA degree is from another country. There are going to be academic snobs here in the US who will turn their nose up at your credentials. Thankfully, this will happen a lot less than if your degree is from TUIU(previously TUI) or NCU.
- The pace of your studies at UNISA may seem sluggish at times. Patience and perseverance are the key words here.
- A quality dissertation is required to get the diploma. Prepare to work your tail off.
- Travel may or may not be required. This is very dependent on the degree program and discussions with school officials. Negotiate any travel requirements before you start the program.
- Doctoral programs can be completed in 3 to 5 years, although it is possible to finish in 2.
- The yearly cost will change. The dollar is very weak at this time. Currently, UNISA doctoral fees are about $1,587/year. In contrast, UK school tuition costs due to the exchange rate makes Walden University look less expensive. Side note: I like Walden, I just can't afford it or the student loans that I would still be paying 15 years after retirement.

Mike June 24, 2008 at 12:46 a.m.

Thanks for the direction, RR...and you're welcome, BeCool...

Take care!

Air Force John January 23, 2009 at 7:21 a.m.

For reasons unspoken here, I considered myself extremely experienced in researching the credentials of universities and understanding excellent customer service. Since I have dealt with NCU and enrolled into their Ph.D. Psychology program, I have to say that it has been the best experience to date! The staff are knowledgable and quick turn every question I have had about my degree plan. Trust me when I say that if you are looking for a solid university who is regionally accredited and cannot afford to attend time consuming residencies like so many other online institutions require, then NCU is the place for you! Take advantage of the great programs at NCU with their monthly start ups and outstanding staff, you will not regret it!

C January 27, 2009 at 7:49 p.m.

I decided to contact the Higher Learning Commission regarding NCU's accredidation and they assured me that although the school was only granted another 3-years and there will be another review next spring, it would be very difficult for a school to lose accredidation and it would be over a very lengthy process, which students would be notified. They mentioned that the school would basically have to go out of business.

Since NCU has shown nothing but growth in the past year makes it unlikely to go out of business anytime soon. However, it was recently acquired so I am curious as to the reasons behind the acquisition. Does anyone have any insight on this?

Recent grad July 2, 2009 at 10:15 p.m.

For me, NCU seemed like a regular University except everything is done online. The coursework was not easy. There were several times I wanted to quit. I did not start well - had a very bad start. One instructor encouraged me to continue. My chair encouraged me not to quit too. You see, I would have wanted to quit a B&M school too. The point is that a couple of people reached out and encouraged me to continue. As a result, I have an accredited Ph.D. My advice to anyone who goes to NCU is to form supportive contacts with one or two instructors. You may need their encouragement later. Communicate clearly and frequently with your advisor - ask questions. Don't rely on getting accurate feedback from students and people not associated with NCU who post in blogs. At NCU (or any university) you either sink or swim. I swam and made it to shore but did not do that alone. I allowed people to encourage me.

Former Learner July 6, 2009 at 6:31 a.m.

NCU is an regionally accredited school that delivers its programs via the internet and requires no residency. Like most distance learning programs, students are expected to be highly independent and comfortable with self-directed study. This means that not everybody will be comfortable with NCU's education format - both students and employers alike. The current provost is a PhD graduate from Harvard and he's been pushing NCU towards greater heights.

Dr. N.R.G. September 3, 2009 at 3:10 p.m.

North Central university is accredited by North_Central_Association_of_Colleges_and_Schools who is under The U.S. department of education. I've seen a post here and there of people missateing their accrediation . people who are ignorant.

Sally Ann September 17, 2009 at 2:09 p.m.

I expect to complete my Ph.D. at NCU in early 2010.

It is the hardest thing I've ever done but like others have said, this is expected anywhere. At times I've wanted to give up.

While doing course work before I started the serious research part of this, I could compare my courses to all other schooling I have experienced. During my undergraduate studies, I did about half through traditional classroom methods at several different B&M colleges, and I did half by independent learning by a pioneering non-traditional education school, part of SUNY in NY State. This was before the days of the Internet. I was delighted that at this school, I was actually allowed to help design the learning goals and content of some of my courses! I liked the traditional courses taken at B&M schools too but for me, I'd rather not sit through lectures. I liked the independent learning experiences better overall, and definitely learned as much if not more that way. (I tend to sleep through lectures sometimes).

I am now a college professor and have taught several traditional college courses, and now I teach fully online for two schools (not NCU). Students definitely learn as much or more online, if they stick with it. Like someone else said, if you want hand holding, then online is not for you, and NCU should probably be last on your list.

But it is first on my list because I dislike the volumous contrived discussion requirements at other online schools, and group work.

Interestingly, I teach online for yet another school. My students are working on their Master's degrees. After reading my last group of evaluations I was dismayed to read how an adult was lamenting about the professor not giving enough guidance (seemed she wanted hand holding to the extreme) and she (I think it was as she but I'm not sure) even made the analogy: Would you put a group of middle school students together and tell them what they need to learn, list their assignments and just expect them to teach themselves and each other?

Oh, how I wished she would have said that to me in person so I could have answered her. First of all, the current trend, even in traditional public schools is for the teacher to do more facilitating, and less lecturing and step-by-step handholding, yes even at the middle school level. But even more important than that is the blatant comparison of herself to a middle school student. To me, that speaks volumes. If she feels she needs the same kind of learning support and methods as a typical middle schooler, she should not be enrolled in an online college. She probably should be working at McDonald's but even they expect their employees to grow up at some point.