Wednesday 29 January 2014

Preston university Fraud: True or not?



Preston university FraudPreston University, one of the first private universities in Pakistan, has a number of campuses in cities such as Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Ajman and Faisalabad. The university was established as a school of Business and commerce with the objective of promoting excellence in the field of academics. Along with many campuses in Pakistan, it has various campuses in other countries of Asia and Africa. It started off with operations in Wyoming, but later moved to Alabama in the year 2008. In 2012, the website of the university states its location of headquarters in Los Angeles, California. Since the move of its operations to Alabama, the university has faced several allegations regarding its accreditation process by American regional institutions.
In 2008, an English newspaper reported that Preston University was providing fake degrees to Singaporean businessmen for large fees without any requirements for class attendance, projects and specific electives. Along with this, it was stated that the University had moved its operations from a higher regulated location of Wyoming to more lenient state of Alabama. The United States of America requires all its universities to gain accreditation's from a number of recognized bodies such as the Middle states and New England associations of schools and colleges and other such affiliated commissions. However, Preston University was accused of not being able to get any accreditation's from these rec 
ognized institutions. There have been questions regarding the provision of accreditation for Preston University in Pakistan as well. However, the accreditation of Preston University does not have any such relevance for accreditation in Pakistan. The ministry of education and higher education commission has approved and accredited Preston University. Therefore, the recognition of Preston University by such a competent higher authority in Pakistan refutes any such allegations on the university.
According to the chancellor of Preston University, Mr. Jerry P. Haenisch, there are a total of 8000 students enrolled in the university, with most of the students based in Pakistani campuses. There have been claims of fraud regarding the non-acceptance of degrees from Preston Universities for some jobs in the market. This has further given a boost to the fraud claims of fake degrees against the university. However, several students of the university have responded to these fraud allegations and claimed the help and support they have received from the university and have praised the teaching methodology, faculty as well as the environment provided by Preston University.