Public universities in the California state system are struggling. But, it still seems like a stretch to consider the possibility of a take over from the University of Phoenix.
However, one California professor is talking about the benefits of such a transaction. In a recent Sacramento Bee opinion piece, William Tierney explains:
"Yes, the University of Phoenix has many drawbacks. It has little concern for academic freedom. Tenure is nonexistent. Its ability to adapt courses to the latest findings in scholarship is frequently missing. It lacks transparency and resists any meaningful regulatory oversight. It would likely increase student indebtedness.
But Phoenix is a proven generator of trained graduates ready to enter the work force. At a time when the California economy needs educated workers and its higher-education system is less able to deliver them because of severe budget constraints, a University of Phoenix's takeover of the California State University system may be more plausible than one might think."
Although I'm a big fan of online colleges, I draw the line at large for-profit programs buying out our public options. Cal State administrators should take a look at what makes the University of Phoenix successful and clone the good features without compromising the quality of the public system.
See Also: University of Phoenix
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