In an unforeseen decision made by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, 2,400 students have been left without access to their education at Everest College.
While the private college’s financial concerns led them to file for bankruptcy, it is the closing of the 14 Ontario campuses that is making the most impact.
Many students, who were anticipating being able to complete their programs are now caught in the middle of an unfinished education.
Students are angry and they have every right to be. Several concerns have risen over how these students are going to be able to graduate and finish their programs, as well as what is happening with the tuition fees they have already paid for.
It is no doubt these concerns are leading many students to feel discouraged and disappointed by the immediate shutdown.
The province is attempting to help the students’ transition by finding ways for students to finish their education, as well as getting some sort of refund for their tuition fees.
However, whether the help from the ministry will prove to be of much assistance is yet to be determined. As a for-profit college, Everest has sparked debate over whether private colleges are worth the time and money in the long run.
While they provide an education that often demands no previous requirements and is flexible with the lives of its students, many are claiming Everest is a cash grab and a scam.
The majority of Everest campuses are nationally accredited, which means the credits earned from these campuses can usually not be transferred to another college or university.
This definitely has the ability to hinder the future of the 2,400 students who may have to start all over again.
It is probable that there is no true value of obtaining a degree from an institution that lacks the credibility to be recognized. Although it is important to acknowledge that any sort of education is better than none, it is also important to be aware of the reputation of a school, and the status that it holds.
Even though there are several graduates from for-profit colleges that succeed in a position they have trained for, many employers may not recognize diplomas obtained at those colleges.
After spending thousands of dollars on tuition, it would be a waste of time to attend a “diploma mill” school and not have a school’s certification accepted by the others.
It is a shame that individuals who put time and effort into training and education in hopes of making a better life for themselves have been subject to this unfortunate situation.
The affected students who have had the quality of their education compromised as a result of a profit-making organization are now the ones who are left to reevaluate their lives.
This direct impact on families and students across Ontario proves this is dismal. Not only are students left without a school to attend, but the 450 staff members who worked on the Everest campuses are also without a job.
Hopefully reasonable action is enforced by the ministry to rectify the complications and troubles they have created among numerous individuals and their futures.