THE COLLEGE OF METAPHYSICAL STUDIES
To ASIC: Mr. Maurice Dimmock, Geoff Boston, Lee Hammond, Flow Waniwa: Advice, Accreditation Governance, and Implementation
C/O
Dr. Cynthia Tomlin Taylor, TCOM Vice Chancellor, Trustee: Implementation
Tiara Thomas, TCOM Regional Director of the South East, Trustee: Implementation
Peter Burg, Gradebookwizard.com, Technical Support, Technological Implementation
Attorney Matt Davis, Park Stanbury LLP [File Number 4059979]: Observation Only, Constitution Bylaw Preparation, Non-Discrimination Clause, Students and Staff
From Dr. Zine RichWell, TCOM President, Trustee: Implementation
Wellness and Good Blessings, I am answering the question from Mr. Maurice Dimmock about TCOM and our progress thus far. Maurice specifically asked about our full Accreditation progression although, I felt it necessary to communicate in whole about the nature of TCOM as some pretty exciting things have happened towards the progression of our establishment and implementation. Although this communication is long, I am respectfully asking that it be read in its entirety as Geoff has asked that we communicate with ASIC any significant changes within TCOM. I have also published this correspondence as a private link that provides every reader with an easy read. This link is not yet to be shared with the general public until it is composed as trustee minutes. Some information may or may not be included. I will communicate :) that I am happy and eager to discuss with ASIC the wonderful opportunities that TCOM has discovered and brought to the ASIC team.
CURRENT TCOM UPDATES 8/9/18
Affidavit of Constitution, Governing Document: This was the governing document that I originally emailed to ASIC that substantiated our governing structure, when we became interim accredited we notarized this document so that it would become a legally binding document. It is attached as a link herein.
https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/uploads/32669/AFFIDAVIT%20DECLARATION%20EXEMPTION%20CONSTITUTION.pdf
Description of TCOM with Pictures per the request of Flow: Short Description, Stronger Description: Flow requested that we submit a description about TCOM, her original request was 150 words and 2 pictures. After looking at the remainder of the members whom ASIC has published we put together a short description and a more lengthy description of TCOM. Flow, it is alright with TCOM if you pick which description is more efficient to publish. We felt it necessary to do this because we saw that the other organizations really sold the concept of their institutions very well. While we produced the shorter description, we prefer the longer description because it describes TCOM, its Mantra, and its Degree Program(s). These descriptions and pictures are attached herein:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15qRO8ohYOO9eFeQcPrN7cUz4NkiBZO1O/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SwAluwsuxPiPDZdyg3ZYN2CKNIUKEkuk/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wxjzqry4ROE2kdHV5jG0x0y9XcT5R-iu/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hj_kLhlmhvuqnvMR0-l4ngAKToidmfqk/view
TCOM’s Degree Programs are Enhanced: Of course ASIC is aware that TCOM offers and advertises to its student prospects its Bachelor’s of General Education with a learning track that is a mandatory selection. The learning track abbreviation is now RSRD LTCI WS IS, 320: Research and Research Design, Learning Track Concentration Implementation, Work Study and Independent Study, 320. Students are permitted to pick and choose certain research topics (course subjects) associated with their learning track. Up to 32 course subjects are permitted to be indicated on the student’s transcript. Each unit or credit equates to 10 hours of study and a student will earn 120, up to 590 Semester Hours in the General Education Bachelor’s Degree Program with a learning track.
*VERY IMPORTANT, STUDENT’S MUST NOW BE SUPERVISED IN THEIR LEARNING TRACK RESEARCH: TCOM is now minimizing risks of corresponding with students in a distance learning manner, especially as it pertains to their learning track research. Students are now required to submit an authorization document of supervision to be signed by a professional and submitted to TCOM. The students now must be guided face to face in an academic setting; and whose relationship and meeting with the professional will be “from time to time” in the fashion of a mentor or consultant, and at a (i.e., college, university office, campus, or professional practice) and by, an academic professional of a national, regional, or internationally accredited college, school or university; a government recognized institution; or a Professional, licensed by a credible authorizing agency; student’s are permitted to pick and choose certain topics associated with their learning track per the approval of the academic or licensed professional and if applicable his or her superior. [ASIC, if there are any concerns about this please contact us, we believe that if further description is required that you will agree with our decision to arrange our program this way. We would prefer to verbally discuss this new educational feature and requirement].
More TCOM Degree Programs (Upper Level): The learning tracks that TCOM offer are very challenging and thorough as they require at minimum the research skill level of a working professional with about 5 years experience in research and writing. In the educational field this is really considered to be Terminal Research which is a skill that is highly valued not only in the United States but throughout the world and is a cause of the highest recognition of ecclesiastical degrees such as D. Phil (Doctor of Philosophy) and Dr. mph. (Doctor of Metaphysics). Because students may earn up to 590 total semester credit hours we felt it was sufficient to also offer a Combined, Simultaneous Master’s and Doctorate Research Program that is learning track influenced and we have begun to advertise this on our website. On 1/2/17 I Zine inquired about the cost of additional degree programs and Maurice did indicate that the fee is £200 per program, we ask not to be billed immediately for this program as we are making improvements on it in our gradebookwizard system after this email is read in its entirety please tell us how we should proceed.
Update of Address, Barbados Accreditation Council (BAC) Exemption, and The US Department of Education Office of Financial Aid, International Schools: The TCOM administrative process is the same however our administrative structure has been slightly modified as we are a newly registered agent in Barbados, and have entered into an office agreement with Regus in St. Thomas Barbados. We contacted BAC to determine what we would do in terms of registration with them and indicated that we were accredited. We were surprised that BAC did not discourage us from working but instead sent us an email stating that we were not required to register with them because we are online learning and this correspondence is indicated herein. We additionally retrieved insight from Barbados Parliament website publishers that showed us an exemptions statute for those organizations who are already accredited http://208.109.177.6/en/showdoc/cs/38A, we will be writing in electronically to BAC requesting a more detailed description of our exemption status and will cc ASIC in on this email as they may request other proof of our Quality Assurance such as our Evaluation report. We also believe that this could stimulate a new working relationship between ASIC and BAC as they are affiliated with The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) who serves a vast population of people with interest in the Caribbean.
On 8/9/2018 I Zine spoke with Geoff and described our address change, our correspondence with BAC, and the BAC’s registration email and Parliament Exemption. He indicated that two locations could not be displayed on the ASIC site and told me that it was a matter of choosing the desired address. We at TCOM choose the Barbados Address located at:
TCOM Main International Admissions Office
One welches, Welches
St. Thomas, Barbados, bb22025
Phone & Fax: (855) 230-0230
info@tcomedu.org
*CERTIFICATE: We received a Welcome correspondence from the US Department of Education Office of Financial Aid, International Schools of whom will be providing Federal Student Loans to US and International Students who study with us, they will want us to provide them with a copy of the certificate that indicates the new address on it. We will additionally add the certificate number with the Barbados address on it to our registered agent publications in Barbados.
CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE A division of the Ministry of International Business and Industry, BARBADOS
https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/uploads/32669/COORESPONDENCE%20FROM%20THE%20BARBADOS%20GOVERNMENT%2C%20REGISTERED%20AGENT%20ARTICLE%20OF%20INCORPORATION.pdf
Regus Business Centre
https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/uploads/32669/OSA_245761102928_090820180308.pdf
BAC Registration Exemption Response
https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/uploads/32669/COORESPONDENCE%20WITH%20THE%20BARBADOS%20ACCREDITATION%20COUNCIL.pdf
US Department of Education Welcome Letter (Express Interest) Direct Loan Program
https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/uploads/32669/Welcome%20letter%20to%20school%20express%20your%20interest%2C%20USDESTUDENTLOANPROGRAM.pdf
TCOM’s Full Accreditation Progress Update: Prior to further enrolling students into TCOM we decided to test our Educational Product with regard to the acceptance of credentials awarded in the US. Rather than recruiting new students, we initiated a requirement of TCOM’s administrators and Board to be recognized with their Degree in General Education with a Learning Track of Christian Metaphysics and Self Actualization. While implementing these credential changes we ran into a few challenges in the US although these have been solved with the descriptions indicated prior. We have additionally put new request into gradebookwizard technical support to make certain necessary technological modifications to ensure that our online processes of student learning is more efficient.
Bulldozing Challenges with US Organizations, Educational Recognition of ASIC: Credential Evaluators: TCOM has a specified focus in Religion as an Educational Provider of Christian Metaphysics and this is also per our agreement with ASIC. Although our teachings and curriculum(s) is acceptable in secular fields our strategies of education is nonetheless led by religion and Christian Faith and we explore such topics as the optimistic value of the Wholy word of Christ in full, demonology, and other esoteric phenomena and strategies that Christ used to dissipate negative spirits so that mankind might be saved [i.e, or our teaching and transcripting of Immortally Ascending into the Kingdom of Heaven as depicted in the book of Genesis and made available as a course thesis topic, Course: RSRD LTCI WS IS, 320: Research and Research Design, Learning Track Concentration Implementation, Work Study and Independent Study, 320; which is substantially justified as a research based course supported with scholarly and scientific evidence, yet could be based upon theory when also scholarly supported]. The revelation of our curriculum although Generally Educated (General Education) and Terminally Based (Terminal Research and Research Design: The required Learning Tracks) it is very much so intentional and adamant and to some who review these documents it may come off as custom, which it is, because these courses are designed in a way that allows students to Self Actualize.
When a TCOM worker/administrator submitted their transcript to an evaluator to be evaluated, and although TCOM is accredited, it became clear that a certain amount of prejudice was initiated by the Evaluator who overlooked certain pertinent facts such as the recognition of our accreditation with ASIC. This evaluator gave excuses like “While TCOM is accredited, it is not recognized by BAC”, despite the fact that we published on our site that TCOM was not required to register, and provided contact information to the executive director, also displayed on our site to assist the evaluator if the evaluator had any further questions. This is why we are requesting a document much more firm than an email communication and is also why we contacted the Barbados Parliament to find a statute compatible with our infrastructure. Other excuses were “The graduation date of the student was prior to the Accreditation date of ASIC”. This caused TCOM to set a re-conferral date so that TCOM workers could bulldoze challenges with TCOM’s ASIC Accreditation recognition and Quality Assurance, as well as TCOM’s credentialing.
Because we want to make certain that our students can pursue their career goals we must ensure that TCOM works. The circumstance(s) presented in this paragraph have become more manageable because we found the solutions and discussed them in full in other prior paragraphs. These circumstance(s) have also become more manageable because we updated our site http://www.tcomedu.org which looks much more sophisticated and has a page specifically dedicated to students and evaluators. Please review our site. Also as it pertains to our site and technology, you will begin to receive emails from our corporate email addresses, you will be certain that it is tcom when an email comes to you that indicates @tcomedu.org.
Something else that we are working on is bridging the gap between law and spirituality by finding biblically based laws that protect TCOM workers and students and prevent harm and discrimination which justifies our reason of cc’ing this email to an attorney [File Number 4059979], who specializes in the development of bylaws and who also provides the service of making suggestions and referrals to other lawyers that provide discrimination consultation, advice, and representation.
TCOM’s Disappointment With CHEA: Alerting ASIC of Undesirable Representation: After being accredited by ASIC we were contacted by a representative of the US Government who specialized in working with Colleges to create relationships between international students and the United States. She suggested that we register with CHEA and I did not rebut this suggestion as I had prior contacted CHEA to inquire about membership. I told them that we were pursuing accreditation with ASIC and they offered TCOM a few hundred dollar membership upon becoming accredited by ASIC. Well I called them again after TCOM had become accredited thinking that I had the same membership privileges that they offered me. They described that TCOM did not because of its accreditation recognition and that ASIC was ‘only’ a member of CHEA International Quality Group. When I asked about how ASIC could become a CHEA member, recognized as an international body who accredits schools throughout the Globe including US, and reminded them that ASIC is a recognized international accrediting body by its Government, the gentleman made a smug remark and said “Well they can say whatever they want”. The gentleman of whom I spoke with paid very little respect to the credentials of ASIC all the way from the tone of his voice to the non-vouching of the credibility of ASIC. I’m sure that the gentleman could see that by the way he represented ASIC and himself that I was not as enthusiastic about his demeanor and minimizing of ASIC’s affiliation with CHEA. After I spoke with the gentleman I was infuriated and confused so I visited the US Department of Education’s site to see what might be available to schools who are accredited by international accreditors. Please read the next paragraphical item on the US Department of Education’s approval of accrediting bodies after this description about TCOM’s CHEA experience.
Just recently I visited CHEA’s site and saw that they provided knowledge about what accreditation is. It verbatimly states on their site the following:
“Accreditation” is review of the quality of higher education institutions and programs. In the United States, accreditation is a major way that students, families, government officials, and the press know that an institution or program provides a quality education.
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important:
With the proper knowledge and infrastructure, institutions accredited by ASIC can provide governmental tuition support to students. The US Department of Education’s International School Federal Student Loan welcome invitation and correspondence submitted to TCOM makes this statement of claim a pure fact.
CHEA has as well improved the quality of their site, it seems more fundamental and attractive now. I’m sure that the $100 to $1,500 individual member and institutional member fees and the promotion of CHEA’s name and logos have contributed to the infrastructural improvement of CHEA. These institutions are surely owed proper CHEA representation. We at TCOM are encouraging ASIC as a strong international accreditation body supporting and accrediting schools, colleges and universities in the United States to GET THEIR MONEY'S WORTH! Within the About Accreditation tab on the CHEA site it implies that there is an International directory https://www.chea.org/directories, however it says that this public service is coming soon and that if there is specified questions to email them. After I saw this I called CHEA and inquired about this service. The representative indicated the following (Paraphrased) “I don’t know what the exact wording is that’s why we need the emails to come in but essentially its more known bodies in foreign countries that we know are involved in the higher education of a foreign country….. But if you send in the email with all of the information concerning what you guys are doing hopefully we can help you”. This statement is very vague coming from a person who is employed with them and it almost seems like CHEA needs international organizations more than these organizations need them. I do believe that with ASIC there is a strong opportunity to consult with CHEA and educate them about what international accreditation bodies can provide to the US. CHEA did confirm with TCOM in the past when I originally heard these unprofessional remarks from the original gentleman that I spoke with, that there may be an international accreditation service provider opportunity to be recognized in the US as a US accreditor and a female representative told me this. The site has since then been modified although I am willing to retrace this link by sending them an email in the future if ASIC feels that it has the time to pursue this.
The US Department of Education’s Approval of Religious Accrediting Bodies: After speaking with CHEA and stumbling across a link on the US Department of Education’s website I found that the US Department of Education has a free application to approve accrediting bodies. I reviewed the material and called them. I was placed in contact with a woman and she asked me if I was with an accreditations service. I told her that I was an advocate and that I am in the field of Christian Metaphysics Education. Her voice became excited and strong, she told me that she knew of organizations who specifically accredit religious organizations. I did not say much because I did not want to “blow it”, she provided me with more knowledge and links and asked me to send her some information about what I was representing. The light bulb came on in my head and I immediately sent her an email that focused on Quality Assurance among Christian based colleges, because I am aware of how to build them and am also learning much from ASIC. I sent this email with ASIC in mind but did not mention its name because I had not yet spoken to the ASIC team. If ASIC has the time and is interested I would be more than happy to share the remainder of this information and introduce ASIC to the point of contact that I have spoken with in hopes of the devising of a strategic plan and a collaborative opportunity of consultancy.
In Freshness and In Purity, Dr. Zine RichWell, The College of Metaphysical Studies (TCOM)
C/O
Dr. Cynthia Tomlin Taylor, TCOM Vice Chancellor, Trustee: Implementation
Tiara Thomas, TCOM Regional Director of the South East, Trustee: Implementation
Peter Burg, Gradebookwizard.com, Technical Support, Technological Implementation
Attorney Matt Davis, Park Stanbury LLP [File Number 4059979]: Observation Only, Constitution Bylaw Preparation, Non-Discrimination Clause, Students and Staff
From Dr. Zine RichWell, TCOM President, Trustee: Implementation
Wellness and Good Blessings, I am answering the question from Mr. Maurice Dimmock about TCOM and our progress thus far. Maurice specifically asked about our full Accreditation progression although, I felt it necessary to communicate in whole about the nature of TCOM as some pretty exciting things have happened towards the progression of our establishment and implementation. Although this communication is long, I am respectfully asking that it be read in its entirety as Geoff has asked that we communicate with ASIC any significant changes within TCOM. I have also published this correspondence as a private link that provides every reader with an easy read. This link is not yet to be shared with the general public until it is composed as trustee minutes. Some information may or may not be included. I will communicate :) that I am happy and eager to discuss with ASIC the wonderful opportunities that TCOM has discovered and brought to the ASIC team.
CURRENT TCOM UPDATES 8/9/18
Affidavit of Constitution, Governing Document: This was the governing document that I originally emailed to ASIC that substantiated our governing structure, when we became interim accredited we notarized this document so that it would become a legally binding document. It is attached as a link herein.
https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/uploads/32669/AFFIDAVIT%20DECLARATION%20EXEMPTION%20CONSTITUTION.pdf
Description of TCOM with Pictures per the request of Flow: Short Description, Stronger Description: Flow requested that we submit a description about TCOM, her original request was 150 words and 2 pictures. After looking at the remainder of the members whom ASIC has published we put together a short description and a more lengthy description of TCOM. Flow, it is alright with TCOM if you pick which description is more efficient to publish. We felt it necessary to do this because we saw that the other organizations really sold the concept of their institutions very well. While we produced the shorter description, we prefer the longer description because it describes TCOM, its Mantra, and its Degree Program(s). These descriptions and pictures are attached herein:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15qRO8ohYOO9eFeQcPrN7cUz4NkiBZO1O/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SwAluwsuxPiPDZdyg3ZYN2CKNIUKEkuk/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wxjzqry4ROE2kdHV5jG0x0y9XcT5R-iu/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hj_kLhlmhvuqnvMR0-l4ngAKToidmfqk/view
TCOM’s Degree Programs are Enhanced: Of course ASIC is aware that TCOM offers and advertises to its student prospects its Bachelor’s of General Education with a learning track that is a mandatory selection. The learning track abbreviation is now RSRD LTCI WS IS, 320: Research and Research Design, Learning Track Concentration Implementation, Work Study and Independent Study, 320. Students are permitted to pick and choose certain research topics (course subjects) associated with their learning track. Up to 32 course subjects are permitted to be indicated on the student’s transcript. Each unit or credit equates to 10 hours of study and a student will earn 120, up to 590 Semester Hours in the General Education Bachelor’s Degree Program with a learning track.
*VERY IMPORTANT, STUDENT’S MUST NOW BE SUPERVISED IN THEIR LEARNING TRACK RESEARCH: TCOM is now minimizing risks of corresponding with students in a distance learning manner, especially as it pertains to their learning track research. Students are now required to submit an authorization document of supervision to be signed by a professional and submitted to TCOM. The students now must be guided face to face in an academic setting; and whose relationship and meeting with the professional will be “from time to time” in the fashion of a mentor or consultant, and at a (i.e., college, university office, campus, or professional practice) and by, an academic professional of a national, regional, or internationally accredited college, school or university; a government recognized institution; or a Professional, licensed by a credible authorizing agency; student’s are permitted to pick and choose certain topics associated with their learning track per the approval of the academic or licensed professional and if applicable his or her superior. [ASIC, if there are any concerns about this please contact us, we believe that if further description is required that you will agree with our decision to arrange our program this way. We would prefer to verbally discuss this new educational feature and requirement].
More TCOM Degree Programs (Upper Level): The learning tracks that TCOM offer are very challenging and thorough as they require at minimum the research skill level of a working professional with about 5 years experience in research and writing. In the educational field this is really considered to be Terminal Research which is a skill that is highly valued not only in the United States but throughout the world and is a cause of the highest recognition of ecclesiastical degrees such as D. Phil (Doctor of Philosophy) and Dr. mph. (Doctor of Metaphysics). Because students may earn up to 590 total semester credit hours we felt it was sufficient to also offer a Combined, Simultaneous Master’s and Doctorate Research Program that is learning track influenced and we have begun to advertise this on our website. On 1/2/17 I Zine inquired about the cost of additional degree programs and Maurice did indicate that the fee is £200 per program, we ask not to be billed immediately for this program as we are making improvements on it in our gradebookwizard system after this email is read in its entirety please tell us how we should proceed.
Update of Address, Barbados Accreditation Council (BAC) Exemption, and The US Department of Education Office of Financial Aid, International Schools: The TCOM administrative process is the same however our administrative structure has been slightly modified as we are a newly registered agent in Barbados, and have entered into an office agreement with Regus in St. Thomas Barbados. We contacted BAC to determine what we would do in terms of registration with them and indicated that we were accredited. We were surprised that BAC did not discourage us from working but instead sent us an email stating that we were not required to register with them because we are online learning and this correspondence is indicated herein. We additionally retrieved insight from Barbados Parliament website publishers that showed us an exemptions statute for those organizations who are already accredited http://208.109.177.6/en/showdoc/cs/38A, we will be writing in electronically to BAC requesting a more detailed description of our exemption status and will cc ASIC in on this email as they may request other proof of our Quality Assurance such as our Evaluation report. We also believe that this could stimulate a new working relationship between ASIC and BAC as they are affiliated with The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) who serves a vast population of people with interest in the Caribbean.
On 8/9/2018 I Zine spoke with Geoff and described our address change, our correspondence with BAC, and the BAC’s registration email and Parliament Exemption. He indicated that two locations could not be displayed on the ASIC site and told me that it was a matter of choosing the desired address. We at TCOM choose the Barbados Address located at:
TCOM Main International Admissions Office
One welches, Welches
St. Thomas, Barbados, bb22025
Phone & Fax: (855) 230-0230
info@tcomedu.org
*CERTIFICATE: We received a Welcome correspondence from the US Department of Education Office of Financial Aid, International Schools of whom will be providing Federal Student Loans to US and International Students who study with us, they will want us to provide them with a copy of the certificate that indicates the new address on it. We will additionally add the certificate number with the Barbados address on it to our registered agent publications in Barbados.
CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE A division of the Ministry of International Business and Industry, BARBADOS
https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/uploads/32669/COORESPONDENCE%20FROM%20THE%20BARBADOS%20GOVERNMENT%2C%20REGISTERED%20AGENT%20ARTICLE%20OF%20INCORPORATION.pdf
Regus Business Centre
https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/uploads/32669/OSA_245761102928_090820180308.pdf
BAC Registration Exemption Response
https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/uploads/32669/COORESPONDENCE%20WITH%20THE%20BARBADOS%20ACCREDITATION%20COUNCIL.pdf
US Department of Education Welcome Letter (Express Interest) Direct Loan Program
https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/uploads/32669/Welcome%20letter%20to%20school%20express%20your%20interest%2C%20USDESTUDENTLOANPROGRAM.pdf
TCOM’s Full Accreditation Progress Update: Prior to further enrolling students into TCOM we decided to test our Educational Product with regard to the acceptance of credentials awarded in the US. Rather than recruiting new students, we initiated a requirement of TCOM’s administrators and Board to be recognized with their Degree in General Education with a Learning Track of Christian Metaphysics and Self Actualization. While implementing these credential changes we ran into a few challenges in the US although these have been solved with the descriptions indicated prior. We have additionally put new request into gradebookwizard technical support to make certain necessary technological modifications to ensure that our online processes of student learning is more efficient.
Bulldozing Challenges with US Organizations, Educational Recognition of ASIC: Credential Evaluators: TCOM has a specified focus in Religion as an Educational Provider of Christian Metaphysics and this is also per our agreement with ASIC. Although our teachings and curriculum(s) is acceptable in secular fields our strategies of education is nonetheless led by religion and Christian Faith and we explore such topics as the optimistic value of the Wholy word of Christ in full, demonology, and other esoteric phenomena and strategies that Christ used to dissipate negative spirits so that mankind might be saved [i.e, or our teaching and transcripting of Immortally Ascending into the Kingdom of Heaven as depicted in the book of Genesis and made available as a course thesis topic, Course: RSRD LTCI WS IS, 320: Research and Research Design, Learning Track Concentration Implementation, Work Study and Independent Study, 320; which is substantially justified as a research based course supported with scholarly and scientific evidence, yet could be based upon theory when also scholarly supported]. The revelation of our curriculum although Generally Educated (General Education) and Terminally Based (Terminal Research and Research Design: The required Learning Tracks) it is very much so intentional and adamant and to some who review these documents it may come off as custom, which it is, because these courses are designed in a way that allows students to Self Actualize.
When a TCOM worker/administrator submitted their transcript to an evaluator to be evaluated, and although TCOM is accredited, it became clear that a certain amount of prejudice was initiated by the Evaluator who overlooked certain pertinent facts such as the recognition of our accreditation with ASIC. This evaluator gave excuses like “While TCOM is accredited, it is not recognized by BAC”, despite the fact that we published on our site that TCOM was not required to register, and provided contact information to the executive director, also displayed on our site to assist the evaluator if the evaluator had any further questions. This is why we are requesting a document much more firm than an email communication and is also why we contacted the Barbados Parliament to find a statute compatible with our infrastructure. Other excuses were “The graduation date of the student was prior to the Accreditation date of ASIC”. This caused TCOM to set a re-conferral date so that TCOM workers could bulldoze challenges with TCOM’s ASIC Accreditation recognition and Quality Assurance, as well as TCOM’s credentialing.
Because we want to make certain that our students can pursue their career goals we must ensure that TCOM works. The circumstance(s) presented in this paragraph have become more manageable because we found the solutions and discussed them in full in other prior paragraphs. These circumstance(s) have also become more manageable because we updated our site http://www.tcomedu.org which looks much more sophisticated and has a page specifically dedicated to students and evaluators. Please review our site. Also as it pertains to our site and technology, you will begin to receive emails from our corporate email addresses, you will be certain that it is tcom when an email comes to you that indicates @tcomedu.org.
Something else that we are working on is bridging the gap between law and spirituality by finding biblically based laws that protect TCOM workers and students and prevent harm and discrimination which justifies our reason of cc’ing this email to an attorney [File Number 4059979], who specializes in the development of bylaws and who also provides the service of making suggestions and referrals to other lawyers that provide discrimination consultation, advice, and representation.
TCOM’s Disappointment With CHEA: Alerting ASIC of Undesirable Representation: After being accredited by ASIC we were contacted by a representative of the US Government who specialized in working with Colleges to create relationships between international students and the United States. She suggested that we register with CHEA and I did not rebut this suggestion as I had prior contacted CHEA to inquire about membership. I told them that we were pursuing accreditation with ASIC and they offered TCOM a few hundred dollar membership upon becoming accredited by ASIC. Well I called them again after TCOM had become accredited thinking that I had the same membership privileges that they offered me. They described that TCOM did not because of its accreditation recognition and that ASIC was ‘only’ a member of CHEA International Quality Group. When I asked about how ASIC could become a CHEA member, recognized as an international body who accredits schools throughout the Globe including US, and reminded them that ASIC is a recognized international accrediting body by its Government, the gentleman made a smug remark and said “Well they can say whatever they want”. The gentleman of whom I spoke with paid very little respect to the credentials of ASIC all the way from the tone of his voice to the non-vouching of the credibility of ASIC. I’m sure that the gentleman could see that by the way he represented ASIC and himself that I was not as enthusiastic about his demeanor and minimizing of ASIC’s affiliation with CHEA. After I spoke with the gentleman I was infuriated and confused so I visited the US Department of Education’s site to see what might be available to schools who are accredited by international accreditors. Please read the next paragraphical item on the US Department of Education’s approval of accrediting bodies after this description about TCOM’s CHEA experience.
Just recently I visited CHEA’s site and saw that they provided knowledge about what accreditation is. It verbatimly states on their site the following:
“Accreditation” is review of the quality of higher education institutions and programs. In the United States, accreditation is a major way that students, families, government officials, and the press know that an institution or program provides a quality education.
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important:
- Students who want federal (and sometimes state) grants and loans need to attend a college, university, or program that is accredited.
- Employers ask if a college, university, or program is accredited before deciding to provide tuition assistance to current employees, evaluating the credentials of new employees, or making a charitable contribution.
- The federal government requires that a college, university, or program be accredited in order to be eligible for federal grants and loans or other federal funds.
- State governments require that a college, university, or program be accredited when they make state funds available to students or institutions and when they allow students to sit for state licensure examinations in some professional fields.”
With the proper knowledge and infrastructure, institutions accredited by ASIC can provide governmental tuition support to students. The US Department of Education’s International School Federal Student Loan welcome invitation and correspondence submitted to TCOM makes this statement of claim a pure fact.
CHEA has as well improved the quality of their site, it seems more fundamental and attractive now. I’m sure that the $100 to $1,500 individual member and institutional member fees and the promotion of CHEA’s name and logos have contributed to the infrastructural improvement of CHEA. These institutions are surely owed proper CHEA representation. We at TCOM are encouraging ASIC as a strong international accreditation body supporting and accrediting schools, colleges and universities in the United States to GET THEIR MONEY'S WORTH! Within the About Accreditation tab on the CHEA site it implies that there is an International directory https://www.chea.org/directories, however it says that this public service is coming soon and that if there is specified questions to email them. After I saw this I called CHEA and inquired about this service. The representative indicated the following (Paraphrased) “I don’t know what the exact wording is that’s why we need the emails to come in but essentially its more known bodies in foreign countries that we know are involved in the higher education of a foreign country….. But if you send in the email with all of the information concerning what you guys are doing hopefully we can help you”. This statement is very vague coming from a person who is employed with them and it almost seems like CHEA needs international organizations more than these organizations need them. I do believe that with ASIC there is a strong opportunity to consult with CHEA and educate them about what international accreditation bodies can provide to the US. CHEA did confirm with TCOM in the past when I originally heard these unprofessional remarks from the original gentleman that I spoke with, that there may be an international accreditation service provider opportunity to be recognized in the US as a US accreditor and a female representative told me this. The site has since then been modified although I am willing to retrace this link by sending them an email in the future if ASIC feels that it has the time to pursue this.
The US Department of Education’s Approval of Religious Accrediting Bodies: After speaking with CHEA and stumbling across a link on the US Department of Education’s website I found that the US Department of Education has a free application to approve accrediting bodies. I reviewed the material and called them. I was placed in contact with a woman and she asked me if I was with an accreditations service. I told her that I was an advocate and that I am in the field of Christian Metaphysics Education. Her voice became excited and strong, she told me that she knew of organizations who specifically accredit religious organizations. I did not say much because I did not want to “blow it”, she provided me with more knowledge and links and asked me to send her some information about what I was representing. The light bulb came on in my head and I immediately sent her an email that focused on Quality Assurance among Christian based colleges, because I am aware of how to build them and am also learning much from ASIC. I sent this email with ASIC in mind but did not mention its name because I had not yet spoken to the ASIC team. If ASIC has the time and is interested I would be more than happy to share the remainder of this information and introduce ASIC to the point of contact that I have spoken with in hopes of the devising of a strategic plan and a collaborative opportunity of consultancy.
In Freshness and In Purity, Dr. Zine RichWell, The College of Metaphysical Studies (TCOM)