Athabasca University- Prov gov trying to kill

[Johann]

This is a pattern: look up recent thread on Laurentian University. 

Alberta Premier is Jason Kenney, who used to be a prominent member of Harper federal Cabinet. He is my "favorite" Canadian pol since that time when he decided to "fight fraud" as Immigration Minister and clogged naturalization pipeline with "residency questionnaires" (including my application). Tough on "abusers of Canadian generosity" and those lacking "Canadian values", and at the same time Panderer-In-Chief to ethnic communities ("Minister for Curry in a Hurry"). 

Just like Ontario Premier, Jason Kenney is a Conservative and a college dropout.

Is that why they're so anti-college?

I'd say yes. Doug Ford is the Conservative College Dropout Premier here. He said he dropped out of CC because "the lectures were too boring." He's anti- everything that doesn't bring in lots and lots of money. I LOATHE this guy. I live in the Province he rules.

Something else about Doug Ford here. 
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/tor...e12153014/

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Athabasca is unique in Canada. All online, RA (Middle States) as well as Canadian - your Athabasca degree is good in Canada and US. No need for credential evaluations. It was sometimes referred to as the "Big 4th" after TESU, EU (yes, Excelsior is now a University) and COSC. I don't think it was - or is a "Big 4th". The max for transfer credit is "50% or more." Not clear how much "more." or under what circumstances. You could end up taking a lot of expensive Athabasca classes. 

Even with its high prices, Athabasca had financial difficulties and managed to avoid bankruptcy in 2015. I imagine the US accreditor might well have been concerned - financial stability requirements are stringent with any RA accreditor. More so than NA. 

Yes, what the Government is doing here - I think - is crazy. And if they're forced to go through with it, it could mean the end of a good resource. I also think the school is far too expensive for US residents. 120 credit fees are $79,000+ that's $667 a credit. Plus all kinds of incidental fees. Even in depreciated Canadian dollars, that's a lot. If the Govt stays firm, I don't know how Athabasca is going to survive this. Don't see why Americans would really want to enrol - lots of other choices. I'm a Canadian - and I'd think it through carefully, even though I get a cheaper deal. Around $350 per credit for Canadians outside Alberta. I can get that at a Uni near me - or anywhere else in Canada. 

The Gov't has Athabasca over a barrel. The U. signs agreement by Sept. or their funding dries up - to zero. Whatever they do - it's not gonna be pretty. If they sign - I think it's the beginning of the end. If they don't - the end comes right away. Lovely choice.