Excelsior Diploma RANT

[Basket Weaver]

All,
Much like a dog with a bone, I could not...and will not...let this one go. I have been trying to contact someone at Excelsior about their horrible diplomas and finally received a canned response. Here's my response to him.

I'll keep all concerned in the loop as it progresses. Feel free to contact this gentleman, the more people who write and voice their concern, the better. Besides the outrageous "graduation Fees" they charge, one should have something to be proud of after putting so much work into their degree.

Mr. Stewart,
Thank you for the response. I am serving overseas and this diploma was the only thing I received for all the work I put into earning my degree. There was no walk across the stage, just the diploma in the mail. Imagine my surprise when I opened the envelope to find this "diploma". I have received better looking training certificates for one week military courses.

This diploma is how people interpret your school; if they see a plain sheet with a gold seal, then compare it to a more ornate diploma from a respected university, it will make them think twice of the education you provide. This is why I am embarrassed to display the diploma...and don't; it is currently filed away in a drawer.

Luckily, I have continued my education and will receive my MBA in December; the diploma from my current university is quite impressive and a testimony to my efforts. I know that I am not the only person with these same concerns. I am a member of an educational forum, when I brought this subject up, many of the board's members voiced their disproval as well; it is simply a horrible looking diploma.

Has Excelsior considered offering a better diploma at a premium? It could be a revenue generating idea and provide a service for those wanting a more prestigious looking diploma for display. While I don't feel as though I should have to pay extra for a decent diploma (I paid over $800 for "graduation fees"...) I would if one were available.

Finally, since I am a graduate of Excelsior, are there any college by-laws preventing me from making my own diploma for display? These days, one can work wonders with Photoshop. I know this issue was raised on the forum and several members were very interested in the finished product. While I understand that it could not replace the original, is there anything illegal about this idea? I am simply not content with the response of "We're looking into it". I know this is not the first time this issue has been raised to Excelsior, but for whatever reason, Excelsior has turned a deaf ear. We would truly appreciate some action.

Here is a link to the discussion online:

http://www.instantcertonline.com/forums/...or+diploma

Thank you for your time,

//SIGNED//



-----Original Message-----
From: wstewart@excelsior.edu [mailto:wstewart@excelsior.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 2:21 PM
To:
Cc: alumni@excelsior.edu
Subject: re: Diploma


Dear #### #######,

Our apologies for your not having received an earlier reply to your emails. The honest fact is that since forwarding your original email to our Registrar, that office has had to process an unusually large number of new enrollments the past couple of weeks and staff there have not been able to respond.

I want you to know that we acknowledge your concern and are looking into ways that we can make improvements in the printing of our diplomas. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Regards,

William M. Stewart
Assistant Vice President - Institutional Advancement
Excelsior College
7 Columbia Circle
Albany NY 12203 USA
518-464-8775
518-464-8777 (fax)