An Unbiased Opinion of the Greenwich University Issue - 1998-2002

By 

Prof. Carl Edwin Lindgren 

B.A.E., M.Ed., Ed.S. (University of Mississippi), D.Ed.  (U. of South Africa), F.C.P. (College of Preceptors, London) 

The former Greenwich University, which has existed in Missouri, California, Hawaii and finally Norfolk Island in the South Pacific is known for many things. From it questionable background (many would say degree mill) to its untruths told to students and faculty about its "accreditation", the school has a very bad record. Another issue about the school's past is its association with Energy Medicine. I should know as I at one time worked there as an adjunct faculty member. I agree TOTALLY with the web master of the Millenium Project regarding his assessment of Greenwich (note his article). 

NORFOLK ISLAND ACT 1979 No. 25, 1979 - SECT. 7.
Exercise of Administrator's powers, &c.

7. (1) The Administrator shall exercise all powers and perform all functions that belong to his office, or that are conferred on him by or under a law in force in the Territory, in accordance with the tenor of his Commission and- (a) in relation to a matter that, in his opinion, is a matter specified in Schedule 2-in accordance with such advice, if any, as is given to him by the Executive Council; (b) in relation to a matter that, in his opinion, is a matter specified in Schedule 3-in accordance with the advice of the Executive Council; (c) where it is provided by this Act that he is to act on the advice of the Executive Council or the Legislative Assembly-in accordance with that advice; (d) in forming an opinion as provided by this Act-at his own discretion; and (e) in all other cases-in accordance with such instructions, if any, as are given to him by the Minister.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) (b), where the Executive Council advises the Administrator to take, or to refrain from taking, any specified action in relation to a matter to which that paragraph applies and that advice is inconsistent with instructions given to the Administrator by the Minister in accordance with sub-section (3), the Administrator shall not take that action, or shall not refrain from taking that action, as the case may be.

(3) For the purposes of sub-section (2), the Minister may give the Administrator instructions in respect of advice tendered to the Administrator for the purposes of paragraph (1) (b), and may give the Administrator instructions in respect of the referral to the Minister of any such advice.

NORFOLK ISLAND ACT 1979 No. 25, 1979 - SECT. 19.
Legislative power of Legislative Assembly

Division 2-Legislative Power of Legislative Assembly 19. (1) Subject to this Act, the Legislative Assembly has power, with the assent of the Administrator or the Governor-General, as the case may be, to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Territory.

NORFOLK ISLAND ACT 1979 No. 25, 1979 - SECT. 20.
Powers, privileges and immunities of Legislative Assembly

20. The power of the Legislative Assembly in relation to the making of laws extends to the making of laws- (a) declaring the powers (other than legislative powers), privileges and immunities of the Legislative Assembly and of its members and committees, but so that the powers, privileges and immunities so declared do not exceed the powers, privileges and immunities for the time being of the House of Representatives, or of the members or committees of that House, respectively; and (b) providing for the manner in which powers, privileges and immunities so declared may be exercised or upheld.  

NORFOLK ISLAND ACT 1979 No. 25, 1979 - SECT. 21.
Presentation of proposed laws

21. (1) Every proposed law passed by the Legislative Assembly shall be presented to the Administrator for assent.

(2) Upon the presentation of a proposed law to the Administrator for assent, the Administrator shall, subject to this section, declare- (a) in the case of a proposed law which, in the opinion of the Administrator, makes provision only for or in relation to matters specified in Schedule 2 or 3 or both- (i) that he assents to the proposed law; or (ii) that he withholds assent to the proposed law; or (b) in any other case, that he reserves the proposed law for the Governor-General's pleasure.

(3) The Administrator may return the proposed law to the Legislative Assembly with amendments that he recommends.

(4) The Legislative Assembly shall consider the amendments recommended by the Administrator and the proposed law, with or without amendments, may be again presented to the Administrator for assent, and sub-section (2) applies accordingly.

(5) In the case of a proposed law which, in the opinion of the Administrator, makes provision only for or in relation to matters specified in Schedule 2, the Administrator shall not act under paragraph (2) (a) or sub-section (3) except in accordance with the advice of the Executive Council.

(6) In the case of a proposed law which, in the opinion of the Administrator, makes provision only for or in relation to matters specified in Schedule 3 or matters specified in Schedules 2 and 3, the Administrator shall not act under paragraph (2) (a) or sub-section (3) except in accordance with the instructions of the Minister.

NORFOLK ISLAND ACT 1979 No. 25, 1979 - SECT. 23.
Disallowance of laws by Governor-General

23. (1) Subject to this section, the Governor-General may, within 6 months after the Administrator's assent to a proposed law, disallow the law or part of the law.

(2) The Governor-General may, within 6 months after the Administrator's assent to a proposed law, recommend to the Administrator any amendments of the laws of the Territory that the Governor-General considers to be desirable as a result of his consideration of the law.

(3) Where, as a result of his consideration of a law, the Governor-General so recommends any amendments of the laws of the Territory, the time within which the Governor-General may disallow the law, or a part of the law, is extended until the expiration of 6 months after the date of the Governor-General's recommendation.

(4) Upon publication of notice of the disallowance of a law, or part of a law, in the Norfolk Island Government Gazette, the disallowance has, subject to sub-section (5), the same effect as a repeal of the law or part of the law, as the case may be.

(5) If a provision of a disallowed law, or a provision of a disallowed part of a law, amended or repealed a law in force immediately before the date of commencement of that provision, the disallowance revives the previous law from the date of publication of the notice of disallowance as if the disallowed provision had not been made.

GREENWICH UNIVERSITY ACT 1998

Act No. 22 of 1998

An Act to facilitate the establishment and operation of the Greenwich University (Norfolk Island).

[Assented to 9 December 1998]

BE IT ENACTED by the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island as follows:

 Short Title

1. This Act may be referred to as the Greenwich University

Act 1998.

 Commencement

2. This Act commences on the day on which notification of its assent is published in the Gazette.

Interpretation

3. In this Act -

“Greenwich University (Norfolk Island)” means Greenwich  University Pty. Ltd., a company incorporated under the  Companies Act 1985 operating as “Greenwich University”;

and

“Greenwich University (Hawaii)” means Greenwich University

Inc., a corporation incorporated in the State of Hawaii,  United States of America, operating as “Greenwich  University”; and “International Institute for Advanced Studies” means the  International Institute for Advanced Studies, a non-profit  corporation incorporated in the State of Missouri, United  States of America.

 Education (Greenwich University)

4. Objectives

(1) The objects of this Act are to -

(a) facilitate the transfer of administrative and academic functions of the Greenwich University (Hawaii) and the International Institute for Advanced Studies to the Greenwich University (Norfolk Island); and

(b) facilitate the offering of tertiary educational courses by  the Greenwich University (Norfolk Island); and

(c) avoid doubt as to the operation of the Education Act 1931 in respect of the establishment and operation of the Greenwich University (Norfolk Island) as a tertiary  education institution on and from Norfolk Island.

(2) This Act is not intended to affect the operation of any other law in force in Norfolk Island from time to time. Establishment of Greenwich University (Norfolk Island)

5. The Greenwich University (Norfolk Island) -

(a) is recognised as lawfully established on Norfolk Island;

and

(b) is legally entitled, authorised and permitted:

(i) to undertake on Norfolk Island the administrative  and academic functions of Greenwich University  (Hawaii) and the International Institute for

Advanced Studies; and

(ii) to operate a tertiary education institution on and from Norfolk Island under the name “Greenwich  University”.

Repeal of Education (Greenwich University) Regulations 1998

6. The Education (Greenwich University) Regulations 1998

are repealed.

Notified Gazette No. 54, 10 December 1998. Commenced on gazettal (No.

54, 10 December 1998). Printed on the authority of the Administrator.

Education (Greenwich University) Regulations 1998

Regulations No. 4 of 1998

I, A. J. Messner, Administrator of Norfolk Island, acting in accordance with the advice of the Executive Council of Norfolk Island, make the following regulations under the Education Act 1931.

Dated 30 June 1998.

A. J. Messner, Administrator

By His Honour’s Command.

G. Smith, Minister for Finance and Strategic Planning

 Short Title

1.

These regulations may be cited as the Education (Greenwich University) Regulations 1998.

Interpretation

2.

In this regulation -

“Greenwich University (Norfolk Island)” means Greenwich

University Pty. Ltd., a company incorporated under the  Companies Act 1985 operating as “Greenwich University”;  

and

“Greenwich University (Hawaii)” means Greenwich University

Inc., a corporation incorporated in the State of Hawaii,  United States of America, operating as “Greenwich  University”; and

“International Institute for Advanced Studies” means International

Institute for Advanced Studies, a non-profit corporation  incorporated in the State of Missouri, United States of  America.

Objects

3.

The objects of this regulation are to -

(a)

facilitate the transfer of administrative and academic  functions of the Greenwich University (Hawaii) and  the International Institute for Advanced Studies to the  Greenwich University (Norfolk Island); and

(b) facilitate the offering of tertiary educational courses by the Greenwich University (Norfolk Island); and (c) avoid doubt as to the operation of the Education Act  1931 in respect of the establishment and operation of  the Greenwich University (Norfolk Island) as a  tertiary education institution on and from Norfolk  Island.

Establishment of Greenwich University (Norfolk Island)

4.

Subject to the law in force in Norfolk Island from time to  time-

(a)

the Greenwich University (Norfolk Island) is recognized as lawfully established on Norfolk Island; and

(b) the Greenwich University (Norfolk Island) is legally  entitled, authorised and permitted:

(i) to undertake on Norfolk Island the administrative  and academic functions of Greenwich University  (Hawaii) and the International Institute for  Advanced Studies; and

(ii) to operate a tertiary education institution on and from Norfolk Island under the name “Greenwich

University”.

Notified Gazette No. 28, 30 June 1998.

Commenced on 30 June 1998 (see section 33 Interpretation Act 1979).

Printed on the authority of the Administrator.

COMPANIES ACT 1985

MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION

of GREENWICH UNIVERSITY PTY. LTD.

1. The name of the Company is GREENWICH UNIVERSITY PTY. LTD.

2. The Objects with which the Company is established are to acquire, hold, dispose of and deal with either in whole or in part, the right title or interest in and to real or personal property or interests being tangible or intangible and including the stock or shares, intellectual property and interests from, in or associated with the corporations or schools known as Greenwich University Incorporated and International Institute for Advanced Studies (both being incorporated in the United States of America) or the school known as Greenwich University or from, in or with either of them or any other source, entity, individual, corporation or association.

3. For the purposes of carrying out the above Objects and any other objects or activities hereafter entered into by the Company and subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 1985, the Company has power:-

(a) to provide to the peoples of the world an opportunity for qualified individuals to receive a university education;

(b) to provide instruction, guidance and supervision for work leading to a degree, diploma or certificate in any field of learning or human endeavour including but not limited to the arts, sciences and the law;

(c) to award degrees including but not limited to the degrees of Bachelor, Master and Doctor.

(d) to undertake such teaching, scholarship and research as is appropriate for a University;

(e) to organise and offer educational symposia, colloquia, conventions and meetings;

(f) to offer educational and other consulting to individuals, groups, organisations and government agencies;

(g) to publish educational and other materials;

(h) to do all such things as are necessary and appropriate for the advancement, dissemination and preservation of knowledge;

(i) to engage in any additional educational activity which the Board  of Directors shall deem appropriate;

(j) to do everything necessary, advisable, proper or convenient for the accomplishment of the foregoing purposes or powers, and do all other things incidental to them or connected with them that are not forbidden by law or by these Memorandum and Articles of Association;

 (k) to undertake and carry on any business, investment, transaction,  venture or enterprise which may be lawfully undertaken or  carried on by a corporation;

(l) to procure the Company to be registered or recognised as a body  corporate in any place outside Norfolk Island;

(m) to issue and allot fully, partly paid and classes of shares or stock in the Company, to issue debentures of the Company, to distribute any property of the Company, among the members, in kind or otherwise, to give security by charging uncalled capital and to grant Fixed and Floating Charges to property of the Company;

(n) in furtherance of the above objects to operate an accredited tertiary education institution on and from Norfolk Island under the name of Greenwich University and carry out all the functions authorised to it pursuant to the Education (Greenwich University) Regulations 1998 and the Greenwich University Act 1998.

 Unless inconsistent with or being in conflict with the above powers, authorities, provisions or law, the Company shall otherwise have and possess the same powers and authorities as hereafter apply to or are adopted from time to time by the corporations known as Greenwich University Incorporated and International Institute for the Advanced Studies both incorporated in the United States of America (or either of them) and which said powers or authorities have not been provided for by the provisions of the within Memorandum and Articles of Association. AND in furtherance of said purposes, the Corporation shall have all powers, rights, privileges and immunities, and shall be subject to all of the liabilities conferred or imposed by law upon corporations of this nature and as permitted by Section 89 of the Companies Act 1985 (Norfolk Island), and shall be subject to and have all the benefits of all general laws with respect to corporations.

The Copyright Act 1968 of the Commonwealth of Australia permits certain reproduction and publication of this legislation. For reproduction or publication beyond that permitted by the Act, written permission must be sought from the Legislative Counsel, Administration of Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island, South Pacific 2899

From Australian Government - Department of Education, Science and Training 

Between 30 June 1998 and 2 December 2002, Greenwich University (Norfolk Island) degrees were lawfully awarded under legislation approved by the Norfolk Island Government, using its powers of self-government. While the Commonwealth Minister for Territories assented to legislation, this does not mean that Greenwich University awards were ever recognised by the Federal Government of Australia.

On the one occasion when Greenwich's academic and financial standing was subject to independent assessment by the Commonwealth, an expert review committee of five persons found that "the standard of its courses, quality assurance mechanisms and academic leadership fail to meet the standards expected of Australian universities."

No independent evidence has since been provided to the Australian Government that Greenwich University degrees meet the academic standards of Australian universities. It is open to Greenwich to apply for accreditation in Australia and to demonstrate that it does meet the standards required of an Australian university. It has not done so to date.

On 2 December 2002, the Federal Government of Australia enacted legislation to regulate the use of the title university and the delivery of higher education in the external Territories. This legislation overrode the operation of the Greenwich University Act 1998 (Norfolk Island). From 2 December 2002 the Greenwich University Act (Norfolk Island) 1998 is of no effect, even though it remains on the statute book of the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly.

From Australian Government - Department of Education, Science and Training 

Difference between Bogus (Fake Degrees and Unauthorised Higher Education Providers

Australian universities (and a small number of other institutions) are generally established under State or Territory legislation and once established they become self-accrediting and responsible for their own standards.  Other institutions may be accredited (usually for a specified period) to offer particular courses leading to higher education awards and are monitored by State or Territory authorities. 

Bogus Providers

“Degree mills” – providers offering degrees after no or little formal study often via the internet, are a growing phenomenon.  They may use an Australian or overseas address or require money to be sent to an Australian or overseas post box.   

Where there is a traceable link with Australia, the Commonwealth, State and Territory authorities can and do take action.  Australian authorities also cooperate with authorities in other countries to pursue such providers. 

Universities and employers are very conscious of the need to check the authenticity of qualifications.

Unauthorised Higher Education Providers

There are cases of institutions with an Australian name or associated with Australia in some way delivering higher education awards and courses overseas that are not recognised through listing on the AQF. [example Greenwich University]

Only higher education providers listed on the AQF are recognised by the Commonwealth, State and mainland Territory Governments. 

Standard Curricula for the former University

The B.A. consisted of 129 semester hours or a total of 43 courses. The M.A. was 36 hours or 10 graduate semester hours and thesis (6 hours) and the PhD was 36 hours or 12 courses and a 9 hour dissertation. Each course lasted 12-15 weeks and consisted of two examinations (on-line or by proctor, the reading of between 600-800 pages of text and the writing of a 20 page research paper with at least 20 different biographical sources of which 15 must be primary. The thesis should be over 100 pages excluding biographical material and the dissertation 150 pages excluding the biographical material.

Example of a Degree Overview taken from their 2000 Catalogue

MASTERS

Department for International Studies

School of Global Studies

College of Arts and Humanities

Greenwich University

INTRODUCTION

The International Studies program at Greenwich University affords mature students with a variety of subject matter including diplomacy, international relations, anti-terrorism, international law, international gender studies, global diversity, the role of the Middle East, Asian philosophy, European cultural history, European intellectual thought, world cultural history, American political thought, world music and America as a multi-cultural society. The International Studies Department allows students to acquire a deeper understanding of the cultural roots of our own traditions and how these various customs impact today’s society. This program also provides students with the ability to develop a global perspective through the study of various cultures. Students will then have the opportunity to compare their present day society in relation to the past societies and to develop, as well as express, their own theories.

BRIEF NEED STATEMENT

A program in International Studies is needed to:

•  provide insight into the various cultural and social changes which humankind has encountered throughout their past;

•  provide insight into the various past failures and achievements of civilization;

•  provide a better prepared student audience to achieve greater heights of social, cultural, and emotional growth;

•  provide insight into ways to avoid future mistakes in international affairs; and

•  provide ways whereby students can integrate various social, political, and economic factors to create a better world.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

This program provides the student with several objectives that will be of personal and professional benefit. These include:

•         an interdisciplinary method of approaching society;

• the ability to combine a public and private sector approach to their public endeavors

• a foundation for doctoral courses;

• a rich variety of ways that human beings have found to live and interact in the International Community;

• stimulates students’ curiosity regarding diplomatic and international issues in the fields of business, religion, politics, ecology issues, and disease prevention; and

• an international approach to world issues.

PROGRAM AUDIENCE

This program is designed for educators, administrators, governmental representatives, military officers and others who have a need to study and conduct extensive research in international, comparative and cultural studies  The program also has coursework in civilization studies,  cultural studies, earth changes, diplomacy and international law. The program is intended to specifically meet the aims of independent and self-motivated adult professionals who respond effectively to direction and can function in an independent environment. A student entering this program is mature, self-directed, independently motivated, confident and goal oriented. The program is open to graduate students at the consent of faculty. It is, however, highly desired that participants' previous degrees have a major in cultural studies or any of the aforementioned programs.  

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Participants should have completed a recognized undergraduate degree in a related field of study (history, world civilizations, etc.) and have at least five years of career related experience. It is highly desired that the undergraduate program encompass a minimum of 30 credits in the social sciences with special emphasis on world civilizations with additional credits in areas such as cultural anthropology, sociology, international relations, diplomacy, environmental science, earth change, community psychology, ecology, disease control, and religion. The student entering this program should possess an interest in the field, and a strong motivation to explore the development of cultures and societies. Participants must be proficient in standard English, be computer literate, and for the duration of their program, have access to a computer, electronic mail, and the Internet.

MINIMUM DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Program participants must complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits, as outlined below, and a thesis or major project in lieu of thesis (with permission from faculty), according to University guidelines. Participants must also complete an admission to candidacy examination at the conclusion of their academic coursework and then proceed with the full research proposal process. Following successful submission of an acceptable first draft of the thesis manuscript, participants will complete a defense of thesis and then finalize the thesis document.

The program of International Studies offers a diverse program leading to the degree of Master of Arts. In this program an individual’s studies, research and knowledge of others’ research are integral into the student’s education.

Core Competencies (Required: 13 credits)

•  ORT 500

•  ITS 501   

•  ITS 502   

•  ITS 503   

•  ITS 504   

Research Preparation Courses (Required: 9 credits)

•  RES 541

•  RES 542

•  RES 890 (6 hours) 

Advanced Studies (Select 3 Elective Courses – 9 graduate hours)  

• ITS 521 

• ITS 522  

• ITS523  

• ITS 524 

• ITS 525

• ITS 526

• ITS 527

• ITS 528 

• ITS 529

• ITS 530

• ITS 531

• ITS 532

• ITS 533

• ITS 534

• ITS 535

• ITS 536

• ITS 537

• ITS 538

• ITS 539

• ITS 601

• ITS 602

• ITS 603

• ITS 604

• ITS 621  

• ITS 622

• ITS 623

• ITS 624

• ITS 625

• ITS 626

• ITS 627

RESEARCH PARAMETERS

Students conducting research will be expected to perform an in-depth evaluation of a diplomatic or international studies problem using historical and cultural methodology and interpretation. In this procedure, students will be required to use information derived from various courses relating to research methodology, bibliographical inquiry, and historiography. It is required in this research, that students questions existing methods and explanations used in arriving at conclusions, systematically repeat his/her initial observations, use special and if needed specific techniques in analyzing and conducting observations, evaluate the potential validity and reliability of the data, reflect on the thought processes used in achieving at a specific theory or acceptable result. Students must be acquainted with all obtainable data previously conducted in their area of study. Students are also responsible for conducting their research in an orderly and controlled process, being acquainted with other related or interdisciplinary fields, which can aid in achieving the goal of the chosen research. Researchers in Diplomatic and International Studies must adhere to an explicit aim and although submitting to the authority of available evidence, show skepticism by the use of thorough deductive reasoning. The student must also show scholarly impartiality through objectivity, critical attitude, dedication, perseverance, and honesty.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ORIENTATION 

ORT 500/600: Orientation for the Adult Learner (1 credit)

This course is required of all graduate students during their first semester of matriculation. Students read assigned textual materials including the University's student manual and participate in dialogue with the faculty chair and the dean to determine appropriate study options for individualizing the coursework. This is the appropriate forum for determining acceptable transfer courses, and potential professional portfolio courses. [Dr. Davis]

RESEARCH

RES 541 Statistics for International Studies (3 credits)

This course introduces the student to statistical techniques and models used in education and other social and behavioral sciences for research and decision making purposes. It presents the essential routines of quantitative research and analyzing data to test hypotheses. The focus is on practical applications and interpretations of statistical findings in education. Major topics include correlation, and regression, analysis of variance non-parametric procedures, such as the chi-square test and the use of statistical computer application. [Dr. Leake]

 RES 542 Qualitative Analysis in  International Studies (3 credits)

This course introduces the student to the qualitative paradigm of analysis and research.  It presents the basic methods of qualitative research covering process, meaning and inductive techniques for building hypotheses and theories from details. Course focus is on data analysis procedures, qualitative narrative and report writing.  Students have an opportunity to frame research questions appropriate to their field of interest and to discuss the methods necessary for converting concept into research practice.  Each student develops and writes a research plan.  [Dr. Leake] 

RES 890: Thesis Research (6 credits)

Participants prepare a faculty approved dissertation proposal or proposal for a project in lieu of thesis as the minimum requirement for this course.  University guidelines and the research parameters of the degree field govern all aspects of the research project.  The thesis must represent mastery of a body of knowledge and an original contribution to the field of study.  The thesis is expected to be a minimum of 100 double-spaced typewritten pages, conform to an approved manual of style and the University's guidelines, including proper referencing of the literature.  The final thesis document must be approved and signed by the members of the student's graduate committee. [Dr. Thomas] 

CORE COURSES (500 level)

ITS 501 European Cultures (3 credits) 

Students will understand the interdependence of the social sciences and an ability to apply material and perspectives from one discipline to questions in other areas of study. This course also assists students in learning about "issues of language and culture, domestic cultural diversity, and global cultural diversity." [Staff] 

ITS 502: The Modern World (3 credits)
The Modern World is an integrated multi-disciplinary program that provides a concentration in certain pure and applied social sciences. The inter-related topics of this course allows the student the ability to develop an appreciation of the interdependence of the social sciences and an ability to apply material and perspectives from one discipline to questions in other areas of study. Specifically, the course is a graduate-level survey of World Civilization. Through both detailed and cursory examinations, the course explores the political, social, economic, and intellectual developments in the world over the past 200 years. Special attention will be given to identifying major patterns and trends.  [Staff] 

ITS 503: Historiography (3 credits)
Examines philosophies of history, historical methods, world civilizations, international relations and historical interpretations. Analysis of recent interpretations and methods for undertaking historical research is presented. Students are required to read the text on Historiography, write two papers and present two video lectures on the use of Historiography in World Civilization studies. Grades will be given on grammar, spelling, content, and use of source material and originality.  [Dr. Michales] 

ITS 504: Peoples of the Middle East, 1800 to the Present (3 credits)
With the ever-rising importance of commercial trade with Near Eastern countries, and the constant looming danger of war and terrorism posed by certain militant factions within the region, interest in this area is increasing. Using an inter-disciplinary approach, this course provides insight into the region's diverse languages, literature, culture, religions, and histories. The course will present in-depth information relating to the Christian, Jewish and Islamic civilizations of the area with emphasis on regional conflicts and their attempt to cope with the modern world. Essentially, this course will introduce students to the various socio-economic, political, and cultural problems faced by this diverse culture and what impact these factors have had on the peoples of the region and the entire world. [Dr. Cook] 

ITS 521 American Diplomacy (3 credits)

Henry A. Kissinger is one of the leading diplomats of the 20^th century. As states in Booklist, “Neither time nor the strong reactions his person and Nixon-era actions evoke has dampened Kissinger's talent for cogent distillation of international complexity. If anything, this closely argued work, spaciously peppered with anecdotes and personal observations, is his best yet. It is not, be mindful, a diplomatic history per se, but instead a reminder of the geopolitical constraints on America 's endeavor--the third this century--to fashion a new world order.” Students will be introduced to Kissinger’s diplomatic philosophy over a 40 year period.  [Dr. Smith] 

ITS 522 Environmental Diplomacy (3 credits)

Students will be introduced to the study of environmental diplomacy. “Solutions to environmental problems require international cooperation, but global environmental treaty-making efforts, including the 1992 U.N.-sponsored Earth Summit in Brazil , have not accomplished much. International cooperation has been hampered by the conflicts between the developed nations of the North and the developing nations of the South; by the fact that science cannot accurately predict when or how environmental threats will materialize; and by the problem that the United Nations treaty-making system was never meant to handle threats to the environment.” [Staff] 

ITS 523 International Relations (3 credits)

Students will be introduced to the “role that international law plays in international politics at the turn of the century.” The course will also cover careers in international affairs. Finally the course also “utilizes The Penguin Dictionary of International Relations [which] holds the key to understanding the trends and events that have influenced international relations over the last decade.”  [Staff] 

ITS 524 International Law (3 credits)

This course provides the student with information on the philosophy of international law.  The course contains information on human rights and the United Nations, as well as international institutions, international environmental law and state recognition. The course contains texts that also “take into account changes relating to the end of the Cold War, increased trade, use of economic sanctions, new powers of the Security Council, [and] international criminal law.” [Dr. Smith] 

ITS 525 The Taliban  (3 credits)

The course provides information on Militant Islam, Oil and Fundamentalism in Central Asia and other relevant topics. The course explains the Taliban' s role as a major player in a new "Great Game"— a competition among Western countries and companies to build oil and gas pipelines from Central Asia to Western and Asian markets. [Staff]

ITS 526 Terrorism in the World (3 credits)

This course provides insight into the various forms of terrorism which exists throughout the world. Emphasis is on “fundamentalism among American Protestants, Israeli Jews, and Iranian and Egyptian Muslims.” The course will give students an objective and scholarly approach to the spread of terrorism and the causes of such activities. [Staff]  

ITS 527 Christianity and its Impact (3 credits)

This course allows the student to understand the social and cultural history of Christianity with emphasis on the birth and growth of Christianity, Christianity during the Middle Ages, the Reformation. European Christianity and Christianity in America  [Dr. Sanford] 

ITS 528 Women’s Studies I (3 credits)

This three hour course consists of the reading of three text books or a total of over 1,300 pages of information relating to the psychology of women, Feminist philosophies and women and gender. Emphasis will also be on women at work, the domestic scene, cultural feminism, radical feminism, socialist feminism and gender-inclusive feminism as well as the psychology of women.  The course also contains information on sex roles, socialization, sexuality and violence, reproduction, and self images. [Dr. Sherman] 

ITS 529 Women’s Studies II (3 hours)

Four books will be used in this course and emphasis will be on women and power in American history, Women and politics, the struggle for women’s rights, and gender and culture in America . [Dr. Sherman]

 ITS 530 Asian Thought (3 credits)

This course provides students with an understanding of Asian philosophical and religious traditions. The course will explore Indian philosophies, Buddhist philosophies, and Chinese philosophies. [Dr. Lee] 

ITS 531 Latin America (3 credits) 

Students will be introduced to a historical multidisciplinary study of Latin American that encompasses political and economic history with social, intellectual, and cultural history. The course includes information from pre-1880 to the early 1990s. [Staff] 

ITS 532 Capitalism (3 credits)
This course defines capitalism and surveys its historical evolution. A range of key features are discussed, including: companies, profit motive, competition, and private property. Justifications of capitalism and fundamental criticisms of capitalism are considered along with its implicit view of human nature, economic oligarchies, alienation and exploitation. The course concludes with a brief look at the problems facing capitalism today. This course requires a survey of literature and a review of case studies.  [Staff] 

ITS 533 The Environment (3 credits)
This course will examine the meaning and significance of the term "ecology," and looks at conventional business attitudes which can lead to environmental degradation and resources depletion. Issues also considered will be the cost of environmental protection and how costs can be allocated, along with our obligations to future generations, the exploitation of animals and the question as to whether nature has an intrinsic value in itself. This course requires a survey of literature and a review of case studies. [Staff] 

ITS 534: Drug Development and Monitoring Drugs (3 credits)
The course surveys the policies and procedures used by Multinational Corporations in the development and marketing of drugs, especially in the developing countries. It examines questionable marketing practices used by the Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in developing countries. Ethical marketing guidelines developed by international watch groups will be discussed. In addition, the safety of drugs will be examined. [Dr. James] 

ITS 535: Introductory Environmental Health (3 credits)
This course will focus on the connection between environmental conditions and human health. Students will examine a wide range of health risks and diseases associated with environmental pollutants and environmental events. Assigned text and journal readings will address such topics as impacts of air pollutants, water borne diseases, carcinogenic risk, acute and chronic toxicity of various compounds, and basic epidemiology. [Staff] 

ITS 536: Environmental Economics (3 credits)
This course will explore some fundamental concepts in the valuation and conservation of environmental resources. Course readings will examine the historical and current interpretations of theories of scarcity and growth. Students will critically examine a number of economic theories and tools used in environmental economics including public resource valuations, environmental taxes, and pollution credits. In support of text and journal readings, the student will be asked to evaluate the potential role of these economic implements in a variety of situations. [Dr. James] 

ITS 537: Environmental Ethics (3 credits)
This course provides a detailed examination of environmental ethics and issues related to the use ecological resources. Students will be assigned readings related to the nature of public resources, ethical conflicts of development, he rights of future generations to environmental resources, and issues related to environmental justice. Students will be asked to consider and construct essays on how philosophical issues of environmental ethics impact real-world decisions in environmental science and resource management policy. [Dr. James] 

ITS 538: Theories of Religion and Culture (3 credits)
This study exposes the learner to the foundational theories and theorists of Religion and Culture, thus providing a necessary intellectual framework of ideas for more independent development of one’s own theories. This course is a pillar from which the learner can construct her or his own understanding. [Dr. Sanford] 

ITS 539: Science, Technology and Religion Today (3 credits)
Science and religion are the main constructors of explanations of life and existence for the great majority of humanity today. This course contains an historical perspective upon the relation between science and religion, but the central goal is to develop innovative metaphors for a new understanding of how science and religion can see each other today. The question of what determines the use of technology will also be addressed from the viewpoints of religious ethics, the social good and the scientific enterprise. [Staff]

Negative Comment relating to the University

Greenwich University claims to be accredited by the Australian Government to operate as a university. It has no such accreditation. It was established on Norfolk Island (an Australian external territory) because it could not have used the word "university" in its name anywhere within Australia proper. [unknown to most of the USA teaching staff]

The "university" claims accreditation because it was established by an Act of the Norfolk Island Parliament. The entire document is nine pages long, which includes a two-page Memorandum of Association of the corporation which runs the university …

A listing of "authorities empowered by governments to accredit qualifications and to issue qualifications" can be found at http://www.aqf.edu.au/register.htm. The name "Greenwich University" does not appear.

The following quote is from the Australian Parliamentary record (Hansard) for the Australian Senate, 5 March, 2001.

Education: Greenwich University

(Question No. 3483)

“Recognition and accreditation of higher education institutions and courses is a matter for State and Territory higher education authorities in Australia. These authorities have a wealth of experience and expertise in this area and were, therefore, commissioned to undertake assessment of three discipline areas. Three different States were asked to undertake the assessment because this reduced any risk of bias and also spread the cost as they waived the normal assessment fee. The panels worked independently but all three found that Greenwich would not be accredited in their respective States. The following quotes from the panel reports illustrate the concerns:”

“The (Theology) Panel was also of the opinion that the coursework presented to it for evaluation was not of equivalent quality to that offered by other Australian universities at postgraduate level. The Panel found that most of the units it examined were more typical of introductory undergraduate studies than coursework in postgraduate programs in Australian universities. The Panel also found no evidence that the coursework available to students in the School of Theology would prepare students adequately to write a thesis at Master's or PhD level according to Australian university standards.”

“The (Business) panel's view was that some of the course content is more appropriate to `bridging type' courses rather than as credit towards a post graduate qualification. This was a concern in relation to the standard of the proposed course compared to relevant courses offered by Australian universities.”

“It is the view of the panel that the student work submitted by Greenwich as suitable examples of the standard of work were not of the appropriate standard. Over the period 1996 to 1998, the supplementary material identified one doctorate and three masters completions in Computing and four doctorate and five masters completions in Business. The PhD research theses were essentially descriptive reports, lacked analytical content and did not contribute to the body of knowledge in the academic area.”

”The committee that visited Norfolk Island was given an opportunity to examine some PhD theses submitted by students of Greenwich University (Hawaii) and found that the standard of scholarship was well below what would be acceptable in other.”

“… `Greenwich University' has not been recognised by the Commonwealth of Australia as an institution offering higher education courses.”

In answer to these statements, some of the syllabi were indeed poorly written and poorly taught. Some of the theses and defenses, thereof were poorly conducted and did NOT meet the standard as set forth by universities such as: the University of Mississippi, MIT, University of South Africa or Memphis University. I  [Lindgren] brought this to the attention of the Owners and other Academic Deans and my comments were generally ignored. This lack of consistency is found in both traditional and alternative universities.

However many of the programs were taught by faculty of the University of London, Columbia University, UNISA, University of Colorado, University of Tennessee, Oxford University. University of California, University of Pennsylvania and others and were equal to the above syllabus or surpassed it in content. Likewise, most theses were equal to those at other universities (traditional) and were later published into book form. Several graduates of Greenwich are international authorities in their field and many have obtained tenure or employment at various accredited universities. Additionally, several have become deans of their accredited departments. Anyone interested in such a listing may conduct their own research in the field. However, in most cases, faculty were NOT informed of the accreditation issue and were assured by the administration that the university was indeed "accredited". In many cases they were actually lied to by certain members of the administration and staff.

Dr. Brendan NELSON (Bradfield—Minister for Education, Science and Training) (9:39 am) —I move:

It is important to note that the operation of the Greenwich University Act 1998 (Norfolk Island) will be overridden by this bill. Under the bill, Greenwich will no longer be able to trade as a university or to offer higher education awards until and if it makes an application demonstrating that it meets the requirements set out in the national protocols. Members may recall that Greenwich University was assessed by a Commonwealth review panel in December 2000 as not meeting the standards expected of an Australian university. Its continued operation with this history has the capacity—indeed, substantial capacity—to damage Australia's reputation as a high-quality, quality-assured higher education system. The institution has now had over 18 months to address the deficiencies identified by the Commonwealth review panel and has not demonstrated that it meets the standard for an Australian university. The legislation will prevent it from trading as a university until such time as an independent expert panel provides advice to the minister that it is operating at such a standard.  

Another Side of the Debate

THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA - THE SENATE - COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES - PERSONS REFERRED TO IN THE SENATE - STAFF AND FACULTY OF GREENWICH UNIVERSITY - 101^ST REPORT

 SEPTEMBER 2001

 © Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia 2001

 ISSN 1038-9857

ISBN 0 642 71162 3

 This document was produced from camera-ready copy prepared by the Committee of Privileges, and printed by the Senate Printing Unit, Parliament House, Canberra

MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

• Senator Robert Ray (Chair) (Victoria)

• Senator Sue Knowles (Deputy Chairman) (Western Australia)

• Senator Alan Eggleston (Western Australia)

• Senator Chris Evans (Western Australia)

• Senator Julian McGauran (Victoria)

• Senator Marise Payne (New South Wales)

• Senator the Hon. Nick Sherry (Tasmania)

• The Senate - Parliament House - CANBERRA  ACT  2600

REPORT

1.      On 17 September 2001 the President of the Senate, Senator the Honourable Margaret Reid, received a submission from Mr Jack Marges, on behalf of the staff and faculty of Greenwich University. It concerned a matter purportedly raised by Senator Carr in the Senate on 7 June 2001, and also referred to statements made by Mr Michael Gallagher, Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs. The President referred the submission to the Committee of Privileges under Resolution 5.

2.      On examining the Hansard reference given in the submission, the committee discovered that the comments were not made in the Senate but during a hearing of the Senate Employment, Workplace Relations, Small Business and Education Legislation Committee during examination of estimates on that day. Normal practice would be for the matter to be forwarded to that committee. The Committee of Privileges noted, however, that on 25 June 2001 Senator Carr referred in the Senate to the administrator of Greenwich University and, later in his speech, made the following comment:

Every single allegation that I have made about Greenwich University ... has been demonstrated to be correct.

3.      In order to finalise this matter, the committee considered it appropriate under the circumstances to treat the submission as falling within the provisions of Privilege Resolution 5. Necessary adjustments have been made to the content of the submission to accord with this decision; in accordance with Privilege Resolution 5(7)(b), all changes to the submission have been agreed to by the committee and Mr Marges.

4.      The committee draws attention to paragraph 5(6) of the resolution which requires that, in considering a submission under this resolution and reporting to the Senate, the committee shall not consider or judge the truth of any statements made in the Senate or of the submission.

5.      The committee recommends:

That a response by Mr Jack Marges, on behalf of the staff and faculty of Greenwich University, in the terms specified at Appendix One, and agreed to by Mr Marges and the committee, be incorporated in Hansard.  Robert Ray - Chair