Pensecola Christian College

[bliz]

College literature will tell you which accrediting bodies accredit a nuiversity. You can also check with the web site of an accrediting body.

When most people say "unaccredited" they mean that a school is not accredited by the regional accrediting body for the US. The list of those can be found at http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg7.html

There are also a wide array of other accreditig bodies. The American Assoc. Of Bible Colleges (I think they have a new name now...) has long be recognized as a reputable agency by many graduate schools.Most of the time, if one wishes to go on to graduate or professional school, a degree from a college accredited by one of those bodies will be required.

Sadly, there are also some very shaky accrediting organizations. I ran accross one that was owned by the college that it accredited! Some Christian schools proudly proclaim that they do not wish the accreditation of "the world". I don't buy it.

 

[bliz]

Not having personal experience myself I sought out my two pastor friends who are grads. Both of them deny this is true in any way.

Which means it did not happen to them, or they did not notice or care. That hardly means that it did not happen. I have personally witnessed this.

Neither had any problem securing a code of conduct.

But not every student or parent knows that they can ask for one, or realizes that this may be a big issue. First generation colege students have no idea what questions they should ask and their parents are often intimidated by the process. Do only the students who think to ask for a list deserve to know the rules?

I used to recruit for a non-Christian college that has very strict classroom dress code and grooming guidelines for some majors. Most students do not think to ask "What color can my hair be? How long can I grow my fingernails? Can I wear makeup to class?" But I did not withhold this information just becasue they did not ask! I would volunteer it so that the student is making a fully informed decision before placing a deposit and traveling to campus to enroll.

Again I can only comment on what I was told by two who attended. And to add a little insight I have attended 3 secular Universities all of which I had to request a code of conduct from. This doesn't seem to be any different from what I have been told about PCC from two that have been there.

Again, do only those students who think to ask to see a code of conduct deserve to know the rules? I don't thihk that "Let the buyer beware." is a good standard of conduct for admissions repredentatives from a college that names the name of Christ.

 

[AndrewD88]

Well thanks for the insight guys! I personally know four people who have graduated from PCC, 3 who are planning to go, and 1 that is a teacher at my high school. I talked to all who have graduated and they have told me that the rules are strict (as have you) and that they are easy to deal with if you are willing to follow them, which I am.

Personally, I feel that if you haven't attended the college, you should not consider preaching against it, because this post was intended for opinions from people who have gone there. Though I do not dismiss your opinions, it is not right to be the judge of something you have not completely experienced. Last year, Pensecola graduated over 900 students, you should be aware of that. So those 900 students were all able to deal with the rules, they followed them, and they are now on their way to a better lifestyle not only in their education, but also in Christ.

Several friends of mine have visited the campus personally and stayed there, and did the college's "College Days" event, where a prospective student can stay on campus for 3 days and experience the class enviroment. I can hardly adhere to think that they were setup and told to say that they liked the college, as their opinions are of their own minds

Thanks for the insight though, I will be sure to let you know what I think of the college when I visit it in Spring Break next year. Thanks!

 

[Shannonkish]

you asked for opinions on PCC, that is what we gave.

I researched PCC before I decided which school to attend. PCC was high on my list... until I found out some of the things I have pointed out.

Which means it did not happen to them, or they did not notice or care. That hardly means that it did not happen. I have personally witnessed this.

I personally have asked to see rules... they have skirted around the issue more than once. Finally, I found a copy from a student that I knew that attended.

Remember too, that most of these students are probably on their own and away from their parents for the first time. Many of them will not have the skills necessary to make mature decisions.

I disagree.

The reason I have such a huge problem with some of these things is simply because it hinders growth and creativity. Students don't learn how to think for themselves when they are required to do as the school says. The students are also hindered from being creative because their creativity may fall outside of what is allowed.

 

[AndrewD88]

I asked for the opinion of those that have attended and gone to PCC Re-read. Anyway, lets just stop this all here, I have heard fantastic things about PCC, and the only thing people seem to continuously warn me about are the rules, which I have every intention of applying. So, that is where I rest, thanks everyone

 

[Inperfected]

Then what was the point in asking, if most opinions, including those given by people who've had contact with it, are negitive...

 

[AndrewD88]

Well, you can never have enough insight into something

 

[thepinkpencil3]

Hey AndrewD88, please don't feel that anyone (including myself) is trying to stop you or criticize you for applying to PCC. I myself have 2 cousins and a few friends that went there and turned out fine, they seemed to like it, although they aren't big on talking. I hope God blesses you as you look for, apply to, and decide on colleges. It is very stressful and makes you want to tear out your hair.

 

[AndrewD88]

Pfff, your information and advice encourages me to make educated decisions. I am simply saying that, you have further educated me on the rules at Pensecola and they make no difference in my standing Thanks so much for your help and prayers though, God bless everyone that replied, thankyou all!

 

[PaladinValer]

The fact that it is not credited means quite a bit.

Not worth your time or your energy...or your money.

 

[AndrewD88]

Well, I am sure that I will find out whether that statement holds strong when I graduate, won't I? Thanks though

 

[PaladinValer]

That's rather foolish to assume something so important and vital that will impact your professional carrier.

If you want to do the right and wise thing, you'd think it over.

 

[BlackSaab52]

Wow! I just read the rules on that site.
I just love these rules (not):

Women are not allowed to hold off campus jobs. (All school jobs during the year pay minimum wage or below)

Men may not give their suit jacket to their date.

Each gender must use segregated stairways, elevators and in some cases, sidewalks.

Great way to promote equality!

 

[AndrewD88]

Well, I guess it depends on each different persons views on how the college sets its rules. As to Paladin, if you read my earlier replies, you would notice that I have many reasons to believe that this college is very suitable for a promising career, I know 2 people in my city who graduated from PCC and now hold very high income jobs that they enjoy very much.

It all comes down to who you are God bless you all!

 

[PaladinValer]

Black, that's the other reason why I could never in good consciousness advise someone to attend there. It is sexist.

 

[thepinkpencil3]

Please stop trying to make AndrewD88 change his mind. To each his own. Obviously, many many people do not want to attend PCC (including me) BUT, he has already stated that he would like rules... As far as it not being accredited... my cousin and his wife both attended PCC and both graduated and both are teachers at a very nice school.

 

[No Swansong]

you asked for opinions on PCC, that is what we gave.

I researched PCC before I decided which school to attend. PCC was high on my list... until I found out some of the things I have pointed out.



I personally have asked to see rules... they have skirted around the issue more than once. Finally, I found a copy from a student that I knew that attended.

Again I can only go on what I have been told by people who attended. I cannot comment on your experience.

I disagree.

The reason I have such a huge problem with some of these things is simply because it hinders growth and creativity. Students don't learn how to think for themselves when they are required to do as the school says. The students are also hindered from being creative because their creativity may fall outside of what is allowed.

I am not completely sure what you are talking about here. What creatitivity are you saying is suppressed? From what I have been told by people who attended the school many, if not most, of the classes are co-ed and study groups are permitted. I have attended almost 10 years of post high school education and I cannot imagine how the rules at PCC hinder creativity. Additionally the recognition of authority and following rules does not restrict students from thinking for themselves. To assert so is a misstep in logic.

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[No Swansong]

College literature will tell you which accrediting bodies accredit a nuiversity. You can also check with the web site of an accrediting body.

When most people say "unaccredited" they mean that a school is not accredited by the regional accrediting body for the US. The list of those can be found at http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg7.html

Actually most professional accrediting agencies such as those who accredit seminaries, medical and dental schools etc. are not considered regional accreditation. What is important for these accrediting agencies is their recognition by the Department of Education.

There are also a wide array of other accreditig bodies. The American Assoc. Of Bible Colleges (I think they have a new name now...) has long be recognized as a reputable agency by many graduate schools.Most of the time, if one wishes to go on to graduate or professional school, a degree from a college accredited by one of those bodies will be required.

Agreed especially on the undergraduate level regional accredition with a few exceptions is the way to go.

Sadly, there are also some very shaky accrediting organizations. I ran accross one that was owned by the college that it accredited! Some Christian schools proudly proclaim that they do not wish the accreditation of "the world". I don't buy it.

I agree that most of these organizations are misleading at best. I have heard the argument that if we let the Govt. in (such as in being accredited by a recognized accrediting organization) that the Govt. can control what is taught by the university. This simply isn't true. There are many schools for instance that are accredited by The Commision on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. (ATS) that are not interfered with as far as the content of their theological classes is concerned. The argument seems to me to be put forth by schools that either cannot pass the somewhat rigorous process of legitimate accreditation, or know that they fall short professionally and need to address their lack of accreditation. Either way I agree that in almost every case (which I mentioned before) it is foolish not to pursue an accredited degree.

 

[No Swansong]

Which means it did not happen to them, or they did not notice or care. That hardly means that it did not happen. I have personally witnessed this.



But not every student or parent knows that they can ask for one, or realizes that this may be a big issue. First generation colege students have no idea what questions they should ask and their parents are often intimidated by the process. Do only the students who think to ask for a list deserve to know the rules?

I used to recruit for a non-Christian college that has very strict classroom dress code and grooming guidelines for some majors. Most students do not think to ask "What color can my hair be? How long can I grow my fingernails? Can I wear makeup to class?" But I did not withhold this information just becasue they did not ask! I would volunteer it so that the student is making a fully informed decision before placing a deposit and traveling to campus to enroll.



Again, do only those students who think to ask to see a code of conduct deserve to know the rules? I don't thihk that "Let the buyer beware." is a good standard of conduct for admissions repredentatives from a college that names the name of Christ.

The point I am making is that it seems that the norm, (at least my experience with large very well known universities) is that one must request this information. If it was your practice to provide it without being asked then I applaud you for it. But it has not been my experience that this is widely practiced. That doesn't mean that it shouldn't be however.

I recently contacted a local Bible college for my son and the practice was the same there. Their code of conduct was not provided unless requested until orientation day. I believe that contrary to your experience that this must be standard operating procedure.

 

[No Swansong]

The fact that it is not credited means quite a bit.

Agreed

Not worth your time or your energy...or your money.

Not always true.