Appeal update

I am in the process of getting ready to appeal the U of M's decision. First of all, I've decided that even if I should be granted entrance, I want to wait until 2008 so I can try for the studenship again. I also want to be very careful how I approach this, as it's probably my only chance. Thus I'm not in a rush.

First, I made requests under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for copies of:
1) my file - so I can be clear on why I was rejected
2) information on the university's policies around acceptance of degrees - so I know if I am fighting for something acceptable within the guidelines or if I am fighting for a just change in the guidelines.
3) information on the university's review of the credentials of the colleges I went to. I don't think this information exists, but I want them to tell me it doesn't exist as grounds for my appeal (i.e. you haven't even examined the credentials of the schools and yet you've rejected them outright?)

Once I have that information, I'll decide where to go - will I just write a letter or ask to meet with the dean.

In the meantime, I had a meeting with the pres, academic dean and head of social work at Booth. They are pleased that I am going to appeal and they want to do what they can to help, because it can only help other grads, too. Others have been turned down not only by the U of M, but also by other universities who look to the U of M's decisions to guide their own. U of M is getting in the way of many people in pursuing further education because of their shortsightedness - and whether it is stated or not, religious discrimination - not overt, the more underground systemic kind. The president is going to attempt to meet with the university's president and the academic dean likewise with the dean of graduate studies. The purpose will be to see what needs to be done so the barriers can be removed. They are not appealing my case, although they may use me as an example. They are hoping that by gettting the conversation going in a very open way that is sympathetic to the concerns of the university that I will experience a more favourable reception to my appeal.

It's been an educating process so far. Acceptance by the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada is considered a bit of a gold standard in accepting degrees. Which is weird because they are not an accrediting agency, and one university president described it to someone I know as a social club for university presidents. It represents the interests of post-secondary institutions. It seems that membership is bit of a popularity contest - an institution has to get voted in. So even with very good academic credentials (which both my alma maters have) if someone has a grudge against faith-based education, they can block access. A few years ago the AUCC decided to raise the measure to institutions that have more than 500 students, and there seems to be a bit of a design in that to keep out most faith-based institutions. Still, Trinity Western and a few others have managed. Not sure how. So while AUCC membership MAY be a good reason for inclusion, it is a horrible reason for exclusion.

Governments at both federal and provincial levels are recognizing the need for the post-secondary world to make it as easy as possible for students to transfer credits and have degrees recognized. We are a knowledge-based society and we need a population of educated people. It does not help us to have a skilled labour force if people face many obstacles in pursuing further education through numerous institutions. Right now there is a political climate that is pushing for less politics in this arena. That can only help me.