Established: 2005
Type: Private (for profit)
Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada :: [map]
Homepage: http://www.ucan.ca
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I was contacted by The “University of Canada West” to do a phone interview as I wanted information on the MBA Programs being offered at this university. First of all, I found it rather odd that I called this (privately-owned) institution for some basic information and was hastily given an appointment for a phone interview with an admissions representative. The same night I called to get information on MBA programs (Monday, October 26), a man by the name of “Silvester Baskoro”, the Admissions Representative called me and we started discussing the MBA program offered at the university. Silvesterdid not answer many of my questions and often attempted to dodge them by changing the subject. He did not speak English well and therefore I could not understand everything he was saying. He led me through a slideshow which was supposed to answer all of my questions, but I was left feeling more confused than reassured. Throughout the whole process, I felt extremely rushed and pressured, almost as if I was sitting through a presentation for a timeshare. The representative was not focused on my satisfaction as a potential student, but rather, spent all his time attempting to “close the deal”. He asked for my transcript, my university degree and my resume and told me he was 99% sure that I would get accepted to the institution, which shocked me because he did not even speak to the Head of Admissions before making such statements. When I asked about the university’s statistics and standings, he refused to give me any real data, as he said they had a different criteria for measuring their standards. I felt like a salesman was pressuring me and trying to get me into a shady commitment. Finally, he said if I wanted to apply, he needed $150.00 USD. He kept rushing and insisting I give him my credit card number without explaining any of the regulations. I finally caved and give him my card number. However, after giving it some thought, I realized I needed more time to decide whether I wanted to apply to a school that seemed more like a scam than a real institution. I called the representative back and asked for a refund of my $150 USD and was refused several times by him and his senior director, Chris Velascowho said it was against their policy. I am very disappointed because I was rushed into giving them my money without having anyone explain their policies to me and now that I want a refund, they refuse to issue one. What kind of institution needs to scam their students into a “quality education”? I think this story should be, because I am sure I am not the first person this university has stolen money from. As students, we are only trying to better ourselves so that we can contribute to our families, the economy and the nation as a whole, but with universities such as this one, we are left to wonder whether they are focused on the education or they just want to make easy money. I am positive that these “Admissions Representatives”, have told many others about their credited university and taken money from them without explaining any of the conditions, only to leave the applications disappointed and financially strained. The University of Canada West is a dishonest, shady and phony educational institution that is more bent on getting their money than delivering quality education and should be reprimanded for their conduct. Please consider this complaint as myself and other students are struggling to make ends meet and the last thing we need is another private institution taking all of our money.
Yeah, that is what this institution is all about. The reps get points for each student they enroll and this leads to commission.
A University Canada West MBA will only hurt your resume. University Canada West is the only for profit MBA in the country. Employers hire MBA students based on their grades and the reputations of the schools they attend. University Canada West is a scam, and their MBA program is the worst in the country. Its in an a small office in an office building in a dodgy part of Vancouver. University Canada West is without a doubt the worst university in Canada, and it will only embarrass you on a resume.
I used to teach at UCW before it was sold last year, so I’m not sure what the situation is like now – but I did want to say that during the 4 years I taught there, it was a good experience for faculty and students.
I also teach at Royal Roads and Vancouver Island University, and many of the other UCW profs also taught at these places, and at UVic – so the standard of instruction was directly comparable to other local institutions. I would say that in that period, the students got a really great education.
I don’t know what it’s like now, but it is worth investigating. If you want a degree, and haven’t got the grades to get into a conventional school, this place might still work out for you.
worst
Omy god….wat more than paying extra for a simulation process….i took 2 courses oh gooooosh..already paying..more than $4200..now the funniest part is …they feed u with pitza n some sprite n pop…wowooooo…that was nt even enuf…. they fell short of pitza….wow..strategists they are ,rippers they are…110 buks u r asked o pay…deals come down to 85 wowowowowowowoooooo i love it…m so very much pissssed….they have dramatically pathetic quality od=f students………. professssors r grt…..dean somewat feminist…ohhhhhhhh…..wowowowooooo so u thnk my sex is male..okkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk……wateva….kiss my asss..stop ripping….n build an atmosphere wre we can feel lke studying….WAKE UP UCW……
This program is truly a scam!!!
I feel that the programs that are offered by this university is somewhat questionable. The student population is very small which means students are going elsewhere, considering that this university was established 5 yrs ago.
I was also called by Silvester Baskoro, who also led me through a bunch of slides which took about an hour. After the slide show presentation, he expected me to get my credit card and apply right away. I told him i need time to think about this decision, since $150 is alot of money, which is also non refundable. Also this is my future here, I would prefer to make a concrete decision rather then to rush it.
They don’t even bother with the GMAT testing for their MBA program. They said that the GMAT testing is used by other universities for “filtering students”. They would rather assess you on academics alone. Also, University of Canada West is not even listed in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Which makes me question this university even more.
It’s not a scam per se, since they have classes and they employ instructors from other universities. Also, the $150 is unlikely to be a source of income or commission since $150 per prospective student meeting is far too small for an income. I think “Hanif”‘s case with “Baskoro” is likely more due to gross incompetence (however chronic or rampant) instead of intentional deception.
Canada West is not a member of AUCC because AUCC is only for universities which are chartered by provincial legislation; particularly in Canada, this identity happens to equal to quality education. It has few students because the cost-benefit doesn’t work for most (or almost all) prospective students. (It would work if it’s either really cheap for what it is, or keep its high tuition rate but attain a more solid standing.)
It is true that their MBA is not a full-fledged MBA, since an MBA (especially in North America) should require GMAT scores well above 500 as well as professional work experience, neither of which they require. This does matter, because the students’ qualifications determine the level of teaching and training.
What “Alex” says is correct, but isn’t entirely correct; the MBA from Canada West can degrade your resume only if you try to equate it with a normal MBA, or if your career demands you to take MBA training very seriously, (which, ironically enough, is what MBA-based careers do). However, for non-MBA occupations, Canada West’s MBA actually still a bonus in the resume. Personally, I’m guessing that the confusion comes in thinking about it as a university; that wouldn’t make any sense. However, if one sees it as a private vocational training institution, actually maybe it’s not that bad.
There is a difference between a scam and a crappy school, and there is a difference between a diploma mill and a crappy school. A scam takes your money and literally run with it, and a diploma mill grants unauthorized degrees without time commitment or studying process. University Canada West has actual courses and coursework requirements, as well as governmental authorization, so it’s not a scam or diploma mill. You can despise it, but it’s not a scam; it’s just honest crap.
Staff leave positive comments, they will do anything to keep their jobs. This is a US company in Canada, look where greed got the USA and now they are trying to bring their greedy dishonest crap to Canada. Stay away, far away.
Do not go to this school – employers laughed at me after I told them I went here – Im serious. Stay far away – It is a SCAM
Could i please add, they are also very dedicated about going away with your 150$ subscription fees. This organization is a scam, their president think about ripping off the most lawful students possible, and they are getting good at it. Choose another university than UCanada West, they are Scammers, Stealers and Liars.
François-Pierre Galarneau
President
I truly agreed with all of you, I was admitted to the MBA program very fast and I also spent 500$ for admission fees. I talked with a representative and he insisted that UCAN is well recognised. But since all my colleagues who are interested in studying MBA haven’t heard about it, I start to be worried. I register for a course, but haven’t paid it yet. I think I gonna cancel it. Better lose 500$ than 2500$. But still, it’s crap! I wanted my refund, but I think based on all of your experience, he’s not going to refund me! Snif too late!
i have got admission in the mba prog of this univ… but these reviews r really confusing me… what should i do?? should i join it??
It’s not RRU. It’s not McGill, or Concordia. What it is is a fantastic way of doing distance-learning while working with a post-secondary institution – while still being able to obtain a degree. I’m currently enrolled in their BComm program and have no complaints. They ARE A FOR-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION. This allows their students more leeway (take, for example, the fact that I have RRMS – UCW gives me the flexibility i need as i continue my studies).
$500 / class is standard.
$150 registration is STANDARD @ EVER SCHOOL and is ALWAYS NON-REFUNDABLE.
To each their own, but my experiences have been nothing but enjoyable.
-A
The MBA program GUARANTEES that you will pass. What kind of hokey crap is that?? They don’t want a GMAT, they just want your money. Matchbook MBA at best. David Strong, former President of UVic was at the head for a while. Looks like he was looking for a hobby during his retirement! The campus is located in and around subsidized low-income housing – a real stimulating campus for sure! Inner city surroundings for an Ivy league price! Shame, shame!