Online Business School Stripped of MBA License

When contacted by TopMBA.com, Lansbridge University president Dr Smith declined to comment due to the school pursuing legal action against the Province of New Brunswick, as a result of the revoked license.

After an onsite inspection of the institution, the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (PETL) in New Brunswick decided that courses should be wound down, with current students offered places in “compatible programs offered by other institutions.”

According to figures submitted by Lansbridge University, around 170 students are currently enrolled at the institution, with 155 of them based in Canada.

Educational institutions in Canada are monitored and controlled by local governments to ensure that strict standards are upheld for students enrolled on programs. If an institution is deemed as falling below a strict standard, then local authorities have the option of revoking an institution’s license to provide qualifications.

In reaction to the news, a statement by the school tells students “We regret to inform you that as of December 31st 2010 under the Degree Granting Act of the Province of New Brunswick, Lansbridge University can no longer grant MBA and Executive MBA programs.”

“The decision of PETL on August 20th, 2010 to shutter the doors of Lansbridge University has come as a complete surprise to the students, faculty and staff. We question the methods PETL used to arrive at its conclusion when we were reassured numerous times by MPHEC (Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission) officials, reviewers, inspectors and PETL representatives that we were destined for a positive outcome [of the school's recent onsite inspection].”

However, PETL explains in a statement that the onsite inspection which resulted in the decision to revoke the license was as a result of continued shortcomings on the school’s part, with two previous institutional reviews which the institution failed.

“To balance the interests of the students with that of the institution, Lansbridge University was provided with ample time and opportunity to correct existing deficiencies,” PETL explains.

PETL minister Donald Arseneault, who recommended to the provincial government that the school’s license should be revoked explains that, “The action taken by the government was necessary to protect students... We have a number of other online universities operating in the province that offer quality programming, and, as such, we must ensure standards are upheld across the board.”

For more information please sign up for our newsletter, or you can discuss this topic on our Facebook page.