One of the uni pieces of paper that I have was basically bought. (the one I was discussing above). Actually, surprisingly enough a lot of degrees these days can just about be bought... the academic standards just aren't there, and the all important "make money" seems to over-rule logic.
Well, notwithstanding those that can produce excellent forgeries of degrees, thankfully most of the more "valuable" degrees just can't be coasted.
Getting
into a degree program (undergraduate) I'll agree that standards have dropped, viz. full fee paying positions and - not to be discriminate - increasing quotas of acceptance of international students with decreasing English competency. (Although, mind you, the command of English from an increasing number of high school students who are "native speakers" leaves a
lot to be desired!)
For example, take one of my degrees, which is Engineering. At the moment at UQ, the first year draft is typically around 1,000 students. The nominal attrition rate (through dropping out, failure, program change etc.) after first year is about 30%. Not many after that will drop out afterwards, although some will take longer to finish their degrees due to failing a course or two (I think the rule is fail three courses and you're out), although to compensate,
in reality getting the passing grade for any given course is actually not a really big ask.
By the time you get to final (fourth) year Engineering, no one
really wants you to fail. That doesn't mean that you're marked more leniently in your final year courses (almost quite the opposite, actually), but to put it very bluntly/curtly you would need to be a dim wit to not graduate due to failing a course in your final year.
Add to all of that the requirement of 60 days of documented practical experience (30 days with a professional engineer as the direct supervisor) and a Senior First Aid certificate, I think it's hard enough to stop people from cruising through Engineering.
I really should join that social networking site one day, although as I've been against it for many years (and my friends know that I hate it), I would have serious egg on my face for finally joining. Also, if I ever bought an Iphone - I would get an equal amount of ribbing...
