[ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 10/23/02 ] FORUM: Life University Cobb How will Life University's loss of its chiropractic accreditation affect you? Describe the school's impact in the Marietta community and, depending on whether the university can be re-accreditated, what the loss of accreditation could mean to students, the school and Cobb County. What do you think the school can do to keep students? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ READERS REPLY No remorse from Sid Williams As a former employee, I have not been surprised by the series of events leading up to and including the loss of accreditation by the school. It is my opinion and the opinion of many that it was always "Dr. Sid's way or the highway." He ruled every aspect of the the school. .... He dictated instead of delegated. ... It was absolutely the most disorganized, unbusinesslike atmosphere I have ever experienced. Bottom line, I believe the major problem was this: "the powers that be never listened to the people that knew", or the school would not be the embarrassment it is to Chiropractic and the local community. ... There were many intelligent and talented people whose advice Dr. Sid never took. Others feared for their jobs if they told him something he didn't want to hear. The shame of it all is that the Williams' arrogant attitude is still pervasive and consistent. The Life family has yet to hear a response from them - no apology for not doing the things neccesary to maintain their accreditation, no remorse for the damage done. Dr. Sid, I challenge you to step up to the plate and at least tell those whose lives you have (for the meantime) shattered that you are sorry. Those people will be able to pick up their pieces and become proud again. -- Mac McLemore, Kennesaw ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Decision best thing for profession I am a former Life student that transfered in January 2002 due to the accreditation problems at that Life was dealing with and the many lies I was told about the solutions to the problems. I had planned to practice in California and was told for several months that all the classes inluding PT were "OK " for California. After spending over $100,000 at Life I was forced to sell my home and uproot my family.( I am currently in school in Whitter, CA.) CCE did what was best for our profession. I hope the rest of the Sid Williams empire crumbles! -- Sharon Fillingame, RN , Whittier, California ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Outraged parent has lots of questions This decision has had an impact on my family in many ways. I am angry because my son has been attending this school and is in his 13th quarter, and he should have been graduating shortly, not worrying about transferring to another school. What happens to all the monies that were spent for an education he was suppose to get. The government is going to want their money back. Should the student be responsible for that, when he or she did not get what they paid for? I need to know where to go from here. And what punishment does Sid Williams, board of director and trustees get... for not doing their jobs. We as parents sent our children to Life in good faith. How dare they mess with their Lives? To all the students at Life and my thoughts and prayers are with you all... and do not let go of your dream. -- Theresa Baer, Coconut Creek, Fla. An apology is a minimum step from officials As an alum and former assistant professor at Life my heart goes out to the current students and employees. You are paying the price for the past sins of others. I hope you all will land on your feet and follow your dreams. As to the former executives and administrators, your arrogance and hubris has raught pain and despair to those who believed in you. You owe them at the very least an apology for your actions. However, at this point the best thing you can do is to quietly exit the scene and leave it to those that are competent and capable to pick up the pieces. In my opinion this is the only chance that Life has to regain any credibility with the public and within the profession. -- Larry Peters, Atlanta ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Students deserve an apology from Sid Williams It is ironic how easy it is for some of my colleagues to say all is well and try to encourage students to remain positive when they already have their offices and have payed off their loans. How soon they forget they were once students, too. It is also easy for Sid Williams and his "Dynamic Essentials" cronies to cry out that the principles of chiropractic are still strong from their mansions in Florida. The hypocrisy sickens me. Every single student and graduate of Life University deserves a public apology from Sid Williams, and they deserve it now. -- Dr. Eric Backhouse, Charlotte, N.C. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Students get lost in the fracas I find the timing of the decision to be insensitive to students set to graduate this semester. How could the CCE carry out such a decision in the middle of a semester when many are due to graduate? Why couldn't the CCE set the hearing between semesters so that students due to graduate would not be put in a no-win situation? These students ... have no options open to them but to put their dreams on hold and pray that somehow, this ugly situation is resolved to their benefit either through legal action or a rapid fix to the problem by the CCE or LUCC. To say that these students could possibly practice in the remaining 16 states means almost nothing. Let's face it, the chance of working as a DC without graduating from an acccredited institution are very slim. In the meanwhile Uncle Sam will start sending the repayment bills whether they are able to work or not. It is most unfair and most insensitive in my opinion. At least, if Life University and the CCE cares about the students, you would think they would put in place some provision to help students set to graduate, who are not in a position to transfer without incurring additional costs and more time lost. Students had limited information upon which to base a decision during the appeals process The CCE refused to give students details and information and the LUCC assured students that the appeal decision would not affect those in their last semester and that the appeal would work. Unfortunately, these students believed in their school and lost in big way. Now where does that leave them? Who speaks for the students? -- Jami Rasid, Marietta ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Life was and is a great institution As a June 1999 graduate of Life College, I am very upset at what has happened to my former school. Although there were obviously problems with the administration, I feel that I recieved a great education from Life. The classes were challenging and most of my teachers were very good. If Life was so inept, why did I pass my "CCE" national board exams with flying colors? Either Life did a great job or the board exams were too easy. Today, I am thriving with a very busy practice. I provide excellent clinical care and have the respect of my patients' and other types of physicians that I encounter. My message to any students reading this is to keep alive your dream to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. It is an awesome profession. Everything happens for a reason so pursue your degree no matter what. Also, hold on to the subluxation philosophy and always give, love, and serve. To the CCE, I say shame on you all. I can't help but think that some of your decision came from small minds in our profession that wants to rid us of our unique approach to health. Life was and is a great institution. Lets all hope that we see it rise again and some good will come out of this mess. -- Marc J. Rogers, Largo, FL ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Get the facts on accreditation decision It appears many people fail to realize the LUCC [Life] accreditation situation with CCE and SACS is over issues relating to the integrity of higher education. Simply put, this is an educational issue, not a chiropractic issue. Chiropractic is only the discipline being taught and the CCE is not "out to destroy" chiropractic as some claiming to be associated with LUCC have written. In addition, LUCC was on public probation for one year, from summer 2001- summer 2002 prior to losing the CCE accreditation on June 10, 2002. There were three consultants with working knowledge of the CCE to assist LUCC to regain accreditation but many reports have Sid Williams not utilizing their recommendations. This is in addition to SACS placing LUCC on public sanction of warning after finding 52 areas of concern/violation in 2001. A SACS decision on LUCC accreditation is due in December. If the situation at Life affects you, please get the facts before jumping to conclusions. -- Dr Steven Petty, Orlando, FL ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Don't let setback ruin your dreams To all of my old classmates... best of luck in your future ... Don't let this stop your goals of doing what you came to do. -- Chris Carr, Pittsburgh ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Life had great potential at one time Life University was driven into the ground by the Williams, and cannot be recovered. It was not hard to see this coming after attending such a poorly run institution where the majority of those employed were oblivious as to how to perform their job. Life University did have a great potential, but I feel all is now lost. I have decided not to try to relocate and transfer to a different school where I would lose most of my credits and add to the $40K I am in debt. I feel that the "everything will be fine" attitude the school took (and continues to take) was horribly misleading to the students and due to the gross negligence of the administration I cannot wait to take part in the class-action lawsuit to close the school so I can get back the money I have paid out. -- Anthony DiSario, Acworth ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thankful for education received at Life It's a terrible thing the students are going through right now, and to imagine, I could have been in the same situation, being a graduate of Life in September. I thank God for sustaining me while going through the appeal process. I'd like the media to know and to understand that any practicing chiropractors coming from Life University passed Part I-IV and received a license from the state in which they practice. It's not a matter of chiropractors from Life University practicing incompetently, it's a matter of CCE not liking what and how students are taught at Life University. CCE fails to realize that what you learn in school isn't the only contributing factor that makes you a good competent Doctor of Chiropractic, it's the compassion the coctor has for his patients to get them well. I'm thankful to Dr. Sid E. Williams. To the students going through the madness at Life right now, my advice is to get on your knees pray for God to order your steps and step out. It's not the end, it's only the beginning. -- Vernon L. York, Jr., D.C., Mobile, Ala. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Life needs a new curriculum and focus The only hope for Life is to start with a clean slate -- new name, a new board of trustees, a new president and administration of non-Sid Williams personnel, and a new curriculum and mission to produce competent primary care chiropractors. Plus, the Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners needs to implement an after-Life license renewal program to retrain those Life grads who suffer from the outdated ideology of Williams that renounces diagnostics, renounces anything-medical, and renounces comprehensive chiropractic care as taught at the better chiropractic colleges. -- Dr. J.C. Smith, Warner Robins ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Students: Hang onto your dreams I am the wife of a 11th quarter student who has given his all to gain as much knowledge as he could to be the best Chiropractor he can be. He has sacficed everything to move here trying to make a better future for his family. How can a school who had 2 years to make these changes let this happen? Our goals and dreams put on hold for at least a year maybe longer. We have children so we can't just jump up and move around the country without reguard to them and their feelings. To the rest of the students I say good luck in whatever decisions they make and don't give up. Hang on to your dream. -- Pam Campbell, Staunton, Va. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Licensed chiropractors meet standards, provide valuable service I've noted that in all of the reports of the school and what is currently wrong with their program is there no emphasis to reassure the public that all currently licensed Doctors of Chiropractic, no matter what school they went to, have received an accredited education and have passed national licensing examinations. With most of the chiropractors in the Metro Atlanta area having received an education from Life University, I'm sure that the one-sided slants that the news media is known for, is not only hurting their businesses, but discouraging Atlantans from receiving the proper health care that they need. -- Dr. Chris Andreone, Athens ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Our family will have to sell our house and relocate I am the daughter of a chiropractor and the wife of a 13th-quarter student who has given his heart and soul to helping those in need. It is quite disapointing to see your loved one's dreams shattered by the greed and selfishness of the Williams family. I am a strong supporter of chiropractic. I am dissapointed in CCE's decision to revoke the accredidation. I, like many others, will have to relocate, thus selling my home, leaving my job, and disrupting the life of my newborn son. This is nothing compared to the disapointment my husband is facing. Our life's goals will now be postponed for an additional year at the least. Instead of potentially graduating in March 2003, the earliest will now be March 2004, due to the 25% transfer requirements to graduate from a new college. The community in Cobb County will also feel the residual effects of this decision. I can only imagine all the financial hardships that will filter down. I wish all those who are effected by this decision the best of luck. -- Megan Protz, Smyrna ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Loss of accreditation is a big blow and doesn't make sense As a December 1999 graduate from Life University, I feel horrified and sucker- punched! I am in tears. I cannot possibly imagine what the student body is experiencing right now. It is difficult to understand how the Council on Chiropractic Education can make such a highly impactful decision on a school that has produced the most purposeful and equipped doctors in this profession. The bureaucratic and political hogwash between the University and the CCE must change for the benefit of the students, alumni and the people. I am proud of the education I received at Life. The clinical environment was extremely rigorous and highly supervised. I'd like to know specifically what the CCE is referring to here. In the meantime, I possess a diploma from a school that may fall to red tape and shameful banter. Life University will survive this mess. I wish everyone involved my support and love. Chiropractic is bigger than ever! Let's get to work and make a greater difference to our communities as we have for over 107 years! -- Christine Kaczmar, D.C., Hampton, N.H. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ School had time to meet the standards Isn't it a shame that with two years to correct the problems the university, headed by Dr. Williams until July, could not meet the standards of other existing chiropractic colleges? I graduated in September of this year and, fortunately, my diploma is "good." -- Dr. Monty Benton, Fort Worth, Texas ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Still believes chiropractic a valuable skill While the decision to deny the appeal at Life University is saddening, it cannot be suprising. When CCE pulled the school's accreditation in June, they made a decision that the education of my peers and I was not at the quality level that they deemed essential to become doctors of chiropractic in today's society. This decision was decided on not only due to problems in oversight of the education program, but also a complete and utter lack of disregard for proper administrative and educational procedures, with the administration perpetuating an environment of mistrust and not one of a higher-education learning institution. I feel for those people who were naive enough to not look at the possibilities that are now upon us. But our education will continue either here in the distant future or more likely at other chiropractic schools where a majority of us will still become chiropractors with the express purpose of making people's lives better through a unique approach to quality health care that no other health profession professes: Removing the stresses on the body that allow it to heal itself. Myself: I'm out 6 months of tuition and living expenses, moving expenses, lost income, my wife has to find a new job when we relocate and the list goes on and on. But it's a small price to pay for the knowledge that I will get my degree and be able to practice chiropractic and help people. Best wishes to everyone who is out there at Life and elsewhere who is negatively affected. -- Akiba Green, Gainesville, Fla. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Angry that changes weren't made by school This decision has had an impact on my family in many ways. I am angry because I believe my two sons have been attending this school for 3 years in good faith that they would recieve a quality education. The school, Sid WIlliams, board of directors and trustees have obviously made serious mistakes in the governace of the school and therefore many people are now effected. How can this be saved, I do not know... I am angry and upset that all the people in charge of that school did not make the necessary moves when they had the chance. -- Kathryn M. Blackburn, Lakeland, Fl. ------------------------------------------------------------------------