Alternatives to Sending University Documents via WES when the Institution is Closed
If your university has been closed for years and cannot send documents directly to the World Education Services (WES), there are several alternatives you can consider. This guide outlines steps you can take to submit necessary documents, ensuring a smoother process with WES or other evaluation services.
Contact WES Directly
One of the first steps you should take is to contact WES directly. Reach out to their customer service and explain your situation. WES may have alternative processes or exceptions for cases where the original institution is no longer operational. Providing detailed information about your university's closure can help them understand your unique circumstances.
Obtain Official Documents from Government Agencies
If your university has been closed, check if there is a government agency or educational authority in your country that can issue official records or transcripts. In some countries, the Ministry of Education or a similar body may have records of closed institutions. Contacting these bodies can provide you with the necessary documentation needed for WES.
Investigate Alumni Associations
Another resource to explore is alumni associations related to your university. They might have resources or advice on how to obtain official documentation. Alumni networks can sometimes have access to confidential records and can serve as a bridge to the necessary information you need.
Consider Other Credential Evaluation Services
If WES cannot accommodate your situation, consider contacting other credential evaluation services. Organizations such as ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) or ESHA (Educational Services Hatcha-America) may have different requirements or processes that might work for you. Researching and reaching out to these alternative services can broaden your options.
Use Notarized Copies
If you have original documents like transcripts or diplomas, you could consider getting them notarized. Notarization can be an additional layer of validation for the authenticity of your documents. WES may accept notarized copies from students, especially in circumstances where the original institution is no longer functional.
Sworn Affidavits
In some cases, WES may accept a sworn affidavit detailing your educational history if you cannot obtain official documents. A sworn affidavit is a legally binding document in which you can outline your educational background, providing a clear and transparent account. This can be particularly useful if you have to explain the lack of official records.
Seek Verification from Public Records
If your degree is registered with any public educational records office, you might be able to request verification from them. Public records offices may have records of your degree and can provide the necessary documentation. This step can help in validating your degree with WES if other options fail.
Keep Records of All Attempted Communications
Regardless of the steps you take, it is essential to keep records of all communications and attempts to obtain documents. This documentation can be crucial in helping your case with WES or any other evaluation service you choose to pursue. Maintain a file of emails, letters, and any other correspondence as evidence of your efforts.
It is important to note that the situation regarding the university's closure can vary greatly. A university closing down completely without any other institution or authoritative body taking over its records is not a good sign. This type of closure typically corresponds to unrecognized institutions, which means their degrees are likely unrecognized and an assessment result is likely to be negative.
In cases where the university was recognized and records should be transferred to a different body, you would need to search around to find out who that body is. If there isn’t such a body, you may be out of luck. However, in scenarios where a legitimate institution had no operational records due to conflict, war, or natural disaster, you may be able to plead your case and ask for an exception under the circumstances.