Now, the 270 affected Shines College students have been thrown into further confusion.

The private school in Upper Boon Keng Road has told them, never mind that the American university had lost its accreditation, they can still stay on the business degree programme until 2011 and graduate with a UNVA degree. Those who want out will be allowed to transfer to another course or school. But among their transfer options is yet another unaccredited university course run by Shines - from the Swiss-based European University.

Read Sandra Davie's story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.