University of Phoenix

Elaine of Nashville, TN May 11, 2009

I have been put in a situation with UOP were I will fight to the end to get my diploma sent to me. I followed the schools curriculum as set by my counselor. During my last class I was told I still needed a few undergraduate classes. I spoke to my counselor about the classes I still needed to receive my diploma and he specifically told me that I could complete my undergraduate classes at my local community college. I immediately enrolled at my local community college and took each class I needed within two semesters and a summer school session.

When I completed my last class, December 2008, I sent my transcripts to UOP and was informed that because I was not an active student at UOP for the past several months, that I was going to have to re-enroll at UOP and be put on a new Version. Which means I have more upper division classes to complete before I can get my diploma. As you can imagine, I was LIVID. This system is unfair and a major scam. I did exactly what my counselor suggested and was not told that I would be on a new version when I returned to school. I have sent out two appeals so far explaining my situation and both have been denied. I will NOT stand for this. I will keep fighting until I get what I worked very hard for. If anyone knows of a class action lawsuit, I want to be a part of spreading the word of the true UOP.

DeAngela of Aurora, CO May 9, 2009

I transferred to UOP thinking it would be a good move for me. I took several courses and at first things worked well. I was attending online which enabled me to continue with my consulting career. Also, I was receiving tuition reimbursement. Then, it all turned bad very quickly; I received a 'D' in a class. It didn't make sense - I was a great student and in that particular class, I noticed the instructor entered '0's for a couple of assignments where I'd earned B's. I started working with her as soon as I saw the incorrect grades, before the final grades came out, but she did not change them. I went to my academic advisor upon seeing my final grade of 'D' and followed the established grievance procedures. What should have been easy and a quick problem to fix stretched out over 2 years. Needless to say, during all this, I'd lost my job, but they wouldn't reimburse me anyway for a 'D'.

So I am on the hook financially for 1200.00 AND have an incorrect grade but worst of all was unemployed and my account sent to collections. I realized even though I was still disputing the grade, that I would be held liable and I really wanted to continue my studies at a different school. I made arrangements with the collection agency who, at one point, deducted 3 times the agreed upon amount from my checking account, sending it into a tailspin. I was able to recoup the overage and some of the fees but refuse to let them touch my checking account.

I got into a different school, but after a few classes, they said they had to see my official transcripts from UOP. It had been a while and there wasn't any closure on my outstanding issue, so I called them up. The academic advisor finally got back to me, the financial advisor has yet to call me and had changed, yet again. I was asked to write a letter outlining my complaint. I was assured this was a higher level and more formal complaint that what I'd previously filed. In the meantime, I am not able to go to class, I am not able to finish the degree I have worked so hard for and I was given a letter saying it was the final answer and they weren't changing my grade even though I had provided them with emails and screen shots, the returned, graded assignments with comments from the instructor, etc. Two years later and I got nothing.

Christopher of Boulder, CO May 5, 2009

I just started as a student with the university of phoenix online. I decided to take my classes online because I am busy and I was hoping to find an easy way to continue my education.

After finishing now my first class which to me felt like a glorified blogging session I am now receiving a non passing grade because my worthless teacher could not give me any instruction on how to turn in the assignments or what was expected of me as a student. I think that University of Phoenix has made it as difficult as possible to find anything on their website to intetionally confuse the students so you do poorly in class and have to retake courses.

Why not this turns into more revenue for them and I can see just how much thought they put in to their curriculum. This class was a joke I have learned more about business by reading internet blogs and forums than I learned in this class. Also I was sold a bag of goods by my advisor telling me how simple it is to go back to school. I have been waiting over a month for them to process my transcripts so I know what classes I need to take. All the classes are setup by your academic advisor but I have never really know how many classes I still have before I complete my education.

Also their library is a joke I was told by their advisor that my classes and course materials would be paid for but if you want to look up anything in the library you have to pay for all your reference materials. I am currently going through a bankruptcy and I am living off about 600 a month how am I supposted to pay for all of these items. I cannot even complete my class without these course materials. I feel like the university has taken advantage of me and worse yet put an even larger financial strain on me when I am already in a tough financial position. My entire experience with them has been a complete waste of time and money and I would not recommend the university of phoenix to anyone.

Cecilia of Fremont, CA April 23, 2009

I attended University of Phoenix for 3 years, and recently decided to come back to take the last two classes, a total of 6 units to complete my Undergrad in Business Management. Upon speaking with the academic counselor, she mentioned that since I have been out of attendance for a couple of years, that I may have to take extra classes since the policy is changing soon, and the new version of the program will be implemented. She checked for me anyway, and came back confirming that I have been approved to re-enroll under the older version of the program. She immediately registered me to the two classes, assuring me that I can walk during graducation ceremony on June 27th, 2009/ Two weeks after attending my class, she called to notify me that I now have to be under the new version of the program, and would have to take 24 more units!

Since the new policy took in effect on April 1, 2009, and I attended the first class on April 6, 2009, according to her, I would fall under under the new version. I understand the fact that policies change. However, I was re-assured by the counselor that I was approved to come back under the older version and complete the last 6 units I have left to complete my degree. I belieeve that the proper and ethical protocol should have been the counselor advising me to hold off until she evaluated my transcript, (which she only did yesterday, April 22, 2009) prior to me re-enrolling. If I had known ahead of time that I would be continuing under the new program, I would have had a choice whether to continue attending UOP, or going somewhere else.

I believe that the university misrepresented itself by using a "bait and swith" tactic, luring me to register and later on telling me that I need to take extra classes. They are taking advantage of the fact that I am eager to graduate, or they even think that I am desperate. When I asked the counselor exactly how many units I need to take under the new program, she said she hasn't evaluated my transcript, which is lame because most universities would do this prior to enrolling any student! The counselor also asked me to write a SAC appeal explaining as to why I stopped attending school for a few years. I sent her the letter but it will take 3-6 weeks to even get a response, and there is no assurance that they will approve the appeal.

So by the time I even get an answer, I would have finished the 2 classes, and they have taken the money, since I am paying out of pocket. I dropped the online class which started 2 days ago because I don't believe that I should be paying 1500.oo for an online class which potentially will not even be counted towards my degree. And like the thousands of students out there, I cannot get a straight answer from the counselor. She said that she was not notified about the change until two days later it has taken into effect! That sounds ridiculous, and scary at the same time, because the university apparently do not communicate well with their staff. I am seeking assistance on this matter, if anyone of you out there who has a good legal attorney, please let me know. Thank you.

Dick of Bevier, MO April 7, 2009

I am getting several calls each day on my cell phone from the university. I am not interested in anything the university has to offer. If I receive one more call I will contact the Missouri Attorney General and inform him of the harassing phone calls. Do you understand?

Rachel of Liverpool, NY March 31, 2009

I am still attending the school since I only have 5 more classes left to graduate but not without knwoing this school is unfair and horribly run. I was charged with violating the student code of conduct. When I received my letter telling me of the charge, the school did not specifically tell me what violation of the student code of conduct I violated other than that I violated academic integrity. I had 10 days to apeal. I asked on 3 different occasions for the files that were submitted against me by the teacher and I was denied all 3 times. (I believe this act is against FERPA law) I was not given this information so I had to blindly plead my case; which took them 3 months to get an answer for me and again I had 10 days to appeal.

I had a lot of questions which my advisor nor anyone at the school could answer and I was not able to call the people to get the answers. I have finally gave up on fighting the case through the school but trying to notify anyone and everyone of the injust this school does. Not only was I not given, time, documentation, I was not given a liason or contacts to someone who could guide me through the process or someone who had answers about the process when being charged. I am guessing I am being charged with violating the unathorized assistance part of academic integrity but I still don't specifically know as the school has never told me. I worked in a study group on 2 homework assignments so we could help eachother learn the material. The teacher did not state she did or did not allow this type of interaction in her syllabus or at anytime until she said we were being charged. We were told while some teachers allow this, she didn't.

The school therefore has made me believe that getting a tutor or asking other students for help is unauthorized assistance and I am not allowed to do this. (Which I asked a teacher before and they said no help from a tutor, student or ANYONE!) I can't believe that I can't go to other resources to actually learn which is why I am going to school. I don't recommmend anyone go to this school as the policies, procedures, and processes this school has in place can be twisted in many ways that they only will twist it to make it work for them and the school is unwilling to accept when they are wrong or even make changes to make it better for students and teachers; make the policies clear, specific so there is no misunderstandings of the policies. If the school is going to leave it up to the teachers then teachers should have to clearly state if they allow things or not as we are students, not mind readers!

I had to take time out of my job to make calls to figure things out and get my answers questioned because when I get out of work, no one is at the school that I can contact. I also have disassociated myself from anyone in class and are very uncomfortable answering or asking questions to other students. I don't feel that I should be charged and I should receive the grade I didn't on the two homework assignments as well as the school should change its policies.

Mary of Mount Airy, NC March 30, 2009

I was former student of UOP or Appallo and I went to get a anther copy of my tarnscript for my current school I have been at for over year and they will no release my transcripts. I ask them why. They say that I owe them 2800.00 dallors. I said how could that be when you collected well over 7500.00 and I drop classes and come to find out after I withdrew they still collect money and still saying I owe them money. So I contacted a attorney they will be hearing from them.

They also sent me to collection and the school I am going to know will not grant Finical Aid untill i get those transcipts. One semister from getting my LPN. T

Teresa of St. John, OTHER March 25, 2009

I informed my academic counselor of my intention to withdraw from the school in August at the end of my class. I told her the reason for my withdrawal. I really wasn't comfortable with the setting and decided to study at an alternative school that offers me more flexibility. I received a check from the University in the amount of 4250 after I completed the class, that I cashed. The university contacted me some 3 weeks later informing me that the check was sent to me by the school in error, and that it was to pay for the two classes I took and that I needed to return it. I had already spent a portion of the check. However I was expecting some money from Tuition reimbursement, explained that to my counselor and told her that I would send the money at that time.

My academic counselor Kayla emailed me on 10/06/2008 and said to me 'save the rest of the money from that check. send back 3772. After you have been out of attendance for 29 days the processing center will start process of canceling funds. They might send back some since you completed 6 out of 8 classes. However, they might not. I can let you know once it is completed. I would just recommend saving the rest of the funds from that check just in case Well I guess there are some technical difficulties in her writing, because I am understanding her email to mean one thing, in speaking to her it is something different. To date I have returned 3300.

I received a call from collections sometime in January informing me of a balace of 2125. I somewhat dismissed it since I knew I had already paid 3300 and that I had a balance of 477, so I thought it was just an error. I received another call a week ago informing me of the balance. What I discovered is that the University, even though they were given a month's notice both in writing and orally that I will be withdrawing from the school applied half of the amount of the money from financial aid to my account and returned the other half back to the lender. The total cost of the class is 3772. I was under the impression that since I had already completed the class and that I did not drop out or failed the class, that the entire amount would be paid for. I am wrong.

They are now telling me that I am stuck with 2125.00. I know that I will have to pay it since I received the service. However I do feel that the way they handled the situation was unreasonable and not in the best interest of the student whether past or present. Why would you apply half of the money to the class and send back half to financial aid for a class that has been completed? Why weren't I informed that if I do not complete the remaining two classes, there will be out of pocket expenses. Why weren't the full amount of 3772 applied to the class and the difference of 478 returned to financial Aid, since that would have been the remainder to cover for the two classes that I did not take.

In these difficult times when we are facing a sluggish economy, when jobs are unsure, where do they think one can find that lump sum to pay at once. I do not have disposable funds at this time and when question why I wasn't offered a payment plan, my counsellor said that she tried contacting me by phone and I did not return her call. My instructor knew very well that the best method of contacting me was via email, she never tried to. My account was sent to collections. I am attending another school and I am aware that I would not be able to receive my transcript until that balance is paid. It would appear that once you decide that the University is not right for you, you are held hostage.

Eileen of Montgomery, AL March 23, 2009

I understand the naysayers who are aggravated by people listing problems that are their responsibility to begin with but I fully advise anyone against this school. In the 2 short years i have been there, I have had no less than 8 academic advisers and three financial aid counselors. Course materials were missing, incomplete, and sometimes differed from other people in the same class.

The grading rubrics which the teachers use sometimes differ altogether from what the syllabus asks for. Should you find yourself getting a lesser grade for doing exactly what the syllabus asks (which is what the student gets to outline the assignment) and choose to bring issue with this, you will get a form letter telling you that they are not responsible for technical issues.

So let me ask, throughout 8 academic counselors (who had me in a degree program that did not exist-and then advised me to change majors-to their benefit)3 finance counselors and all of the inconsistencies-who exactly is responsible for making sure that I have what I need, in regards to materials, to be successful as a student?

21k for a short bus AA/IT

Ken of Des Moines, IA March 21, 2009

I attended the University of Phoenix on a probationary period requiring a 3.0 GPA after four classes. At the end of my third class my GPA was 3.8 but I struggled with my fourth class with my new position at work in Iraq and internet issues. Furthermore, I was unbelievably tired due to early kidney cancer that was fortunately diagnosed and removed. My instructor was willing to give me an incomplete but her own academic advisor did not return her phone calls. She was under pressure to post her grades so I was given an F. My academic advisor fully advised UoP of my instructor's willingness to give me an Incomplete and of my kidney cancer episode. UoP rejected that and said all grades are final and granting Incompletes had to occur before posting the grade. My new GPA is now under 3.0 and I am kicked out of school for six months.

I am out of school for six months. I am forced to pay for a class at almost 2000 per class in total costs that should have been an Incomplete.

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