STUDENTS BEWARE!!!!!
   
The University of Phoenix is using unethical business practices to lure students into their program. The end results of their business practices could result in derrogatory information being placed on your credit profile.
 
Hello Everyone,

My name is Lamarr Baxter. As a former student of University of Phoenix, I feel it is necessary to inform the public and anyone seeking to continue their education through their (University of Phoenix) program. I am writing this letter to inform you of the incompetence and arrogance within University of Phoenix.

Since I have started with UOP in 1998 I have received less than desirable service from the staff. The first incident occurred in October of 1998 when I received a call from Eddie Siegler (Financial Aid Coordinator) advising me through a series of telephone message that I would be dropped from my current class if they didn't receive funding from Federal Student Aid and that I needed to take a placement test in order to continue. Taking a placement exam would not have been a problem, however I was never advised of this when signed up for the program. Instead, it seemed to be more of a priority to complete and rush through the Financial Aid Application. Mr. Siegler told me that it would take 2-3 months for UOP to receive funding, but meanwhile go ahead and start your courses and do not worry about it. A week or so later, they received their money and everything was OK. In addition to receiving money from Federal Financial Aid, money from PELL Grant also arrived, in which it was applied to the tuition of one of my classes.
On 5/6/99 I contacted Eddie Siegler via Convene to confirm that there were no monies owing prior to my next class PHL/215 which was due to start on 5/13/99. I had left my work phone number to be called back along with the option to e-mail me, which would have been fine if all that needed to be communicated was the confirmation that there was no money due. Placing such a call was protocol based upon the previous problem in October. Well, instead of receiving confirmation that there was nothing due and to proceed with the next class, I received a note via Convene that my loan was canceled due the AAGS program not being a eligible program for Federal Student Aid funding. I immediately called Eddie and demanded an explanation of how this could have happened and why wasn't I notified sooner by both UOP and Federal Student Aid. He could not give me any answers, nor was he concerned about what could UOP do to assist in this matter. He attempted to try and sell me on transferring to the Bachelors Program, but could not offer any solutions to assist in remedying the existing problem UOP created, nor would he make any promises that such problems would NOT happen again.

Why should I be the victim of a mistake made by UOP? If I had known that there was a possibility that the AAGS Program was not going to be covered by PELL Grant & Federal Student Aid, I would have attended a Community College. After speaking with a representative at Federal Student Aid, he says that only UOP can determine which of their programs are eligible and it isn't a decision they would make, especially after funding.
Considering that the mistake was on the part of UOP, Mr. Siegler's only concern was how and when was the previous classes taken going to be paid, reiterating that I could not proceed until my classes have been paid off. At this point, little did Mr. Siegler know I was fed up with UOP. I had no desire to continue my education with an institution as arrogant, incompetent and callous as UOP.
I later received a call from Yokiko Grimes, a UOP Academic Counselor filling in for Tamsyn Broderick. She says that she was able to enroll me into a Bachelor's Program which would be covered under the Federal Student Aid Program. But after going through what I have gone through, I told her I cannot trust the UOP staff to ensure that such an occurrence would not happen again. In addition, I had already paid for and received my books for the next class. Sure I could return them for a refund, but less shipping for the arrival and return of the books.
UOP's attitude in relation to a problem they created has been totally uncaring and insensitive. The relationship I had with UOP resembles one would have with a Car Salesman. Their only concern is to get you to sign on the dotted line without disclosing all the facts. Although, I read the contract thoroughly I am still getting screwed. Out of the (5) classes taken, I have witnessed 7 other students experience the same problem, in which only 2 were able to rectify the problems on their own in order to return. As it stands I owe $4200.00 payable NOW! I was not expecting to have to start paying back this money until January of 2001, in which I would have been allowed to pay off my loan in monthly installments. Unfortunately, UOP wants their money immediatlely, in one lump some. Monthly payments are NOT an option. Because I am unable to continue school, a promotion based upon my continued education isn't likely to happen because of this episode. As I mentioned earlier, it is important that this information gets out to the public. If this message prevents even 1 person from being "done in" the way I was, my job is done. As far as those whom are either attending or considering attending, be sure to process your Financial Aid Application yourself or seek a party not associated with UOP. In addition, make sure that any money dispersed from PELL or Federal Student Aid is dispersed directly to you.




 
 
 
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