I attended Ashford under the assumption that it was a good university. I was told the university would request my transcripts at no cost to me, but had to pay for them all out of pocket. I was told that my financial aid would cover the cost of my education because I advised I wouldn't attend if I couldn't afford it. I completed all of my required courses to only find out that I was misinformed twice and told that all of my classes were not covered under financial aid. In my last class, I was told I would have to pay $1500 in order to receive my diploma and transcript. I paid and now the university still had a hold on my unofficial transcript and said it could take 6 weeks to receive my diploma and official transcript.
On April 6, 2015 Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). On April 30, 2015 the University responded to your complaint regarding your account balance and the referral to external collections. On May 4, 2015 the University received your second complaint regarding the same concerns. In your second complaint, you stated the following:
“Ashford University refuses to acknowledge my payment arrangement made and turned me over before that agreed upon date.”
Additionally, in an e-mail message dated May 1, 2015 you stated that you called and told the University the date to expect your first payment. You stated two weeks later the account was referred to an external collections agency.
As stated in the University’s April 30, 2015 response, following your withdrawal, the University’s Collections Department notified you of your account balance due at least seven (7) times, from December 27, 2011 to July 6, 2012, and the need to make repayment arrangements.
During this time, on April 20, 2012 you asked Collections Manager [redacted] to send you an invoice because you wanted to make the necessary payment arrangements. [redacted] sent the invoice to you the same day and advised you to contact him to set up a repayment arrangement.
On May 21, 2012 you told [redacted] you were busy and had forgotten to call him. You stated you wanted to set up a payment plan but would be unable to start until July.
On May 24, 2012 [redacted] stated that as soon as you could make an initial payment of $159.52 to call him to start a repayment plan. [redacted] state that as long as the University still held the account, meaning that as long as your account was with the University’s internal Collections Department, he could assist you.
In the meantime, you continued to receive notices regarding your account balance, and the need to make repayment arrangements, or the account would be referred to an external agency.
In accordance with University policy, on July 6, 2012 your account was referred to an external collections agency, [redacted]
University records do not show that you contacted the University form May 24, 2012 to July 6, 2012 to set up a repayment agreement. University records demonstrate that you were notified that your account would be referred to an external agency if the University did not receive payment. The University did not receive a payment prior to the referral of your account to the external agency, on July 6, 2012. Therefore, the referral of your account to an external agency was proper.
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns about the process or the outcome of your grievance, please contact me at [redacted] extension [redacted], or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Grievance Resolution Administrator
for Ashford University
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
My position remains the same. I was taken advantage of regarding my education and the University continues to deny wrongdoing. It states a thorough investigation was completed, however, that is not the case. I had received e-mail correspondence asking me to explain each part of my complaint. This seemed like a stalling tactic, especially since many of question were clear in that complaint. Then, I asked them to no longer contact me directly, at which point they made it clear no responsibility would be taken. At no point in time will any response be accepted, unless it involves reimbursement for taking money for unnecessary courses.
Regards,
[redacted]
font-size: 10pt; font-family: Georgia, serif;">June 4, 2014
[redacted]
[redacted]
[redacted]
Dear Ms. [redacted],
On June 3, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). The University referred the correspondence received on June 3, 2014, to the Office of Student Grievance Resolution to address your concerns through the formal grievance process. In your complaint, you alleged that:
· The University continued to contact you on a daily basis after you requested to be removed from the call list
In your complaint, you listed the following as the resolution you seek:
· For the University to cease contacting you
Per University policy, when an individual requests no further contact from the University, the individual’s contact information is placed in the University’s Student No Further Contact database. Please note that on May 28, 2014, the University placed your contact information in its Student No Further Contact database.
The University apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused you. As stated above, the University has taken steps to ensure that no further contact occurs.
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns, please contact myself at ([redacted], extension [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Grievance Resolution Administrator
for Ashford University
Dear Revdex.com,
Here is our response to the student's complaint, which was sent to her as well:
Dear [redacted]
On June 27, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). You also provided the University with your Authorization to Release Student Records Form so this response will also be forwarded to the Revdex.com.
In your complaint, you alleged that:
· “I was coerced to enroll into Ashford University with a specific major in mind. I spoke to the admissions counselor ([redacted]) about my intentions with a BA in Healthcare Administration. At no time was I informed that I was required to have a MA in order to do what I wanted. I then had to switch programs to be able to use a degree. I told the academic advisor at that time ([redacted]) that I wanted to go into social work so she helped me switch to the BA Psychology program. I recently discovered that I can't even get licensed as a social worker with a degree from them. This was never disclosed to me. I feel that I was taken advantage of to enroll in this university and I would have earned a degree that I could not used (sic). I was essentially forced to withdrawal (sic) and find an online school with a program I can get a useful degree from. Since doing that, I realized that I should not have been forced to take courses at Ashford that I would not ever be able to transfer to another school. Nothing about the schedule options were ever given to me. I was never given information about the degree programs that I was entering into even though the staff at Ashford knew my expectations. I feel that I was taken advantage of and was forced to take unnecessary courses.”
By e-mail message to me on July 3, 2014, you stated the following additional allegation:
· “Nothing was stated about the fact that I would need a masters or that Ashford was not in the directory of accredited programs to even become licensed at all!”
In your complaint, you listed the following as the resolution you seek:
· “I would like my financial aid refunded to the federal government or to me to pay for a program that I can earn a degree that I can use. I feel that not disclosing information about licensing or required degree to obtain a specific position is unacceptable and unethical. Ashford accepted payments for 5 nontransferable courses including EXP 105, PSY 202, ANT 101, POL 201, ENG 225.”
The University conducted an investigation of your concerns. The following information details the findings of the investigation.
Regarding Licensure and Certification
On January 17, 2013 you completed, electronically signed and submitted the University’s online application for admission, selecting the Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration as your degree program (Attachment A, Online Application Acknowledgement, Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration). On June 8, 2013 you completed, electronically signed and submitted the University’s online application for admission, selecting the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program (Attachment B, Online Application Acknowledgement, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology). In signing these applications, you acknowledged that you have had reasonable time to read and understand it and that you have been given: (a) a written statement of the refund policy; (b) access to the current Ashford University Academic Catalog including a description of the course or educational service including all material facts concerning the school and the program or course of instruction which are likely to affect your decision to enroll; (c) access to the website; and (d) access to information about the University’s accreditation.
The Terms and Conditions section of your Enrollment Agreement of your online applications for admission, as well as the Catalog, state the following in regards to each program:
“Successful completion of this program by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization. Further, Ashford University does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession are strongly encouraged to carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment. Requirements may vary by state. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.” (Attachment C, Enrollment Agreement, p. 3).
The 2012-2013 University Academic Catalog states the following regarding licensure and certification for the Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration degree program:
“Successful completion of this program by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization. Further, Ashford University does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession are strongly encouraged to carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment. Requirements may vary by state. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.” (Attachment D, Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration, p. 138).
The 2012-2013 University Academic Catalog states the following regarding licensure and certification for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program:
“Successful completion of this program by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization. Further, Ashford University does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession are strongly encouraged to carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment. Requirements may vary by state. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.” (Attachment E, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, p. 240).
By e-mail message on January 17, 2013, you told your Admissions Counselor, [redacted], that you “haven't narrowed down what degree program I want to do yet. I am still deciding between Human Resource Management or something in the health and human services field.”
By email message on January 26, 2013 you wrote to your Student Advisor, [redacted], to say, “I had spoke to my Admissions Counselor and he said if I needed any changed made with classes, etc that you were the one to go to. I've been thinking about my major and I'm not sure this is what I want to do. I think I would my (sic) a degree in something like social work. Is that available at Ashford? Could you please let me know if that's possible? I just want to make sure I'm getting a degree in a field I care about.”
By email message on January 28, 2013 your Student Advisor, [redacted] responded with the following: “Hello [redacted], Thank you for contacting me and I can definitely help you with this major change. However, we do not have a major in Social Work. We do have a major in Sociology though. I would suggest that you take some time and review what majors we offer on our website. Just go to our main website, click on Degrees and then you can review the available degrees we have and read about the classes for each one. There is also a description of what types of careers these degrees best prepare you for. Go ahead and contact me after you review the website and I'd be happy to talk through it more with you if you'd like to talk through which degree would be the best fit for you.”
On February 12, 2013, you began your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration at the University.
In regards to your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program, by e-mail message on June 5, 2013, you told your Student Advisor, [redacted], “I have been monitoring my progress towards my degree. I do have an additional concern. As I had previously discussed with you, I would still like to change my degree program. I have done quite a bit of research in Ashford's Career Services link, along with my own online research. I am still leaning in the direction of wanting a career in the Social Services field. I think that with a BA in Psychology that would be very possible. How do I change this?”
By email message on June 6, 2013, your Student Advisor, [redacted], responded with the following: “Hi [redacted], Thank you for letting me know that you have put so much thought into this decision. I respect your choice and I have unlocked your application so that you can make the change needed.”
On June 8, 2013, you changed your degree program to the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University.
The investigation revealed that the University disclosed to you that your degree programs were not designed to lead to licensure or certification in any state or for any particular profession within your online applications as well as within the University’s Academic Catalog. Your signature on the Acknowledgement and Signature page of the University’s online applications for admission certified that you had read, understood and agreed to the terms set forth in the Applications, Agreements and the Ashford University Catalog. We also did not find information to support your claim that you were coerced into a particular program. In fact, we believe your were properly advised to look at the programs on our website and the career paths these programs could lead so that you would be informed about your options.
Regarding the Transferability of your University Courses
The University’s 2012-2013 Academic Catalog states that Ashford University is a regionally accredited institution, and as a result, other institutions may elect to accept Ashford University credits (Attachment F, Transfer of Ashford University Credits to Other Institutions, p. 100).
The investigation revealed that the University disclosed to you that your credits earned here may not transfer to another institution. Your signature on the Acknowledgement and Signature page of the University’s online applications for admission certified that you had read, understood and agreed to the terms set forth in the Catalog.
Regarding the Courses Required to Complete your Degree Program
By email conversation on July 7, 2014, I wrote to ask you for clarification regarding your course scheduling concerns alleged in your complaint. You stated that “as far as scheduling, there were no options given at all. Regardless of field of study, every student is required to take the same courses. Many of these courses include multiple English and Humanities Courses.”
The courses you took at the University were all a part of the General Education Course Sequence, which is disclosed in the Catalog, and in your online application. Please note that these General Education Course Sequence courses particularly pertain to students such as you, who enter the University with no transfer credits. Specifically, it states that “Students with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits will be initially registered for the General Education courses sequence.” (Attachment G, General Education Course Sequence, p. 184-185).
By email message on June 5, 2013, your Student Advisor, [redacted], wrote you the following message: “Make sure you are consistently monitoring your Degree Progress Report, completed courses and grades, future course schedule, and applying Ashford University Satisfactory Academic Progress policies, all of which is available in your Student Portal…” Your progress at the University as well as information concerning future courses was available to you on the Student Portal. We did not find any questions or concerns from you regarding course scheduling at that time.
The investigation revealed that the University disclosed to you in the Academic Catalog that the schedule of courses you took were required of a student coming in without transfer credits. Your signature on the Acknowledgement and Signature page of the University’s online applications for admission certified that you had read, understood and agreed to the terms set forth in the Catalog.
Regarding the University’s Accreditation
The University’s 2012-2013 Academic Catalog states that the University, during that time, was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (Attachment H, Accreditation, p. 2).
During your time of attendance at the University, the University was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and this information was communicated to you in the University’s Academic Catalog.
Conclusion
Based on the above-noted information, we believe you were properly advised regarding licensure and certification for both your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree programs. We also do not find evidence to support that you were coerced into one of these programs as this information was communicated to you in your online applications and in the Academic Catalog. In addition, your advisor encouraged you to review the majors listed on our website and the careers the degrees could prepare you for.
The Academic Catalog and the online applications advised you regarding the transferability of courses. The University denies your allegation that you were required to take courses that would not have the potential to transfer to another institution. As noted above, each student is required to satisfy the General Education Course Sequence to complete his or her degree program.
Lastly, at the time you enrolled, the University was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. We are now accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Therefore, we will not be able to grant your resolution request to refund your financial aid to the federal government or to assist you in paying for an alternative degree program.
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns about the process or the outcome of your grievance, please contact me at [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Best regards,
[redacted]
Director of Student Grievance Resolution
for Ashford University
Encls. /8/ Attachment A, Online Application Acknowledgement, Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration
Attachment B, Online Application Acknowledgement, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Attachment C, Enrollment Agreement, p. 3
Attachment D, Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration, p. 138
Attachment E, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, p. 240
Attachment F, Transfer of Ashford University Credits to Other Institutions, p. 100
Attachment G, General Education Course Sequence, p. 184-185
Attachment H, Accreditation, p. 2
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Has Ashford University looked at any phone conversations? Again, I absolutely did speak with [redacted] via telephone and told him the exact date Ashford would receive payment! You mentioned that it is Ashford's policy to NOT gain a signed contract until after you receive payment. How can one go about a legal binding agreement without the terms and signatures gathered first? You could have just completely disregarded that as you do everything else. Nobody cares about all the phone conversations. You are only hung up on the email communications. When an agreement is made, that is when a contract with terms should be sent. Not after a payment is received. Would you buy your car and make a payment before having the signed contract outlining the terms? Would you buy your home and start making payments before you get a contract? I don't think so. If this is your policy, then that is just one more thing Ashford does to set students up to fail. Anywhere from talking them into programs that don't fit there needs, the constant turn over rate you have, and disregarding and phone contact. [redacted] knew the exact date Ashford would receive money in their hands. That is when [redacted] should have sent me a contract to sign when he became aware of that exact date!
Regards,
[redacted]
On June 23, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). The concerns regarding your student account balance due and the referral of the account balance due to an external agency that you raised to the Revdex.com mirror the concerns listed in your formal grievance received January 31, 2014. The University conducted an investigation into these same concerns, and on April 7, 2014, the University issued its response to you (Attachment A, April 7, 2014, University Response Letter). On April 29, 2014, the University received your Presidential Appeal. On May 21, 2014, the University issued the response to the Presidential Appeal to you by U.S. mail (Attachment B, May 21, 2014 Presidential Appeal Determination Letter). On May 27, 2014, the University issued the response to the Presidential Appeal to you by e-mail message; password protected. On June 10, 2014, Senior Corporate Attorney [redacted] provided you with a summary of your concerns and the outcome to each of your concerns addressed through the Student Dispute Resolution Center processes (Attachment C, June 10, 2014, Summary of Concerns Email).
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns regarding your formal grievance, please contact Student Grievance Resolution Administrator [redacted] at[redacted] extension [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Grievance Resolution Administrator
for Ashford University
Encls. /3/
Attachment A, April 7, 2014, University Response Letter
Attachment B, May 21, 2014 Presidential Appeal Determination Letter
Attachment C, June 10, 2014, Summary of Concerns Email
Dear [redacted]
On April 6, 2015 Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). On April 30, 2015 the University responded to your complaint regarding your account balance and the referral to external collections.
On May 4, 2015 the University received your second complaint regarding the same concerns. On May 15, 2015 the University responded to your complaint regarding the same concerns.
On May 27, 2015 the University received your third complaint regarding the same concerns.
Please note, the University did not provide a repayment plan agreement to you because per [redacted] May 24, 2012 email, he told you that once you were ready to make a payment, to contact him and he would set up the repayment agreement. [redacted] advised you that as long as the University held the account, he could assist you. As stated in both the April 30, 2015 and May 15, 2015 University response letters, the investigation did not reveal communication from you to the University regarding your balance due from May 24, 2012 to July 6, 2012 to set up a repayment arrangement.
On July 6, 2012 following several contact attempts by the University, including notifying you that failure to set up repayment arrangements may result in a referral of your account to an external agency, your account was referred to an external agency. The University did not receive a phone call in which you stated you were ready to make a payment and ready to set up a repayment arrangement prior to the referral.
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns about the process or the outcome of your grievance, please contact me at [redacted] extension [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Grievance Resolution Administrator
for Ashford University
Encls. /2/ Attachment A, April 30, 2015 Response
Attachment B, May 15, 2015 Response
To Whom it May Concern,
The Family E
-0.15pt">ducation Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C.§1232g; 34 CFR, Part 99) prevents University personnel from communicating confidential information about a student’s record to a third party without written consent from the student. In order to comply with and to allow for communications pursuant to this act, a student must execute an Authorization to Release Student Records Form. Once completed, the student should then submit the Authorization Form to myself at [redacted] and I will ensure that it is processed in a timely fashion.
As of the date of this letter, the University has not received [redacted] completed Authorization to Release Form and thus is unable to issue its response directly to your office. The University will issue its response directly to [redacted] on or around June 21, 2016.
Should the University receive the Authorization Form from [redacted] the future, the University will forward a copy of its response to your office. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to contact me at [redacted]
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Complaint, External Relations Specialist for Ashford University
April 28, 2016
normal; mso-add-space: auto">
[redacted]
Dear [redacted]
On March 22, 2016, Ashford University (University) received Revdex.com Complaint # [redacted] In that complaint, you alleged that:
· You received a grade of “F” in course BUS 644, term 6_1547, due to a false allegation from your instructor that you had plagiarized part of your final assignment.
In your complaint, you listed the following as the resolution you seek:
· For the University to refund your student account the total tuition and fees cost of BUS 644, term 6_1547.
The University conducted an investigation of your concern. The following information details the findings of the investigation and addresses your resolution request.
Allegation regarding plagiarism in course BUS 644, term 6_1547
On January 13, 2015, you completed, electronically signed and submitted the University's online application for admission into the Master of Arts in Business administration degree program (Attachment A). In signing this agreement, you acknowledged that you had read, understood and agreed with the contents of the online application for admission and the contents of the University Academic Catalog (University Catalog).
The Academic Integrity Policy indicates the following regarding plagiarism:
Plagiarizing denies the student the powerful opportunity to develop as an ethical and conscientious human being. Representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise. This definition includes draft assignments that are submitted and graded as a part of the curriculum. Plagiarism occurs when a student deliberately uses the ideas, language, or other material (that is not common knowledge) without acknowledging the original source. The use of materials, including printed or online texts, as well as the work of others, can be considered plagiarism when presented as one’s own work (Attachment B).
On November 17, 2015, you began course BUS 644, term 6_1547. On January 11, 2016, your instructor submitted your grade to the University, which indicated an earned grade of “F”.
Per the University’s Grade Appeal Policy, upon receipt this Revdex.com Complaint, the Office of Academic Integrity was asked to review the grading by the instructor to determine whether the “instructor was incorrect with respect to an objective fact within the discipline and this error affected the student’s final grade” (Attachment C).
According to the review conducted by the Academic Integrity Administrator, the final assignment you submitted in BUS 644, 6_1547, substantially matches the content an assignment you had submitted during a previous course, BUS 640, 6_1541. Also, a comparison of that final assignment against other coursework previously submitted by you or other students found an 86% match of coursework content. The review also found that your final assignment substantially matches coursework available for purchase online at [redacted]
Based on the above, your instructor acted within his discretion when he graded your final assignment a zero due to plagiarism.
Conclusion
Based on the above, the University denies your resolution request.
It is always the intention of Ashford University to provide excellent student services. If you have any questions regarding the outcome of your formal grievance, please contact me directly at [redacted]
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Associate Director, Student Dispute Resolution
for Ashford University
Encls. /3/ Attachment A Online Application for Admission
Attachment B Academic Integrity Policy
Attachment C Grade Appeal Policy
Dear Ms. [redacted]:
The rebuttal complaint does not indicate a new concern or provide new information that was not otherwise addressed in the University's response of May 23, 2016. As such, the University does not have any additional information to provide.
Sincerely
[redacted], Ph.D.
Associate Vice President of Student Dispute Resolution
For Ashford University
Tell us why here...
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Regardless of OTHER reason why my case was denied they informed me )in writing) that it was due to my GPA which, again, was known at the time I was relaeased from sshool. This message JUST stated the timeframe in which the process happened but gave no credability to the fact that YOU )Ashford University) stated, I cannot join your school because of my failure rate which again, was known at time of dismissal.
I reject your response because your response is NOT valid.
Regards,
[redacted]
Dear [redacted]
On April 6, 2015 Ashford University (University) received the complaint you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com) regarding your account balance due and referral to an external collection agency. On April 30, 2015 the University responded to that complaint. On May 4, 2015 the University received your second complaint regarding the same concerns. On May 15, 2015 the University responded to your second complaint. On May 27, 2015, the University received your third complaint regarding the same concerns. On May 29, 2015, the University responded to your third complaint. On June 5, 2015, the University received your fourth complaint regarding the same concerns. In your fourth complaint, you state the following:
Ashford University continues to mention email communication. I spoke with [redacted] several times verbally, by telephone. (between your mentioned dates and after those dates) [sic] I told [redacted] an exact date of when Ashford would receive a payment. He gladly accepted that date specified. I was then turned over to collections less than two weeks prior to that date. It absolutely would have been Ashford’s responsibility to enter in a written contract with me after several emails…AND phone calls. I have made so many attempts to work this out with Ashford, and you want to discount all verbal communications. As soon as [redacted] knew the month, he should have sent me a contract. He had opportunity [sic] from the last email exchange you show and opportunity after our phone conversations. There was opportunity several times in between.
As stated in the University’s April 30, 2015 response, following your withdrawal, the University Collections Department notified you of your account balance due and the need to make repayment arrangements at least seven (7) times, from December 27, 2011 to July 6, 2012.
On May 24, 2012 [redacted] advised you to call him to start a repayment plan as soon as you could make an initial payment of $159.52. [redacted] also stated that as long as the University still held the account, meaning that as long as your account was still with the University Collections Department, he could assist you with repayment plan options.
Per University policy, once an initial payment has been made on a payment plan, the internal Collections Department will send out the payment plan agreement for the student to confirm with a signature.
As previously stated, during this timeframe the University continued to send you notices indicating that your account balance due would be referred to an external agency if a repayment agreement was not completed. The investigation did not reveal information to show that you set up a repayment arrangement between May 24, 2012 and July 6, 2012. The investigation did not reveal information to show that you contacted [redacted] and agreed upon a date for your first payment to be made prior to the referral of your account to an external collection agency. The information did not show that you made an initial payment on a payment plan with [redacted] which would trigger the University to send you a payment plan agreement for you to confirm with a signature.
In accordance with University policy, on July 6, 2012, your account was referred to external collection agency [redacted].
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact me at [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Grievance Resolution Administrator
for Ashford University
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.
However, In regards to setting up a payment plan, the payment plan is in place and therefore, as long as the University accepts, I would like to continue with my current plan. As stated, the amount that would have been owed is $2384 which I have been paying on since it was arranged. I expect there should be no changes. Also, there is currently a hold on my account, as you can see by the attachment, if it takes four to six weeks for the credit to be applied and my account released and I am required to take leave, I do hope that the university will extend their 30 day policy so that I am not automatically withdrawn before this issue is resolved and the holds removed for me to continue my schooling.
I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
Regards, [redacted]
On March 14, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). On the same date, the University received your Authorization to Release Student Records Form for the University to disclose protected information in your student record to the Revdex.com. The University processed this form and will forward a copy of its response to the Revdex.com.
The University referred the correspondence received on March 14, 2014, to the Office of Student Grievance Resolution to address your concerns through the formal grievance process for students. In your complaint, you alleged that:
· Student Community Standard Procedures were not followed as published by the University Academic Catalog
In your complaint, you listed the following as the resolution you seek:
· For the University to reinstate your Master of Arts in Business Administration.
The University conducted an investigation of your concerns. The following information details the findings of the investigation.
Student Community Standard Procedures
To appeal an SRRC hearing outcome, the Director of Student Affairs must determine that one (1) of the five (5) basis for appeal listed below have been met:
1. To consider new information, unavailable during the original hearing, that could be outcome determinative;
2. To assess whether a material deviation from written procedures impacted the fairness of the hearing;
3. To decide if a sanction(s) is substantially disproportionate to the severity of the offense;
4. To determine that the finding does not accord with the information;
5. To assess whether bias on the part of a conduct board member deprived the process of impartiality.
If the Director of Student Affairs determines that one (1) of the five (5) abovementioned basis for appeal have been met, the Director of Student Affairs may either re-open the hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination and/or sanction(s) or will refer the matter back to the SRRC for reconsideration. Please note that the Director of Student Affairs serves as the final level of review in the conduct matter (Attachment A, Excerpt of SRRC Formal Hearing).
By e-mail message on November 25, 2013, the University’s Academic Resolution Department referred you to Student Affairs for a potential violation of Student Community Standards.
By e-mail message on January 17, 2014, the Student Affairs Department notified you that the Student Community Standards committee found that you were in violation of the Academic Dishonesty policy and as a result, you would earn the grade of “F” for all courses with academic dishonesty, your MBA would be rescinded, and you would be expelled from the University and an administrative hold placed on your student account. The Student Affairs Department notified you that you had the right to appeal the decision to the Director of Student Development and Engagement within three (3) business days from the date of the e-mail message.
On January 21, 2014, you filed a written appeal with the SRRC on the following ground:
1. To determine that the finding does not accord with the information.
By letter dated January 24, 2014, Director of Student Development & Engagement Joseph Allen told you that he had received your appeal; however, he did not find supporting documentation that the outcome of your Formal Hearing did not accord with the facts of the file the committee reviewed your written statements, your verbal statements during your Formal Hearing, and the exhibits of your file. As a result, Mr. Allen denied your request for an appeal and upheld the sanctions of the SRRC.
Upon review, it was determined that the University followed the Student Community Standard Procedures in accordance with the University Academic Catalog.
Based on the above-discussed information, the University maintains that the SRRC process is the appropriate mechanism to address your concern and maintains that the published process was followed according to the Academic Catalog (Attachment A, Excerpt of SRRC Formal Hearing).
Conclusion
Based on the above-noted information, the University reiterates that the final outcome of your SRRC hearing cannot be re-adjudicated through the student grievance resolution process. Additionally, the University maintains that your SRRC decision issued by the Student Affairs Department on January 24, 2014, was processed according to policies outlined in the University Catalog and is final.
It is always the intention of the University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. Please note that this response to your grievance represents a collaborative process that aligns with the description in the current Academic Catalog. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns about the process or the outcome of your grievance, please contact [redacted], Student Grievance Resolution Administrator, at [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Director of Student Grievance Resolution
for Ashford University
Encl.. /1/ Attachment A, Excerpt of SRRC Formal Hearing
On April 3, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). On the same date, the University received your Authorization to Release Student Records Form for the University to disclose protected information in your student record to the Revdex.com. The University processed this form and will forward a copy of its response to the Revdex.com.
The University referred the correspondence received on April 3, 2014, to the Office of Student Grievance Resolution to address your concerns through the formal grievance process for students. In your complaint, you alleged that:
· You have been misadvised and received misinformation regarding the best opportunities for you at the University
In your complaint, you listed the following as the resolution you seek:
· For the University to refund your full tuition cost with no penalty charges, and change the trial period for a more suitable time so you will not be penalized for withdrawing from the University
By e-mail message on April 24, 2014, and April 25, 2014, Student Grievance Resolution Administrator [redacted] attempted to clarify your allegations as it is unclear from the complaint what your allegations are regarding.
Your participation in the process is essential and upon request, you must provide additional information so the University can adequately address your concern.
As of the date of this letter, you have not provided clarification to your concern. Therefore, your file will be closed. Should you provide additional information regarding your complaint, your file will be reopened and an investigation will resume.
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns about the process, please contact Student Grievance Resolution Administrator[redacted], or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Director of Student Grievance Resolution for Ashford University
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
If you contact the Department of Education they can tell you how much money was awarded to me for my last semester. Also, FAFSA is where I applied for students loans. Ashford University stole my last stipend. They are providing false documentations.
Regards,
[redacted]
On April 29, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that the student filed at the Better...
Business Bureau (Revdex.com). On the same date, the University received the student's Authorization to Release Student Records Form (Form) which is required for the University to disclose protected information in the student record to the Revdex.com. On May 19, 2014, May 20, 2014, and May 22, 2014, the University sent the student three (3) e-mail messages and contacted the student by telephone using the contact information on file with the University, in order to notify the student that the Form was missing the student identification number and therefore could not be processed. On May 23, 2014, the student submitted another copy of the Form however it was unreadable and therefore could not be processed by the University. On May 28, 2014, the University asked the student to resubmit the Form. Should the student submit a signed, completed Form, the University will forward a copy of its response to the Revdex.com.
The University has reviewed the student's account, and she may now request her official transcripts. We apologize for the inconvenience.
[redacted] / DIRECTOR OF STUDENT GRIEVANCE RESOLUTIONAshford University / Technology Changes EverythingSM////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////...⇄ / [redacted]F / [redacted] JOIN THE CONVERSATION: [redacted]
I do not have those documentation because I am homeless as a result of their mistake. I do not have access to those documents. If I could get a hold of them, it would take a week. The best source for getting that information on my side is the Department of Education and FAFSA, because they issued that money too me for my student loans. They can show how much I received for my last two classes with Ashford University.
I attended Ashford under the assumption that it was a good university. I was told the university would request my transcripts at no cost to me, but had to pay for them all out of pocket. I was told that my financial aid would cover the cost of my education because I advised I wouldn't attend if I couldn't afford it. I completed all of my required courses to only find out that I was misinformed twice and told that all of my classes were not covered under financial aid. In my last class, I was told I would have to pay $1500 in order to receive my diploma and transcript. I paid and now the university still had a hold on my unofficial transcript and said it could take 6 weeks to receive my diploma and official transcript.
May 15, 2015
[redacted]
Dear [redacted]
On April 6, 2015 Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). On April 30, 2015 the University responded to your complaint regarding your account balance and the referral to external collections. On May 4, 2015 the University received your second complaint regarding the same concerns. In your second complaint, you stated the following:
“Ashford University refuses to acknowledge my payment arrangement made and turned me over before that agreed upon date.”
Additionally, in an e-mail message dated May 1, 2015 you stated that you called and told the University the date to expect your first payment. You stated two weeks later the account was referred to an external collections agency.
As stated in the University’s April 30, 2015 response, following your withdrawal, the University’s Collections Department notified you of your account balance due at least seven (7) times, from December 27, 2011 to July 6, 2012, and the need to make repayment arrangements.
During this time, on April 20, 2012 you asked Collections Manager [redacted] to send you an invoice because you wanted to make the necessary payment arrangements. [redacted] sent the invoice to you the same day and advised you to contact him to set up a repayment arrangement.
On May 21, 2012 you told [redacted] you were busy and had forgotten to call him. You stated you wanted to set up a payment plan but would be unable to start until July.
On May 24, 2012 [redacted] stated that as soon as you could make an initial payment of $159.52 to call him to start a repayment plan. [redacted] state that as long as the University still held the account, meaning that as long as your account was with the University’s internal Collections Department, he could assist you.
In the meantime, you continued to receive notices regarding your account balance, and the need to make repayment arrangements, or the account would be referred to an external agency.
In accordance with University policy, on July 6, 2012 your account was referred to an external collections agency, [redacted]
University records do not show that you contacted the University form May 24, 2012 to July 6, 2012 to set up a repayment agreement. University records demonstrate that you were notified that your account would be referred to an external agency if the University did not receive payment. The University did not receive a payment prior to the referral of your account to the external agency, on July 6, 2012. Therefore, the referral of your account to an external agency was proper.
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns about the process or the outcome of your grievance, please contact me at [redacted] extension [redacted], or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Grievance Resolution Administrator
for Ashford University
Encls. /1/ Attachment A, April 30, 2015 Response
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
My position remains the same. I was taken advantage of regarding my education and the University continues to deny wrongdoing. It states a thorough investigation was completed, however, that is not the case. I had received e-mail correspondence asking me to explain each part of my complaint. This seemed like a stalling tactic, especially since many of question were clear in that complaint. Then, I asked them to no longer contact me directly, at which point they made it clear no responsibility would be taken. At no point in time will any response be accepted, unless it involves reimbursement for taking money for unnecessary courses.
Regards,
[redacted]
font-size: 10pt; font-family: Georgia, serif;">June 4, 2014
[redacted]
[redacted]
[redacted]
Dear Ms. [redacted],
On June 3, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). The University referred the correspondence received on June 3, 2014, to the Office of Student Grievance Resolution to address your concerns through the formal grievance process. In your complaint, you alleged that:
· The University continued to contact you on a daily basis after you requested to be removed from the call list
In your complaint, you listed the following as the resolution you seek:
· For the University to cease contacting you
Per University policy, when an individual requests no further contact from the University, the individual’s contact information is placed in the University’s Student No Further Contact database. Please note that on May 28, 2014, the University placed your contact information in its Student No Further Contact database.
The University apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused you. As stated above, the University has taken steps to ensure that no further contact occurs.
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns, please contact myself at ([redacted], extension [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Grievance Resolution Administrator
for Ashford University
Dear Revdex.com,
Here is our response to the student's complaint, which was sent to her as well:
Dear [redacted]
On June 27, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). You also provided the University with your Authorization to Release Student Records Form so this response will also be forwarded to the Revdex.com.
In your complaint, you alleged that:
· “I was coerced to enroll into Ashford University with a specific major in mind. I spoke to the admissions counselor ([redacted]) about my intentions with a BA in Healthcare Administration. At no time was I informed that I was required to have a MA in order to do what I wanted. I then had to switch programs to be able to use a degree. I told the academic advisor at that time ([redacted]) that I wanted to go into social work so she helped me switch to the BA Psychology program. I recently discovered that I can't even get licensed as a social worker with a degree from them. This was never disclosed to me. I feel that I was taken advantage of to enroll in this university and I would have earned a degree that I could not used (sic). I was essentially forced to withdrawal (sic) and find an online school with a program I can get a useful degree from. Since doing that, I realized that I should not have been forced to take courses at Ashford that I would not ever be able to transfer to another school. Nothing about the schedule options were ever given to me. I was never given information about the degree programs that I was entering into even though the staff at Ashford knew my expectations. I feel that I was taken advantage of and was forced to take unnecessary courses.”
By e-mail message to me on July 3, 2014, you stated the following additional allegation:
· “Nothing was stated about the fact that I would need a masters or that Ashford was not in the directory of accredited programs to even become licensed at all!”
In your complaint, you listed the following as the resolution you seek:
· “I would like my financial aid refunded to the federal government or to me to pay for a program that I can earn a degree that I can use. I feel that not disclosing information about licensing or required degree to obtain a specific position is unacceptable and unethical. Ashford accepted payments for 5 nontransferable courses including EXP 105, PSY 202, ANT 101, POL 201, ENG 225.”
The University conducted an investigation of your concerns. The following information details the findings of the investigation.
Regarding Licensure and Certification
On January 17, 2013 you completed, electronically signed and submitted the University’s online application for admission, selecting the Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration as your degree program (Attachment A, Online Application Acknowledgement, Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration). On June 8, 2013 you completed, electronically signed and submitted the University’s online application for admission, selecting the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program (Attachment B, Online Application Acknowledgement, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology). In signing these applications, you acknowledged that you have had reasonable time to read and understand it and that you have been given: (a) a written statement of the refund policy; (b) access to the current Ashford University Academic Catalog including a description of the course or educational service including all material facts concerning the school and the program or course of instruction which are likely to affect your decision to enroll; (c) access to the website; and (d) access to information about the University’s accreditation.
The Terms and Conditions section of your Enrollment Agreement of your online applications for admission, as well as the Catalog, state the following in regards to each program:
“Successful completion of this program by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization. Further, Ashford University does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession are strongly encouraged to carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment. Requirements may vary by state. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.” (Attachment C, Enrollment Agreement, p. 3).
The 2012-2013 University Academic Catalog states the following regarding licensure and certification for the Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration degree program:
“Successful completion of this program by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization. Further, Ashford University does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession are strongly encouraged to carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment. Requirements may vary by state. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.” (Attachment D, Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration, p. 138).
The 2012-2013 University Academic Catalog states the following regarding licensure and certification for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program:
“Successful completion of this program by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization. Further, Ashford University does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession are strongly encouraged to carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment. Requirements may vary by state. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.” (Attachment E, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, p. 240).
By e-mail message on January 17, 2013, you told your Admissions Counselor, [redacted], that you “haven't narrowed down what degree program I want to do yet. I am still deciding between Human Resource Management or something in the health and human services field.”
By email message on January 26, 2013 you wrote to your Student Advisor, [redacted], to say, “I had spoke to my Admissions Counselor and he said if I needed any changed made with classes, etc that you were the one to go to. I've been thinking about my major and I'm not sure this is what I want to do. I think I would my (sic) a degree in something like social work. Is that available at Ashford? Could you please let me know if that's possible? I just want to make sure I'm getting a degree in a field I care about.”
By email message on January 28, 2013 your Student Advisor, [redacted] responded with the following: “Hello [redacted], Thank you for contacting me and I can definitely help you with this major change. However, we do not have a major in Social Work. We do have a major in Sociology though. I would suggest that you take some time and review what majors we offer on our website. Just go to our main website, click on Degrees and then you can review the available degrees we have and read about the classes for each one. There is also a description of what types of careers these degrees best prepare you for. Go ahead and contact me after you review the website and I'd be happy to talk through it more with you if you'd like to talk through which degree would be the best fit for you.”
On February 12, 2013, you began your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration at the University.
In regards to your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program, by e-mail message on June 5, 2013, you told your Student Advisor, [redacted], “I have been monitoring my progress towards my degree. I do have an additional concern. As I had previously discussed with you, I would still like to change my degree program. I have done quite a bit of research in Ashford's Career Services link, along with my own online research. I am still leaning in the direction of wanting a career in the Social Services field. I think that with a BA in Psychology that would be very possible. How do I change this?”
By email message on June 6, 2013, your Student Advisor, [redacted], responded with the following: “Hi [redacted], Thank you for letting me know that you have put so much thought into this decision. I respect your choice and I have unlocked your application so that you can make the change needed.”
On June 8, 2013, you changed your degree program to the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University.
The investigation revealed that the University disclosed to you that your degree programs were not designed to lead to licensure or certification in any state or for any particular profession within your online applications as well as within the University’s Academic Catalog. Your signature on the Acknowledgement and Signature page of the University’s online applications for admission certified that you had read, understood and agreed to the terms set forth in the Applications, Agreements and the Ashford University Catalog. We also did not find information to support your claim that you were coerced into a particular program. In fact, we believe your were properly advised to look at the programs on our website and the career paths these programs could lead so that you would be informed about your options.
Regarding the Transferability of your University Courses
The University’s 2012-2013 Academic Catalog states that Ashford University is a regionally accredited institution, and as a result, other institutions may elect to accept Ashford University credits (Attachment F, Transfer of Ashford University Credits to Other Institutions, p. 100).
The investigation revealed that the University disclosed to you that your credits earned here may not transfer to another institution. Your signature on the Acknowledgement and Signature page of the University’s online applications for admission certified that you had read, understood and agreed to the terms set forth in the Catalog.
Regarding the Courses Required to Complete your Degree Program
By email conversation on July 7, 2014, I wrote to ask you for clarification regarding your course scheduling concerns alleged in your complaint. You stated that “as far as scheduling, there were no options given at all. Regardless of field of study, every student is required to take the same courses. Many of these courses include multiple English and Humanities Courses.”
The courses you took at the University were all a part of the General Education Course Sequence, which is disclosed in the Catalog, and in your online application. Please note that these General Education Course Sequence courses particularly pertain to students such as you, who enter the University with no transfer credits. Specifically, it states that “Students with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits will be initially registered for the General Education courses sequence.” (Attachment G, General Education Course Sequence, p. 184-185).
By email message on June 5, 2013, your Student Advisor, [redacted], wrote you the following message: “Make sure you are consistently monitoring your Degree Progress Report, completed courses and grades, future course schedule, and applying Ashford University Satisfactory Academic Progress policies, all of which is available in your Student Portal…” Your progress at the University as well as information concerning future courses was available to you on the Student Portal. We did not find any questions or concerns from you regarding course scheduling at that time.
The investigation revealed that the University disclosed to you in the Academic Catalog that the schedule of courses you took were required of a student coming in without transfer credits. Your signature on the Acknowledgement and Signature page of the University’s online applications for admission certified that you had read, understood and agreed to the terms set forth in the Catalog.
Regarding the University’s Accreditation
The University’s 2012-2013 Academic Catalog states that the University, during that time, was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (Attachment H, Accreditation, p. 2).
During your time of attendance at the University, the University was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and this information was communicated to you in the University’s Academic Catalog.
Conclusion
Based on the above-noted information, we believe you were properly advised regarding licensure and certification for both your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree programs. We also do not find evidence to support that you were coerced into one of these programs as this information was communicated to you in your online applications and in the Academic Catalog. In addition, your advisor encouraged you to review the majors listed on our website and the careers the degrees could prepare you for.
The Academic Catalog and the online applications advised you regarding the transferability of courses. The University denies your allegation that you were required to take courses that would not have the potential to transfer to another institution. As noted above, each student is required to satisfy the General Education Course Sequence to complete his or her degree program.
Lastly, at the time you enrolled, the University was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. We are now accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Therefore, we will not be able to grant your resolution request to refund your financial aid to the federal government or to assist you in paying for an alternative degree program.
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns about the process or the outcome of your grievance, please contact me at [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Best regards,
[redacted]
Director of Student Grievance Resolution
for Ashford University
Encls. /8/ Attachment A, Online Application Acknowledgement, Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration
Attachment B, Online Application Acknowledgement, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Attachment C, Enrollment Agreement, p. 3
Attachment D, Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration, p. 138
Attachment E, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, p. 240
Attachment F, Transfer of Ashford University Credits to Other Institutions, p. 100
Attachment G, General Education Course Sequence, p. 184-185
Attachment H, Accreditation, p. 2
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Has Ashford University looked at any phone conversations? Again, I absolutely did speak with [redacted] via telephone and told him the exact date Ashford would receive payment! You mentioned that it is Ashford's policy to NOT gain a signed contract until after you receive payment. How can one go about a legal binding agreement without the terms and signatures gathered first? You could have just completely disregarded that as you do everything else. Nobody cares about all the phone conversations. You are only hung up on the email communications. When an agreement is made, that is when a contract with terms should be sent. Not after a payment is received. Would you buy your car and make a payment before having the signed contract outlining the terms? Would you buy your home and start making payments before you get a contract? I don't think so. If this is your policy, then that is just one more thing Ashford does to set students up to fail. Anywhere from talking them into programs that don't fit there needs, the constant turn over rate you have, and disregarding and phone contact. [redacted] knew the exact date Ashford would receive money in their hands. That is when [redacted] should have sent me a contract to sign when he became aware of that exact date!
Regards,
[redacted]
July 10, 2014
[redacted]
Dear[redacted]
On June 23, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). The concerns regarding your student account balance due and the referral of the account balance due to an external agency that you raised to the Revdex.com mirror the concerns listed in your formal grievance received January 31, 2014. The University conducted an investigation into these same concerns, and on April 7, 2014, the University issued its response to you (Attachment A, April 7, 2014, University Response Letter). On April 29, 2014, the University received your Presidential Appeal. On May 21, 2014, the University issued the response to the Presidential Appeal to you by U.S. mail (Attachment B, May 21, 2014 Presidential Appeal Determination Letter). On May 27, 2014, the University issued the response to the Presidential Appeal to you by e-mail message; password protected. On June 10, 2014, Senior Corporate Attorney [redacted] provided you with a summary of your concerns and the outcome to each of your concerns addressed through the Student Dispute Resolution Center processes (Attachment C, June 10, 2014, Summary of Concerns Email).
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns regarding your formal grievance, please contact Student Grievance Resolution Administrator [redacted] at[redacted] extension [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Grievance Resolution Administrator
for Ashford University
Encls. /3/
Attachment A, April 7, 2014, University Response Letter
Attachment B, May 21, 2014 Presidential Appeal Determination Letter
Attachment C, June 10, 2014, Summary of Concerns Email
May 29, 2015
[redacted]
[redacted]
[redacted]
Dear [redacted]
On April 6, 2015 Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). On April 30, 2015 the University responded to your complaint regarding your account balance and the referral to external collections.
On May 4, 2015 the University received your second complaint regarding the same concerns. On May 15, 2015 the University responded to your complaint regarding the same concerns.
On May 27, 2015 the University received your third complaint regarding the same concerns.
Please note, the University did not provide a repayment plan agreement to you because per [redacted] May 24, 2012 email, he told you that once you were ready to make a payment, to contact him and he would set up the repayment agreement. [redacted] advised you that as long as the University held the account, he could assist you. As stated in both the April 30, 2015 and May 15, 2015 University response letters, the investigation did not reveal communication from you to the University regarding your balance due from May 24, 2012 to July 6, 2012 to set up a repayment arrangement.
On July 6, 2012 following several contact attempts by the University, including notifying you that failure to set up repayment arrangements may result in a referral of your account to an external agency, your account was referred to an external agency. The University did not receive a phone call in which you stated you were ready to make a payment and ready to set up a repayment arrangement prior to the referral.
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns about the process or the outcome of your grievance, please contact me at [redacted] extension [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Grievance Resolution Administrator
for Ashford University
Encls. /2/ Attachment A, April 30, 2015 Response
Attachment B, May 15, 2015 Response
To Whom it May Concern,
The Family E
-0.15pt">ducation Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C.§1232g; 34 CFR, Part 99) prevents University personnel from communicating confidential information about a student’s record to a third party without written consent from the student. In order to comply with and to allow for communications pursuant to this act, a student must execute an Authorization to Release Student Records Form. Once completed, the student should then submit the Authorization Form to myself at [redacted] and I will ensure that it is processed in a timely fashion.
As of the date of this letter, the University has not received [redacted] completed Authorization to Release Form and thus is unable to issue its response directly to your office. The University will issue its response directly to [redacted] on or around June 21, 2016.
Should the University receive the Authorization Form from [redacted] the future, the University will forward a copy of its response to your office. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to contact me at [redacted]
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Complaint, External Relations Specialist for Ashford University
April 28, 2016
normal; mso-add-space: auto">
[redacted]
Dear [redacted]
On March 22, 2016, Ashford University (University) received Revdex.com Complaint # [redacted] In that complaint, you alleged that:
· You received a grade of “F” in course BUS 644, term 6_1547, due to a false allegation from your instructor that you had plagiarized part of your final assignment.
In your complaint, you listed the following as the resolution you seek:
· For the University to refund your student account the total tuition and fees cost of BUS 644, term 6_1547.
The University conducted an investigation of your concern. The following information details the findings of the investigation and addresses your resolution request.
Allegation regarding plagiarism in course BUS 644, term 6_1547
On January 13, 2015, you completed, electronically signed and submitted the University's online application for admission into the Master of Arts in Business administration degree program (Attachment A). In signing this agreement, you acknowledged that you had read, understood and agreed with the contents of the online application for admission and the contents of the University Academic Catalog (University Catalog).
The Academic Integrity Policy indicates the following regarding plagiarism:
Plagiarizing denies the student the powerful opportunity to develop as an ethical and conscientious human being. Representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise. This definition includes draft assignments that are submitted and graded as a part of the curriculum. Plagiarism occurs when a student deliberately uses the ideas, language, or other material (that is not common knowledge) without acknowledging the original source. The use of materials, including printed or online texts, as well as the work of others, can be considered plagiarism when presented as one’s own work (Attachment B).
On November 17, 2015, you began course BUS 644, term 6_1547. On January 11, 2016, your instructor submitted your grade to the University, which indicated an earned grade of “F”.
Per the University’s Grade Appeal Policy, upon receipt this Revdex.com Complaint, the Office of Academic Integrity was asked to review the grading by the instructor to determine whether the “instructor was incorrect with respect to an objective fact within the discipline and this error affected the student’s final grade” (Attachment C).
According to the review conducted by the Academic Integrity Administrator, the final assignment you submitted in BUS 644, 6_1547, substantially matches the content an assignment you had submitted during a previous course, BUS 640, 6_1541. Also, a comparison of that final assignment against other coursework previously submitted by you or other students found an 86% match of coursework content. The review also found that your final assignment substantially matches coursework available for purchase online at [redacted]
Based on the above, your instructor acted within his discretion when he graded your final assignment a zero due to plagiarism.
Conclusion
Based on the above, the University denies your resolution request.
It is always the intention of Ashford University to provide excellent student services. If you have any questions regarding the outcome of your formal grievance, please contact me directly at [redacted]
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Associate Director, Student Dispute Resolution
for Ashford University
Encls. /3/ Attachment A Online Application for Admission
Attachment B Academic Integrity Policy
Attachment C Grade Appeal Policy
May 26, 2016
Ms. [redacted]
Dear Ms. [redacted]:
The rebuttal complaint does not indicate a new concern or provide new information that was not otherwise addressed in the University's response of May 23, 2016. As such, the University does not have any additional information to provide.
Sincerely
[redacted], Ph.D.
Associate Vice President of Student Dispute Resolution
For Ashford University
Tell us why here...
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Regardless of OTHER reason why my case was denied they informed me )in writing) that it was due to my GPA which, again, was known at the time I was relaeased from sshool. This message JUST stated the timeframe in which the process happened but gave no credability to the fact that YOU )Ashford University) stated, I cannot join your school because of my failure rate which again, was known at time of dismissal.
I reject your response because your response is NOT valid.
Regards,
[redacted]
June 17, 2015
[redacted]
Dear [redacted]
On April 6, 2015 Ashford University (University) received the complaint you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com) regarding your account balance due and referral to an external collection agency. On April 30, 2015 the University responded to that complaint. On May 4, 2015 the University received your second complaint regarding the same concerns. On May 15, 2015 the University responded to your second complaint. On May 27, 2015, the University received your third complaint regarding the same concerns. On May 29, 2015, the University responded to your third complaint. On June 5, 2015, the University received your fourth complaint regarding the same concerns. In your fourth complaint, you state the following:
Ashford University continues to mention email communication. I spoke with [redacted] several times verbally, by telephone. (between your mentioned dates and after those dates) [sic] I told [redacted] an exact date of when Ashford would receive a payment. He gladly accepted that date specified. I was then turned over to collections less than two weeks prior to that date. It absolutely would have been Ashford’s responsibility to enter in a written contract with me after several emails…AND phone calls. I have made so many attempts to work this out with Ashford, and you want to discount all verbal communications. As soon as [redacted] knew the month, he should have sent me a contract. He had opportunity [sic] from the last email exchange you show and opportunity after our phone conversations. There was opportunity several times in between.
As stated in the University’s April 30, 2015 response, following your withdrawal, the University Collections Department notified you of your account balance due and the need to make repayment arrangements at least seven (7) times, from December 27, 2011 to July 6, 2012.
On May 24, 2012 [redacted] advised you to call him to start a repayment plan as soon as you could make an initial payment of $159.52. [redacted] also stated that as long as the University still held the account, meaning that as long as your account was still with the University Collections Department, he could assist you with repayment plan options.
Per University policy, once an initial payment has been made on a payment plan, the internal Collections Department will send out the payment plan agreement for the student to confirm with a signature.
As previously stated, during this timeframe the University continued to send you notices indicating that your account balance due would be referred to an external agency if a repayment agreement was not completed. The investigation did not reveal information to show that you set up a repayment arrangement between May 24, 2012 and July 6, 2012. The investigation did not reveal information to show that you contacted [redacted] and agreed upon a date for your first payment to be made prior to the referral of your account to an external collection agency. The information did not show that you made an initial payment on a payment plan with [redacted] which would trigger the University to send you a payment plan agreement for you to confirm with a signature.
In accordance with University policy, on July 6, 2012, your account was referred to external collection agency [redacted].
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact me at [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Student Grievance Resolution Administrator
for Ashford University
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.
However, In regards to setting up a payment plan, the payment plan is in place and therefore, as long as the University accepts, I would like to continue with my current plan. As stated, the amount that would have been owed is $2384 which I have been paying on since it was arranged. I expect there should be no changes. Also, there is currently a hold on my account, as you can see by the attachment, if it takes four to six weeks for the credit to be applied and my account released and I am required to take leave, I do hope that the university will extend their 30 day policy so that I am not automatically withdrawn before this issue is resolved and the holds removed for me to continue my schooling.
I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
Regards, [redacted]
April 14, 2014
[redacted]
Dear [redacted],
On March 14, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). On the same date, the University received your Authorization to Release Student Records Form for the University to disclose protected information in your student record to the Revdex.com. The University processed this form and will forward a copy of its response to the Revdex.com.
The University referred the correspondence received on March 14, 2014, to the Office of Student Grievance Resolution to address your concerns through the formal grievance process for students. In your complaint, you alleged that:
· Student Community Standard Procedures were not followed as published by the University Academic Catalog
In your complaint, you listed the following as the resolution you seek:
· For the University to reinstate your Master of Arts in Business Administration.
The University conducted an investigation of your concerns. The following information details the findings of the investigation.
Student Community Standard Procedures
To appeal an SRRC hearing outcome, the Director of Student Affairs must determine that one (1) of the five (5) basis for appeal listed below have been met:
1. To consider new information, unavailable during the original hearing, that could be outcome determinative;
2. To assess whether a material deviation from written procedures impacted the fairness of the hearing;
3. To decide if a sanction(s) is substantially disproportionate to the severity of the offense;
4. To determine that the finding does not accord with the information;
5. To assess whether bias on the part of a conduct board member deprived the process of impartiality.
If the Director of Student Affairs determines that one (1) of the five (5) abovementioned basis for appeal have been met, the Director of Student Affairs may either re-open the hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination and/or sanction(s) or will refer the matter back to the SRRC for reconsideration. Please note that the Director of Student Affairs serves as the final level of review in the conduct matter (Attachment A, Excerpt of SRRC Formal Hearing).
By e-mail message on November 25, 2013, the University’s Academic Resolution Department referred you to Student Affairs for a potential violation of Student Community Standards.
By e-mail message on January 17, 2014, the Student Affairs Department notified you that the Student Community Standards committee found that you were in violation of the Academic Dishonesty policy and as a result, you would earn the grade of “F” for all courses with academic dishonesty, your MBA would be rescinded, and you would be expelled from the University and an administrative hold placed on your student account. The Student Affairs Department notified you that you had the right to appeal the decision to the Director of Student Development and Engagement within three (3) business days from the date of the e-mail message.
On January 21, 2014, you filed a written appeal with the SRRC on the following ground:
1. To determine that the finding does not accord with the information.
By letter dated January 24, 2014, Director of Student Development & Engagement Joseph Allen told you that he had received your appeal; however, he did not find supporting documentation that the outcome of your Formal Hearing did not accord with the facts of the file the committee reviewed your written statements, your verbal statements during your Formal Hearing, and the exhibits of your file. As a result, Mr. Allen denied your request for an appeal and upheld the sanctions of the SRRC.
Upon review, it was determined that the University followed the Student Community Standard Procedures in accordance with the University Academic Catalog.
Based on the above-discussed information, the University maintains that the SRRC process is the appropriate mechanism to address your concern and maintains that the published process was followed according to the Academic Catalog (Attachment A, Excerpt of SRRC Formal Hearing).
Conclusion
Based on the above-noted information, the University reiterates that the final outcome of your SRRC hearing cannot be re-adjudicated through the student grievance resolution process. Additionally, the University maintains that your SRRC decision issued by the Student Affairs Department on January 24, 2014, was processed according to policies outlined in the University Catalog and is final.
It is always the intention of the University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. Please note that this response to your grievance represents a collaborative process that aligns with the description in the current Academic Catalog. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns about the process or the outcome of your grievance, please contact [redacted], Student Grievance Resolution Administrator, at [redacted] or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Director of Student Grievance Resolution
for Ashford University
Encl.. /1/ Attachment A, Excerpt of SRRC Formal Hearing
[redacted]
April 28, 2014
[redacted]
Dear [redacted]
On April 3, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that you filed at the Revdex.com (Revdex.com). On the same date, the University received your Authorization to Release Student Records Form for the University to disclose protected information in your student record to the Revdex.com. The University processed this form and will forward a copy of its response to the Revdex.com.
The University referred the correspondence received on April 3, 2014, to the Office of Student Grievance Resolution to address your concerns through the formal grievance process for students. In your complaint, you alleged that:
· You have been misadvised and received misinformation regarding the best opportunities for you at the University
In your complaint, you listed the following as the resolution you seek:
· For the University to refund your full tuition cost with no penalty charges, and change the trial period for a more suitable time so you will not be penalized for withdrawing from the University
By e-mail message on April 24, 2014, and April 25, 2014, Student Grievance Resolution Administrator [redacted] attempted to clarify your allegations as it is unclear from the complaint what your allegations are regarding.
Your participation in the process is essential and upon request, you must provide additional information so the University can adequately address your concern.
As of the date of this letter, you have not provided clarification to your concern. Therefore, your file will be closed. Should you provide additional information regarding your complaint, your file will be reopened and an investigation will resume.
It is always the intention of Ashford University and its employees to provide excellent student services and an excellent learning experience. If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns about the process, please contact Student Grievance Resolution Administrator[redacted], or at [redacted]
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Director of Student Grievance Resolution for Ashford University
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
If you contact the Department of Education they can tell you how much money was awarded to me for my last semester. Also, FAFSA is where I applied for students loans. Ashford University stole my last stipend. They are providing false documentations.
Regards,
[redacted]
On April 29, 2014, Ashford University (University) received a copy of the complaint that the student filed at the Better...
Business Bureau (Revdex.com). On the same date, the University received the student's Authorization to Release Student Records Form (Form) which is required for the University to disclose protected information in the student record to the Revdex.com. On May 19, 2014, May 20, 2014, and May 22, 2014, the University sent the student three (3) e-mail messages and contacted the student by telephone using the contact information on file with the University, in order to notify the student that the Form was missing the student identification number and therefore could not be processed. On May 23, 2014, the student submitted another copy of the Form however it was unreadable and therefore could not be processed by the University. On May 28, 2014, the University asked the student to resubmit the Form. Should the student submit a signed, completed Form, the University will forward a copy of its response to the Revdex.com.
The University has reviewed the student's account, and she may now request her official transcripts. We apologize for the inconvenience.
[redacted] / DIRECTOR OF STUDENT GRIEVANCE RESOLUTIONAshford University / Technology Changes EverythingSM////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////...⇄ / [redacted]F / [redacted] JOIN THE CONVERSATION: [redacted]
I do not have those documentation because I am homeless as a result of their mistake. I do not have access to those documents. If I could get a hold of them, it would take a week. The best source for getting that information on my side is the Department of Education and FAFSA, because they issued that money too me for my student loans. They can show how much I received for my last two classes with Ashford University.