Stratford Career Institute

SCI is a distance learning provider offering self-paced, independent study courses by correspondence. Our diploma programs cover a variety of disciplines and are designed to help adult individuals in the furtherance of their intellectual interests or vocational development. Our school has provided...

educational services to over one million students during the past twenty years, and our surveys have indicated a very high rate of satisfaction amongst our graduate respondents. The High School program offered by SCI is a general studies course designed to provide students with a sound knowledge of several key subject areas and to help them function more effectively in the job market. Prospective and current students are certainly well-advised to ensure that their chosen program is suitable for their own personal or career development objectives. The High School program is not intended to be a substitute for state-sponsored diploma or equivalency programs. This is explicitly stated in the descriptive program brochure, which students generally receive prior to enrolling in the program: "[this program] is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for state-sponsored High School or GED programs. Before enrolling, please ensure that this program meets your personal, educational and career objectives." It is our sincere intention that students clearly understand the nature of their program and derive significant benefits from their study. Access to our representatives is readily available to all prospective, current, and former students, and our employees make every effort to respond accurately and effectively to any questions and concerns that are raised. While the program is generally intended for employment purposes, the school cannot guarantee employment as a result of completion, a limitation of promise that is explicitly stated in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee. Employment prospects will, of course, depend on local demand and requirements, applicant quality, and many other factors. Students who do desire to pursue additional education at any other institution are strongly advised to investigate the specific admissions requirements that may be involved, as such requirements are defined by the individual institutions and will vary from place to place as well as over time. Students and prospective students may also find it productive to investigate any alternative admissions paths which may be available to them, such as mature student or ability to benefit status, whereby some academic requirements may be waived. Our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee provides the following advice: "Do not assume that credits you earn at this institution will be transferable to any other college or university. Ensure that you check with the receiving institution." Please be aware that SCI does not currently claim any academic accreditation, nor have we ever done so. This information is freely provided to anyone who expresses an interest in the issue, and various qualifying statements are provided as appropriate in the course-specific brochures, course outlines, on our web site, and in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee, which the student has signed. We have certainly never issued any claim that the program would meet the specific requirements for admission to any college or university or for any particular employment opportunity. Students may certainly choose to discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. Upon enrollment, students are provided with an initial grace period, during which time they have the option of canceling their studies without obligation by informing the school of an intention to do so. In cases where a cancellation request is received after the expiry of the standard withdrawal period and/or where some portion of the program has been completed, charges do apply for materials and services provided up to the time of the cancellation. Cancellation policies and procedures are described in detail in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee, to which terms the student has explicitly agreed. While it is certainly unfortunate that the course has not met with the student's present expectations or assumptions, SCI does not make claims that are inconsistent with the nature of the programs we provide. At this stage, the student has received and completed a portion of the study material associated with this program. The student did not evidently choose to contact the school by any means regarding the topics raised in the present complaint at any point during the course of her enrollment, which began on March 2, 2009, nor was there ever any apparent attempt to withdraw from the program until October 27, 2014, when the student did contact the school by telephone, several years after the tuition account had lapsed into default for non-payment. The topic of academic accreditation does not appear to have been raised by the student at any time prior to the present complaint. SCI provides high-quality distance education programs and we remain committed to maintaining a reasonable level of support for students and graduates in their efforts to reach their own career objectives. I would be happy to address the student's specific concerns about her course and her account should she wish to contact me directly through our Student Services department. In order to resolve this situation, we are willing to close this file upon receipt of a reduced payment in the amount $183.18 as a gesture of goodwill. At the same time, I would certainly invite the student to consider completing her program. I would maintain that the education provided through this course of study may very well assist both employment prospects and effectiveness, and it should remain a positive supplement to any other training or educational path the student may wish to follow. Beyond the academic achievement involved, any education a student receives is likely to provide a competitive advantage and increased effectiveness and opportunity, even where additional training or requirements may be mandated.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.I absolutely DID contact student services in regards to my issues with the course. I explained to the representative that the course material was so outdated that I wasn't learning ANYTHING. I explained that I was able to complete the exams without the course materials, because it covered things like sending emails and text messages, which is something that most people have been doing for decades. The representative was very polite, but was unable to help me in any way other than to advise me on how to cancel the course. He did advise me that there would be a cancellation fee. I, in return, told him that I thought the cancellation fee was not reasonable due to the fact that the course was outdated and not designed to teach an adult what one would expect to learn above a high school education. I then took immediate steps to insure that the "school" would not be able to withdraw further funds from my account and sent a written cancellation request as instructed. Before enrolling for this course, the materials I read ensured that I would learn enough to be able to work in the field for which I was attempting to be educated. That may have been the case 15 years ago, but all the course materials contained as of the time they were sent to me was common knowledge, that had I not been previously aware of, any high school student (I had three at the time) could've taught me for free. I feel no obligation to this fee. I feel, rather, entitled to a refund of what I paid. I would settle for having the account removed from my credit report, but due to the fact that the product was not as promised, I will not pay one more dollar to this school.  
Regards,
[redacted]

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Regards,
[redacted] I only completed one lesson. I was not sent any additional course material, later. I should not have to pay for course material that I have never received. I no longer have interest in pursuing this career path. I have notified you within writing that I wish to cancel my program. I have seen other complaints very similar to mine that have been resolved to the consumer's satisfaction. I do not understand why you can't do the same for me.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
Regards,
[redacted]

Stratford Career Institute (SCI) is a distance learning provider offering diploma programs as self-paced, independent study by correspondence. Our programs cover a wide variety of disciplines, and are designed to help individuals in the furtherance of their vocational training or intellectual...

interests. Our goal is to accommodate adult individuals through flexible, convenient, and affordable educational programs. Students may certainly choose to discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI by informing the school of an intention to do so. Some charges may apply depending on the duration of enrollment, the specific stage of course completion at the time of withdrawal, and the tuition account status. Cancellation policies and procedures are described in detail in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee, to which terms the student has agreed. I would suggest that the student may want to review the terms of her agreement, which she appears to have misunderstood.In this case, the student enrolled in our Medical Billing Specialist program on January 12, 2017 and study material was shipped to her the following day. The student recently contacted the school on February 21, 2017 to discuss the option to discontinue her course, at which point she was informed accurately that charges would apply and would be assessed in keeping with her enrollment agreement. Specifically, the student would remain responsible for a balance of $119.80 should she wish to confirm her intent to withdraw. The student is certainly welcome to contact our Student Services department at her convenience to discuss her options in that regard. We will do our best to resolve the situation under the best possible terms. I would also invite the student to consider completing her program. We are proud to provide high-quality distance education programs and we remain, of course, willing to provide the materials and services required for successful completion.

Our school is a distance learning provider offering self-paced, independent study courses by correspondence. Our diploma programs cover a variety of disciplines and are designed to help adult individuals in the furtherance of their intellectual interests or vocational development. Our goal is...

to provide flexible, convenient, and affordable educational programs.  Students may certainly choose to discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment by informing the school of an intention to do so. Some charges may apply depending on the duration of enrollment, the specific stage of course completion at the time of withdrawal, and the tuition account status. Cancellation policies and procedures are described in detail in our enrollment agreement, which is issued to all students. In this case, our records indicate the student enrolled in our Art program and then later decided to discontinue, informing the school beyond the expiry of the initial grace period, during which no charges are applicable.  The student was charged an appropriate administrative fee upon cancellation and she was advised as such at the time of her cancellation. No payment has since been forthcoming nor did the student respond to any of our subsequent attempts to contact her in that regard.  However, as a gesture of goodwill, we have now waived the outstanding account balance, and the file is now closed without any additional obligation on the student's part. I would certainly take issue with the description provided as to the student's conversation with one of our staff members. I would suggest rather that our employees do, in fact, make every effort to respond to all inquiries in a respectful and courteous manner.

Each individual case would, no doubt, be assessed in light of the particular situation. We certainly do our best to resolve any outstanding issues under the best possible terms and as fairly as possible. As mentioned previously, you are welcome to contact our Student Services department at your convenience to discuss options related to your course and to your tuition account.

I Understand there was a contract but when I read it I called because I didn't quite understand and the lady at Stratford Career Institute explained to me that this career was perfect for me and that after I get a diploma all I would need is an apprenticeships which I would have to set up. My question for you what would be the point of me taking this course if it means nothing why would I take a course that in no means is going to further me. Other then yes I would have a better idea and understanding of what I'm getting into. But I don't have the time or the money to waist on that. We can not afford 312.00 dollers we do not have that extra money. And regards to you sending me all the material I called after I had found this out I talked to a man there at your school I cancelled and told him I will send module 3 when it comes in theail and he said there is no point because it won't affect the cost of cancelling. I still have it still in the box I have all the books in excellent condition can I send you all of it back and not pay the $312.00 please. I can't stress enough that I can not afford this bill I have 5 children as I had said and a sick husband I can not just hand over that kind of money for no reason. Please consider this and understand I tryed calling a few times and no body there seems to care or want to listen to me. So I had to go to the next step and now I have your attention. [redacted] Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Regards,
[redacted]

SCI is a distance learning provider offering self-paced, independent study courses by correspondence. Our diploma programs cover a variety of disciplines and are designed to help adult individuals in the furtherance of their intellectual interests or vocational development. Our school has provided...

educational services to over one million students during the past twenty years, and our surveys have indicated a very high rate of satisfaction amongst our graduate respondents. The High School program offered by SCI is a general studies course designed to provide students with a sound knowledge of several key subject areas and to help them function more effectively in the job market. Prospective and current students are certainly well-advised to ensure that their chosen program is suitable for their own personal or career development objectives. The High School program is not intended to be a substitute for state-sponsored diploma or equivalency programs. This is explicitly stated in the descriptive program brochure, which students generally receive prior to enrolling in the program: "[this program] is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for state-sponsored High School or GED programs. Before enrolling, please ensure that this program meets your personal, educational and career objectives." It is our sincere intention that students clearly understand the nature of their program and derive significant benefits from their study. Access to our representatives is readily available to all prospective, current, and former students, and our employees make every effort to respond accurately and effectively to any questions and concerns that are raised. While the program is generally intended for employment purposes, the school cannot guarantee employment as a result of completion, a limitation of promise that is explicitly stated in our Tuition Protection Agreement. Employment prospects will, of course, depend on local demand and requirements, applicant quality, and many other factors. Students who do desire to pursue additional education at any other institution are strongly advised to investigate the specific admissions requirements that may be involved, as such requirements are defined by the individual institutions and will vary from place to place as well as over time. Students and prospective students may also find it productive to investigate any alternative admissions paths which may be available to them, such as mature student or ability to benefit status, whereby some academic requirements may be waived. Our Tuition Protection Agreement provides the following advice: "Do not assume that credits you earn at this institution will be transferable to any other college or university. Ensure that you check with the receiving institution." Please be aware that SCI does not currently claim any academic accreditation, nor have we ever done so. This information is freely provided to anyone who expresses an interest in the issue, and various qualifying statements are provided as appropriate in the course-specific brochures, course outlines, on our web site, and in our Tuition Protection Agreement. We have certainly never issued any claim that the program would meet the specific requirements for admission to any college or university or for any particular employment opportunity. Students may certainly choose to discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. Upon enrollment, students are provided with an initial grace period, during which time they have the option of canceling their studies without obligation by informing the school of an intention to do so. In cases where a cancellation request is received after the expiry of the standard withdrawal period and/or where some portion of the program has been completed, charges do apply for materials and services provided up to the time of the cancellation. Cancellation policies and procedures are described in detail in our Tuition Protection Agreement, to which terms the student agreed during his enrollment process. While it is certainly unfortunate that the course has not met with the student's present expectations or assumptions, SCI does not make claims that are inconsistent with the nature of the programs we provide. At this stage, the student has received and completed a significant portion of the program, submitting a total of eight exams during the period of his enrollment. He has been charged a partial amount in accordance with his tuition agreement, and the school is certainly justified in expecting payment of the outstanding balance of $215.60. The student is welcome to contact our Student Services department in order to make suitable payment arrangements. I would, of course, be happy to address any additional questions or concerns should the student wish to contact me directly through Student Services. SCI provides high-quality diploma programs by distance education, and we remain committed to maintaining a reasonable level of support for students and graduates in their efforts to reach their own career objectives. I would certainly invite the student to consider completing his program, or perhaps he would like to consider the option of a transfer to a different course of study. Beyond the academic achievement involved, any education a student receives is likely to provide a competitive advantage and increased effectiveness and opportunity, even where additional training or requirements may be mandated.

SCI is a distance
learning provider offering self-paced, independent study courses by
correspondence. Our diploma programs cover a variety of disciplines and are
designed to help adult individuals in the furtherance of their intellectual
interests or vocational development. Our school has...

provided educational
services to over one million students during the past twenty years, and our
surveys have indicated a very high rate of satisfaction amongst our graduate
respondents. The High School program offered by SCI is a general
studies course designed to provide students with a sound knowledge of
several key subject areas and to help them function more effectively in the job
market. Prospective and current students are certainly well-advised to ensure
that their chosen program is suitable for their own personal or career
development objectives. The High School program is not intended to be
a substitute for state-sponsored diploma or equivalency programs. This is
explicitly stated in the descriptive program brochure, which
students generally receive prior to enrolling in the program: "[this program] is not, nor is it intended to be, a
substitute for state-sponsored High School or GED programs. Before enrolling,
please ensure that this program meets your personal, educational and career
objectives." 
 
It is our sincere intention that students clearly
understand the nature of their program and derive significant benefits from
their study. Access to our representatives is readily available to all
prospective, current, and former students, and our employees make every effort
to respond accurately and effectively to any questions and concerns that are
raised. While the program is generally intended for employment
purposes, the school cannot guarantee employment as a result of completion,
a limitation of promise that is explicitly stated in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee. Employment prospects will, of course, depend on local
demand and requirements, applicant quality, and many other factors. Students who
do desire to pursue additional education at any other institution are strongly
advised to investigate the specific admissions requirements that may be
involved, as such requirements are defined by the individual institutions and
will vary from place to place as well as over time. Students and prospective
students may also find it productive to investigate any alternative admissions
paths which may be available to them, such as mature student or ability to
benefit status, whereby some academic requirements may be waived. Our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee provides the following
advice: "Do not assume that credits
you earn at this institution will be transferable to any other college or
university. Ensure that you check with the receiving
institution."Please be aware that SCI does not currently claim
any academic accreditation, nor have we ever done so. This information is freely
provided to anyone who expresses an interest in the issue, and various
qualifying statements are provided as appropriate in the course-specific
brochures, course outlines, on our web site, and in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee. We have
certainly never issued any claim that the program would meet the specific
requirements for admission to any college or university or for any particular
employment opportunity.
While it is certainly unfortunate that the course
has not apparently met with the student's present expectations or assumptions, SCI
does not make any claims that are inconsistent with the nature of the
programs we provide. In this case, the student's course of study, related services, and
completion documents have all been supplied in accordance with the student's
enrollment agreement, and the student has paid her tuition in keeping with
that agreement. The student has successfully
completed the program, graduating on July 15, 2015. She
did not evidently choose to contact the school with respect to academic accreditation or any related issue at any point prior to her graduation.
When she later did do so, on September 21, 2015, she
was accurately advised as to the nature of her course.
SCI
provides high-quality distance education programs and we remain
committed to maintaining a reasonable level of support for students and
graduates in their efforts to reach their own career objectives. I would maintain that the education provided through this course of
study may very well assist both employment prospects and effectiveness, and it
should remain a positive supplement to any other training or educational
path the student may wish to follow. Beyond the academic achievement involved, any education a

student receives is likely to provide a competitive advantage and
increased
effectiveness and opportunity, even where additional training or
requirements
may be mandated. We would certainly be pleased to
accommodate the student should reference letters or transcripts be required to
assist in any future endeavors she may choose to
undertake.

Stratford Career Institute (SCI) is a distance learning provider offering diploma programs as self-paced, independent study by correspondence. Our programs cover a wide variety of disciplines, and are designed to help individuals in the furtherance of their vocational training or intellectual...

interests. Our goal is to accommodate adult individuals through flexible, convenient, and affordable educational programs.   Students may certainly choose to discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI by informing the school of an intention to do so. Some charges may apply depending on the duration of enrollment, the specific stage of course completion at the time of withdrawal, and the tuition account status. Cancellation policies and procedures are described in detail in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee, to which terms the student has agreed during her online enrollment process.   In this case, the student enrolled in two separate study programs. The student has received and completed significant portions of both courses, and she remains responsible for an outstanding balance on both accounts. The school is certainly justified in expecting payment of these outstanding amounts, which have been assessed in keeping with the student's enrollment agreement.    The student is, however, certainly welcome to contact our Student Services department at her convenience to discuss her options in that regard. We will do our best to resolve the situation under the best possible terms. I would certainly invite the student to complete her programs. We are proud to provide high-quality distance education programs and we remain, of course, willing to provide the materials and services required for successful completion.

Stratford Career Institute (SCI) is a distance learning provider offering diploma programs as self-paced, independent study by correspondence. Our programs cover a wide variety of disciplines, and are designed to help individuals in the furtherance of their vocational training or intellectual...

interests. Our goal is to accommodate adult individuals through flexible, convenient, and affordable educational programs. Students may certainly choose to discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI by informing the school of an intention to do so. Some charges may apply depending on the duration of enrollment, the specific stage of course completion at the time of withdrawal, and the tuition account status. Cancellation policies and procedures are described in detail in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee, which is issued to our students. In this case, our records indicate that the school was advised of the student's decision to cancel his course of study well after the initial withdrawal period had already expired, and as a result the student was charged an administrative fee in keeping with the tuition contract. The school is justified in expecting payment of the outstanding balance. We have, however, waived the outstanding balance of account as a gesture of goodwill, and this file is now closed. Should the student have any additional questions or concerns, or should he wish to reconsider the cancellation of his program, he is welcome to contact our Student Services department at his convenience.

Our school is a distance learning provider offering self-paced, independent study courses by correspondence or online. Our diploma programs cover a variety of disciplines and are designed to help adult individuals in the furtherance of their intellectual interests or vocational development. Our goal...

is to provide flexible, convenient, and affordable educational programs. Information concerning the content and the nature of our study programs is clearly available through our website, our descriptive program brochures, or by contacting the school directly.    Students who successfully complete a program with the school most certainly do receive a diploma and an official transcript of grades shortly afterward. Although mail delivery issues in that respect are not impossible, it is not my understanding that the problem is at all a common one, and the school would certainly make every reasonable effort to remedy such a situation as quickly as possible.In this case, the record does indicate the student graduated from our Florist/Floral Design and that her completion documents were originally issued to her on November 25, 2016. The student subsequently contacted the school via email to advise us that she had not received those documents, explaining at the time that she had received information from a local police agency about an incidence of theft involving her mail. The student's completion documents were accordingly reprinted, at no additional cost to the student, and were mailed for a second time on January 27, 2017 to the address confirmed by the student. The student was advised by email to expect the documents, and she replied to confirm her understanding. No mail was ever returned to the school to indicate any delivery problem. It was, quite reasonably, our understanding that the issue had then been resolved. Indeed, the student did not contact the school again to express any concern related to the subject until approximately one year later, on January 23, 2018, when she emailed our Student Services department to request a copy of her diploma. The school does, of course, provide a range of administrative services for students and graduates, including any document reprints that may be required. We are happy to provide those services. We do so on a routine basis with, I would suggest, a considerable degree of success. However, as the student was correctly advised on this occasion, the particular service she is now requesting does involve an additional charge, to which end the student is welcome to contact our Student Services department at her convenience.

SCI is a distance learning provider offering self-paced, independent study courses by correspondence. Our diploma programs cover a variety of disciplines and are designed to help adult individuals in the furtherance of their intellectual interests or vocational development. Our school has provided...

educational services to over one million students during the past twenty years, and our surveys have indicated a very high rate of satisfaction amongst our graduate respondents. The High School program offered by SCI is a general studies course designed to provide students with a sound knowledge of several key subject areas and to help them function more effectively, especially in the job market. Prospective and current students are certainly well-advised to ensure that their chosen program is suitable for their own personal or career development objectives. The High School program is not intended to be a substitute for state-sponsored diploma or equivalency programs. This is explicitly stated in the program brochure as well as elsewhere: "[this program] is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for state-sponsored High School or GED programs. Before enrolling, please ensure that this program meets your personal, educational and career objectives."   It is our sincere intention that students clearly understand the nature of their program and derive significant benefits from their study. Access to our representatives is readily available to all prospective, current, and former students, and our employees make every effort to respond accurately and effectively to any questions and concerns that are raised. While the program is generally intended for employment purposes, the school cannot guarantee employment as a result of completion, a limitation of promise that is explicitly stated in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee. Employment prospects will, of course, depend on local demand and requirements, applicant quality, and many other factors. Students who do desire to pursue additional education at any other institution are strongly advised to investigate the specific admissions requirements that may be involved, as such requirements are defined by the individual institutions and will vary from place to place as well as over time. Students and prospective students may also find it productive to investigate any alternative admissions paths which may be available to them, such as mature student or ability to benefit status, whereby some academic requirements may be waived. Our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee provides the following advice: "Do not assume that credits you earn at this institution will be transferable to any other college or university. Ensure that you check with the receiving institution." Please be aware that SCI does not currently claim any academic accreditation, nor have we ever done so. This information is freely provided to anyone who expresses an interest in the issue, and various qualifying statements are provided as appropriate in the course-specific brochures, course outlines, on our web site, and in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee, which the student has signed. We have certainly never issued any claim that the program would meet the specific requirements for admission to any college or university or for any particular employment opportunity. While it is certainly unfortunate that the course has not apparently met with the student's present expectations or assumptions, our school does not make claims that are inconsistent with the nature of the programs we provide. In this case, the student's course of study, related services, and completion documents have all been supplied in accordance with the student's enrollment agreement, and the student has paid his tuition in keeping with that agreement. The student has successfully completed and graduated from the program. SCI provides high-quality distance education programs and we remain committed to maintaining a reasonable level of support for students and graduates in their efforts to reach their own career objectives. I would maintain that the education provided through this course of study may very well assist both employment prospects and effectiveness, and it should remain a positive supplement to any other training or educational path the student may wish to follow. Beyond the academic achievement involved, any education a student receives is likely to provide a competitive advantage and increased effectiveness and opportunity, even where additional training or requirements may be mandated. We would certainly be pleased to accommodate the student should reference letters or transcripts be required to assist in any future endeavors he may choose to undertake.

Stratford Career Institute (SCI) is a distance learning provider offering diploma programs as self-paced, independent study by correspondence. Our programs cover a wide variety of disciplines, and are designed to help individuals in the furtherance of their vocational training or intellectual...

interests. Our goal is to accommodate adult individuals through flexible, convenient, and affordable educational programs. Students may certainly choose to discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI by informing the school of an intention to do so. Some charges may apply depending on the duration of enrollment, the specific stage of course completion at the time of withdrawal, and the tuition account status. Cancellation policies and procedures are described in detail in our Tuition Contract and Service Guarantee, to which terms the student has agreed during her online enrollment process. These terms are also posted and are available for review on the school's website. In this case, the student enrolled in our Creative Writing program on October 26, 2016. The initial set of study material was shipped the following day and was evidently delivered on November 1, 2016. The material was not returned, nor did the student evidently choose to contact the school to express any desire to discontinue her studies until after the expiry of the initial withdrawal period (during which time students may discontinue without obligation). When the student did first contact the school in that regard on December 12, 2016, the student's request was immediately processed, and the student was advised that she would be responsible for an administrative fee in keeping with the terms of her agreement. The school is certainly justified in expecting payment of the outstanding tuition balance, which is $90.73.  The student is welcome to contact our Student Services department at her convenience to discuss her options in that regard. We will do our best to resolve the situation under the best possible terms. At the same time, I would certainly invite the student to consider completing her program. We are proud to provide high-quality distance education programs and we remain, of course, willing to provide the materials and services required for successful completion.

Stratford Career Institute (SCI) is a distance learning provider offering diploma programs as self-paced, independent study by correspondence. Our programs cover a wide variety of disciplines, and are designed to help individuals in the furtherance of their vocational training or intellectual...

interests. Our goal is to accommodate adult individuals through flexible, convenient, and affordable educational programs. Stratford Career Institute is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The Institute does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, and other Institute administered programs and activities. Some of the student's concerns expressed in the present message are not entirely clear to me. Our tuition agreement does stipulate a period of five days during which a student is welcome to discontinue a program without any obligation to the school. Beyond that period, some charges do apply. Cancellation policies and procedures are described in detail in our Tuition Protection Agreement, to which terms the student agreed during her online enrollment process, and which document is posted on our website should the student wish to review the details. Please also note that consideration may generally be extended where cancellation is demonstrated to be required for health or medical reasons. While our Admissions representatives will certainly return phone calls in a situation where a message has been left with us, I would like to make it clear that they do not otherwise make outgoing sales calls. Both enrollments indicated in the present complaint were conducted through our online enrollment process without the involvement of any Admissions representative. Our records indicate that the student's Beauty Care program, previously cancelled, was reactivated at the student's request just yesterday, on August 4, 2016. At that time, she asked to be supplied with some replacement material related to her initial study module, which material is set to ship out to her shortly. With respect to the Fashion Merchandising & Design program, the record indicates that the student chose to withdraw approximately one month subsequent to her enrollment and the account currently shows an outstanding balance of $159.00. Should the student wish to bring the account up to date and continue with the program, she is certainly welcome to do so. In any event, I would welcome the opportunity to address the student's specific concerns, and to assist to the best of my ability in resolving any residual issues, should the student wish to contact me directly through our Student Services department.

Stratford Career Institute (SCI) is a distance learning provider offering diploma programs as self-paced, independent study by correspondence. Our programs cover a wide variety of disciplines, and are designed to help individuals in the furtherance of their vocational training or intellectual...

interests. Our goal is to accommodate adult individuals through flexible, convenient, and affordable educational programs.In this case, the student did indeed graduate from his course of study on March 7, 2016, and his completion documents were issued to him through the postal service on March 18, 2016.  The documents have not been returned to the school as of this date. The student contacted the school by telephone on April 12, 2016 to advise us that he had not yet received those papers. As a consequence, the completion documents were reprinted, at no additional cost to the student, and were mailed once again on April 25, 2016 to the address confirmed by the student. I would expect that the student will receive that second mailing shortly, if he has not already. I would offer my apologies for any inconvenience this delay may cause. If the student has any additional questions or concerns with respect to this issue, I would ask that he contact me directly through our Student Services department at his convenience.

The High School course offered by our school is a general studies program designed to provide students with a sound knowledge of several key subject areas and to help them function more effectively, especially in the employment market. The program is not, however, intended to substitute for...

state-sponsored diploma or equivalency programs. Particular schools and employers may not recognize completion of the program as high school equivalency. SCI does not currently claim any academic accreditation, nor have we ever done so. While the program is generally intended for employment purposes, the school cannot guarantee employment as a result of completion. Employment prospects will, of course, depend on local demand and requirements, applicant quality, and many other factors. Students who do desire to pursue additional education at any other institution are strongly advised to investigate the specific admissions requirements that may be involved, as such requirements are defined by the individual institutions and will vary from place to place as well as over time. Students should not assume that successful completion of our program will allow for admission to a particular school, college, or university. In some cases, students may have access to alternative admissions paths whereby some traditional criteria are waived, and in other instances, students may be required to pass a state GED exam to show their college readiness. While it is unfortunate that the course has not apparently met with the student's present expectations or assumptions, in this case, the student has already received and completed a majority of his program since his enrollment in the program on January 4, 2010, and his tuition has been paid in accordance with the student's enrollment agreement. Any decision to discontinue the program at this stage would not result in any change to the applicable tuition. SCI provides high-quality distance education programs, and I would maintain that the education provided through this course of study may very well assist both employment prospects and effectiveness, and it should remain a positive supplement to any other training or educational path the student may wish to follow. I would certainly invite the student to consider completing his program. Beyond the academic achievement involved, any education a student receives is likely to provide a competitive advantage and increased effectiveness and opportunity, even where additional training or requirements may be mandated or desirable.

Thank you for your message. I did try to reach the student yesterday by telephone, but I was unsuccessful. It is possible that I tried to use an incorrect or out-dated telephone number. In any event, I was able to speak with the student today by telephone, at which point an offer was extended to resolve both of her outstanding accounts upon payment of the reduced amounts that the student apparently indicates and evidently agrees to. We remain happy to do that, and I have asked our accounts department to advise the outside agency accordingly so that they may adjust their records.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
Regards,
[redacted]