AIU ONLINE SCAM-I USE TO WORK THERE Chicago illinois Internet
First and foremost, I would like to state that most schools today are being conducted by "salespeople" or "admissions advisors". Most schools are for profit and have to make money, so they have to find a way for people to choose their school over others. HOWEVER, AIU online is a scam...they do not care about their students. When I worked there, the pressure to get so many enrollments a month was so great, that the "admissions advisors" were doing very unethical things IE telling students to lie about where they worked so that they can be "education partners: and get there $50 app fee waived, forging signatures on documents and telling students to sent them FA docs. The bad part about this is that the DOAs (the bosses) knew about what was going on and let most people get away with it! It was literally a revolving door, I was there for 2 years only because although I sold very well my first few months, I got pregant and went on an early maternity leave because the job had gotten sooo depressing, and my doctor said the stress was putting me at risk for early labor. So my last few months there, I got paid for sitting at home, and I'm glad I did. For anyone who has morals and ethical views, the job is HORRIBLE. Although I was one of the few educated employees there (BA from U of I), when I first started in 2005, most of their admissions advisors did not even have degrees themselves, they were uneducated unprofessional and fairly ignorant people (thus the infamous "script"). It is true about having to sleep your way to the top as well. In my two years I witnessed two perky blonds with huge breasts get promoted over well qualified, more deserving but not so attractive employees. One of the girls was not even there for two whole months before she was promoted to a "senior" advisor by my DOA whose initials are KJ. There were at least 4 other people on my team who were there longer and had gotten WAAY more enrollments, had better attitudes, and possessed great leadership skills than she did. Furthermore, when a team hits there "budget" of enrollments, the DOAs get big fat bonuses. No wonder SACS put them on accreditation probation for 2 years in 2006. My advice: Don't buy stock, it'll be another Enron, and don't enroll. There is no guarantee they will always have their accreditation, they are skating on thin ice right now, and they could care less about you. I honestly don't believe there are even real professors. We never met or spoke with any, so for all we know it could be anybody conducting these online courses. For all of you who are defending this school, you are talking from the outside. Take it from someone from the inside...I KNOW what was going on. And take this with you as well, a James Upshaw was arrested a little while ago for extoring money...this same man was promoted to a student manager at my site (Cumberland) for exceeding his enrollment goals immensely. This same man had access to applicants addresses, phone numbers, birthdays and social security numbers, and AIU did not care because he was bringing in numbers.
Carmen
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.
12 Updates & Rebuttals
Lasseterja
Virginia Beach,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Online Learning is not a ripoff
#13Consumer Comment
Wed, March 26, 2008
AIU Online and other online universities such as Capella, Strayer, University of Phoenix, etc. have fairly a large following among working adults. While spending 23 years in the US Navy, I ran across many Sailors that had obtained a degree from AIU and were completely satisfied with the curriculum and the recognition of the degree. I personally earned my BS through Excelsior College, Albany NY but am quite interested in a graduate degree from AIU. I contacted them and was quite impressed with their curriculum, standards and learning environment. I haven't noticed any hard sales tactics.
Currently, I am a Training Specialist for a large company dealing with DoD contracts. AIU is recognized and accredited in the training industry. This is important to me because I will continue in the training environment for my next career after the US Navy. Additionally they are an approved university for my MGIB and offer a 15% savings for military personnel and veterans. These are major points to me but they may not be for others.
Moreover, AIU took notice of their probationary status and made the necessary changes to gain full accreditation through the Southern Association of College and Schools. If I learned one thing in all my years, making a mistake is not a true indicator of character; it is what you do after that mistake that defines character. Call me silly but I appreciate the fact that they were under scrutiny for a year or two and succeeded in gaining full accreditation. The attempts by many to question federal funding, accreditation are not backed up by the facts. The Veteran's Administration, regional accrediting institutions and corporate America have shown their approval of online learning because the overwhelming evidence supports these are fine educational institutions on par with traditional universities in every respect. The public vs. private institution has no relevance to this discussion at all.
I'm still unsure if I will attend AIU but many of these posts seem to lack the understanding that Online learning is vastly different to a traditional learning environment. Yes, the courses are fast paced and retention can suffer. However, that is more a reflection on the student than the curriculum. What you get out of the courseware it is directly proportional to what you put into. Retention only happens through repeated exposure.
If one feels they are not retaining the material, spend more short sessions of course study/review and not one or two sessions. This is called chunking information. The Science of Learning is definitive on how we learn. I remember the days of cramming for exams and felt when I walked out, I knew nothing. Truth was, I didn't. Had I spent five or more study sessions of lesser time, I would have been better prepared and retained the knowledge much longer.
Lastly, I can't address the personal beliefs of ex-employees. I am certain they have their reasons for their opinions. However, when things get personal, I have noticed that objectivity often suffers. Again no flames intended, I just try to scan past these types of posts.
Will I attend AIU, who knows. I am looking at Strayer, Jones International, Capella and others. One thing I like about all these, AIU included, is that they have curriculum that fits my busy life style and the courses seem more relevant to current trends in the work force. It appears to me that traditional universities are less flexible and are a step behind the work force in some instances.
This is not a knock on traditional learning; I would love to have the time to dedicate to learning the traditional way but until that happens, I like the latest offerings from the Online Universities. It is a great alternative for working professionals without sacrificing the quality of instruction. Those that think only Brick and Mortar colleges and universities are the only source for quality education are simply out of touch. Both Corporate America and the Defense Industry rely heavily on the Online Learning model to train and educate their employees with great success.
Lasseterja
Virginia Beach,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Online Learning is not a ripoff
#13Consumer Comment
Wed, March 26, 2008
AIU Online and other online universities such as Capella, Strayer, University of Phoenix, etc. have fairly a large following among working adults. While spending 23 years in the US Navy, I ran across many Sailors that had obtained a degree from AIU and were completely satisfied with the curriculum and the recognition of the degree. I personally earned my BS through Excelsior College, Albany NY but am quite interested in a graduate degree from AIU. I contacted them and was quite impressed with their curriculum, standards and learning environment. I haven't noticed any hard sales tactics.
Currently, I am a Training Specialist for a large company dealing with DoD contracts. AIU is recognized and accredited in the training industry. This is important to me because I will continue in the training environment for my next career after the US Navy. Additionally they are an approved university for my MGIB and offer a 15% savings for military personnel and veterans. These are major points to me but they may not be for others.
Moreover, AIU took notice of their probationary status and made the necessary changes to gain full accreditation through the Southern Association of College and Schools. If I learned one thing in all my years, making a mistake is not a true indicator of character; it is what you do after that mistake that defines character. Call me silly but I appreciate the fact that they were under scrutiny for a year or two and succeeded in gaining full accreditation. The attempts by many to question federal funding, accreditation are not backed up by the facts. The Veteran's Administration, regional accrediting institutions and corporate America have shown their approval of online learning because the overwhelming evidence supports these are fine educational institutions on par with traditional universities in every respect. The public vs. private institution has no relevance to this discussion at all.
I'm still unsure if I will attend AIU but many of these posts seem to lack the understanding that Online learning is vastly different to a traditional learning environment. Yes, the courses are fast paced and retention can suffer. However, that is more a reflection on the student than the curriculum. What you get out of the courseware it is directly proportional to what you put into. Retention only happens through repeated exposure.
If one feels they are not retaining the material, spend more short sessions of course study/review and not one or two sessions. This is called chunking information. The Science of Learning is definitive on how we learn. I remember the days of cramming for exams and felt when I walked out, I knew nothing. Truth was, I didn't. Had I spent five or more study sessions of lesser time, I would have been better prepared and retained the knowledge much longer.
Lastly, I can't address the personal beliefs of ex-employees. I am certain they have their reasons for their opinions. However, when things get personal, I have noticed that objectivity often suffers. Again no flames intended, I just try to scan past these types of posts.
Will I attend AIU, who knows. I am looking at Strayer, Jones International, Capella and others. One thing I like about all these, AIU included, is that they have curriculum that fits my busy life style and the courses seem more relevant to current trends in the work force. It appears to me that traditional universities are less flexible and are a step behind the work force in some instances.
This is not a knock on traditional learning; I would love to have the time to dedicate to learning the traditional way but until that happens, I like the latest offerings from the Online Universities. It is a great alternative for working professionals without sacrificing the quality of instruction. Those that think only Brick and Mortar colleges and universities are the only source for quality education are simply out of touch. Both Corporate America and the Defense Industry rely heavily on the Online Learning model to train and educate their employees with great success.
Mr. J
Miami,Florida,
U.S.A.
AIU
#13Consumer Comment
Wed, March 26, 2008
Hello all,
Before I start let me tell you that I have a BIT from AIU. I am not and never were an employee. Some of you former and future posters tend to believe, that because someone credits an organization you apose, it means that they work for said organization. Although it does occur, this is not always the case. Also, do not jump on a poster merely because they have a spelling error or two. That just shows that your looking for any reason to discredit certain information without any real proof. Frankly, makes you look bad and not the poster. And posters, a few spelling errors is not a big deal. But if your post looks like you were taught to speak english from 'Billy Bob' in the trailer park or 'Pookie and Dem' in the ghetto, you will be subject to disagreeable coments. You cannot argue that your Masters in Business is worth anything if you speak/write at a 5th Grade level. So, before you press your ignorance button, please read the entire post. Thank you.
My Experience:
I graduated AIU with Bachelors in Information Technology and a 3.10 GPA (That is about average) . Currently I am in the Masters Degree Program and have not seen any issues with my degree yet. I eventually wish to finish my Ph.D in IT. Before I attended to this school I preveiously attended; Miami-Dade College, and Florida International University. I currently have a postion at a large oil brokerage making $42,000 per year. That is almost $10,000 more than any of the other employees in my department save for my manager. I also, have less experience than about 8 other employees in a department of 11. I was told upon my hiring that I was not only considerd, but hired with that high salary because of my degree.
My thoughts:
Some say that no one will take an online degree. This is false. I'd say about 70% of employers will take this degree (from personal experience) if you say it is an online degree. This is not because of the education at AIU is 'no-good'. This is actually because of all the 'Degree-Mill's' that are running rampant. For those of you that don't know, a degree mill is a company (that may or may not be connected to a college/university) that sells you a degree for writing a short essay on your life experiences. This obviously a garbage degree. Henceforth, any type of degree that comes from an online source is deamed 'Garbage' because people press thier igorance button instead of doing some research. Remember this people. AIU is also, one of the largest batteries of 'brick and mortar' schools in the country. They have many campuses and are also know as a traditional university. The only way any company is going to know it is from the online school and not the brick and mortar school is if you tell them. If you re ask, 'Where you got your degree'? Tell them, 'American intercontinental University'. You are not at all being dishonest. If they ask you, 'where is it located'? Tell them either the nearest campus location or 'Georgia'. They may ask you if you lived in Georgia. You can say, 'No, I took my classes online'. Because, many popular, traditional, universities are implimenting this, they wont think twice about it. None of this is being dishonest at all. The University of Georgia has classes online as does FIU and UF. Now, say you took classes online with them. Would you say, 'I went to FIU Online or UF Online'? No, you wouldn't. AIU is a few years older than FIU, and started as a traditional university. Should they be berated for being one of the first schools to jump on a new way to teach? As for transferring. I personally called FIU, UM, And UofG to see if they would take transfer credits or transfer degrees from AIU and they all said yes.
I don't know much about the working conditions there. But if they are that corrupt, it should be brought to the attention of the state govornment. That sounds like sweat shop work to me. As for the student aquisition practices, I personally was not subject to them. They did call me about once every few days before I made a decision. I have been out of school for a while (to get my IT certs) and I've recieved about 2 or 3 calls in the last 5 months to re-enroll. Maybe this only new to new students. That part I don't know to much about.
Also, before we start crying that this degree is so useless, lets look at ourselves. How much experience to you have? What is your degree major? These have a lot to do with getting your desired job. It doesn't matter what shool you go to. If you have a bachelors degree with no experience, they will lagh you right out of the door. I had to intern and sometimes work for peanuts/free to get my experience. I currently have six years in my field. Also, if you get your bachelors in Criminal Justice, Business, Interior Decoration, etc., you are asking for trouble. Make sure you get a dregree in something that is in demand or that pays pretty well. Because, if you come on this forum complaining that your degree didn't make you more money as a social worker or ny of the previous fields, thaen you obviously don't know what you are talking about. Those careers that I mentioned, as well s others will definately not make you $50,000 or more unless there are extremely rare circumstances. I do know that a lot of the online students are stay-at-home moms with no experience. Do you really think that someone will hire you just because you got a degree. Not in today's world. So, if you fall into this category, dont disrespect the degree.
Just wanted to add:
A lot of posters, like to throw around that AIU is such a horrible school because it hs a 'Warning' status with SACS. NEWS FLASH: AIU is off of 'Warning' status but the University of Miami is on 'Warning' status!!!!!! Lets not all have a heart attack now, but none of you can say UM is a scam for this reason can you? No, but you love to say it is one of the main reasons AIU is a scam.
Tuition:
AIU is a private school. You cannot really complain about the price. Both the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University are private schools and are more expensive.
Again, I am not an undercover employee of AIU. I keep saying this becuse there immature posters out thier who assume tht since I don't xactly agree with them, that I work for the opposing company.
Margaret
Houston,Texas,
U.S.A.
FAKE SCHOOL
#13Consumer Comment
Sun, March 23, 2008
SCHOOL IS STILL NOT REAL
AIU is still not a real school. None of their credits transfer anywhere, except to maybe another one of those junk, fake on line schools.
All brick & morter colleges and community colleges offer on line classes now at reasonable state tuition rates. If everyone would just stop this Bull$#*& of attending these rip off places of higher education, you would not be getting yourselves in a financial bind, or having these rip off companies trying to ruin your credit. Then UOP, AXIA, STRAYER, CAPELLA, and who ever else Jon Doe for profit schools will close up shop and be gone for good!
These on line schools are a 100% rip off. I have taken a few on line classes through one of my local community college's and I am satisfied to know that its 100% accredited and transferable to any 4 year university, no questions asked.
Please everyone, stop giving yourself a heartache
Margaret
Houston,Texas,
U.S.A.
FAKE SCHOOL
#13Consumer Comment
Sun, March 23, 2008
SCHOOL IS STILL NOT REAL
AIU is still not a real school. None of their credits transfer anywhere, except to maybe another one of those junk, fake on line schools.
All brick & morter colleges and community colleges offer on line classes now at reasonable state tuition rates. If everyone would just stop this Bull$#*& of attending these rip off places of higher education, you would not be getting yourselves in a financial bind, or having these rip off companies trying to ruin your credit. Then UOP, AXIA, STRAYER, CAPELLA, and who ever else Jon Doe for profit schools will close up shop and be gone for good!
These on line schools are a 100% rip off. I have taken a few on line classes through one of my local community college's and I am satisfied to know that its 100% accredited and transferable to any 4 year university, no questions asked.
Please everyone, stop giving yourself a heartache
Margaret
Houston,Texas,
U.S.A.
FAKE SCHOOL
#13Consumer Comment
Sun, March 23, 2008
SCHOOL IS STILL NOT REAL
AIU is still not a real school. None of their credits transfer anywhere, except to maybe another one of those junk, fake on line schools.
All brick & morter colleges and community colleges offer on line classes now at reasonable state tuition rates. If everyone would just stop this Bull$#*& of attending these rip off places of higher education, you would not be getting yourselves in a financial bind, or having these rip off companies trying to ruin your credit. Then UOP, AXIA, STRAYER, CAPELLA, and who ever else Jon Doe for profit schools will close up shop and be gone for good!
These on line schools are a 100% rip off. I have taken a few on line classes through one of my local community college's and I am satisfied to know that its 100% accredited and transferable to any 4 year university, no questions asked.
Please everyone, stop giving yourself a heartache
Margaret
Houston,Texas,
U.S.A.
FAKE SCHOOL
#13Consumer Comment
Sun, March 23, 2008
SCHOOL IS STILL NOT REAL
AIU is still not a real school. None of their credits transfer anywhere, except to maybe another one of those junk, fake on line schools.
All brick & morter colleges and community colleges offer on line classes now at reasonable state tuition rates. If everyone would just stop this Bull$#*& of attending these rip off places of higher education, you would not be getting yourselves in a financial bind, or having these rip off companies trying to ruin your credit. Then UOP, AXIA, STRAYER, CAPELLA, and who ever else Jon Doe for profit schools will close up shop and be gone for good!
These on line schools are a 100% rip off. I have taken a few on line classes through one of my local community college's and I am satisfied to know that its 100% accredited and transferable to any 4 year university, no questions asked.
Please everyone, stop giving yourself a heartache
Shellbell88
Cincinnati,Ohio,
U.S.A.
AIU IS NOT A SCAM!!!
#13Consumer Comment
Sat, March 22, 2008
Ok... first of all.. I've been enrolled at AIU since January and I have had a wonderful experience. I have learned more in the past 2-3 months than I did in 4 years of highschool. I was reading someone's comment about them being angry because they had to read the books to find out information on their own... I laughed... that was the dumbest thing I've ever read in my life! Of course you have to read on your own! The teachers aren't going to read FOR YOU! That's how you learn, they give you the assingment, and if you have any questions they are there to help you. Send them an email. I have not had any problems with this school. Yes it's pricey, but it's just as much as any other university.
I really wish people would stop speaking negetively about AIU. If you had a bad experience then maybe college isn't for you. If you don't like to read and have home work then don't apply for college. The people complaining are bitter b/c they didn't get free A's and it was actually a challenge. This school is fully accredited and they have great staff. They challenge you and help to make you a better you.
I just think it's funny to read some of these comments complaining about havin to read too much, or there was too much work. Um hello... what did you think it was gonna be like?? It's college! It's not gonna be a free ride... and it's going to be expensive. If you don't pay atleast 10,000 for an education, then your not getting an education. And for this person who says they were on the "inside" ya ok... how did we know you didn't get fired? or laid off? How do we know that your not just trying to get back at the Unviersity???
Shellbell88
Cincinnati,Ohio,
U.S.A.
AIU IS NOT A SCAM!!!
#13Consumer Comment
Sat, March 22, 2008
Ok... first of all.. I've been enrolled at AIU since January and I have had a wonderful experience. I have learned more in the past 2-3 months than I did in 4 years of highschool. I was reading someone's comment about them being angry because they had to read the books to find out information on their own... I laughed... that was the dumbest thing I've ever read in my life! Of course you have to read on your own! The teachers aren't going to read FOR YOU! That's how you learn, they give you the assingment, and if you have any questions they are there to help you. Send them an email. I have not had any problems with this school. Yes it's pricey, but it's just as much as any other university.
I really wish people would stop speaking negetively about AIU. If you had a bad experience then maybe college isn't for you. If you don't like to read and have home work then don't apply for college. The people complaining are bitter b/c they didn't get free A's and it was actually a challenge. This school is fully accredited and they have great staff. They challenge you and help to make you a better you.
I just think it's funny to read some of these comments complaining about havin to read too much, or there was too much work. Um hello... what did you think it was gonna be like?? It's college! It's not gonna be a free ride... and it's going to be expensive. If you don't pay atleast 10,000 for an education, then your not getting an education. And for this person who says they were on the "inside" ya ok... how did we know you didn't get fired? or laid off? How do we know that your not just trying to get back at the Unviersity???
Shellbell88
Cincinnati,Ohio,
U.S.A.
AIU IS NOT A SCAM!!!
#13Consumer Comment
Sat, March 22, 2008
Ok... first of all.. I've been enrolled at AIU since January and I have had a wonderful experience. I have learned more in the past 2-3 months than I did in 4 years of highschool. I was reading someone's comment about them being angry because they had to read the books to find out information on their own... I laughed... that was the dumbest thing I've ever read in my life! Of course you have to read on your own! The teachers aren't going to read FOR YOU! That's how you learn, they give you the assingment, and if you have any questions they are there to help you. Send them an email. I have not had any problems with this school. Yes it's pricey, but it's just as much as any other university.
I really wish people would stop speaking negetively about AIU. If you had a bad experience then maybe college isn't for you. If you don't like to read and have home work then don't apply for college. The people complaining are bitter b/c they didn't get free A's and it was actually a challenge. This school is fully accredited and they have great staff. They challenge you and help to make you a better you.
I just think it's funny to read some of these comments complaining about havin to read too much, or there was too much work. Um hello... what did you think it was gonna be like?? It's college! It's not gonna be a free ride... and it's going to be expensive. If you don't pay atleast 10,000 for an education, then your not getting an education. And for this person who says they were on the "inside" ya ok... how did we know you didn't get fired? or laid off? How do we know that your not just trying to get back at the Unviersity???
Steve
Lombard,Illinois,
U.S.A.
CEC is the problem---Not AIU
#13UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, March 18, 2008
I too am a former employee of AIU/CEC. Is it "sales"? For the most part yes. The issue isn't AIU though. AIU is not an online school". It began in 1972 and sice there was no internet in 1972 they weren't deemed "online education". They were on of the pioneers of online learning and that did cause problems in the past that cost them dearly now. The school is fine. Don't give me the BS that employees don't hire AIU graduates. Many fortune 500 companies are education partners with AIU and the Military recommends AIU on their websites (Check out the go-army website). There are many reasons people aren't getting work. My former company of 20 years prior to AIU just went under (Bear Stearns) and many other companies are having hiring freezes due to the economy. It sucks but that's how it is right now.
As far as CEC---- They don't care about the employees or the students. I have read about the new CEO and I'm hopeful for my friends who still work there that he will be able to fix some of the problems with the company (not the school itself). CEC/AIU managers have "favorites" and no manager over 40, 35 for that matter. Many qualified people over 35 have applied for management positions and have been turned down. Age discrimination? I think so but it's impossible to prove. CEC has also ran a few schools into the ground and REFUSED to sell them for a discount to another company. Now 200 people are out of work with more to come. But again, that's business. In fact, if I were CEO I would cut down the staff in all departments, even shutting down an office or two to cut costs. Heartless? No more than they are now. Each office has 6-10 "Directors". Does any place NEED that many managers? Nowhere I've ever worked. Not for the same department. But CEC takes care of the "favorites" as long as the "favorites" come back from their Monday meetings (Every Monday they have managers meetings in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates) and pitch the company propoganda. I made the mistake of telling a student what I think of CEC and that cost my job.
Can you make it at AIU as a student? Yes, as long as you're willing to put the time and effort in. Can you make it as an employee? Yes, as long as you can work 55 hours a week, hit your ESP (Read: quota), kiss some tail, and pitch the propoganda to your co-workers. You do that and you can be one of "them"
Brandon
Champaign,Illinois,
U.S.A.
Carmen
#13Consumer Comment
Fri, March 14, 2008
If your last name is Ehlers, i need to talk to you. Myself and about 50 others are getting involved in a class action lawsuit, and having you on our side for testimony will be priceless.
I implore you to respond.
(((ROR REDACTED)))
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