Complaint Review: Regency Beauty Institute

For any Student looking for a Cosmetology School to attend, I wanted to post my Mid-Term Survey that the school provides each student after 750 hours.  Instead of just turning it in to the Campus Manager (because I felt that it would not get to the Corporate Office), I made sure to fax it to the President of the company.  I had at least 7 other student aggee with and sign the bottom of my survey.  The outcome:  The Area Manager promptly came to the Campus to question each student that signed the survey, because of the "supposed lies" throughout the survey.  The survey is all truth, I have no reason to lie.  I only wanted the education that I paid for, and still have yet to receive.  I never received any sort of response from Corporte, nor have I seen changes in the daily BS that continues to go on. 

Midterm Survey September 15, 2009 Program: Cosmetology Campus: Columbia, SC

1. What have you enjoyed the most about your education? Initially, I was very excited about attending this school, mostly because of all of the promises made by Regency prior to signing the contract. Page 4 of the Student Handbook states that the Regency philosophy is based on rewards for students, personal attention, and intense hands on service, and retail experiences in an environment mirroring an upscale salon. I have spent much time in upscale salons, and none of the Regency philosophies come close to mirroring such an environment. Based on discussions prior to enrolling, this is exactly what I was looking for when it came to making a decision on which school I had wanted to attend. Sound like a bit of false advertising according to the Regency Student Handbook and the campus manager. After numerous conversations with several other Regency students, it would be a very true statement stating that over 75% of the current students are completely unsatisfied with the education (or lack of) they are receiving. Some have contacted the Campus Manager, others have spoken with the Regional Manager, and others have contacted the Corporate Offices, all with no results. Needless to say the students are very discouraged in getting answers to their questions or the educational experiences they thought they were going to receive.

2. Are there areas in the curriculum you feel should be improved? The curriculum is truly a joke. One would think that Workshop would consist of the very basic information in regards to the cosmetology field. Examples of these subjects should include Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Trichology, Electricity, Personal and Professional Development, Business Building, Salon Ecology, and State Laws and Regulations. These subjects are the foundation in which cosmetology is base, therefore, it would make sense to educate the new students in these subjects FIRST. Once students are in Rehearsal (after 300 hours), there should be instructors that are knowledgeable of each subject matter. Page 5 of the Student Handbook states that each student will see the theory work in real life, so how does that exactly happen? Also, the curriculum should be reviewed PRIOR to opening a new school in a new State. It should be tailored to the requirements of each state. Minnesota is different from South Carolina.

3. How do you feel about Rehearsal classes? Are they presented in a helpful and informative manner? Several weeks ago, when my rotation was supposed to be learning Hair Color, the Floor Manager told the class and our instructor that we could no longer use products while in Rehearsal. We were told that we had that we had to use cholesterol to simulate using hair color products. After the first week of complaining, we were then advised that we could use product, but we would have to purchase our own and it would have to be Redkin. Each rotation has a total of 4 days within a 2 week period that we are in class. On the 4th and last day of color class, we were given used/partial tubes of Redkin color to use on our mannequins. I was really looking forward to learning about the different techniques used to color hair, as well as how to formulate different colors to achieve what the client is wanting. I still would like to learn everything we should have been doing in that two weeks, and do have plans to become a certified colorist. It just infuriates me that we pay all of this money to learn these things and get absolutely nothing. I learned nothing and was very disgusted with the entire staff. Our instructor tried her very best to work with what she had and was provided, so I do not fault her at all. She did what she could with the resources that she was provided.

4. What other Rehearsal subjects would you like to have available to you? A typical day in Rehearsal usually consists of doing our workbooks and learning some hands on with our mannequins in the mornings and just after lunch. Typically from 2pm through 5pm is spent wasting time. If someone were to take a look at the student timesheets, I would venture to guess that is when a lot of them clock out and leave. If students do stay, it is only because they want to accumulate their hours. So taking naps or doing whatever for the remainder of the afternoon is a norm. WE are paying Regency to take naps, and learn nothing for several hours a day. But apparently that is not a concern of Regency, because after all, youre getting paid, so why make it educational for the students if we can get by doing it this way? And when students get tired of doing nothing all afternoon, they will clock out and Regency can charge them even more for going below 90% attendance.

5. Do you enjoy the variety of guest artists that the school provides for you? I would love to know how often guest artists should be coming to Regency. Other surrounding schools have local artists come in either weekly or b-weekly. I am almost at 850 hours and have seen two (2) speakers come in. The first one was a sales rep that did a demonstration with his products for ethnic hair. The other was a rep for MAC Cosmetics, which was quite interesting and rather enjoyable, yet also trying to sell products. If Regency is supposed to have guest artists, they should be just thatnot sales reps. They should be from local area salons, business owners of salons, and stylists that have the ability to show the students techniques regarding cuts and color that we are able to learn and use throughout our careers. These individuals should come from a wide array of salons, not just these lower chain stores, but high end salons and spas, artists from local theaters, artists that work with photographers and weddings, that would give the students an abundance of ideas as to where and what we would like to focus on when we graduate. At this point, we have nothing. (I am now at almost 1300 hours and have yet to see an Artist at this Campus)

6. Which services are you the most comfortable with? With two Associates Degrees, one in Management, and the other in Marketing, then my BA in Science with a major in Management, I have always taken my education very seriously. Even when I decided to start my own business, I took as many classes and certifications to ensure I was the best in my field. I expect to do the same with my career in Cosmetology, however due to the failure of Regency Beauty Institute to back up their promises and Mission Statement; I have to acquire additional training through other resources such as books, videos, and the internet.

7. Which services are you the least comfortable with? I am not comfortable with doing chemical relaxers. Since being on the floor, I have yet to be assigned a client that would like a relaxer. This service is typically given to those students that have relaxers on a regular basis. I seriously believe that by the time I graduate, I will have yet to do this service on a live, breathing client. Of course my mannequin seems to enjoy it quite well.

8. Do you feel staff members are approachable for assistance? No. Two staff members specifically an instructor and the floor manager, befriend a handful of students. If a student goes to these individuals, your business tends to become known throughout the school. If you are not in their group you are treated differently. If you make a complaint, it gets even worse. An Instructor has a tendency to vent her personal frustration with specific students AND other instructors while we are in rehearsal class, to students. She tends to make her dislikes known to the entire class and makes the students to feel as if they all have done something to cross her. An instructor should be professional at all times, regardless of any grudges he or she may have with a student or another staff member. Rude comments should be kept to themselves. An Instructor has been pulled out of Workshop because the students were not learning the subject matter. Our Rehearsal class has experienced the same thing with this instructor. Students are baffled as to what subject matters she actually knows. One would think as an educator, if you are not proficient in a specific subject, you would read up on it and learn anything you can to pass on to your students. When she was put on the performance floor, students will not ask for her assistance because they have seen firsthand that her haircutting skills are less than desirable. There have been instances where students and clients have left with jacked-up haircuts. So now that she no longer is in the classroom, she walks around the floor making small talk with the students and making sure they are keeping their areas tidy. Hands-on training with the students is nonexistent, but the students feel it is in their best interest anyway. (No Longer with Regency).  An Instructor is talented both in the classroom and on the floor; however, she does not take steps to assist students with training hands on. If a student has a client and needs guidance, she typically just takes over the cut, which really does not help the student in the learning process. I do enjoy her teaching techniques in the classroom. An Instructor, the newest addition to the staff. She has really been a God send to the students. Both in class and especially on the floor, she takes time to talk with each student. She provides us with haircutting demonstrations when the day is slow. She is eager to help students learn the different techniques in cutting, coloring, etc. The couple of the other staff members/instructors tend to make her days difficult, for reasons unknown, yet visible to students. Today, when she was preparing for the demonstration, the Floor Manager said she could not use the schools supplies, combs, clips, shears, etc. It was the students that provided her with the tools she needed to complete the demonstration for us. I have personally assisted her in preparing study material for Rehearsal class because the worksheets could not be located in the office. When students have questions, this instructor takes the time to explain the processes involved and how to achieve the desired outcome. She is genuine and determined to provide students with what they need to know before graduating. (No longer with Regency due to the harrassment of other workers).  Floor Manager: There have been occasions in which paperwork/information has been requested, with comments such as I dont have time, or Thats not my job. On Oct 5th, an instructor had asked her the location of the binder for the Mid Term Practical Forms, which typically are located in the office in a specific location. The binder was not there, so when the instructor asked her if she knew where it was, she again said she didnt have time. October 5th was on a Monday, so the floor was not active. The Floor Manager was in dispense, and had the student leave dispense so she could wash a couple items in the sink. Needless to say, I was not able to complete a portion of my mid-term practical because the book was never attempted to be found. I would love to know what the Floor Managers duties and responsibilities are, because if it is to oversee and train the students on the floor, or assist them with questions they may have, it is certainly not being done. (As of 1300 hours, she still has her favorites, shreds exams, yet no recorse from Corporate)

9. Do you feel the advising process is helpful? No, I had a serious dilemma that I had contacted my advisor about, at which time she suggested that I discuss with my campus manager. When I informed her that the issue dealt with the campus manager, she then informed me that she was sorry, but could not help me. When I requested to speak with someone else, she refused and told me to have a nice day.

10. Was the assistance with financial aid questions readily available? Not yet, but I am waiting to see how my current situation will be handled. On October 1, 2009, I faxed the required paperwork to the financial aid department for them to review my change of income (decreased while attending school). I called October 6, 2009 to find out status and was told that it may take several weeks for someone to even look at my file and come to a decision. I stated that my next payment is due October 15th, but would not be able to make that payment and was hoping to find out an outcome prior to that date. I was told that I would have 60 days before I would be terminated for non-payment, and if payment was not made on the 15th, at a $25.00 late fee would be applied. He suggested I call back on the 16th to check on the status. When I asked if the late fee would be waived because it comes down to the financial department reviewing the file, he said he was not sure if the fee could be waived. Anything to make money, right???  (Also, If a student goes below 90% attendance, they are charged $5.00-$7.00 per hour that they go over their contracted graduation date).

11. Are there any areas of concern you would like to comment on? a. Lack of Products in Dispense. This has been brought to the attention of all staff members as well as the Regional Manager. There are certain products that students tend to use on a regular basis while servicing clients; however, we are either provided one bottle to share amongst all students on the floor and those in both classrooms, or none at all. Several students, including myself have purchased those specific products that are used frequently on clients so we dont have to run around hunting it down, hunt down an instructor or manager to retrieve from the locked storage room, or find out they have none at all in stock, all while the client is waiting patiently in your chair. b. Text Books dont match Tests/Exams. Many students have made Regency personnel aware that the books and tests/exams do not match. Instructors tell us to mark the answer that is correct according to the answer key, even though it does not match the answer in the book, the answers we know are correct. c. Instructor Proficiency. Instructors that Regency hires really should be proficient in all aspects of Cosmetology and in educating students. When an instructor is teaching the incorrect techniques in class and on the floor, it leaves the student wondering what they are paying for. If students cannot rely on their instructor to provide correct and accurate training, what kind of message is being sent? d. Front Desk Operations. Students assigned to work the front desk weekly are told to schedule the next stylist on the list of available students. However this is never the case. They either schedule a student friend or whomever they favor. When this is brought to the Floor Managers attention, it is taken merely as a gripe that is not taken seriously, and no type of reprimand is given to the student. Other schools typically have hired a receptionist to alleviate this issue. e. Slow Days on the Performance Floor. There is only one instructor who actually takes time to provide students with training on haircuts or color, etc. She is the only one who has taken an active role while on the floor to ensure students are staying productive. (She is gone now).  Others tend to just stand around and gossip, or hide in the office or dispense. f. Star Program. This seems to be unattainable by the students. I have yet to hear/know of any student in our campus to reach this status. (We have 2 now).  The retail sales should be adjusted in accordance to the school location. $750 a month may be quite obtainable for a student to reach in a larger metropolitan area, however, every location is different and should be taken into consideration. The students have nothing to strive for because they know it is too far out of reach. g. Inaccurate Service Charges. There is one student on our rotation that is the master of braiding and extensions. She is given clients that require very intricate hairstyles with braids and extensions. She spends long hours working on one client, yet when it is time to check out, a staff member will charge the client maybe $30.00, where the per hour cost should have amounted to over $200.00. She should have easily been on the STAR Program, yet because the staff will not charge the proper amount, she has not achieved this status. h. Inaccurate Regency Forms. I have spent several hours of my personal time trying to assist the campus in updating their forms. The Monthly Project Worksheet that the staff was using was received from North Carolina. After much research, I found that the requirements were not the same for South Carolina, and revised according. Also, the form was not user friendly for the Campus Manager to enter in the monthly totals accurately. At the request of two instructors, devised tokens for students to earn for special prizes, as well as diplomas for students completing 300 hours. I really didnt mind doing these things to make Regency a better place, but then it hit me.I am not getting paid to do these things for this campus, I am however paying Regency for an education I was promised. i. Transferring Schools. I recently looked into going to a different school in the area. Regency Corporate stated that because I was over 750 hours, I would breach the contract and would have to pay 100% of the tuition. My question was and is: Shouldnt Regency be held liable for breaching the contract as well? The broken promises to provide each student with an environment mirroring an upscale salon? j. Computer Survey after each Class. Why is there not a Comment section on each survey? Why do the students only receive this one survey when they hit 750 hours and that is it? I would think that Corporate would look forward to how their schools are being run. k. State Board Preparation. There are a lot of students concerned about not passing or even being prepared for the State Board Exam. After much research of the surrounding schools, I have found that their students between 1300 1500 hours are pulled off the performance floor and train daily for the Exam. One instructor, with the most experience with State Board is dedicated to preparing these students prior to graduation. By doing this, it makes room on the floor for the newer students that have just completed their 300 hours and are coming on the floor. They would actually have the opportunity to service live clients instead of working on mannequins all day.

12. Would you recommend Regency to prospective students? No I would not recommend any student to attend Regency. For the amount of money I have spent, and the little instruction, untrained instructors, and more times on breaks than in Rehearsal class, it is definitely not worth the time or money wasted. I have paid a lot of money out of pocket and with student loans, lost my small business to reach for my dreams of learning the various facets of the cosmetology field. Regency has taken away my enthusiasm slowly but surely over the past 825 hours. I now force myself to come to school every morning, in small hopes that today will be different, yet it never is. My goal is no longer to help/assist Regency succeed, but to get out of here just as soon as possible. I currently do not foresee Regency lasting very long in this location, as there are so many cosmetology schools that actually are able to provide exemplary training and education to their students. We now realize that Regency is strictly in it for the money and not to send graduates into the cosmetology world with the knowledge they need to become successful artists.

NEEDLESS to say, as of January24, 2010, I STILL feel and have the same ideals about Regancy Beauty Institute, only stronger.  The fact that I only have a little over a month to get out of here, is the one reason I continue to show up.  For those of you who are researching Cosmetology Schools in the Columbia area, my suggestion would be to talk with the students that are currently attending, because when you take the "TOUR", you are filled with a bunch of FLUFF, and dont get the REAL information you need to make a wise decision.