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  • Report:  #329291

Complaint Review: Allied College - High Tech Institute - St. Louis Missouri

Reported By:
- St. Louis, Missouri,
Submitted:
Updated:

Allied College - High Tech Institute
http://www.alliedcollege.edu St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
Web:
N/A
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good? What's this?
Someone needs to speak up about this school. I was employed as a Program Manager, after 4 months or so, I just couldn't take any more. I've worked for two Vocational/Career colleges in the past and have never had quite the experience I had there.

The situation was twofold- it began by my being put into an ethical situation- no details- just know it was unfair related to employees. I was not the only one being put into that situation. I'm very qualified with a real degree, clinical and management experience- it was a HUGE mistake going to work for them and I tried to stick it out only for the students.

They expect a lot from their Managers including covering courses (some working 16 hour days without additional pay!) and leading a very unbalanced workload for some. There are favorites, maybe less qualified but willing to believe and feed into the best school out there philosophy. I believe other employees are unhappy but stay because of an obligation to the students- its very difficult to be in that situation.

The second reason for my very short employment was the treatment of the students. There is no understanding for absence/tardy/situations- the students are basically treated like children- these are adults with real families and challenges! I also had students tell me that the program was not explained fully, some were told their credits could transfer and as we know, credits do not transfer unless a school has regional accreditation, most Vocational/Career schools do not. When they do find out more, sometimes its too late, they already owe money. They have an Associate degree program and the word "college" in the name- this alone can be misleading. They also have Diploma programs- what bothers me is you do not have to have a HS diploma or GED to enter for a Diploma (they do work on this with an excellent GED person- she tries her best and really cares but some of these students cannot even read and write properly), in the medical field?? If you are to get a job- its a basic requirement!

These students are paying a whopping 20 grand plus for a degree that will not transfer, some will only make about 10-12 bucks an hour after they graduate- if they are lucky. There are some wonderful people working there who truly care about the students how long can they last? Many other schools with High Tech Institute have lost accreditation for their Associate programs.

My suggestion would be for the President of this particular school (and her Favorites as well) is to take a course in HR and basic human kindness. If you are a student contemplating attending there- please check out all you can (also check High Tech Institute, their parent company) first!

Amee

St. Louis, Missouri

U.S.A.


7 Updates & Rebuttals

Buffy

St. Louis,
Missouri,
U.S.A.
Response from Ex-Employee

#2UPDATE EX-employee responds

Fri, October 10, 2008

I would like to respond to the report by the former employee of Allied College. I was employed with Allied College at the same time this person was employed. There were many reasons this person was not successful and they have nothing to do with the school. This person states that they are highly qualified for their position, as are all employees of the school. In order to work at Allied College you must have a very strong clinical and educational background. They then speak about an ethical dilemma involving employees but choose not to share details. Perhaps this person does not understand management strategies as well as they thought they did? I wonder if this person asked for clarification on the situation or took time to learn the reasons for the decisions that were made? Yes, as managers, people are expected to work longer hours without compensation. That is what being manager involves. Again, perhaps not a strong understanding of management? Yes, managers are sometimes required to cover classes. (It is listed in the job description.) I would think that, if this person was so concerned about the students, this would be something they would gladly do. As for favorites? Sour grapes perhaps? In regard to the treatment of the students I will be happy to answer those concerns. Allied College is not for everyone. Allied College offers an accelerated degree program. The students earn an associate of applied science degree in apx. 18 months. They go to school Monday through Friday for 3.5 hours per day. Allied does offer classes 4 different times a day to accommodate schedules and lives. When I went to college the majority of my professors didn't know, or care about my life outside of class. Some didn't even know my name. That is not true at Allied College. The instructors know each of their students and are very concerned about their well being, both in and out of class. Yes, there is an attendance policy. Yes, it does have a direct effect on their grade in the class. However, if we miss work it directly effects our paycheck, right? Same principle. The students are well aware of the attendance policy. So much so that they sign a paper that is read to them, prior to enrollment, spelling out the policy and stating that they understand. A copy of this paper is given to them when they enroll. The policy is also covered in the school catalog, syllabus for each class, student handbook and at orientation. As for the transfer of credits, this is always up to the receiving institution. gain, this is explained prior to enrollment and the student signs a paper and receives a copy stating that they understand this. Allied College does offer an opportunity to potential students to earn a diploma in a field of study without a high school diploma or GED. These students have to pass a rigorous entrance exam (much like the GED) and meet with a counselor once a week to work toward obtaining their GED. If these students can't read or write how do they pass the entrance exam that is given by an unbiased third party? Allied College trains graduates for entry level careers in their field of study. Entry level average wages are shared with the students prior to enrollment and the student receives a copy of that information as well. Entry level wages vary and I cannot quote them (unlike the original poster, I wonder where that person came up with those figures?) but they are entry level and with hard work and experience, they will rise. The same as any other position. The poster states that many schools associated with High Tech Institute have lost their accreditation. This is an absolute falsehood. This person does state that there are some wonderful people at Allied College and I agree. Staff, faculty and students. I encourage anyone who would like to better their future through education to look at Allied College. Feel free to research other schools as well. You will see Allied College truly is the best school. At the end of the post the person mentioned that the president of the campus and her favorites need to take a course in HR and human kindness. Sounds like sour grapes again. Disgruntled ex-employees can be very crass and rude. I am also an ex-employee of Allied College and I can assure you that it is a fantastic school where the people expect great things and the students rise to the challenge each and every day.


Mindy M

Maine,
New York,
U.S.A.
I WENT TO HIGH TECH< AFFILIATED WITH ALLIED

#3Consumer Comment

Thu, August 14, 2008

I agree with the ex program manager to the fullest, i attended high tech institute in orlando fl. number one, that school and ALL ITS AFFILIATES are jokes. you made a living hell out of my career and life, thanks. I moved form NY to Fl when i was 17 and i got nothing! my program was dropped cause the school just wasn't plain good enough. SO i left, i was not going to move 1300 miles for a diploma, when i probably would get nowhere with it. The teachers, i felt bad for & ya know, they felt bad for us. They wer teaching 3 or 4 different classes, with no degree themselves. math teaching humanities, oh funn your an english teacher too? DOUBT IT. my credits wouldn't transfer, liek they said they would. pathetic pathetic, quit scamming people from their hard earned money.


Mindy M

Maine,
New York,
U.S.A.
I WENT TO HIGH TECH< AFFILIATED WITH ALLIED

#4Consumer Comment

Thu, August 14, 2008

I agree with the ex program manager to the fullest, i attended high tech institute in orlando fl. number one, that school and ALL ITS AFFILIATES are jokes. you made a living hell out of my career and life, thanks. I moved form NY to Fl when i was 17 and i got nothing! my program was dropped cause the school just wasn't plain good enough. SO i left, i was not going to move 1300 miles for a diploma, when i probably would get nowhere with it. The teachers, i felt bad for & ya know, they felt bad for us. They wer teaching 3 or 4 different classes, with no degree themselves. math teaching humanities, oh funn your an english teacher too? DOUBT IT. my credits wouldn't transfer, liek they said they would. pathetic pathetic, quit scamming people from their hard earned money.


Mindy M

Maine,
New York,
U.S.A.
I WENT TO HIGH TECH< AFFILIATED WITH ALLIED

#5Consumer Comment

Thu, August 14, 2008

I agree with the ex program manager to the fullest, i attended high tech institute in orlando fl. number one, that school and ALL ITS AFFILIATES are jokes. you made a living hell out of my career and life, thanks. I moved form NY to Fl when i was 17 and i got nothing! my program was dropped cause the school just wasn't plain good enough. SO i left, i was not going to move 1300 miles for a diploma, when i probably would get nowhere with it. The teachers, i felt bad for & ya know, they felt bad for us. They wer teaching 3 or 4 different classes, with no degree themselves. math teaching humanities, oh funn your an english teacher too? DOUBT IT. my credits wouldn't transfer, liek they said they would. pathetic pathetic, quit scamming people from their hard earned money.


Mindy M

Maine,
New York,
U.S.A.
I WENT TO HIGH TECH< AFFILIATED WITH ALLIED

#6Consumer Comment

Thu, August 14, 2008

I agree with the ex program manager to the fullest, i attended high tech institute in orlando fl. number one, that school and ALL ITS AFFILIATES are jokes. you made a living hell out of my career and life, thanks. I moved form NY to Fl when i was 17 and i got nothing! my program was dropped cause the school just wasn't plain good enough. SO i left, i was not going to move 1300 miles for a diploma, when i probably would get nowhere with it. The teachers, i felt bad for & ya know, they felt bad for us. They wer teaching 3 or 4 different classes, with no degree themselves. math teaching humanities, oh funn your an english teacher too? DOUBT IT. my credits wouldn't transfer, liek they said they would. pathetic pathetic, quit scamming people from their hard earned money.


Yme

Los Angeles,
California,
U.S.A.
Curious

#7Consumer Comment

Sun, July 27, 2008

I am curious about a few things. 1. How much are they paying the instructors 2. which location were you at? 3. which program was it. Even though this was not very detailed. I do agree it would be very hard to teach a student that is technically not comprehending the material as well as others. 20000 is alot of money for any program. I agree most of the classes provided are paying about 12 per hour. Its basic economics. The more something is wanted the more they can charge. That is anywhere you go. I am not defending either way. Its the same principle of complaining an apartment complex is loud. Of course it is loud. Its an apartment. Let me know Thanks


Anonymous

Maryland Heights,
Missouri,
U.S.A.
Allied College

#8UPDATE Employee

Mon, June 30, 2008

I was very shocked when I found this report. First of all, I know exactly who wrote this statement and I have to say that I believe they were just unhappy because they were not very successful in their career at the school and they knew their time was coming to an end. Absolutely everything that is said was very untrue. I suggest when you make bold statements you first get your information correct. First of all, this school is extremely ethical. Every student knows exactly what they are getting themselves into before they even step into a classroom. When a student comes to enroll at the school they are told the school policies and exactly what they can expect from the college. They sign so much information it is impossible for them not to know. Each student even signs what is called a "Student List of Understandings" which explains several things to them, including the fact that their credits may not transfer to another school and anyone who has gone to college before should know that no matter what college you attend, it is always up to the receiving institution on whether or not they accept your credits. But this information is clearly stated in this form that every student has to sign when they enroll at the college. Also, as far as the salary comment, each student also knows what to expect regarding salary when they finish their program. They also sign a form when they enroll called the "Message from the Campus President" that states what the expected starting salary rate for their program was the previous year. So again, the company is disclosing this information to the student and from there the person can make an educated decision on whether or not this is the career for them. The school also encourages students to look on salary.com for current salary information. The school is very ethical and does not hide anything from the students or staff. The students are also fully aware of the attendance policy and other school policies when they enroll and I have to say that in my entire life, I have never seen a school work so hard for their students. Allied College is extremely dedicated to their students and staff and really does everything they can to help them out. Allied College has been around for more than 20 years and has been very successful for a reason. I think this is just another case of a disgruntled employee. Most companies do have higher expecations of the managers, that is why you are a manager, not an employee. Most managers are held to higher standards and are expected to do their job and make sure their department runs smoothly, so if you don't want to work overtime, I would suggest staying out of the management world.

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