I was a student of Kaplan University attending the Legal Studies program. I have to concur with several of the complaints that I've seen on this site. Kaplan's professionalism only extends as far as their sales training goes. They are not academia minded, but purely monetarily motivated - hence the magic number of $12,000. Several of you, including myself have encountered the infamous "you are $12,000 in the arrears on your tuition, therefore we will be blocking you from classes". The VA pays my tuition in full, therefore they called them immediately because the VA wire transfers my tuition in each term. Financial aid quickly retracted this statement and then told VA I was blocked because I failed to fill out a FAFSA. FAFSA's are voluntary and since my education is paid in full there is not need to fill one out, nor is this required to attend Kaplan. Here is why they require it: Because as several of you have encountered, they use your information to obtain federal monies that most of you never see- but will be responsible for. Once I challenged them on this issue and involved the Dept. of Education- my access was no longer blocked.
However, since I've been a student there I've had nothing but problems- I have been going for approximately one year now. I had planned to graduate this coming spring but have withdrawn. Here are some issues I've encountered:
Discrimination by instructors- when asked for a complete vitae on a particular instructor I was denied. This should be public knowledge because he is educating and students have a right to validate that the instructor is qualified. Kaplan ignored my request and instead transferred me to another class with another instructor. Not to mention I couldn't find this particular instructor certifed with the KY Bar Association as he so bragged. I wanted to know his ranking in law school and they refused to provide. This particular instructor was very demeaning to any female he considered to be non-white and older. This particular instructor accused me of plagiarism- I appealed due to the laws regarding plagiarism....they refused to retract although they told me that I was not in "trouble" however gave me a zero for a grade on that paper. Any legitimate university or college does not give you a zero if in fact you committed plagiarism- they boot your butt from school! It goes on your academia record for life! I obviously was not booted from school.
Another instructor I had just recently graded you according to how he felt about your views and opinions- if they did not jive with his views he fails you.
No matter if you appeal any part of your educational experiences at Kaplan-or go thru their grievance process..it's a waste of time. It will not go in your favor no matter.
Kaplan also takes advantage of minorities and low income individuals regarding tuition- they exploit their lack of knowledge in obtaining financial aid and send them into huge debt while pocketing the money themselves.
I've had issues with text books not coming before classes so you have to play catch up; not being able to access your courses early; submitting assignments early or posting early earns you a zero for that post/assignment;
Kaplan advertises they cator to the working adults, however they treat their adult population as if we are ignorant and juvenile. Most of us chose Kaplan because we cannot attend a brick and mortar university due to our other professional / personal committments. I would think a savvy lawyer would be able to gather enough evidence to work with the feds and start a class action lawsuit to stop Kaplan and close their doors.
Please write the Senator of Illinois Durbin, Richard- (D - IL) Class II
309 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2152 Web Form: durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm;
the Senator of Florida Martinez, Mel- (R - FL) Class III
356 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3041 Web Form: martinez.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactIn
Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
Attorney Generals Offices for Illinois and Florida:
http://www.ag.state.il.us/about/contacts.html
http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/4492d797dc0bd92f85256cb80055fb97/030e31f06ef0184d85256cc600706904!OpenDocument
I would also copy in your home state Senator as well.
I will be sending my letters immediately as will my Vocational Rehab Counselor from VA. Please take the time to write your letters- there is power in the pen.
Company Profile
The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO) is a diversified education and media company whose principal operations include educational and career services, newspaper and magazine publishing, television broadcasting, cable television systems and electronic information services. The Company owns The Washington Post; Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive (WPNI), the online publishing subsidiary whose flagship products include washingtonpost.com, Newsweek.com, Slate, BudgetTravel.com and Sprig.com; Express; El Tiempo Latino; The Gazette and Southern Maryland newspapers; The Herald (Everett, WA); Newsweek magazine; Post-Newsweek Stations (Detroit, Houston, Miami, Orlando, San Antonio and Jacksonville); Cable ONE, serving subscribers in midwestern, western and southern states; and CourseAdvisor, an online lead generation provider.
The Company also owns Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Its four areas of focus are: Kaplan Kids and Schools, Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan Professional. In 2007, Kaplan had more than $2 billion in revenue.
The Company has an ownership interests in the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service and Bowater Mersey Paper Company
Company Goals
To produce the best newspapers, magazines, television programs, educational services and other products we can. To run an outstanding business, measured by the increase in intrinsic shareholder value over time.
To be not just a good, but an exceptional place for people to work, and a leader in the hiring and promotion of minorities and women. To be a company that provides outstanding customer service. To be creative, adaptive, flexible and intelligent enough to adapt to the changes in our business environment. To be a respected part of the communities where we do business.
Aimee St. Clair
Aimee
Elma, Washington
U.S.A.