Problems with UMUC? Help please

Before I explain my story, and I apologize for the length of it, I've actually had a wonderful experience in regards to the courses at UMUC. Great teachers and I've come out of each course learning more than I ever felt I did in traditional classrooms.

Here is my big issue - and one that UMUC does not appear to want to help me at all with: Several years ago, I received a 4 on the AP English exam. At my old school North Carolina State University, this placed me out of English 101. I then went on to take English 102 (honors) and an upper level English course. I passed both of these.

Fast forward a few years to my time at UMUC. As is their policy (a rather sneaky one imho), I would not receive a transcript evaluation until after I had completed so many credit hours at their school. As it so happens, those credit hours also equal out to thousands of dollars invested at UMUC.

Anyway, I came to discover that UMUC wanted me to retake English 101! Now, I changed majors a few times, along with schools, and I had 150+ credit hours under my belt. Retaking English 101 my senior year, after years of papers and laboratory reports seemed completely ridiculous to me, especially considering it would cost me another $1100 along with time.

I tried to argue this several times on the phone, and I was never able to speak to anyone higher than an academic advisor despite my requests. After being in school for 6+ years, I just wanted a degree, so I finally decided that I was getting nowhere and I would just take the darn course and get it over with.

HOWEVER, UMUC's policy in regards to English 101 is that you must take a placement exam to even register for it. Yes, a placement exam for what is now a remedial course to my current level of education. Can I get out of this placement exam with my history of English courses, AP scores, and sheer amount of college credit? No. Where must I take this placement exam? 1.5 hours from my home! During business hours, which translates to school hours, when it is impossible for me to find a babysitter. Not to mention I am suffering from all-day long morning sickness and the thought of driving for that length of time is doing nothing to settle my stomach. Now I realize I am whining about things that a traditional college would turn its back on, however, UMUC is supposed to be here for the non-traditional student, and I don't see them attempting to help me in any way. In fact, it appears to me that they want another $1100 of my hard-earned, English-educated dollars, and they want to put me out for a whole day before I can even pay it.

After rereading this, I realize it's a long whine/vent, and I suppose it may all be over something as small as a placement exam.

What I'm wanting, is perhaps the email or phone number of someone higher than an academic advisor where I can pass along my complaint in regards to their institution. I'm hoping one of the current or past students at UMUC may be able to help me out.

Thanks if you listened this far! And while I would happily encourage completely new students to turn to UMUC for a great distance ed program, I'd offer a warning to transfer students hoping their courses will transfer easily. It just doesn't work out that way.

 

I'm so sorry that you've gone through this with UMUC. I was also a student with them and feel their programs are really great. In fact, I'm taking one last course with them this Spring to complete a graduate certificate in accounting.

I have a contact in the graduate accounting department. I forwarded a copy of your posting to him and asked for a contact name/number of someone who may be able to help you. I'll let you know what he provides, if anything.

Don't give up, I find it very hard to believe that this cannot be resolved.

 

FWIW:

UMUC

 

Ok, that was really fast. In only five minutes, my contact responded. He said it would be helpful to have your name and he can pass the information onto the proper person. If you want to send me a Private Message with your name, I'll let him know.

In any event, he's going to pass the message along to several people even without your name. He wants to bring the matter to the attention of the proper officials to make sure this type of treatment does not happen to another student.

 

Thank you Blake! I just sent you a PM with my info.

Decimon, unfortunately English 101 is that rare exception to their policies. You must take the course at UMUC.

Even if that wasn't the case, I believe their policy is your last 30 credit hours must be taken as classes at UMUC, and I only have 12 to go (including English 101 ). And still...English 101 is one of those can't-ever-hope-to-place-out-of-courses. Thanks though!

 

I see some wiggle room for a CLEP course here:

But then, neither my sight nor my wiggle is what it was.

Those quotes are from here . **In .pdf**

 

Hope your situation resolves soon. I am planning to join at UMUC next semester.

 

Rebecca_1: A number of years ago I matriculated in UMUC's second BS in CIS program. I encountered a problem with the curriculum design that just stymied me. I presented my problem to the deparment chair who was useless. Less than useless since he insisted no problem existed. After consulting with Degree Info's advocate examplar, John Bear, I wrote a letter explaining my dilemma to the university president. He, in turn, forwarded my concern to a mid-level bureaucrat who issued a most obtuse, unresponsive reply that gave me absolutely no direction. At that point I nearly gave up although I reconsidered thinking that I ought to press on with the notion that if it was that difficult for me (a 50-something PhD) what must it be like for the average undergrad to deal with UMUC's admistration. I wrote the president a second letter in which I explained my dilemma from the persepctive of poor customer service. I received a telephone call from the university provost after several days who acknowledged and promised to rectify the hassles I experienced. Alas, I can't recall his name although he did come across (finally) as someone who was concerned with student well-being. Perhaps you can look him up in the university directory. I had just started I elected to transfer to another DL school, UMass Lowell, which proved to be a great decision. The UML administration proved to be extremely student-centered, the faculty was terrific and many times more accessible, plus the tuition was less.

Good Luck,

David

 

It seems like UMUC has a serious service issue. Maybe I should reconsider my studies at UMUC.

 

My contact informs me that this situation was resolved and that UMUC is taking the necessary steps to make sure situations like this do not happen in the future.

Perhaps the original poster will also respond here to confirm...

 

Rebecca,
Looks like things are quickly being resolved, however if they dont- dont go shopping at Fort Hays State...seems to be something in common in the malise department!
Best, Gavin

 

I am planning to transfer to UMUC to complete my Accounting degree. I am very worried about the 8 weeks class that is now being offer at UMUC. I will appreciate if you can share your opinion about UMUC accounting program. Thanks