California University of Pennsylvania

Has anyone had any experience with the subject school?

I am having a terrible time trying to get enrolled. Actually, I thought that I was enrolled until finding out just this past Monday that my financial aid was not in order. The school would not give me an extension of time to pay, despite the fact that my military assistance hurriedly sent their portion of the tuition yesterday (classes start on 16 May) nor would they allow me to make even a partial payment while waiting for my financial aid to be processed, in order to be able to start the classes on time. In fact, the Bursar told me yesterday that once I took care of the problem with the financial aid - which I did yesterday - that everything would be fine. Then this morning I received an email from her telling me that my registration had been dropped because her office couldn't process my loan in time, and that she wouldn't be back in her office until Monday. I am quite shocked, having become accustomed to schools) espcially DANTE schools) being military-friendly (I am active duty military). I found the staff at the Bursar''s office extremely rude and unhelpful and the Bursar herself left me on hold for 20 minutes. I finally had to hang up the phone - as International calls from this country can run as high as $15 a minute - and send an email. I have also sent the person named as my advisor three emails requesting assistance and have received no response. I'm not sure now whether to continue trying or to look for a different graduate program. Any advice and/or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Great weird name.

Impressive Legal Studies program run by the redoubtable Charles Nemeth. Search earlier posts on it.

Hang in there. I know of a university that treats civilians pretty shabbily, so your experience is not unique. Good luck to you.

 

I am a student of the school in question and Dr. Charles Nemeth is my Director. I have only good things to say about him and this department. This guy is as good as they get. I have been in school from the time I was four years old, and so I have quite a few years of experience with administration. Dr. Nemeth gets 100% plus a bonus 10% for how he conducts business.

I have never had any problems with financial aid. I had had issues with the Bursars office which I was able to clear up with one firm phone call. Who is your programs director? Whenever I have an issue, I go directly to Dr. Nemeth. One email and he takes care of everything. Email me privately and I will find the Ms. Boyd's email for you. She is the assistant director of Financial Aid.

But, essentially, I would go to my director and have them clear up your issue which seems to me, may be, a misunderstanding on their part.

[email protected].

All the best!

 

LadyExecutive,

I am looking at going for the legal studies program in a couple of years. How are the courses structured? What type of assessments do they use?

Any info appreciated.

 

I called them with some questions and they called me back within minutes. They look like they have a good Homeland Security Program.

 

I am interested in this program too and am curious to know how the program is structured (i.e. 8 wk courses), rigor and quality of the program.

Any comments are appreciated......Thanks

 

It's a great weird name becuase the school is located in California, PA. There is also an Indiana University of Pennsylvania, located in ...Indiana, PA

Shawn

 

What program are you interested in?

I graduated from there last year and I never had a problem. There programs are excellent!

Like Lady Executive stated, if it is the Legal Studies program, contact Dr. Nemeth. His email is on the the CUP website. He will assist you promptly. Any issues, let me know and I will see what I can do to help.

I have led a few people to CUP and everyone has enjoyed it. So hang in there!!!

PM me and I will get you the financial aid office numbers.

As far as the course structure goes, be ready to work your butt off! It is worth it. My MS degree got me noticed in the Navy rather quickly and I have been accepted into a special program because of the legal studies and the homeland security specialization. I look back at the work I did in the MS program and I am quite pleased with the education I received from CUP.

 

...and we can't forget the other state school in PA with the funny name... Slippery Rock.

 

And here I thought the other school in PA with the funny name was Indiana University of Pennsylvania!

 

Hey planejane:

Is it mostly written assignments? I assume, yes. Do you have any team or group projects? I am not really into the "learning team" stuff. It looks like they recommend taking two classes every 8 weeks, is that manageable working full-time?

Thanks!

 

Jay,

It is written weekly assignments, discussion board, midterm, final, and a final paper per course. Some people take one course and some take two. It depends on your schedule. I went two courses every eight weeks, except I had to do two semesters with one course each because my workload increased at work. It was not a big deal. The program is very interesting and students don't mind the workload. It doesn't hurt to do one course for now to get the feel for the program. Let me know if you have further questions.

planejane

 

One more thing . . .

There are no team or group projects - one of the reasons I chose CUP.

 

No group projects is a big +. I finally made my decision and have applied for admission to the Law and Public Policy track. Now I will wait to see if I get accepted.

Thank you, planejane.

 

Jay, I will look for you in class. This is a great program as I begin my 5th course, Law and the Police Process. PlaneJane helped in my educational goals also. Best of Luck.
Chuck

 

Thanks, Chuck. I am hoping to start in August. I think this program will help me in my current position and in my future professional goals too. Plus, I really like law and politics!

 

Hey Chuck and Jay!!!

Jay,

I am glad you are enrolling. You will not regret it. It is an awesome program. Congrats on your decision!!!

Chuck, how are you doing lately???

 

My Ex is about halfway through this exact program. She said that it's a lot of work, but worth the effort. Her workload consists of weekly discussion questions, papers, mid-terms and finals. She is taking two classes per 6-week term in addition to working full-time and taking care of two small children. She is stressed at times, but is able to handle the workload.

Anyway, good luck!

- Tom

 

I imagine any Master's level program is going to be work. I plan to take one class per term until I get the feel for the amount of work required and the time I have to commit. Right now, I have one eight week class left for my BSL from Excelsior. HOORAY!