Upset at California Coast University enrollment practices

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Vinipink, Jun 3, 2008.

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  1. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    This is not a personal attack at anyone or Alumnus from the University but at the enrollment process from CCU.

    This is the story:

    My wife wanted to get an evaluation from CCU to see what credits will transfer and how much will cost to attend, so she requested an evaluation. She asked to be send via email once the evaluation and tuition plan was done for her review. Two days later she rec'd an email that officially enrolled her and that they rec'd money from her. Big question mark here.

    According to the University policies no one gets enroll until you send the enrollment agreement with original signature. To her surprise she was officially enrolled two days after the application was sent and before the evaluation matrix and tuition plan was rec'd and evaluated by her and send back to CCU for processing (She did not send back or approved anything at that time). They took a down payment and enrolled her at the University all this without her consent and her approval.

    Anyway she decided eventually not to enroll because the degree plan and tuition was not what she expected, plus she was turn off by the fact that CCU enrolled and took money from our cc without permission.

    We requested a refund and point out to them the situation, and so far we have gotten the run around, they told her, that they needed a letter from her asking them to withdraw from the University since she was officially enrolled. We disagree with such circumstances due to fact she was enrolled without her consent or knowledge.

    So, as of for now we are disputing this charges with our cc company, file a complain with the BBB and finally will follow with the DETC in reference this enrollment practices. :eek:
     
  2. raristud2

    raristud2 New Member

    Thank you for your post vini. I am sorry for the distress that NoCCU has caused you and your wife.
     
  3. aldrin

    aldrin New Member

    I think it's best to write them a letter (and especially mention the reasons for the complaint), so that it's official and there's documentation of your complaint. Make sure to cc both the DETC and the Better Business Bureau and post a copy of your letter in all online education forums you can find, so that CCU knows that what they did is already "out there" and they would be pressured to act fast. Just my 2 cents... and good luck!
     
  4. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    Have you contacted VISA and get them to refund your money?
     
  5. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    We wrote a letter and already forward all the necessary documents to CC company it is just a matter of waiting now.
     
  6. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    We already working with our CC company, it can take about 30 days to get a refund.
     
  7. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member


    Wow! This is surprising to hear. When I enrolled, I submitted the application, and then waited for them to come back with a thorough evaluation. I then disputed the original amount of credits, and I was able to negotiate for more credits after I gave justification and good reasons as to why I deserved more credit granted. Once that was all settled, I formally enrolled.

    How did they get your cc info. to begin with? I guess it does not matter. You should never provide this kind of info. if you are only appying for an eval.

    Anyway, I would contact the person in charge of your evaluation, and let he or she know exactly what happened (you probably did already). This may be a new person who is trying to use tactics acceptable in other schools, but should not fly at CCU. Trust me, I have never heard of the type of complaint you are making about CCU. I am not saying I doubt you, but there may be new a person there that has to go, or at least be disciplined.

    If that fails:

    What are your options? I would go straight to the top. Email the President Tom Neal at [email protected] Inform Mr. Neal that if he does not look into this matter and clear it up, the Director of DETC Mike Lambert will be informed. Mike can be reached at [email protected]

    In closing, the enrollment process you describe is not typcial of CCU. You obtain an evaluation, and no cc info. should be collected until after the student accepts the offer of credits.

    Please follow up on this. AS a CCU alumni, I can say my eval and enrollment went very smoothly. Everyone else I know who has attended had the same experience. CCU is a good school, and this needs to be clarified immediately.

    Keep us posted,

    Abner
     
  8. JNelson467

    JNelson467 New Member

    I concur with Abner 100% on his reply and input. As a CCU alumni, I can only address that I also had a positive experience with CCU during my evaluation and enrollment process.

    As Abner stated, please keep up posted.

    JNelson
     
  9. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    The CC they got from when she paid for the application fee. We already communicated with key people except the president no results. Detc was email and cc as well. So there is no doubt about this below I have included some of correspondence with CCU. Note: the person that corresponded with my wife his name is David Wagner no to be confuse with our Dave!

    Saturday, May 24, 2008 4:46:12 PM

    Dear Mr. Wagner:

    I have received the CCU propose educational plan and tuition breakdown. Upon careful review
    I have decided not to enroll with CCU. It is not time or cost effective, at Columbia
    Southern University (current educational institution), I will only have to complete 12 courses vs. 18 courses plus tests from CCU,
    tuition at CSU (books included and a 10% discount for every class) at this point is much less than CCU.
    The only thing attractive of your University is the payment plan. I required no other contact. In the event CCU deducted or has put
    on hold on my credit card (this without my authorization) for the $500.00 deposit for tuition, this action will be required to be reverse asap (please see email below).
    Thanks for your time.

    Regards,

    XXXXXXXX



    ----- Original Message ----
    From: Darlene Bell <[email protected]>
    To: [email protected]
    Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 1:32:47 PM
    Subject: Welcome to California Coast University! (55332)


    May 22, 2008



    Dear Ms. XXXXX,



    Welcome to California Coast University!



    We have received $500.00 towards your tuition and you are now formally enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration degree program. Your Student ID number is XXXX. The date of this email is your official enrollment date.

    Once we receive your original signed enrollment agreement and official transcripts from the college and/or universities you previously attended, the Evaluation Report, Coursework Matrix and additional instructions will be mailed to you. It is your responsibility to have them sent to us.

    An official transcript is one, which is mailed directly to CCU from each school you attended. Request for Transcripts forms have been mailed to you for your convenience and use, if they have not already been requested. Transcripts from the following schools are still required:



    XXXXXX COMMUNITY COLLEGE
    XXXXXX COLLEGE
    COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY


    Your Student Identification Card, containing your Student ID number has been mailed to you to assist you in gaining access to local libraries. Please place your Student ID number on all correspondence, tests and checks sent to the university.





    Sincerely,


    Darlene Bell

    Student Services








    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From: Vinipink [mailto:[email protected]]
    Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 8:05 AM
    To: [email protected]
    Subject: Re: University Contacts


    Degree program and tuition breakdown will sufficed for my review until the package
    arrives.

    Thanks,

    XXXXX


    ----- Original Message ----
    From: David Wagner <[email protected]>
    To: Vinipink <[email protected]>
    Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 10:59:00 AM
    Subject: RE: University Contacts


    XXXXX,

    Your acceptance package was sent to you regular mail.

    We need original signature on the enrollment agreement and there is a postage paid envelope inside the package you will be receiving.

    Is there anything you want me to scan and email you today?

    Let me know. Dave





    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From: Vinipink [mailto:[email protected]]
    Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 6:46 AM
    To: [email protected]
    Subject: Re: University Contacts


    Hi,

    I was under the impression when we talked, that I was going to receive documents via email etc.. for my review,
    what happened?

    Regards,

    XXXXX



    ----- Original Message ----
    From: David Wagner <[email protected]>
    To: XXXXXX <[email protected]>
    Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 4:18:41 PM
    Subject: University Contacts


    Dear California Coast University Student and Future Graduate,


    Congratulations on your first step in accomplishing your dream! We are thrilled to have you as part of our student body. I wanted to take this moment to thank you and to let you know we are always here for you every step of the way until graduation! Upon receipt of all outstanding documents, you will be able to begin your degree program.



    You cannot begin your coursework until you return the following documents to us:



    1.) Signed (original signature) Registration & Enrollment Agreement mailed back to us in the postage paid envelope provided in your acceptance package. PLEASE DO NOT FAX IT.



    2.) Official Sealed Transcripts for: XXXXX Community College, XXXXX College, and Columbia Southern University



    Also, please note that your monthly tuition payment will begin 30 days from your enrollment date of (today).



    You will be receiving a call from Student Services to answer any of your questions. Your Student ID is xxxxx.



    I am sure questions will arise as you move along in your program. Below you will find the names, emails and extensions of the following individuals who can help you along the way. Now that you are a registered student, you will need to phone Student Services with any questions or concerns.



    Please call (714) 547-9625 and ask for the appropriate extension.



    Student Services:

    Chris Stanley Ext. 124 [email protected]

    Danielle Orta Ext. 135 [email protected]



    Library and Book Rental:

    Reina Lopez Ext. 127 [email protected]

    Library Fax: 714.547.5211



    Academic Office:

    Doug Petrikat Ext. 113 [email protected]

    Sean Moustafa Ext. 121 [email protected]



    Registrar:

    Melissa Zehner Ext. 112 [email protected]



    Testing:

    Karla Lopez Ext. 122 [email protected]

    Testing Fax: 714.547.5777



    Finance:

    Sonya Martinez Ext. 118 [email protected]





    It was a great pleasure working with you and I wish you the absolute best of luck!



    DAVE




    David Wagner
    Admissions Dept.
    California Coast University
    1-888-228-8648 Ext. 141
    FAX: (714) 547-5777
    [email protected]
    www.calcoast.edu
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 4, 2008
  10. kozen

    kozen Member

    Yeah. It's weird to hear that CCU will do it cos as an Alumni of CCU. The process of evaluation and enrollment went very smoothly for me too. Nothing is being charged except the application fee before my final confirmation of enrollment when i enrolled that time. I believed there must be some miscommunication somewhere which most probably you had signed and CCU mistook that you have decided to evaluated and enroll instead of just envaluating, and it's always good to clarify first before making any complaint.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 4, 2008
  11. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    No mistake from her part, if any it was from CCU. She was clear that she wanted to review before any commitment. There is always a first time for everything! The benefit of the doubt was given to CCU and they did not rectify, they had the chance to clarify and did not, so the complaint when out accordingly.
     
  12. Mundo

    Mundo New Member

    Hi Vinipink,

    First of all, I am sorry to hear about your and your wife’s plight. I - like Abner, JNelson, and Kozen haven’t had any problems with CCU. My enrollment was handled smoothly and professionally, and my studies for the last 27 months have been challenging and rewarding. By the way, I’m one course away from completing my BSBA.

    With that said, I obviously have no idea what could have happened. Maybe it was an inexperienced admissions person, or a misunderstanding, or miscommunication, who knows. I however would have handled the situation differently. By looking at the dates on the emails, it looks like all of these events took place within the last two weeks. That seems a very short time (considering weekends) to solve the problem or get some answers. I understand that we now live in an era where we demand instant results, but some things, sometimes, take more time.

    I guess what I’m trying to say is that jumping to internet forums and sites to air one’s dealings with particular businesses may not be the best option, that early. I would have given the situation a little more time to come to a conclusion before taking it that far.

    Like others have said, I also encourage you to contact the university’s president, DETC, and BBB. Then, if all that fails, the internet is a great medium to follow up.

    Respectfully,

    Pepe
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 4, 2008
  13. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    Mr. Pepe,

    First let me congratulate you that you are almost finish with your degree and I hope you don't have to go trough this process at any University should you consider further your study.

    Second, we allowed enough time for the matter to be resolved, and as I have indicated all the key people were contacted with no results. It is always important to read between the lines before actions are taken(which we did). Why would I have to wait 30 days to get my hard earned money when it was taken without my authorization?

    Finally, this incident was posted because I choose to do so and wanted to share this experience(as other have done before me and others will do after me), I could have chosen not to share and leave as that, but by sharing such experience will help potential students to take note and be very careful, and that way such thing will never happen to anyone again (so I hope). The outcome will be that I will get my money back and that CCU made very stupid mistake. As I mention before nothing against the institution.

    It is not a good feeling that any one's Alma mater is engaging in devious practice (either by mistake or intentionally). I have attended several schools that have done things that are questionable this especially happen when this institutions were experience huge growth and cutting expenses. Consumers has the responsibility to inform others when organizations that you do business with are not to par. Buyer Beware Market!

    The reason why a lot merchants get away with stuff is because people do not complain accordingly(by the way this remind me Dr. Bear's book about how to write complaining letters). You have a vested interest here with CCU, consequently, your response indicates your position and interest to defend your school(and your entitle to it).
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 4, 2008
  14. BetterEdit.com

    BetterEdit.com New Member

    Wow! What a pain! You will undoubtedly get a refund ... eventually! But what a nuisance to have to jump through all the hoops before you do, especially when it could have been avoided in the first place!

    Good luck!

    [email protected]
     
  15. skidadl

    skidadl Member

    My experience with CCU was first class in every aspect. They handled my enrollment, testing and questions with ease.

    Honestly, they were a model for anyone that strives to provide great services to the masses.

    I really hate to hear that you had a negative experience. Hopefully you are just dealing with a bad apple.
     
  16. ShotoJuku

    ShotoJuku New Member

    My first CCU experience was incredible from enrollment through conferral. In fact, I am deeply considering going back for another degree in another discipline shortly.

    Don't give up on CCU - to me, and many others grads, they're tops!
     
  17. c.novick

    c.novick New Member


    I agree! They were first rate with a solid distance program that was a challenge and fun.
     
  18. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    Can you please elaborate in the fun part?
     
  19. c.novick

    c.novick New Member

    Personally, I found their program fun because I enjoyed the study material. The books were great, the feedback was productive and you can go at your own pace (no stress of missing a class).

    Since I already had an MBA, I did a master's in psychology to learn something new and I was not disappointed.
     
  20. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    Do not get me wrong, I would attend CCU with the right conditions and incentives. I am enrolled at two schools right now (which I previous had issues with them) that provided me the right conditions and incentives and could not resit and enrolled.
     

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