University of Phoenix response to New York Times Article by Sam Dillon

Currently enrolled in Penn State DL graduate work...we have learning teams as well. The concept is not unique to UoP.

 

If UoP wants to re-invent itself, I can do so in 2 main ways.

1. Cut back on the friggin marketing. We don't need to see a UOP ad every time we look on Monster, Google, Yahoo, etc. It makes you look like a friggin diploma mill.

2. Do something about the financial aspect. A LOT of the complaints against UoP stem from folks who end up owing UoP because they end up with a "surprise" out of pocket expense (which the student should have known about - they are told). Then the student drops out and ends up getting collection calls, etc. Dont' know what the answer is, but do something about it.

Believe me, the place is hardly a diploma mill. I did it for three years and I worked for every grade I earned.

But - they really need an image change. I think they'd realize that a good public image, NOT tons of marketing, will increase their student base.

 

After reading the original story a few times, I have to say that it really does mischaracterize the University of Phoenix in terms of student experience and curriculum. It quotes disgruntled and punchy students alike; these seem unrepresentative of the whole of students. It misquotes people who ostensibly have little experience with DL MBA programs and who most likely are unqualified to teach in the program. (No scholar would ever go in print with such as statement.) In sum, it seems like an asinine opinion piece from a normally credible news source.

It is an interesting read though with all the speculation of doom and gloom; it almost seems that the category killer of higher education still has some work to do.

Dave