I started attending the University of Phoenix online in April 2011. I am entering into my last year of classes, but since starting I have had nothing but a hassle when it comes time for me to get my refund from my student loans. I understand the error I made attending this university. I had previously attended Penn State, but after the death of my father I failed some courses and had some issues. The only reason I went to UOP was because it was so easy to get into. I knew I could get in and pull up my GPA before transferring to a better university. However I know feel like i am being forced to stay at UOP. If I do not stay then I will owe for classes and my credits and grades will be held hostage.
Back to the point of the financial aid. When I enrolled I told my advisor I would need my refund to purchase a new computer. She stated that would not be an issue. Once my student account was credited the refund balance they would not release it to me. I was told that it was policy to hold the funds for the 30 days to ensure the student would complete classes and not simply take the money. After a lot of hassle and somehow getting to speak to a head person I got my money. The next semester the refund came after 21 days. By UOP policy it should be disbursed to the student after 14 days of crediting to the account. Finally, I wrote my FA adviser (who never returns any of my calls or emails) and told her that I would be contacting legal representation if my money was not disbursed to me in 24 hours (after all I have it in print that it will only be 14 days). My money was disbursed that day.
Now, Dec. 5th started my new semester. To date, I have never received an award letter nor has my financial aid been credited to my account. I contacted my academic adviser who contacted my FA adviser. She stated that she sent my file in for certification at the end of November and it would take 4-6 weeks to get my award letter. First, what is this certification? Is it with UOP or Dept of Education? Also, when I began attending I received my award letter in 2 weeks. How could I receive that one so fast? Also, why did she wait until the end of November to send my file for certification? My GPA is 3.75. I have carried all A's and one B. I have never been in jeopardy of being expelled for any issues. And, I have never dropped or transferred any course. I have done a lot research but can find no information on this certification process.
This is not the same process of verification through the Dept of Education when they need copies of tax returns and more information. I have had to supply no additional information. My FA adviser stated that my financial aid is fine and I will receive the amounts I am suppose to. However, it needs certified. Are they jerking me around? Is this a real part of the process? Any information on this or any further steps I should take would be greatly appreciated. Like I explained to them, I depend on this money to assist in my survival while I try to better myself.
I would like to add for clarification that I have done research and asked different advisers at UOP on the policy of holding the money for 30 days when a student first attends. Everything I have found and been told is that, that is not a UOP policy.
I appreciate the information. I apologize because I must not have been clear about them holding my transcripts. Any one I have ever spoken with who have transferred out of UOP has been given a bill. Then, since they supposedly owe the university they can not get the transcripts. I do not understand it honestly. Some of these people would be covered with financial aid and have even dropped between semesters yet they end up being charged.
Back to the point of the financial aid. When I enrolled I told my advisor I would need my refund to purchase a new computer. She stated that would not be an issue. Once my student account was credited the refund balance they would not release it to me. I was told that it was policy to hold the funds for the 30 days to ensure the student would complete classes and not simply take the money. After a lot of hassle and somehow getting to speak to a head person I got my money. The next semester the refund came after 21 days. By UOP policy it should be disbursed to the student after 14 days of crediting to the account. Finally, I wrote my FA adviser (who never returns any of my calls or emails) and told her that I would be contacting legal representation if my money was not disbursed to me in 24 hours (after all I have it in print that it will only be 14 days). My money was disbursed that day.
Now, Dec. 5th started my new semester. To date, I have never received an award letter nor has my financial aid been credited to my account. I contacted my academic adviser who contacted my FA adviser. She stated that she sent my file in for certification at the end of November and it would take 4-6 weeks to get my award letter. First, what is this certification? Is it with UOP or Dept of Education? Also, when I began attending I received my award letter in 2 weeks. How could I receive that one so fast? Also, why did she wait until the end of November to send my file for certification? My GPA is 3.75. I have carried all A's and one B. I have never been in jeopardy of being expelled for any issues. And, I have never dropped or transferred any course. I have done a lot research but can find no information on this certification process.
This is not the same process of verification through the Dept of Education when they need copies of tax returns and more information. I have had to supply no additional information. My FA adviser stated that my financial aid is fine and I will receive the amounts I am suppose to. However, it needs certified. Are they jerking me around? Is this a real part of the process? Any information on this or any further steps I should take would be greatly appreciated. Like I explained to them, I depend on this money to assist in my survival while I try to better myself.
I would like to add for clarification that I have done research and asked different advisers at UOP on the policy of holding the money for 30 days when a student first attends. Everything I have found and been told is that, that is not a UOP policy.
I appreciate the information. I apologize because I must not have been clear about them holding my transcripts. Any one I have ever spoken with who have transferred out of UOP has been given a bill. Then, since they supposedly owe the university they can not get the transcripts. I do not understand it honestly. Some of these people would be covered with financial aid and have even dropped between semesters yet they end up being charged.