An unhappy student's update on the University of Phoenix
Written: Jun 05 '00 (Updated Jun 06 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Effective format; wonderful support staff
Cons: Not-so-hot instructors, curriculum that doesn't challenge
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| s_trimble's Full Review: University of Phoenix |
This review is a companion and update to my previous review: "A creative solution to the adult education problem," available at:
http://mordrell.epinions.com/educ-review-1286-136C4EE4-38FC967F-prod5
I decided to write a separate post because I have lots of new information, and I didn't want my previous review to become extraordinarily long and unwieldy.
For those who aren't familiar, the University of Phoenix (UOP) is an accelerated degree college, in which working adults can go to school one night a week, meet with a study group one more night a week, and earn a degree from scratch in four years, attending school on what is essentially a part-time basis. It is a novel concept, and is probably the only way I could earn a degree with my hectic schedule.
In my previous review, I basically lavished praise upon UOP, having been very satisfied with my first course, my instructor, the enrollment and billing process, the difficulty of the coursework, etc., etc.
Unfortunately, my unabashed pleasure has abated somewhat. Upon my first review, I had just completed my first course. My instructor was a lifelong educator, had been a college president and a dean, and he was marvelous. He knew how to lecture, how to grade, how to direct a class and how to lead a discussion. He was tough but fair, and I felt challenged by the coursework, but not overwhelmed. I got an "A" in that course.
I then went to my second class "Skills for Lifelong Learning II," which was basically a critical thinking course. It was structured much the same as the previous course, but it had a bit more writing and a longer group presentation due at the end. The instructor this time was a Master of Education (I think; I know he had a Master's of something, and he certainly wasn't a Ph.D). Interestingly, he had been a 30-year Navy man and was educated by UOP itself, both Bachelor's and Master's. Competent, if a bit self-important. He had some trouble directing the class, and we never felt as if we had a clear instruction as to what we were supposed to be doing. He was not a natural educator, and I did not feel as satisfied with my second course as I was with my first. I also received an "A" in this course.
And that brings me to my third course. It is called "Communications Skills for Careers," and is basically a generic communications course. When I first read the curriculum (called a Course Module), I was a bit apprehensive; the assignments and readings looked challenging and relatively intense. I needn't have worried. The instructor, who makes her full-time living (most instructors at UOP are only part-time) babysitting mental patients, immediately took most of the teeth out of the assignments. She cut the word requirements for the papers nearly in half, and the time requirements for the presentations as well. She never checks the reading or vocab assignments (which are insultingly easy). She's ditzy, and not particularly effective. I (along with my classmates) do not feel challenged at all in this course.
I am sorry to say it, but UOP is feeling more and more like a diploma mill. Extraordinary effort (which I put forth at first) is rewarded not much above minimal effort (which most students put forth, and which I find myself slipping into). I am decidedly unsatisfied with my current course. For now, I am sticking with it because I know I have little alternative, and because I am receiving significant financial reimbursement from my employer.
But would I attend again knowing what I know now? I don't know. Perhaps, but I would consider it long and hard. The format is good, but if the instruction continues to be so mediocre, I might reconsider. I have discovered that the pay for instructors is quite low, which is surprising considering the high cost of tuition. I am a co-worker of a part-time instructor, and he is unsatisfied with the salary. He also got more training from our brief chat on what to expect in his first class from me than he ever did from the faculty.
Having said all that, I should also state that I continue to be pleased with the support staff at UOP. They are continually helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant. I had a difficult billing situation and they handled it effectively, with no problem at all.
All in all, I would only marginally recommend the University of Phoenix at this point, and only continue to do so because of the format available to adult working students. I will continue to post updates as I see fit. Comments and questions are appreciated as always.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
s_trimble
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Member: Stephen Trimble
Location: West Chester, PA
Reviews written: 127
Trusted by: 95 members
About Me:
I'm back to my roots, writing business newsletters for Progressive Business Publications.
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