University Of Phoenix book store scam Phoenix Arixona

Like so many others I had a very poor experience with the UofP. I could re-tell many of the stories already listed if I only changed the names and dates.
I have encounterd many poor employees. I went form months writing emails to my academic and admissions counselors only to find out later they no longer worked at UofP.

I would like to post my email correspondence with my academic and financial counselors with regard to book sales.


Commissions paid on every order.
Your institution will receive a commission on the total gross sales of all textbooks, course materials, and other products sold through Specialty Books. No expenses, fees, or other costs are deducted from this commission, so you can estimate and depend on this regular income stream."
Specialty Books Inc.
http://www3.specialty-books.com/our_services/faculty_revenue.php
student
----- Original Message -----
From: Cliff Pickard
To: student
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2004 1:56 PM
Subject: Re: Course Materials

Hi student,

After reading the email that Mary sent you, she was just informing you that any further financial issues are to be dealt with through finance that would be me. However, after she did some research about the ALEKS card, this is the information she received. There is no further information I have.

Also, the Specialty Book store is not a division of Apollo Group or UOP. Therefore, there is no conspiracy here. Have you considered seeing if the same text book is available on Amazon.com? I know you can at times find used books through them.

I hope this has answered your question.

Thank You,

Cliff Pickard
Military Finance Advisor - Team 201
University of Phoenix Online
3157 E. Elwood Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (800) 366-9699 ex: 6568
Fax: 602-383-0964
cgpickar@email.uophx.edu
----- Original Message -----
From: student
To: Cliff Pickard
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 3:39 PM
Subject: Fw: Course Materials

Dear Cliff,

It looks as if I have been pawned off to you. How can I purchase and ALEKS card separately from the book for my next class? As I have explained below the price difference between a new and used text book is considerable. Is this part of an bigger picture to force students to buy new text books from the Phoenix Specialty Book Store?

student
----- Original Message -----
From: Mary Brandenberger
To: student
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 7:02 AM
Subject: Re: Course Materials

student,

You can order a used book for the class, but will still need the ALEKS card. If you purchase a new text book, you will get an ALEKS card. Any further financial questions should be directed to your finance advisor, Cliff Pickard. His contact information is listed below. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Thanks,

Mary Brandenberger
Academic Counselor, Team 201
University of Phoenix Online
Phone: 1-800-366-9699 ext. 6577
Fax: (602) 383-0522

For financial concerns, contact:
Cliff Pickard
Phone: 1-800-366-9699 ext. 6568
Fax: (602) 383-0964
cgpickar@email.uophx.edu
----- Original Message -----
From: student
To: Mary Brandenberger
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 4:12 PM
Subject: Re: Course Materials

So, can I buy a used book or do I need to buy a new book that includes and ALEKS card? If the card is required may the ALEKS card be purchased separately? or Does the UofP include access to ALEKS with the cost of tuition?
student
----- Original Message -----
From: Mary Brandenberger
To: student
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 7:15 AM
Subject: Re: Course Materials

student,

The ALEKS assessment is required for all students entering any one of UOP's undergraduate programs. You receive access to the ALEKS Assessment site when you download the syllabus for your first course. In your cause, this would have been GEN/300. This is not used as a proficiency exam. Rather, it is a self-assessment opportunity. The second time you receive an ALEKS code is in MTH/208 or MTH/209, as part of an assignment. You get this from Specialty Books.

Let me know if your have further questions.

Thanks,

Mary Brandenberger
Academic Counselor, Team 201
University of Phoenix Online
Phone: 1-800-366-9699 ext. 6577
Fax: (602) 383-0522

For financial concerns, contact:
Cliff Pickard
Phone: 1-800-366-9699 ext. 6568
Fax: (602) 383-0964
cgpickar@email.uophx.edu
----- Original Message -----
From: student
To: Mary Brandenberger
Cc:
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 7:46 PM
Subject: Course Materials

I recently went to my UoP home page and saw information was available for my next class. There was a place to order the text book required for my next class. It said CAN NOT BUY USED BOOK AND REUSE THE ALEKS CARD -ONLY ONE USER PER CARD. I have never experienced the need for an ALEKS CARD. What is an ALEKS CARD? Will I need one for my next class? The price is considerably different for a new as compared to a used text book. Is this a tool that Universities are using to help stop the subversive underground sales of used text books? Please let me know so I can order the required text before the next class starts.


Thank you,
student

Joe
seattle, Washington
U.S.A.

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on University Of Phoenix