Walden University Walden University is refusing to release my transcript for money I do not feel that I owe. Minneapolis Minnesota

I attended Walden University for my Bachelor's program and found them to be a somewhat a quality university for working adults seeking to further their education. They largely provided reputable instructors with qualified backgrounds that actively interacted with the students and provided constructive feedback and information on coursework. However, this is not the case with their advisement staff. In all my years there the advisement turnover rate was very high. I never communicated with the same adviser. Whenever I called the school I would be transferred several times and still not speak to an adviser in my intended major. However, in spite of all this I graduated with my BSBA and felt it best that I continue pursuing my education with Walden to avoid the hassle of starting the application process again with another university. My biggest mistake.

I began my Master's program with Walden however, by my 2nd class in the program I began having major problems in my group project because instead of being group with members in similar time zones as I was accustomed, I was grouped with people on the other side of the world. This was a huge challenge. The first 3 weeks we received an F on each of our group assignment. Unfortunately, by the time our midterm assignment was due my group wasn't posting or responding in our group chat section which was very concerning to me as our instructor had given us the opportunity to re-do our previous 3 papers and they were to be turned in with the upcoming mid-term paper.  Two days before the deadline I emailed my instructor and advised that I hadn't heard from group and I was very concerned as my grade was dependent upon the other members. I also advised him that I was considering withdrawing from the class because I could not risk failing this class. His response was simply that he had given us the opportunity to redo our papers, never acknowledging my comment about withdrawing. The next day I called and spoke with an academic adviser to find out what needed to be done if I choose to withdraw from the class and/or the university. He answered my questions but showed no interest in my displeasure. I considered withdrawing from the University because I felt that it might be better for me to attend a traditional brick and mortar university where my group would be in my immediate presence during classes. The adviser stated that all I had to do was complete the necessary paperwork. On the day that the midterm paper was due, which co-incidentally was the last day for class withdrawl I still had not heard from my group, therefore, I decided it was best for me to withdraw from the class so I completed the necessary paperwork. I also began the paperwork to withdraw from the university. School policy states you can't withdraw without going through an adviser. I completed the withdrawl paperwork making sure to note that I had previously spoken to an adviser but he showed no interest in my desire to withdraw from the university. I also had an adviser call and I also informed her of my concerns about the group project and that I spoken to another adviser that showed no interest and she stated she would make note of my concerns. I still was approved to withdraw from the University.

Weeks later I was notified that my financial aid adjusted as a result of my withdrawl and I now owed the school money. I spoke with the business office and explained that I was not advised that this was going to happen otherwise, I would not have withdrawn midterm. I questioned why would their advisers did not do their job and advise me of the consequences of withdrawing, but was only told that I owed the money. I applied for a tuition waiver and was denied stating (1) I didn't contact my instructor prior to withdrawing (2) I didn't consult an adviser. I appealed the decision providing proof of where I contacted an adviser prior to withdrawing and providing a copy of the form that I completed prior to withdrawing making sure to note that the previous adviser showed no interest and the other adviser stated she would note my concerns. My appeal was denied.  I then contacted the student mediator and provided copies of all the paperwork and communication regarding my case. He stated he would look into my case and get back me within a few days. He contacted me the same day stating the decision would stick. My case was still denied. I came to the conclusion that since Walden is a for profit university, money is their main concern. I am highly displeased with how Walden totally disregarded my concerns and how staff advisers failed to do their job of advising me of the consequences of withdrawing. As a student, we depend on them to guide us in the right direction and hope that they would have our best interest at hand. I have since realized that it was unrealistic for me to expect any type of concern from a school whose primary goal is to increase enrollment and when advisers can't produce they are replaced. Looking back I realize I ignored this lack of service because I felt that I was getting a quality education, however, I've now realized that when you're paying for something you should expect 100% customer service at all levels.

I would advise anyone looking to continue their education not to consider Walden University.  Their are several universities that actually provide customer service and care about their student but Walden