The University of Phoenix Phoenix Campus

Date: Jul 30 2007
Major: Business - Management and Administration (This Major's Salary over time)
I travel about 40% for work and was forced to get an education at UP through the FlexNet program. I am only a few courses away from completing my degree and am happy I chose this school. I can see a tremendous difference in the way I speak, the way I write, the way I manage, and the way I carry myself both personally and professionally.

As with any school, you will only learn if you want apply yourself. I could go to any college, do the assignments and graduate, and so could you. UP is the same way, if you attend class and complete your assignments as described in the syllabus then you will do great. The work is challenging if you follow your assignments.

One thing to irritate is the people who don’t care as much as you about getting an education. Not to stereotype, but a large portion of these non-carrying individuals work for companies that reimburse them for their educational expenses. When I first started attending the ratios where about 7-3, company sponsored to individual payment plans. My classes are now 9-1, individual payment plans to company sponsored. People who have to pay back the loans tend to work harder and complete the programs.

UP is a for-profit school, this means they allow any backwoods yokel to attend as long as payment is received. So expect some real “winners” in the class rooms (they will filter out as time passes). UP also utilizes smaller classes and team learning. So you will get stuck with these same “winners” from time to time. The nice thing is the classes get smaller, and you will become comfortable with voicing your opinion about instructors and fellow team members. My original classes were sized around 22 people, after the first few classes this number dwindled. My current class has 6 people forming 2 teams of 3; and although the online participation is trying at times, the instructor attention is great. These small classes coupled with high over head from nice facilities, online support, and an attentive administrative staff is the cause for higher tuition.

My voice also makes a difference at UP. I recently had a situation with my business law instructor where she was not tending to the needs of the class, not providing us good feedback, and was overall not maintaining the class in a professional manner. We took the matter to the department chair, and within a few days we had a new instructor who was taking superior care of our educational needs.

Proud Alumni,

Noah Chitwood

West Florida Campus