WARNING for Soldiers and Veterans studying at Kaplan University

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 11:52:24 -0500

Just want to make the military community aware of a university that says they are military friendly but then their actions prove otherwise. I was studying Legal Studies at Kaplan University Online and I had to take a leave of absence from there to go to WLC. I made my professor and student adviser aware of the absence before I left and had a plan to make up all of the work with the professor. While I was gone they "administratively removed me from the program due to too many consecutive days being absent." I figured this was due to a communication error or an automated program in their system. I had to send an appeal to the Dean in order to get back in and even though I included a copy of my orders in the appeal they still denied my appeal and kept the class as a failure and also refused to give me a refund for the class. Anyone who is studying at Kaplan and might have any military obligations come up be aware.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 11:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 11:57:07 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member that is sad. Anyone in the veterans affairs office there that can help you with the appeal?

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 13 at 2015 12:01 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 12:01:14 -0500

What a pile of smoking ______ (fill in the blank)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 12:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 12:01:55 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, you need to bring it up to your education officer. More importantly did you follow Kaplan's Leave of Absence and Withdrawal policy?

"You must complete and sign a Leave of Absence Request Form and submit it through Education Advising (online) or Student Services (onsite) for approval."
http://catalog.kaplanuniversity.edu/Leave_of_Absence_and_Withdrawal.aspx

If you used an automated system, there should have been an automated email response that acknowledged your request was received and then waiting for an approved/disapproved response.

Leave of Absence and Withdrawal

If you have completed at least one term of your degree program at the University and can demonstrate extenuating circumstances beyond your control, you may request a leave of absence. A leave generally permits you to suspend studies and return to the version of the program that you left.

Response by Cpl Michael Strickler made Feb 13 at 2015 1:07 PM

Cpl Michael Strickler — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 13:07:46 -0500

Thankfully I only took like four classes with them during my last year before separation, but for some reason none of my credits through them transferred when I started at my state school. I made sure they were regionally accredited before starting and all, but no dice. That kinda peeved me, not sure what I may have done wrong, but as I said, I only lost out on a few classes...

I feel your frustration...