The University of Phoenix: An Overview

The University of Phoenix is a for-profit online university that operates from its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. As an online-only institute, it provides significant accessibility to students who desire an alternative to traditional in-person learning. The curriculum comprises over 300 courses and degrees covering more than 300 different occupations for nearly 100,000 full-time students.

Affordability and Accessibility: The Advantages

Given that the University of Phoenix is an online academic institution, it facilitates an affordable option compared to its peers. Full-time students pay an average annual price of $15,818 to attend the school, thereby providing learners with limited financial means with the same privilege as their financially endowed counterparts.

Scrutiny and Criticism: Shortcomings

Despite the captivating conveniences and affordability offered at the University of Phoenix, it is not entirely immune to critical reviews that plague other institutions like it. Several academics and students alike have criticized this institution for having low retention and graduation rates. According to available data by 2017, only 1% of full-time students completed their four-year program within the expected timeframe.

Additionally, scrutiny continues against the University of Phoenix, as seen in a case against them for false advertising by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The lawsuit is worth a staggering $190 million after the institution made misleading claims about collaboration with companies that offer employment opportunities to graduates or joining faculty positions at local community colleges.

Unfair Policies: Campus Misconduct

On top of challenges faced regarding cost and quality of education provided by The University of Phoenix there are concerns surrounding student misconduct policies set forth by this very campus. Unfortunately, multiple reports substantiate several unfair polices which have led directly to dismissal from studies.

If you face a student misconduct charge or other issue of concern relating campus policy disputes Todd Spodek can advise on your course avenues moving forward with expert knowledge surrounding litigations you may wish to bring against the institution. An attorney with extensive knowledge of student conduct proceedings can be highly beneficial, especially while afforded expert counsel in times of campus difficulty.

Potential Misconduct Violations

Violation consequences regarding The University of Phoenix can manifest negatively for any violations of misconduct. So what constitutes academic and personal conduct policy violations?

Academic Dishonesty

The University defines academic dishonesty as behavior that jeopardizes integrity within the student body. Students can face disciplinary action on the grounds of academic dishonesty ranging from counseling, loss of credits, suspension, or even expulsion. Examples cited by Code of Conduct include but are not limited to:

– Plagiarism: presenting someone else’s work or ideas as one’s own.
– Self-plagiarism: submitting work that was previously submitted for another assignment without permission.
– Fabrication: falsifying research data or inventing information without permission.
– Unauthorized assistance: using materials or information from sources to complete an academic task without permission
– Copyright infringement: Using copyrighted material without permission
– Misrepresentation fabricating circumstances to justify an absence or request special circumstances
– Collusion; Allowing other students take part in academic dishonesty.

Conduct Codes

The Code of Conduct includes a list of prohibited acts, leading students facing sanctions ranging from expulsion through to issuing warnings. These actions considered code violations included:

– Threats which violate the safety and freedom rights enjoyed by other individuals at the university
– Harassment against community members or staff members
– Sexual abuse and harassment
– Pursuing individuals unrelentingly either in person or online.
– Continued campus disruptions caused by irresponsible criminal behavior resulting in vital education interruptions
– Breaking industry ethics codes
– Refusal upon requests by faculty/staff official rules/regulations
– Positioning weapons at university events/locations
– Use of illegal substances/alcohol abuse
– Failure to honor privacy policies when demanded
– Falsifying/crafting findings on university financial aid documentation
– Communication violations and improper handling of electronic equipment
– Hazing fellow students in any capacity
– Breaking state/federal legislation

Title IX

As a federally-funded institution, The University of Phoenix is mandated to adhere to Title IX regulations. This ensures that sexual discrimination is not accepted under such policies targeting equality rights. For this reason, the university has implemented an Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Non- Discrimination policy that deters sexual exploitation and harassment.

This enactment also ensures effective procedures immediately take place towards addressing any Title IX misconduct concerns. Concluded investigations may carry sanctions including the withholding of diplomas, suspensions or expulsions alongside critical warnings against their behavior.

Misconduct Procedures

The University of Phoenix upholds an impartial disciplinary process for Code of Conduct violations obtained. This procedure is standardized save for cases involving Title IX discrimination allegations which may result in a different protocol being observed.

Notably, during investigation processes regarding misconduct claims, students may be barred from attending classes/events/other campus functions until proper resolutions have been arrived at. After receiving a notification regarding misconduct allegations leveled against them, students are granted ten days to defend themselves by either accepting or denying the alleged claim(s).

In circumstances where the accused denies the accusation, committee-led investigations shall ensue with evidence presented and student responses noted accordingly. An ethics committee will then scrutinize data gathered during probes which shall guide recommendations suggested to the campus director of academic affairs when deciding responsibility levels and consequent sanctions for said student(s).

If a complaint involves Title IX regulations regarding acts like sexual assault impacting student welfare adversely, another process aimed at investigating Title IX complaints will proceed within two months’ time following notification.

In Conclusion

We all have a legitimate expectation that universities will uphold high standards based on moral principles as well as academic values taught within during our courses of study. A raft of dedicated services exists at Spodek Law Group to help you explore your options and seek legal remedies with expert advocacy. For more information about other student conduct proceedings or Title IX sexual harassment proceedings, please call Todd Spodek at 212-300-5196 or email him whenever needed.