Lets Improve Ashford!!

Ways to Improve!

            It was over a year ago, I noticed that my life was going basically nowhere. At that point and time I decided that I needed to make a change. After making that decision, I had no idea where to start. The first thing that popped in my head was go back to college. I knew I only had a year to go and finally I could work in a field that I enjoyed. Then the negative thoughts began presenting themselves. How was I going to work and go to school? How am I going to afford it?  Is this really the right thing to do? After talking it over with some of my friends, they then told me about Ashford University. They informed me how it had been such a great fit for them. When I got home I decided to give Ashford a call. I was greeted with a warm reception from an admission counselor. He explained to me that all my credits that I accumulated in the past could possibly transfer. He also told me that it was very affordable and you could complete the schoolwork around your work schedule.

           When I heard the answers to those questions, I knew this was the place for me. I started taking classes within the next two weeks. Now, eight classes later; I must admit attending Ashford is the smartest decision I could’ve ever made. Although I love my decision and I’m on my way to my degree in less than 8 months. There are some areas I noticed that they can improve in. Some of those things are: Effective communication with both teachers and financial aid advisors, and the understanding of the PLA program. In this paper, I present these problems and propose some possible solutions to help the situation.

Problem 1: Communication with the teachers:

Although the communication with teachers isn’t all that bad, it has presented some problems at times. In conducting a survey of ten online Ashford students that I know, 50% of them believe that the communication can be a lot better. The way we communicate with the teachers is thru email. That is fine but sometimes it takes them 2 to 3 days to respond. By that time, your assignment is almost due or due. That leaves you with no insight or guidance from your instructor.

Proposed Solution: A solution that may help is adding some contact numbers. Providing contact numbers to teacher and teacher’s assistants could be a great help. If you give the student a chance to actually talk to someone about their problem, they will feel more satisfied. I know that they will be a high volume of calls, that’s why you would provide contact hours. You also add the reassurance that their call will be returned within 24 hours.

Problem 2: Communication with your financial aid advisor:

This has to be the worst problem that this great university has! In conducting a survey of 10 online Ashford university students, 100% of them find this to be a problem. I have called several times to speak to someone about my financial aid situation. The first thing that is done is the operator after hearing your problem tries to reach your financial aid advisor.  My advisor has never been reached when I call; I always have to speak to someoneelse in the department. The problem with that is; they can’t make any corrections for you. They always say the same thing,   “I’m going to send your advisor and email, and they’re going to contact you”. The earliest I’ve received a response was in two days, if I do receive a response! Sometimes the student’s inquiries require immediate attention.

Proposed solutions: A policy needs to be put in place that when an email is sent to your advisor, you must hear something within 24 hours. Also, how about providing the advisor with an assistant or give a student two advisors. By doing that, the percentage chances go up with reaching someone. It then gives someone else access to make changes to your account, when one person can’t be reached. Another thing that could be done is providing a hotline. Adding a hotline, allows questions to be answered at anytime, even if the school is closed.

Problem 3: Understanding of the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA):

            This program I’ve been told is good but somewhat complicated. When you first are enrolled at the institution, they talk about how you don’t want your past credits to go to waste. They should do the same thing when it comes to the PLA program. There isn’t enough emphasis placed on this program when it comes to enrolling students. When you do finally get someone to talk about it, they just tell you to write a paper and the board determines if you get any extra credits added to your degree progress.

Proposed Solution: Make it mandatory that when an admission advisor tries to get someone enrolled, not only do they talk about past credits. They also need explain this program in depth. This allows someone who may not have ever attended college to know they might have college credit after all. Also, when you speak to your advisor helps you with this process. They just don’t need to send you a link and leave you wondering. It is said to be a good program, how about help it to be utilized.

            In conclusion, Ashford University is a wonderful institution. I would recommend this college to anyone who is looking to further their education.  In saying that we all know that nothing in the world is perfect, so there is always room for improvement. By acknowledging their problems and wanting to work on them proves that this college is worthwhile.  So many other colleges aren’t willing to work with you, when it comes to your needs. Ashford has handled all of mine and many others needs so far. So now is the time for them to tweak certain way how they deal with some of them.