University of Maryland University College

I entered UMUC for two reasons: going to the University of Maryland was a childhood dream (I grew up in Annapolis) and because they accepted 42 credit hours of previous education (earned at AACC). My experiences are mixed. My initial contact with UMUC was with a student acting as a course advisor as part of the work study program. Red flag. I submitted my financial documents (tax returns etc) which they promptly loss. Red flag. I ended up resending those document two more times before losing my cool and demanding the name and address of a specific person who would then be required to sign a return receipt for the documents. This year wasn't any better. By contrast, you need something just short of a top secret security rating to get into "My UMUC" to track your academic progress, read course descriptions or register for classes. Too bad they don't use the same security measures to protect your financial documents... Professors are a mixed bag but you will have that at any institution at all levels of learning. That being said, there was a woman in my history class last semester (upper level course) who posted she was grateful for the ancient Greeks because "without them [she] would not have had [her] favorite cartoons: 'Hercules' and 'Xena.' " My point is, UMUC is a for-profit school and clearly profit is a priority over the quality of students accepted. There were 30+ student in that history class and only two other people besides the professor with whom I could, in good conscience, interact in the discussion forum. As for the academic and financial advisers....there would seem to be a space (or at least a title) for them but as for humans occupying those positions, it's anyone's guess. I haven't been able to speak with an adviser in either department other than my initial contact with the kid on work study at "intake advising." Clearly it is all about getting you signed up and qualified for financing, not unlike a used car salesman. All of that being said, whether I get a quality education or not is entirely up to me. I can do the work required to pass or I can exert the effort to submit my best work, ask questions, engage my class fellows and professors. It is up to me. An education takes effort no matter where you attend. If you are going to spend the money to go to school, why not get your money's worth...and I don't mean finding an explanation of the origin of your favorite cartoon. As I have always taught my sons, you get what you give. Just remember this: there is only one way to coast and that is downhill.

UMUC is a school for a certain type of student. If you are a 20 year old transfer student coming from UMBC who is use to being able to go directly to student services and have your problems solved then this more then likely will not be the type of school you are looking for. UMUC serves working adults and does it very well. For a 30 year old student with a full time job or a 22 year old student with a family UMUC provides a great education from a state school to those who would not be able to finish a degree from schools like University of Maryland College Park. The school could stand to improve itself in regards to its administraive support to students, but then again the school is mostly an online focused school with most of its services just a log in away. My suggestion is while reading the reviews on this site is to ask yourself why type of student you are. If you are a student who workds and needs a little flexibility then UMUC is perfect for you. Its a 4 year state school way better then any for profit diploma mill school that offers online programs!