Please Help UMPI Clerical Error Delayed My Enrollment

[Claudia P]

I am hoping an UMPI former student can help me.
I enrolled at UMPI on September 13th for the October 24th start date,  The deadline for enrollment was October 4th.  On October 3rd, I called and someone named Barb confirmed that they had received all of my transcripts and she said that my application would be processed in the next week or so.
I didn't want to keep bothering them so I waited to hear from them and no one called or sent me an email.
I finally sent Jessica an email yesterday, October 19th to find out the status of my enrollment,  Jessica replied today that my application was never processed and now it's too late to begin the October 24th start date.  I will have to defer to the January, 2023 start date.
What?
I could just cry.  I quit my job so I could spend the next few months going to school full-time.  I cannot afford to wait until January, 2023.
I have sent repeated emails to Jessica, but I just get a canned response that says it is too late and there is nothing they can do.  Outside of sending an email directly the the Chancellor, I just don't know what more I could do.
Please let me know if there is anything more I can do.  I had my heart set on UMPI.  I even bought their school logo shirts - I was that excited.

I hadn't even explored other competency based schools because I had my heart set on UMPI.  Thanks for reading.  I am SO distraught right now.

[bjcheung77]

Copy/pasting what I just typed here: What is UMPI's major malfunction? (degreeforum.net)

A possible option:  I wouldn't bother complaining about the Enrollment Specialists. If you haven't gotten in, as a last resort, I would try Susan (who is the Dean) if Jessica couldn't help.  You need to call, not email.  This is what I would do, your application is in, evaluation isn't done.  You have a conversation with Susan, telling her you want to start ASAP without the evaluation if possible as you already know what courses you need to bring in.  

While you start on orientation and other courses, see if they can get your credits evaluated then, as long as you get to start on X courses you know you're still missing.  Send them a copy of your spreadsheet and document to them, you know what you need remaining. You basically are at their mercy to let you in or not, but you can try to explain and see if you can take orientation and start on say English I and English II while your issue of evaluation gets resolved.

Note: As an example, if someone starts from scratch straight out of high school, 2 years of working, and without any college credits, they apply and start with course 1, why can't they allow that and slowly let the evaluation take place while you work on course 1 and 2?  It's like asking for "courses to be added and transferred" after you start your enrollment in course #1 of 40.  You're getting permission to add courses after you start the program.

Two people who run the Your Pace Program.  They are the best two for correspondence.  Good luck!
If you've tried the Director: Jessica Winslow then I suggest | Jessica Winslow | UMPI
You try the Dean: Dr Susan Chang instead and explain | Dr. Susan Chang | UMPI

For those reading, you want to apply early and verify you have everything completed before application deadline. I repeat, everything including evaluations completed before application deadline, they may be extremely busy.  Example, application deadline is Oct 4, enrollment starts Oct 24.  You want to follow up before Oct 4 to make sure you're in...

[Claudia P]

Copy/pasting what I just typed here: What is UMPI's major malfunction? (degreeforum.net)

A possible option:  I wouldn't bother complaining about the Enrollment Specialists. If you haven't gotten in, as a last resort, I would try Susan (who is the Dean) if Jessica couldn't help.  You need to call, not email.  This is what I would do, your application is in, evaluation isn't done.  You have a conversation with Susan, telling her you want to start ASAP without the evaluation if possible as you already know what courses you need to bring in.  

While you start on orientation and other courses, see if they can get your credits evaluated then, as long as you get to start on X courses you know you're still missing.  Send them a copy of your spreadsheet and document to them, you know what you need remaining. You basically are at their mercy to let you in or not, but you can try to explain and see if you can take orientation and start on say English I and English II while your issue of evaluation gets resolved.

Note: As an example, if someone starts from scratch straight out of high school, 2 years of working, and without any college credits, they apply and start with course 1, why can't they allow that and slowly let the evaluation take place while you work on course 1 and 2?  It's like asking for "courses to be added and transferred" after you start your enrollment in course #1 of 40.  You're getting permission to add courses after you start the program.

Two people who run the Your Pace Program.  They are the best two for correspondence.  Good luck!
If you've tried the Director: Jessica Winslow then I suggest | Jessica Winslow | UMPI
You try the Dean: Dr Susan Chang instead and explain | Dr. Susan Chang | UMPI

For those reading, you want to apply early and verify you have everything completed before application deadline. I repeat, everything including evaluations completed before application deadline, they may be extremely busy.  Example, application deadline is Oct 4, enrollment starts Oct 24.  You want to follow up before Oct 4 to make sure you're in...

Thank you for the info.  I am very grateful for your assistance.
I'm confused.  I just want to make sure I understand what you're suggesting that I do.  Are you saying I should ask UMPI to start me off in the YourPace program as if I were a new freshman that has never taken a college class before?
I transferred 35 credits from community college and 50 Sophia & CLEP credits. So are you saying I should ask them to enroll me in GenEd classes that I have already taken and then take me out of the GenEds when they evaluate my transcript?  What happens when they evaluate my credits and see that I have already taken the classes?  Do they tell me to stop taking the class and assign me new relevant classes?

By the way, I DID call UMPI on October 3rd to confirm that they had received all of my transcripts.  The woman I spoke with, Barb, said everything was in order and my application would be processed in the next week or so.  I didn't want to micro-manage them or give them the impression that I was hovering over them, so I trusted what Barb said.

I had already been accepted, and Barb confirmed that all of my transcripts were received.  Somehow, my application and all of my transcripts ended up sitting in a pending queue and no one transferred them into an active queue, so no one worked on my application.  That is the explanation I got today from Barb.  That's all it took for me to be completely overlooked.

Not one single person from UMPI ever called me to tell me I was accepted or with any questions about my application.  I think these people are completely overwhelmed with applications, and as soon as they hang up the phone, they are besieged with more calls and questions from other students.  There are probably many applications and details regarding applicants that just get completely overlooked. 
I completely regret not calling every few days to micro-manage my application.
For anyone reading this in the future, I would suggest that you call them every few days to find out the status of your application.  Don't trust what one person says.  BE A MICRO-MANAGER so you don't get overlooked like I did.

I am so shattered right now.  I may have to begin looking for a job again and just give up on this.  

If anyone can recommend another university that has a good competency based program, with classes beginning soon please let me know.  I don't think I am going to get anywhere with UMPI.  

[bjcheung77]

No... I might be barking up the wrong tree, but I'd still try this, call Susan and ask to see if they have your admissions completed, if it's completed, ask to start courses as if you're a freshman but you get to pick which courses to start, so if you have X transferred, you know for yourself what you're missing, ask to start the orientation and a course or two.  

Here's an example template I created for a triple minor to illustrate what I mean if you can proceed further.  Start the courses other than the Sophia.org/Study.com in this spreadsheet for the triple minor.  That's it if you have the opportunity to start anything, you're not asking to take courses that "duplicate" what you already have.  You take remaining courses first and transfer the rest in after starting the 1st course with permission.

Again, with the option to start, take courses you need not repeat your previous credits, as I mentioned in the earlier post, you'll transfer them in while you're taking courses towards the degree.  Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1...sp=sharing  Lastly, I think you were speaking with those enrollment counselors. There is no "Barb" in the admissions crew: https://www.umpi.edu/admissions/admissions-crew/

---

Oh, and you're not micromanaging anyone, you're just "following up" with your application and making sure your evaluations are taken properly at the correct levels. If you want, you can try WGU and see if you can finish their degree in Business. They don't take too many general education courses, but it's a free application, just pay for transcripts. Another option is Excelsior as they also have free applications and they take ACE/NCCRS, just 7 residency credits, and TESU if you want...

[cerich67]

I am hoping an UMPI former student can help me.
I enrolled at UMPI on September 13th for the October 24th start date,  The deadline for enrollment was October 4th.  On October 3rd, I called and someone named Barb confirmed that they had received all of my transcripts and she said that my application would be processed in the next week or so.
I didn't want to keep bothering them so I waited to hear from them and no one called or sent me an email.
I finally sent Jessica an email yesterday, October 19th to find out the status of my enrollment,  Jessica replied today that my application was never processed and now it's too late to begin the October 24th start date.  I will have to defer to the January, 2023 start date.
What?
I could just cry.  I quit my job so I could spend the next few months going to school full-time.  I cannot afford to wait until January, 2023.
I have sent repeated emails to Jessica, but I just get a canned response that says it is too late and there is nothing they can do.  Outside of sending an email directly the the Chancellor, I just don't know what more I could do.
Please let me know if there is anything more I can do.  I had my heart set on UMPI.  I even bought their school logo shirts - I was that excited.

I hadn't even explored other competency based schools because I had my heart set on UMPI.  Thanks for reading.  I am SO distraught right now.

welcome to the club, what they did to my wife as well.

---

No... I might be barking up the wrong tree, but I'd still try this, call Susan and ask to see if they have your admissions completed, if it's completed, ask to start courses as if you're a freshman but you get to pick which courses to start, so if you have X transferred, you know for yourself what you're missing, ask to start the orientation and a course or two.  

Here's an example template I created for a triple minor to illustrate what I mean if you can proceed further.  Start the courses other than the Sophia.org/Study.com in this spreadsheet for the triple minor.  That's it if you have the opportunity to start anything, you're not asking to take courses that "duplicate" what you already have.  You take remaining courses first and transfer the rest in after starting the 1st course with permission.

Again, with the option to start, take courses you need not repeat your previous credits, as I mentioned in the earlier post, you'll transfer them in while you're taking courses towards the degree.  Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1...sp=sharing  Lastly, I think you were speaking with those enrollment counselors. There is no "Barb" in the admissions crew: https://www.umpi.edu/admissions/admissions-crew/

---

Oh, and you're not micromanaging anyone, you're just "following up" with your application and making sure your evaluations are taken properly at the correct levels.  If you want, you can try WGU and see if you can finish their degree in Business.  They don't take too many general education courses, but it's a free application, just pay for transcripts.  Another option is Excelsior as they also have free applications and they take ACE/NCCRS, just 7 residency credits, and TESU if you want...

they would not let my wife start and pick her courses, she asked.

UMPI is honey badger about the aspiring students they drop the ball on.

[kidneysmasher]

My enrollment process was PITA, but once I was in they were really helpful. I'd try and call the dean. They are a small school and have some capacity to talk with students directly. My username and e-mail are not even remotely spelled correctly and my student center was never updated to show what classes I've taken or need. Not a show stopper for me, but I was a little hesitant due to the lack of attention to detail, but as other have said the staff are superb.

UMPI is a great CBE school, but if you are dead set on starting soon you could look into WGU. They start the first of every month.

[Claudia P]

No... I might be barking up the wrong tree, but I'd still try this, call Susan and ask to see if they have your admissions completed, if it's completed, ask to start courses as if you're a freshman but you get to pick which courses to start, so if you have X transferred, you know for yourself what you're missing, ask to start the orientation and a course or two.  

Here's an example template I created for a triple minor to illustrate what I mean if you can proceed further.  Start the courses other than the Sophia.org/Study.com in this spreadsheet for the triple minor.  That's it if you have the opportunity to start anything, you're not asking to take courses that "duplicate" what you already have.  You take remaining courses first and transfer the rest in after starting the 1st course with permission.

Again, with the option to start, take courses you need not repeat your previous credits, as I mentioned in the earlier post, you'll transfer them in while you're taking courses towards the degree.  Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1...sp=sharing  Lastly, I think you were speaking with those enrollment counselors. There is no "Barb" in the admissions crew: https://www.umpi.edu/admissions/admissions-crew/

---

Oh, and you're not micromanaging anyone, you're just "following up" with your application and making sure your evaluations are taken properly at the correct levels.  If you want, you can try WGU and see if you can finish their degree in Business.  They don't take too many general education courses, but it's a free application, just pay for transcripts.  Another option is Excelsior as they also have free applications and they take ACE/NCCRS, just 7 residency credits, and TESU if you want...

Bjcheung:  Thank you so much.  I left a vm message and sent an email to the chancellor, Susan Chang, last night.  She responded saying she was at a conference and would look into it.  I will follow your advice to the letter if I have an opportunity to talk with her.  I will also look into WGU in the meantime in case they do not allow me admittance.  I appreciate all of your advice.

---

My enrollment process was PITA, but once I was in they were really helpful. I'd try and call the dean. They are a small school and have some capacity to talk with students directly. My username and e-mail are not even remotely spelled correctly and my student center was never updated to show what classes I've taken or need. Not a show stopper for me, but I was a little hesitant due to the lack of attention to detail, but as other have said the staff are superb.

UMPI is a great CBE school, but if you are dead set on starting soon you could look into WGU. They start the first of every month.

Kidneysmasher:  Thank you.  I will look into WGU in case I don't make any headway with UMPI.

---

I am hoping an UMPI former student can help me.
I enrolled at UMPI on September 13th for the October 24th start date,  The deadline for enrollment was October 4th.  On October 3rd, I called and someone named Barb confirmed that they had received all of my transcripts and she said that my application would be processed in the next week or so.
I didn't want to keep bothering them so I waited to hear from them and no one called or sent me an email.
I finally sent Jessica an email yesterday, October 19th to find out the status of my enrollment,  Jessica replied today that my application was never processed and now it's too late to begin the October 24th start date.  I will have to defer to the January, 2023 start date.
What?
I could just cry.  I quit my job so I could spend the next few months going to school full-time.  I cannot afford to wait until January, 2023.
I have sent repeated emails to Jessica, but I just get a canned response that says it is too late and there is nothing they can do.  Outside of sending an email directly the the Chancellor, I just don't know what more I could do.
Please let me know if there is anything more I can do.  I had my heart set on UMPI.  I even bought their school logo shirts - I was that excited.

I hadn't even explored other competency based schools because I had my heart set on UMPI.  Thanks for reading.  I am SO distraught right now.

welcome to the club, what they did to my wife as well.

---

No... I might be barking up the wrong tree, but I'd still try this, call Susan and ask to see if they have your admissions completed, if it's completed, ask to start courses as if you're a freshman but you get to pick which courses to start, so if you have X transferred, you know for yourself what you're missing, ask to start the orientation and a course or two.  

Here's an example template I created for a triple minor to illustrate what I mean if you can proceed further.  Start the courses other than the Sophia.org/Study.com in this spreadsheet for the triple minor.  That's it if you have the opportunity to start anything, you're not asking to take courses that "duplicate" what you already have.  You take remaining courses first and transfer the rest in after starting the 1st course with permission.

Again, with the option to start, take courses you need not repeat your previous credits, as I mentioned in the earlier post, you'll transfer them in while you're taking courses towards the degree.  Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1...sp=sharing  Lastly, I think you were speaking with those enrollment counselors. There is no "Barb" in the admissions crew: https://www.umpi.edu/admissions/admissions-crew/

---

Oh, and you're not micromanaging anyone, you're just "following up" with your application and making sure your evaluations are taken properly at the correct levels.  If you want, you can try WGU and see if you can finish their degree in Business.  They don't take too many general education courses, but it's a free application, just pay for transcripts.  Another option is Excelsior as they also have free applications and they take ACE/NCCRS, just 7 residency credits, and TESU if you want...

they would not let my wife start and pick her courses, she asked.

UMPI is honey badger about the aspiring students they drop the ball on.

Cerich67:  Oh my goodness.  I am somewhat relieved that I am not alone in this group, but also so sorry for what happened to your wife.  Do you mind telling me if she decided to go to another school, or did she wait until the following session at UMPI? ....  And did they handle her enrollment well the next time around?
I quit my job so I could attend UMPI full-time, but I can't be unemployed for the next 3 months with nothing accomplished toward my bachelors.  I don't know if I should try to go back to work for the next three months and give UMPI the benefit of the doubt, or just move on to another school. 
I feel very rejected by UMPI right now.

[ss20ts]

Cerich67:  Oh my goodness.  I am somewhat relieved that I am not alone in this group, but also so sorry for what happened to your wife.  Do you mind telling me if she decided to go to another school, or did she wait until the following session at UMPI? ....  And did they handle her enrollment well the next time around?
I quit my job so I could attend UMPI full-time, but I can't be unemployed for the next 3 months with nothing accomplished toward my bachelors.  I don't know if I should try to go back to work for the next three months and give UMPI the benefit of the doubt, or just move on to another school. 
I feel very rejected by UMPI right now.

You quit your job to attend UMPI? Just wondering why since most people have attended UMPI while working.

[ashkir]

I'm really saddened that so many people are having issues. This was not the experience I had. I'm so sorry for you. If you don't have success with the Dean or Jessica for long periods of times, please, do not hesitate to involve the University's President, Raymond Rice. He's very involved in YourPace and wants it to be succesful.

They're having growing pains. But, it shouldn't come at a cost of new students not being able to learn.

I 100% recommend sending a flat email out to the Dean or Jessica saying "I have been waiting for X months, but, my evaluation isn't done. How about I start 2 classes, we know I don't have, while we wait for the evaluation"

---

Cerich67:  Oh my goodness.  I am somewhat relieved that I am not alone in this group, but also so sorry for what happened to your wife.  Do you mind telling me if she decided to go to another school, or did she wait until the following session at UMPI? ....  And did they handle her enrollment well the next time around?
I quit my job so I could attend UMPI full-time, but I can't be unemployed for the next 3 months with nothing accomplished toward my bachelors.  I don't know if I should try to go back to work for the next three months and give UMPI the benefit of the doubt, or just move on to another school. 
I feel very rejected by UMPI right now.

You quit your job to attend UMPI? Just wondering why since most people have attended UMPI while working.

Actually, I'd kind of recommend it for people in a high stress job and want to accelerate faster now. UMPI's financial aid office as a Financial Judgement. If you "lost" your job, they can modify your EFC to get you the Pell.

[bjcheung77]

Agreed, that's what I recommended as well, speak to the dean. You have 35 community college credits and about 50 Sophia/CLEP credits, so that's roughly 85. If you don't get into the program by the start date in a few days, then you can take the time to complete a couple more credits that you haven't taken. Copy/paste your spreadsheet of the courses you have completed and paste it here, use it for reference and tracking purposes, you can refer to the WIKI if you need help.