I'm pretty sure you are well aware of the current law suit against FMU by former and current students regarding their falsification of accreditation status, and corruption regarding grading.
This complaint is directly related to both. I began attending FMU in the fall of 1998, at their Tampa Campus off of Hillsborough Avenue. I attended this campus for Commercial Art until around 2000 or so before switching to the much closer Brandon campus. I attended the Brandon Campus from the spring of 2000 to the spring of 2003.
From 1998 to around the spring of 2003 I was laboring under the lie that my FMU credits could transfer to any state or private college / university in the United States.
I was told this directly by multiple admission reps, academic advisors, and FMU deans, professors, and staff.
Infact when I would sign up for new classes at the end of each quarter, I would make a point to ask which classes to take that would better aid me in getting into the University of Miami. The FMU employee would always show me which courses would save me time when I transferred to Miami U, turns out these were always the most expensive courses. Also this was all a lie, Miami U. Does not nor has ever accepted any type of FMU credit. This is b/c FMU is not accredited, they basically made up their own accreditation board to aid in their dishonest practices.
In the spring of 2003 I attempted to transfer my credits to the University of Miami, which was a life time goal of mine to attend.
The University of Miami reps basically laughed at me when I told them I wanted to transfer my credits, and informed me that FMU was screwing me over and that "They are not a real college".
I then frantically called FMU spoke with an Advisor, and told them of this, they at first did not understand what I was saying and said "Yes Miami accepts our credits", and went into their sales routine. They were obviously confused and thought that I was inquiring about what courses transfer, I.E. Unaware that I had found them out.
I then interrupted the advisor and said I'm currently going to FMU and explained that I just tried to transfer credits to Miami. I was immediately put on hold for about 30 minutes. Finally a gentleman got on the phone, he did not say his name and refused to identify himself, he stated that he was sorry to hear of my problem, and tried as hard as he could to back peddle. Well things got heated and I demanded to speak to the head of advising and or the dean. He refused repeatedly and shortly there after hung up.
I tried calling back and getting straight answers for the rest of the day but was either kept on terminal hold or hung up on "Accidentally" by FMU advisors, staff, and faculty.
I continued attempting to contact FMU, including physically stopping by on eight separate occasions over the next 2 months. When I stopped by the advisor I sat down with refused to discuss the problem and asked me to leave the occurred 4 times, the other 4 times I attempted to meet the Dean or the Head Advisor and was not allowed to talk to them even though I could visibly see that they were not busy nor meeting with students.
In addition to fraud FMU is guilty of rigging grades, and not following through with thier promises as a insitution for working adults. Upon entering FMU I notified them that I can not attend day time classes and have to attend night courses. I also let them know that I do not get off of work until 6:00 PM, when classes were set to begin. FMU said that this was okay and that I would recieve special status because of this. I.E. My grades would not be impacted by showing up late. I was told this by at least a dozen advisors.
Well turns out that the faculty did not get the memo, I failed dozens of courses thanks to the fact that I was not allowed to take some tests b/c I had arrived late. Heck some courses even failed me b/c I had showed up 30 minutes late b/c of work.
My mutiple complaints about both of these fraudulent actions by FMU fell upon deaf ears.
Around the spring of 2003 I began to seek out legal representation, and came across the on going FMU Class Action suit being handled by Clark & Martino, P.A. Out of Tampa.
I contacted them immediately explained what had happened and shortly there after joined the mile long list of former & current FMU students.
At the moment we are still in the process of taking this matter before a court of law, as can be expected FMU is throwing every legal trick they can at us, including the kitchen sink. This is delaying any settlement I may get, and has caused me to run through my allotted different time with Sallie Mae Servicing. The company handling my loans.
I refuse to pay for these loans in anyway, shape or form. This stance of mine has begun to severely impact my credit score and quality of life.
I will also be submitting a similar complaint against FMU - Tampa Campus, and a separate complaint against Sallie Mae Servicing. The BBB can expect these complaints filed by today.
Thank you
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