In July of I requested information from the non-accredited school, Cambridge State University, concerning a MBA program. Upon receipt of their materials, I contacted their office and spoke with the receptionist. I asked her if the Cambridge State University in HI was the same Cambridge State University from LA. She told me they were not, and I completed their enrollment materials and sent in $2,495.00 for tuition. On December of I was speaking with an associate of mine at the law school who informed me the two schools were the same. The reason I chose Cambridge State University in HI was because they were not associated with the acclaimed "diploma mills" and legal battles that ensued in LA. I called the school on December 9 and was again told they were not the same school. After graduating from law school, I started working as a litigation case manager for a prominent law firm in Birmingham Alabama that handles various class action lawsuits in all parts of the nation. While doing legal research, specifically with Arkansas and Louisiana Attorney Generals offices, I learned the Cambridge State University in HI was part of the same Cambridge State University that has such a negative association still in the South, and left Louisiana after legal actions were commenced against them. I called Cambridge State University again on April 25 and was this time told they left Louisiana on their own free will so they would not be associated with the "diploma mills" that were under investigation by the LA AG's office. When I told her it was my understanding they had a Temporary Restraining Order against Cambridge State before ever leaving the state, she denied their school ever having involvement in any legal actions and again assured me they had left on their own accord with a good reputation. When I told her I would like to speak with someone about a refund, Loretta admitted she had not worked for the school very long, but would get someone who could better answer my questions and assist me. I spoke with Conrad Smith, who told me he was the head of academic affairs. When I explained my prior conversations, he told me they were associated with the school in LA and that there were legal issues pending (i.E. The TRO, etc...), but that they do not advertise or publicize their associations in LA for obvious reasons. I stated I could understand why, as it was a strong stigma that still stood in the South today. I informed him I had relied on information to the contrary to participate in their program, but he said he would not provide a refund since it was after their 30 day refund period. I stressed if they had been open and honest with me from the beginning, I would never had participated in their program to begin with. Cambridge State's receptionists (s) are legal agents of the school, and I relied on their information to my detriment, as the Cambridge State University in LA was a school I was deliberately trying to avoid due to their negative associations in the South. I feel the school owes me a refund for misrepresenting information to me. I told the receptionist the first time I called I did not want to complete the enrollment application if they were associated with the school in Louisiana. They knew I would rely on their misinformation to make a decision to remain and participate in their program. This is unethical and unprofessional. Your assistance in obtaining a refund would be most appreciated, as I have attempted to negotiate with them, but they have refused to do so. Robert Birmingham, Alabama
U.S.A.
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