I enrolled in what I thought was the University of Phoenix for online classes to complete an Associate's Degree that I had never found the time to complete back in September 2009. It wasn't until they had me hooked that I realized I would be attending "Axia College." I started having problems almost immediately with counselors talking in circles and "misunderstandings" alsmot right away. After a month long battle with getting my previous college credits accepted towards my program and paying for PLA (Prior Learning Assesment) credits, I began acing my classes. I have now completed 5 blocks of classes with all "A's" with the exception of 1 Math class; my final grade was a "B."

Recently I informed my counselors that I needed a break because I was under medical care. I withdrew from my classes and received a 2 week break. Almost immediately I was informed that I would need a surgical biopsy, which I promptly reported to my counselors at Axia College right away. Since I had already used up almost all of the first 2 week break, I requested another break with hopes that the results of my biopsy would be good news - meaning I would be fine and able to return to classes on October 12, 2009.

I had my surgery on September 28, 2009 and my Academic Counselor Erin M. called me less than 24 hours after my surgery she said to "make sure I was on track for my classes on October 12." Needless to say I was annoyed that she was bothering me with this nonsense when I had informed her of my surgery, date, time and location; as well as specific medical information relating to the surgery. (I flet like they were questing my intregrity!)

I received the results of that biopsy on October 8, 2009. Well, the news was not good. I was informed that I had Follicular Lymphoma and would require approximately 6 months of treatments - meaning a possible combination of radiation and chemotherapy. I took a day to process the news, call family, friends and loved ones and then I sent an email to my counselors at Axia College informing them of my situation, as well as providing documentation from my surgeon and doctor. I informed them at that time that I would need to take time off school while I received treatment for Cancer.

As per my usual experience my Academic Advisor did not answer my email right away, as "she was out of the office." (Over the past year I found this to be the case every time I needed to chat with her - all I can say is I hope she isn't terminal because Erin M. is out sick at least 1 - 3 days almost every week! Anyway, I tried to follow up with a phone call on Monday because I was supossed to start my classes, and I wanted to make sure they knew I would not be starting.I waited as Monday, October 12 was a holiday. (I also informed them that I would be seeing my Oncologist for the first time Thursday, October 15, 2009.)

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 I spent most of the day creating a durable power of attorney and researching cremation plans and costs "just in case." After a long and tearful day my Academic Advisor (Erin M.) and my Financial Aid Advisor made a conference call to me. Can you imagine my outrage when they told me they were calling to "make payment arrangements" for the classes I withdrew from because I was ill. I told them to "shove their payment arrangements where the sun didn't shine, and promptly hung up on them.

I learned early on with these people to get everything in writing, so I kept each and every email I sent or received from anyone at, or affiliated with the school. Erin M. has tried to tell me that she was "unaware" of my situation when I told her I was angry with her timeing and her lack of sensitivity relating to my sudden onset catastraphic medical situation. (I know I kept her informed and I have the emails with dates and time stamps to prove it!)

The bottom line is in life Cancer trumps everything but money owed to University of Phoenix. It seems as long as they get their money, all is right with the world. Be forwarned! You could be going along in your everyday life, find a lump on your neck and find out you have Cancer too! God help you if you are enrolled in University of Phoenix, because they will call your graveside to "make sure you are on track" and "make payment arrangements!"