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'{{Distinguish2|[[Phoenix College]]}} {{use mdy dates|date=October 2012}} {{Infobox university | name = University of Phoenix | image = [[File:University of Phoenix logo.gif|225px]] | motto = ''Thinking Ahead'' | established = {{start date and age|1976}} | type = [[For-Profit School|for-profit]]<br />(a wholly owned subsidiary of [[Apollo Group]] Inc.) | president = [[Bill Pepicello]] | city = [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]] | state = [[Arizona]] | country = United States | undergrad = 249,500<ref name="1Q2013">{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=Harlan |url=http://news.investors.com/business/032513-649210-apollo-group-university-of-phoenix-earnings.htm |title=University Of Phoenix Enrollment Slides, But EPS Beat |work=[[Investor's Business Daily]] |date=March 25, 2013 |accessdate=2013-03-31 }}</ref> | postgrad = 51,300<ref name="1Q2013" /> | postgrad_label = graduate | staff = 12,000+ | sport = none | faculty = 20,000+ | campus = [[Urban area|Urban]] | free_label = Campus locations | free = 204 campuses and learning centers, online<ref name="phoenix1">{{cite web |url=http://www.phoenix.edu/campus_locations/campus_locations.aspx |title=UPX Campus Locations |accessdate= May 3, 2008 | publisher = University of Phoenix }}</ref> | website = [http://www.phoenix.edu phoenix.edu] }} The '''University of Phoenix''' ('''UOPX''') is an American [[For-profit school|for-profit]] institution of higher learning, suck a dick headquartered in [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Arizona]]. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of [[Apollo Group]] Inc., a publicly traded ({{NASDAQ|APOL}}) [[S&P 500]] Phoenix-based corporation that owns several for-profit educational institutions. The university has 112 campuses worldwide and confers degrees in over 100 degree programs at the [[Associate's degree|associate]], [[bachelor's]], [[master's]] and [[doctorate|doctoral]] levels.<ref name="largest">Allen, Lee (August 8, 2008). [http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2008/08/08/news/doc489c8e8b1ec58870093097.txt "University of Phoenix Provides Growth Opportunities for Working Adults"]. ''[[Inside Tucson Business]]''. Retrieved October 20, 2012.</ref> The University of Phoenix closed 115 of its campuses in 2013, previously having over 200.<ref name="nytimes.com">Lewin, Tamar (October 17, 2012). [http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/education/university-of-phoenix-to-close-115-locations.html "University of Phoenix to Shutter 115 Locations"]. ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> It is one of the largest higher-education providers in North America. Although the university attained a peak enrollment of almost 600,000 students in 2010, a 30-percent enrollment drop in 2011 was attributed to operational changes amid criticism of high debt loads and low job prospects for university students.<ref name="WSJ2011">{{dead link|date=October 2012}} {{cite news| url=http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20111019-706464.html | work= [[The Wall Street Journal]] | title=Apollo Group 4Q Net Soars on Fewer Charges; Enrollment Falls | date= October 19, 2011}}</ref> These changes included allowing students to try classes before officially enrolling and recruiter training programs that are designed to improve student retention and completion rates.<ref name="Bloomberg2011">{{cite news| url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-19/apollo-fourth-quarter-profit-sales-top-analysts-estimates-1-.html | publisher = [[Bloomberg]] | author = Lauerman, John| title=Apollo Fourth-Quarter Profit, Sales Top Analysts' Estimates | date= October 19, 2011 | accessdate = October 20, 2012}}</ref> In October 2012, it announced plans to close 115 campuses due to a drastic drop in its profits. The [[New York Times]] reported that "enrollments at the University of Phoenix and in the for-profit sector over all have been declining in the last two years, partly because of growing competition from other online providers, including nonprofit and public universities, and a steady drumroll of negative publicity about the sector’s recruiting abuses, low graduation rates and high default rates ... including many charges that the schools enrolled students who had almost no chance of succeeding, to get their federal student aid."<ref name="nytimes.com"/> The university has an [[open admissions|open-enrollment]] admission policy, requiring a high-school diploma, [[GED]], or its equivalent as its criteria for admissions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phoenix.edu/admissions/admission_requirements.html|title=Admissions Requirements{{spaced ndash}} University of Phoenix|publisher=University of Phoenix|accessdate= November 4, 2011}}</ref> It also provides associate or bachelor's degree applicants opportunity for advanced placement through its [[Recognition of prior learning|prior-learning assessment]], through which, aside from previous coursework, college credit can come from experiential learning essays, corporate training, and certificates or licenses.<ref>{{Dead link|date=November 2010}} [http://beta.phoenix.edu/admissions/prior_learning_assessment.html]. University of Phoenix.</ref> ==History== ===Early years=== The university was founded by [[John Sperling]], who felt that "working adult students were often invisible on traditional campuses and treated as second-class citizens."<ref name="new model">{{Dead link|date=October 2012}} Swenson, Craig. [http://www.bi.ulaval.ca/Globalisation-Universities/pages/actes/Craig-Swenson.pdf "New Models for Higher Education: Creating an Adult-Centered Institution"] ([[Portable Document Format|PDF format]]; requires [[Adobe Reader]]). Retrieved September 18, 2008.</ref> Started in 1976 in the [[Phoenix metropolitan area]],<ref name="new model"/> the first class consisted of eight students.<ref name=Farrell091908>Andrew Farrell [http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2008/09/16/f-forbes-webrich.html Forbes (hosted on CBCNews), ''The Web Billionaires'', September 19, 2008]</ref> In 1980, the school expanded to [[San Jose, California|San Jose]], [[California]], and in 1989, the university launched its online program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://telephonyonline.com/mag/telecom_desktop_degrees_university |title=Telephony Online, '&#39;Desktop degrees, University of Phoenix takes education on-line'&#39;, May 26, 1997 |publisher=Telephonyonline.com |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> ===Governmental lawsuits and investigations=== The university has paid several government fines and [[Settlement (litigation)|settled]] [[whistle-blower]] lawsuits concerning its admissions practices and education programs.<ref>Lewin, Tamar (August 9, 2011). [http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/09/education/09forprofit.html "Education Management Corporation Accused of Widespread Fraud"]. ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> In 2000, the federal government fined the university $6 million for failing to include study-group meetings as instructional hours. In 2002, the Department of Education relaxed requirements on instructional hours.<ref name=Yung022804>Yung, Katherine (February 28, 2004). [http://www.kroplaw.com/uop/DallasMorningNews.040228.pdf "Dealing in Diplomas, For the University of Phoenix, College Is a Big Business{{spaced ndash}} And Getting Gigger"]. ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]''.</ref><ref name=Dillon021107/><ref name="6mil">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/14/us/university-s-owner-settles-federal-dispute-over-student-aid.html?scp=10&sq=university%20of%20phoenix&st=cse|title=University's Owner Settles Federal Dispute Over Student Aid|date=May 14, 2000| work = [[The New York Times]]|accessdate= September 7, 2009}}</ref> A 2003 lawsuit filed by two former university recruiters alleged that the university improperly obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in financial aid by paying its admission counselors based on the number of students they enrolled, a violation of the [[Higher Education Act of 1965|Higher Education Act]].<ref name=Yung022804/><ref name=Dillon021107/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kroplaw.com/uop/Second.Amended.Complaint.pdf |title='&#39;United States of America ex rel. Hendow v. University of Phoenix, Second Amended Complaint'&#39; |format=PDF; requires [[Adobe Reader]] |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kroplaw.com/uop/index.html |title=List of Court Documents Related to False Claims Suit |publisher=Kroplaw.com |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref name=Krieger062307>Krieger, Lisa M. (June 23, 2007). [http://www.crowncollegelawsuits.com/University%20Breached%20Ethics.pdf "Lawsuit: University of Phoenix Breached Ethics, Laws: U. of Phoenix Recruiters Cite Pressure Tactics"]. ''[[San Jose Mercury News]]'' (via [[Crown College Lawsuits]]). Retrieved October 20, 2012.</ref> The university's parent company settled by paying the government $67.5 million, plus $11 million in legal fees, without admitting any wrongdoing.<ref name="talks">{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2009/10/04/20091004biz-universityofphoenix1004.html|title=University of Phoenix case may get closure|last=Gilbertson|first=Dawn|date=October 4, 2009|publisher=Arizona Republic|accessdate= October 4, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=For-Profit Educator to Pay $67.5 Million Settlement|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=December 15, 2009|page=B4}}</ref> In 2004, the [[United States Department of Education|Department of Education]] alleged that UOPX again violated [[Higher Education Act]] provisions that prohibit offering financial incentives to admission representatives and pressured its recruiters to enroll students.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kroplaw.com/uop/DOE.report.on.UOP.pdf |title=US DOE Program Review Report |format=PDF |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> UOPX disputed the findings but paid a $9.8 million fine as part of a settlement where it admitted no wrongdoing and was not required to return any financial aid funds.<ref name="apollo14">[http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special42/articles/0914apollo14.html ''Student-recruitment Tactics at University of Phoenix Blasted by Feds Univ. of Phoenix Audit Leads to $9.8 mil Fine] The Arizona Republic, September 14, 2004, by Dawn Gilbertson</ref><ref name=daily19>[http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2004/09/13/daily18.html ''University of Phoenix Receives Record Fine''] Austin Business Journal, September 14, 2004</ref><ref name=fraud>{{cite web|url=http://www.crowncollegelawsuits.com/2004_%20U.%20of%20Phoenix%20Uses%20Pressure.pdf |title=U. of Phoenix Uses Pressure in Recruiting, Report Says{{spaced ndash}} Institution Disputes Charges That It pumps Up Enrollment through Illegal Tactics | work = [[Chronicle of Higher Education]] | author = Blumenstyk, Goldie | date = October 8, 2004 |format=PDF; requires [[Adobe Reader]] |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref>[http://www.apollogrplegalinfo.com/hendowDocuments/Document_13.pdf US DOE and U. of Phoenix Settlement Agreement]{{dead link|date=September 2010}}</ref> UOPX's president stated that though recruiters were paid a commission based on the number of students enrolled, their compensation is not based solely on that criteria.<ref name=reason/> The university also paid $3.5 million to the [[United States Department of Labor|Department of Labor]] to settle a violation of [[overtime]] compensation regarding hours worked by UOPX's recruiters.<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2004/07/19/daily75.html ''University of Phoenix, Dept. of Labor Reach Overtime Agreement''] The Phoenix Business Journal, July 23, 2004</ref><ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2004/06/14/daily41.html ''Apollo to pay Department of Labor $2M-$3M to Settle Case''] Austin Business Journal, July 17, 2004.</ref> The University of Phoenix settled a false claims suit for $78.5 million in 2009 over its recruiter-pay practices.<ref name="falseclaims">{{cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2009/12/14/20091214biz-apollo1215.html|title=Apollo Group Settles Suit for $78.5 Million|last=Gilbertson|first=Dawn|date=December 15, 2009|work=Arizona Republic|accessdate= May 30, 2011}}</ref> In 2008, the university was the top recipient of [[student financial aid]] funds, receiving nearly $2.48 billion.<ref>[http://www.usaspending.gov/faads/tables.php?tabtype=t2&subtype=t&year=2008 Top 100 Recipients of Federal Assistance for FY 2008], www.usaspending.gov, [[US government]]</ref> In 2009, the [[U.S. Department of Education|Department of Education]] produced a report that claimed the untimely return of unearned [[Title IV]] funds for more than 10 percent of sampled students. The report also expressed concern that some students register and begin attending classes before completely understanding the implications of enrollment, including their eligibility for student financial aid. In January 2010, the parent company Apollo Group was required to post a letter of credit for $125 million by January 30 of the same year.<ref name="bweek_late_aid">{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-01-08/apollo-repaid-education-aid-late-lax-in-counseling-students.html |title=Apollo Repaid Education Aid Late, Gave Lax Counseling |accessdate= January 10, 2010 |work= [[BusinessWeek]] }}</ref> In 2010, UOPX came under government scrutiny after its Phoenix and Philadelphia campuses were found to have been engaging in deceptive enrollment practices and fraudulent solicitation of [[FAFSA]] funds.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lauerman |first=John |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-04/for-profit-colleges-boiler-room-recruiting-described-at-senate-hearing.html |title=For-Profit Colleges Misled Students, Witnesses Say |publisher=Bloomberg |date= August 4, 2010 |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref>Bloomberg August 4, 2010 article.</ref> ==Campuses== [[File:Honolulu-CBrewer-frontdesk.JPG|thumb|right|The reception desk at Phoenix's Hawaii Campus, displaying a [[Service of Process]] placard]] The university has campuses and learning centers in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and the Netherlands.<ref name="lavca">{{Dead link|date=September 2010}} [http://www.lavca.org/lavca/allpress.nsf/0/3C125A9606AF64E7862574B90054C701 "Apollo Group Enters Mexican Education Market"]. [[Latin American Venture Capital Association]].</ref> While the school specializes in online programs, the campuses offer additional programs and services.<ref>Pepalis, Bob (July 28, 2008). [http://www.northfulton.com/Articles-i-2008-07-17-173652.112113_University_of_Phoenix_fills_online_campus_classrooms.html "University of Phoenix Fills Online, Campus Classrooms"]. [[NorthFulton.com]]. Retrieved October 19, 2012.</ref> Online students are also able to use tutoring and social centers, which can also be used for social and student meetings. The first center opened in 2007 in [[Plano, Texas|Plano]], [[Texas]].<ref>{{cite news| author = Staff | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2007/07/16/daily31.html |title=University of Phoenix Opens First Resource Center| work = [[Dallas Business Journal]] | date = July 19, 2007 | accessdate = October 19, 2012}}</ref> Students have access to class-specific online resources, which include an electronic library, textbooks, and other ancillary material required for a course. The university says that the electronic textbooks include search features and hyperlinks to glossary terms that make the books easier to use for research.<ref name="deseret">{{cite news | author=Leonard, Wendy | title=E-Books Make Learning Cheaper{{spaced ndash}} They're Popular with University of Phoenix Faculty, Students | work=[[Deseret News]] | date=August 25, 2008 | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700253600,00.html | accessdate= October 19, 2012}}</ref> In October 2012 Apollo announced it would close 115 University of Phoenix locations.<ref>{{cite news| author = Lewin, Tamar | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/education/university-of-phoenix-to-close-115-locations.html?_r=0 |title=University of Phoenix to Shutter 115 Locations| work = [[New York Times]] | date = October 17, 2012 | accessdate = November 25, 2012}}</ref> ==Academics== The university offers degree programs through seven colleges and two schools.<ref name="Facts">{{cite web |url=http://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/media_relations/just-the-facts.html |title=Just the Facts |accessdate=8 January 2011 |publisher=University of Phoenix }}</ref> These are named the School of Advanced Studies, School of Business, College of Criminal Justice and Security, College of Education, College of Humanities, College of Information Systems and Technology, College of Natural Sciences, College of Nursing, and the College of Social Sciences. In addition to its traditional education programs, the school offers [[continuing education]] courses for teachers and practitioners, [[professional development]] courses for companies, and specialized courses of study for military personnel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phoenix.edu/online_and_campus_programs/online_and_campus_programs.aspx |title=UoP Online and Campus Programs |accessdate= May 4, 2008| publisher = University of Phoenix}}</ref> Students spend 20 to 24 hours with an instructor during each course, compared with about 40 hours at a traditional university. The university also requires students to collaborate by working on learning team projects, wherein the class will be divided into learning teams of four to five students. Each learning team is assigned a team forum where team members will discuss the project and submit their agreed upon portions of the learning team assignment for compilation by the nominated learning team leader. The concept of learning teams is somewhat uncommon in traditional academia; however, the University of Phoenix believes that collaborating on projects and having individuals rely on each other reflects the real working conditions of the corporate world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/student_experience/learning-teams.html |title=Learning Teams{{spaced ndash}} University of Phoenix |publisher=University of Phoenix |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> Through its online portal, eCampus, University of Phoenix students also have access to software required for coursework. Available, for example, are virtual companies created by the university to provide students with assignments, which Adam Honea, UOPX's [[Dean (education)|dean]] and [[Provost (education)|provost]], claims are more realistic than those available with [[Case study|case studies]].<ref>Wasley, Paula (August 8, 2008). [http://www.upxnewsroom.com/_downloads/11239-web-9.pdf "University Offers Real Job Training at Unreal Companies"]. ''[[The Chronicle of Higher Education]]''.</ref> In August 2011, Apollo group announced it would buy 100% of [[Carnegie Learning]] to accelerate its efforts to incorporate [[adaptive learning]] into its academic platform.<ref>[[Trip Gabriel|Gabriel, Trip]] (August 2, 2011). [http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/03/technology/apollo-group-to-buy-maker-of-online-math-courses.html "Apollo Group to Buy Maker of Math Courses"]. ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> Some academics and former students feel the abbreviated courses and the use of learning teams result in an inferior education.<ref name=Yung022804/><ref name=Dillon021107/><ref name=reason/> The University of Phoenix has been criticized for lack of academic rigor. Henry M. Levin, a professor of higher education at Teachers College at [[Columbia University]], called its [[Master of Business Administration|business degree]] an "MBA Lite," saying "I've looked at [its] course materials. It's a very low level of instruction."<ref name=Dillon021107/> In May 2008, the university announced the formation of the University of Phoenix National Research Center, designed to study which teaching methods work best for nontraditional students.<ref>[http://chronicle.com/news/article/4436/u-of-phoenix-draws-big-names-to-advisory-panel-on-new-center-on-teaching-adults "U. of Phoenix Draws Big Names to Advisory Panel on New Center on Teaching Adults"]. ''[[Chronicle of Higher Education]]''. May 27, 2008.</ref> In 2010 Apollo Group, University of Phoenix parent company,founded the Apollo Research Institute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apollogrp.edu/about/apollo-research-institute/ |title=Apollo Research Institute{{spaced ndash}} |accessdate= January 2, 2013}}</ref> ===Admissions and financial aid=== The University of Phoenix has an open admissions policy.<ref name="nces">{{cite web | last = National Center for Education Statistics | title = College Navigator{{spaced ndash}} University of Phoenix | accessdate = August 5, 2010 | year = 2008 | url = http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=University+of+Phoenix&s=all&id=405997#admsns }}</ref> In response to complaints about the use of financial aid by for-profit colleges in 2010 the university began an orientation program designed to lower dropout and default rates.<ref name=Bloom122810>John Hechinger, [http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-28/for-profit-college-slump-converging-with-student-life-debtors.html For-Profit College Slump Converging With Student Life-Debtors], Bloomberg, December 28, 2010, Accessed January 8, 2011.</ref> Students must successfully complete a three-week orientation workshop in order to be eligible to start their first credit/cost bearing course.<ref>[http://www.khou.com/video?id=139524598&sec=642524 KHOU "Get Your Degree" February 17 2012]</ref> Students who do not complete the workshop after two attempts must wait six months before attempting again. Phoenix recruited students using high pressure sales tactics<ref name="finaid">http://chronicle.com/article/U-of-Phoenix-Uses-Pressure-in/31712</ref> by admissions counselors who are paid, in part, based on their success in recruiting students.<ref name=reason/> Since 2010, changes were implemented to the way the university recruits students.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700088460/University-of-Phoenix-enrollment-drops-because-of-changes-to-enrollment-recruiting-practices.html?pg=all |title=Changes to enrollment-recruiting-practices{{spaced ndash}}|accessdate= January 2, 2013}}</ref> The university heavily recruits students and obtains financial aid on their behalf,<ref name=finaid/> such as the [[Academic Competitiveness Grant]], [[Federal Pell Grant]], [[National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant)]], [[Federal Direct Student Loan Program]], [[Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant]], Federal Direct [[PLUS Loan]]s, [[Federal Perkins Loan]], and the [[Wounded Warrior Project]].<ref>http://www.phoenix.edu/tuition_and_financial_options/financial_options/federal_financial_aid.html</ref> For the 2008-2009 fiscal year, the University of Phoenix student body received more Pell Grants ($656.9 million) than that of any other university.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewtrusts.org/news_room_detail.aspx?id=56473 |title=New Default Rate Data for Federal Student Loans: 44% of Defaulters Attended For-Profit Institutions |publisher= [[The Pew Charitable Trusts]] |date= December 15, 2009 |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref>http://www.trends-collegeboard.com/student_aid/pdf/2009_Trends_Student_Aid.pdf{{dead link|date=December 2010}}</ref> ===Accreditation=== The University of Phoenix has been [[Regional accreditation|regionally accredited]] since 1978 by The [[Higher Learning Commission]] (HLC) as a member of the [[North Central Association of Colleges and Schools]] (NCA). In February 2013, a peer review group recommended to the HLC that the university be put on probation because the University of Phoenix "has insufficient autonomy relative to its parent corporation."<ref>{{cite news|last=Gonzales|first=Angela|title=Senior Reporter|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2013/02/25/accreditation-threatened-at-apollo.html?ana=yfcpc&page=1|accessdate=3/11/2013|newspaper=Phoenix Business Journal|date=2/25/2013}}</ref> The final decision will be determined after the university has a chance to respond to this recommendation.<ref name="losing-accreditation">{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/25/university-of-phoenix-accreditation_n_2762168.html |lastname=Kirkham |firstname=Chris |title=University of Phoenix Accreditation Hits Snag As Panel Recommends Probation |date=February 25, 2013 |accessdate=March 5, 2013 |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6EuLf1ySY |archivedate=March 5, 2013}}</ref> Some individual colleges within the University of Phoenix hold [[Higher education accreditation in the United States#Specialized and professional accreditors|specialty accreditation]] or are pre-accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the [[Council for Higher Education Accreditation]]. *School of Business{{spaced ndash}} accreditation through the [[Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs]] (ACBSP).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acbsp.org/index.php?mo=st&op=ld&sid=s1_025about&stpg=141 |title=Current ACBSP Educational Institution Members |publisher=Acbsp.org |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> Because Phoenix's business programs are not accredited by the [[Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business]] (AACSB), some companies will not provide tuition reimbursement for employees attending Phoenix.<ref name=Dillon021107/><ref name="Gilbertson090606">Gilbertson, Dawn (December 5, 2006). [http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/1205biz-intel1205side.html "Losing Intel a Blow to School"]. ''[[The Arizona Republic]]''.</ref><ref name=Woo020207>Stu Woo, [http://www.cael.org/pdf/publication_pdf/Chronicle_of_HigherEdArticle.pdf Intel Cuts 100 Colleges From Its Tuition-Reimbursement Program for Employees], ''[[The Chronicle of Higher Education]]'', February 2, 2007.</ref><ref name="conaff">{{cite web|url=http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/univ_phoenix.html |title='&#39;University of Phoenix Staggers Under Growing Criticism'&#39;, ConsumerAffairs.com, by Truman Lewis, February 11, 2007 |publisher=Consumeraffairs.com |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> *College of Education{{spaced ndash}} [[Master of Education]] is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teac.org/membership/teac-members/ |title=TEAC Members |publisher=[[Teacher Education Accreditation Council]] |date= |accessdate= January 6, 2013}}</ref> *College of Nursing{{spaced ndash}} B.S. and M.S. degree programs are accredited by the [[Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education]] (CCNE),<ref>[http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CCNE/reports/rptAccreditedPrograms.asp?state=AZ&sFullName=Arizona CCNE-Accredited Baccalaureate and Master's Nursing Degree Programs]</ref> *College of Social Sciences{{spaced ndash}} Master of Science in Counseling degree programs in Community Counseling and Mental Health Counseling are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cacrep.org/directory-july2008.pdf |title=Directory of CACREP Accredited Programs |publisher=Cacrep.org |date= January 1, 1980 |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> ==Organization and administration== {{main | Apollo Group}} [[File:University of Phoenix Stadium aerial.jpg|right|thumb| [[University of Phoenix Stadium]], a municipal sports arena for which the corporation paid for naming rights.]] University of Phoenix is a wholly owned subsidiary of [[Apollo Group]], a [[S&P 500]] corporation based in [[Phoenix, Arizona]]. ==Marketing and advertising== The university paid $154.5 million for 20-year [[naming rights]] for advertising purposes of the [[University of Phoenix Stadium]] in [[Glendale, Arizona]], a municipal sports arena, home of the [[NFL]]'s [[Arizona Cardinals]], and the site of the [[NCAA]]'s [[Tostitos Fiesta Bowl]]. The university does not participate in intercollegiate sports.<ref name="stadium">{{cite web|last=Howard |first=Jennifer |url=http://chronicle.com/article/U-of-Phoenix-Basks-in-the-/456/ |title='&#39;U. of Phoenix Basks in the Super Exposure the Super Bowl Brings'&#39;, The Chronicle of Higher Education, by GOLDIE BLUMENSTYK, August 28, 2008 |publisher=Chronicle.com |date= January 31, 2008 |accessdate=September 3, 2010}}</ref> ==People== ===Students=== The average age of a University of Phoenix student is between 33 (undergraduate) and 36 (graduate), and most students have work-related commitments.<ref>{{cite web|author=http://www.sgh.waw.pl/bos/ |url=http://www.e-mentor.edu.pl/artykul_v2.php?numer=20&id=446 |title=Why Recent Criticism of the University of Phoenix is Unjustified, Rhonda P. Urban, Ementor, ezine by Warsaw School of Economics |publisher=E-mentor.edu.pl |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> The University states that nearly two-thirds of its students are women and that a [[wikt:plurality|plurality]] of students attending the school study business (undergraduate students representing 29.9% and graduate students 12.9%), followed closely by those enrolled in Axia College for Associate's degrees (28.1%).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/publications.aspx |title=University of Phoenix 2007 Fact Book |publisher=Phoenix.edu |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref name=testing>{{cite web|url=http://www.upxnewsroom.com/_downloads/11106-web.pdf |title=U. of Phoenix Says Test Scores Vindicate Its Academic Model, Chronicle of Higher Education, BLUMENSTYK June 13, 2008 |publisher=Upxnewsroom.com |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> The student population is approximately 25% African-American and almost 13% Latino.<ref name=2008UPXAcademicReport/> The university graduates the largest number of underrepresented students with Master's degrees in business, health care, and education than any other U.S. school.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hispanicprwire.com/news.php?l=in&id=9069&cha=6 |title=University of Phoenix Ranks #1 in Graduating Master's Degree Students from Underrepresented Populations, Hispanic PR Wire |publisher=Hispanicprwire.com |date= July 18, 2007|accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref name="diverse">{{cite web|url=http://www.diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_12914.shtml|title=Pride and Peril: Historically Black Colleges and Universities|last=Nealy|first=Michael|date=August 20, 2009|publisher=Diverse{{spaced ndash}} Issues in Higher Education|accessdate= September 25, 2009}}</ref> The University of Phoenix was also named one of the nation's top 20 institutions of higher education favorable to military personnel, according to the December 2008 issue of ''Military Advanced Education''. Nearly 29,000 active-duty military, their spouses, and veterans were enrolled in University of Phoenix degree programs at that time with more than 7,200 military members or veterans graduated from the university during that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1612708/university_of_phoenix_ranked_among_the_best_in_serving_military/index.html |title=University of Phoenix Ranked Among the Best in Serving Military and Veteran Students, PR Newswire |publisher=Redorbit.com |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref name="military">{{cite web|url=http://www.kmimediagroup.com/files/Top%20Military-Friendly%20Colleges%20&%20Universities%202008.pdf|title=Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities|year=2008|publisher=KMI Media Group and Military Advanced Education|accessdate= September 25, 2009}}</ref> In 2012, University of Phoenix was ranked 30th in Guide to Online School's '[http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online-colleges/2012-military-friendly Online Military-Friendly College Rankings]<ref>{{cite web|title=Guide to Online Schools' 2012 Online Military-Friendly Rankings|url=http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online-colleges/2012-military-friendly|accessdate= October 4, 2012}}</ref> ' When calculated using the standards set by the [[United States Department of Education|Department of Education]], the university's overall graduation rate is 16 percent, which, when compared to the national average of 55 percent, is among the nation's lowest. The federal standard measures graduation rates as the percentage of first-time undergraduates who obtain a degree within six years. The number is significantly lower at the university's Southern California campus (six percent) and its online programs (four percent). This measurement does not take into consideration the typical University of Phoenix student who comes to the University as a dropout from another institution, so is not a first-time college student.<ref name=Dillon021107>Dillon, Sam (February 11, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/education/11phoenix.html "Troubles Grow for a University Built on Profits"]. ''[[The New York Times]]'', February 11, 2007.</ref> The university acknowledges the 16-percent graduation rate but takes exception to the standard used by the Department of Education to calculate the rate, saying that the rate is based upon criteria that apply to only seven percent of the university's student population.<ref name="reason">{{cite web|author=Katherine Mangu-Ward, Katherine |url=http://www.reason.com/news/show/126856.html |title=Education for Profit{{spaced ndash}} Why Is Everyone Flaming the University of Phoenix? | work = [[Reason (magazine)|Reason]] |date= July 2008 |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> The university publishes a self-calculated graduation rate of 59 percent to account for its large population of non-traditional students.<ref name="Dillon021107"/> ===Faculty=== The university's faculty consists of approximately 1,500 core faculty and 20,000 associate (part-time or adjunct) faculty members who all hold graduate degrees.<ref name="faculty">[http://upxnewsroom.com/facts/faculty.aspx ''University of Phoenix Faculty Overview'']. Retrieved February 17, 2008.</ref> Its reliance on part-time faculty{{spaced ndash}} 95 percent of Phoenix instructors teach part-time, compared to an average of 47 percent nationwide{{spaced ndash}} has been criticized by regulators and academic critics. Most of the classes are centrally crafted and standardized across teachers in order to ensure consistency and reduce costs for the school. Additionally, faculty members do not get tenure.<ref name=Yung022804/><ref name=Dillon021107>Dillon, Sam (February 11, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/education/11phoenix.html?ex=1328850000&en=5c8573d57de4bffe&ei=5088 "Troubles Grow for a University Built on Profits"]. ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref><ref name=reason/> According to a university officer, pre-screened instructional candidates participate in a training program in the discipline in which they teach, which he states has the effect of weeding out 40 percent to 50 percent of the less-committed or -capable applicants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ers0303/cs/ecs0304.pdf |title=Supporting E-Learning at the University of Phoenix |format=PDF; requires [[Adobe Reader]] |date= |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> African-Americans make up more than fifteen percent of the university's 22,000 faculty members, and about six percent are Latino.<ref name=2008UPXAcademicReport>[http://cdn-static.phoenix.edu/content/dam/uphx/AcademicAnnualReport-2008.pdf 2008 UPX Annual Academic Report]{{Dead link|date=September 2010}}</ref> ===Alumni=== {{main|List of University of Phoenix alumni}} {{As of|2010|3}}, 538,000 people had graduated from the university.<ref name="Facts"/> Phoenix alumni in the government sector include White House cybersecurity coordinator [[Howard Schmidt]],<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2009/1222/Howard-Schmidt-cybersecurity-czar-Who-is-he "Howard Schmidt, Cybersecurity 'Czar': Who Is He?"]. ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]''. Retrieved December 29, 2009.</ref> former [[United States Secretary of Transportation|U.S. Secretary of Transportation]] [[Mary Peters (politician)|Mary Peters]] ('94),<ref>{{cite news|last=Adams |first=Marilyn |url=http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2008-02-05-dot-secretary-mary-peters_N.htm |title=Events, Drive Keep DOT Chief in the Spotlight | work = [[USA Today]] |date= February 5, 2008 |accessdate= September 3, 2010}}</ref> and member of the [[Utah House of Representatives]] [[Brad Dee]] ('91).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.utah.gov/house/detail.html?i=DEEBL |title=Brad L. Dee |author= |date= |publisher=[[Utah House of Representatives]] |accessdate=December 15, 2010}}</ref> In military and law enforcement, alumni include [[U.S. Navy]] [[Admiral (United States)|Admiral]] [[Kirkland H. Donald]],<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=96 United States Navy Biography] U.S. Navy Web Site. Retrieved March 13, 2008.</ref> and Director of [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] [[Harold Hurtt]] ('91).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/20040227.html |title=Mayor Bill White Announces Police Chief Nominee |author= |date= February 27, 2004 |publisher=[[City of Houston]] |accessdate=December 15, 2010}}</ref> [[MSNBC]] anchor and a host of NBC's ''[[Early Today]]'' [[Christina Brown]] is also an alumna of the university.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19836906/ |title=Christina Brown |author= |year=2010 |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |accessdate=December 15, 2010}}</ref> Athletes who have earned degrees from the university include four-time [[NBA Finals|NBA Championship]]-winner [[Shaquille O'Neal]] ('05)<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8357843/ The Big Executive? Shaq masters MBA] MSNBC Web Site. Retrieved February 12, 2008.</ref> and three-time [[WNBA]] [[MVP]] [[Lisa Leslie]].<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9405E7DE113CF934A25752C0A96F9C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all "Sports of the Times; University Sells Itself During Playoffs"] . ''[[The New York Times]]''. Retrieved March 20, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?igi=66148&nbc1=1 Los Angeles Sparks Lisa Leslie Receives her Masters at University of Phoenix] WireImage Website. Retrieved March 20, 2009.</ref> {{University of Phoenix alumni box}} ==See also== {{Portal|Business and economics|University}} * [[Distance education]] * [[E-learning]] {{clear}} ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==Further reading== * [[Christopher Cuomo|Cuomo, Chris]]; [[Chris Vlasto|Vlasto, Chris]]; Wagschal, Gerry; Pearle, Lauren; Andreadis, Cleopatra (August 19, 2010). [http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/profit-education-abc-news-undercover-investigate-recruiters-university/story?id=11411379 "ABC News Investigates For-Profit Education: Recruiters at the University of Phoenix"]. [[ABC News]]. Retrieved October 20, 2012. ==External links== {{Commons category|University of Phoenix}} * [http://www.phoenix.edu phoenix.edu], the institution's official website * [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/collegeinc/ "College, Inc."], [[PBS]] ''[[Frontline (U.S. TV series)|Frontline]]'' documentary, May 4, 2010 {{UOPX}} {{Apollo Group}} {{Coord missing|Arizona}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Phoenix, University Of}} [[Category:University of Phoenix| ]] [[Category:1976 establishments in the United States]] [[Category:Distance education in the United States]] [[Category:Distance education institutions]] [[Category:Educational institutions established in 1976]] [[Category:For-profit universities and colleges in the United States]] [[Category:North Central Association of Colleges and Schools]] [[Category:Online colleges]] [[Category:Universities and colleges in Phoenix, Arizona]]'