The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) said on Friday that an enrollment dispute concerning veterans in some programs at the University of Phoenix's San Diego campus had been resolved, and veterans can continue signing up for classes uninterrupted, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
Earlier last week, the Center for Investigative Reporting – a California-based news organization – reported that state officials told the campus to halt veteran enrollment in as many as seven degree programs because of a federal rule that caps veteran enrollment at 85 percent of students in any field of study.
The Apollo Education Group, parent company of the U. of Phoenix, disputed that assertion, saying that only one program had been found to exceed the 85-percent threshold. Phoenix also said that the sole problem identified in an audit related to compliance with the 85/15 ratio, adding that the state regulators had otherwise given the campus good marks.
"The situation that existed has been resolved and to VA's knowledge, there has been no effect on students’ matriculation or accession of new students," said VA spokesperson Meagan Lutz on Friday. Lutz clarified that, contrary to various media reports, the state agency had not banned or barred new student enrollments. It referred the matter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a final ruling. Information provided to state officials "demonstrated enrollments in the programs in question did not exceed 85 percent VA beneficiaries and that Phoenix's programs were in compliance," she concluded.
U. of Phoenix officials said that they are pleased with the VA's quick reponse to clarify and remedy the issue, but "still have questions about the way the May 2 state compliance audit has been handled."
WWe remain proud of the way we serve veteran students as evidenced by the state's own acknowledgment of our being in full compliance with the White House’s principles of excellence," said Mark Brenner, chief of staff for the Apollo Education Group, in a written statement.
Related Links
The San Diego Union-Tribune
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/aug/01/university-phoenix-veterans-enrollment-cleared-up/