Complaint Review: Al Collins Graphic Design School

I graduated with honors from the Al Collins Graphic Design in October of 1990. BEFORE graduation I spoke to Melissa Simonson of job placement about relocating here to Sebring, Florida. I asked her about art related jobs in this area and what I should do myself before deciding to relocate.

Ms. Simonson promised me that she would look into Sebring, and a week later assured me that I would have no problems working in
my field here.

The school NOW admits that this is a small community where art related jobs are very scarce. The school's justification for
Ms. Simonson's negligence is a claim that they made 103 phone calls in my favor from 1991 - 1994. Besides the fact that these calls were made AFTER I moved here and the damage was already done, most of these calls were made to companies unheard of in this area. I was promised lifetime placement assistance when I enrolled, but the school has turned it's back on me since 1994.

ACGDS and president Ralph Vieau will not return my calls or answer my letters these days. I have always been patient and courteous. Mr. Vieau had an attorney send me a letter accusing me of putting little effort myself into finding employment. I put a lot of time, hard work, and money into my degree. Why would I throw that away? I have even offered to do volunteer work for experience.

I have copies of letters from respected business people that testify to my great determination. These facts are overlooked by the school and the accreditors they boast so highly about. Mr Vieau's attorney belittles me because I work at a grocery store for little more than minimum wage and can not afford to
relocate again.

Mr Vieau rudely and unprofessionally ignores my calls so I am accused of harassment and my phone service is threatened.
(Phone company record will prove that I am not committing "tele-abuse" as the lawyer insinuates.) I feel like a criminal because I asked the school for help and wanted to be treated fairly.

Computer programs have drastically changed and now my degree is
obsolete. I am trying to pay off a $26,000 student loan for an
education I can not use. ACGDS blames me. I only hope that no one else works full time at a convenient store to put themselves to school only to have all the work, time and money wasted.

JeannaGray@webtv.net

Jeanna Gray
Florida

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