Antonio
TERRIBLE!!!!
I signed up for Sophia Learning because I believed its flexible, self-paced model would be ideal for my situation. I am a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a 100% disabled veteran, and I am currently a stay-at-home father caring for a newborn baby and a toddler while trying to work toward my bachelor’s degree so I can eventually become a school teacher. Between chronic pain related to my disabilities, medical appointments, household responsibilities, and caring for two young children, flexibility is extremely important to me. That is what attracted me to Sophia. Whenever I had free time, I worked on courses. Sometimes I could work for hours, while other times I had to stop because one of my children needed me and return later. Sophia eventually suspended my account for an alleged Honor Code violation and told me my assessment activity suggested the use of resources that were not permitted. What has been most disappointing is that I was never provided enough information to understand what specific assessment, activity, or conduct I was supposed to defend myself against. I submitted a detailed appeal, provided documentation showing that I am a 100% disabled veteran, and explained my circumstances. I also explained that during an oral presentation I had written down my speech and relied heavily on it while recording because of my disabilities, fatigue, and sleep deprivation from caring for a newborn. My appeal was denied, my account was permanently deactivated, and I was told I am prohibited from using Sophia again in the future. I understand and respect the need for academic integrity. My disappointment is with a process that can result in a lifetime ban while giving the student very little information about the specific conduct they are being accused of. I chose Sophia because I thought it would accommodate the realities of being a disabled veteran, a parent of two very young children, and an adult trying to start a new career through education. Instead, this experience has left me extremely disappointed. I hope Sophia improves the transparency of its academic-integrity process and gives future students enough information to meaningfully respond before imposing a permanent ban.



