Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  01/03/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Enrolled in this institution for culinary education. Received substandard, or at times, no instruction as the contract stipulates. After I made a sexual discrimination complaint there was no instruction per the assignment. I am 100% disabled and this institution failed to accommodate my disability. This institution failed to provide assistance provided to other students. This institution failed to accept externship locations that were accepted for other students.

  Business response

  01/23/2025

  January 23, 2025
  
  Better Business Bureau
  Attn: Resolution Department
  P.O. Box 191279
  *****, ID, *****
  **********************************************************************
  
   
  RE: Complaint ID: ********
  
  Dear Complaint Resolution Team: 

  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to respond to this complaint. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts (AESCA) takes all student concerns seriously and is committed to providing quality education and support to all students. While we cannot discuss specific details of individual student matters due to federal privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the **************** Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), among others, we would like to provide the following general clarifications regarding the allegations raised. 

  The campus curriculum is designed to deliver comprehensive culinary education, as outlined in our published Catalog. Students enrolled in ****************** programs are given a three-week trial period upon enrollment to evaluate the program. Please refer to the Distance Learning Program Trial Period section on page 13 of the Catalog for details regarding the trial period. During this period, students may withdraw without financial obligation if they feel the program does not meet their expectations. The  complainant chose to continue with the program beyond the trial period, which suggests they found the program suitable for their needs at that time.  In addition, our records confirm that all instruction and assignments were delivered in accordance with our policies and standards.

  The complainant references the filing of a sexual harassment complaint, though it is unclear how this relates to the concerns raised in their Better Business Bureau complaint. Nevertheless, ***** is committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Any complaints of this nature are taken seriously, thoroughly investigated, and appropriately documented. In this case, the complainants complaint was fully investigated in accordance with established Title IX policies and procedures. The resolution of this investigation was based on the evidence available and adhered to all applicable standards. Title IX policy strictly prohibits retaliation and informs anyone involved in a complaint to notify the Title IX coordinator of any retaliation. No information regarding acts of retaliation were filed or received by the Title IX Coordinator.     

  Furthermore, as outlined in the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities section on page 10 of the Catalog, the campus has established clear policies to provide reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities, ensuring that all eligible students receive the support they need. However, the complainant did not submit a request for accommodations or provide the required supporting documentation, as outlined in our institutional policies. Unfortunately, we cannot address accommodations that were neither requested nor documented. We respectfully disagree with any implication of negligence, as there is no record of the complainant engaging in the established process for requesting accommodations.

  In response to the complainant's allegation regarding their externship, the campus requires externship sites to meet specific criteria to ensure compliance with program requirements and educational objectives. The externship site documentation provided by the complainant did not meet these criteria, nor was it verifiable. Despite the campus efforts to assist the complainant, the complainant declined the options provided. 

  While we regret that the complainant is dissatisfied, we believe the institution has acted appropriately in all respects. We are open to further dialogue to address the students concerns and remain willing to discuss potential pathways for program completion.     
  
  Sincerely, 
  
  Office of the Ombudsman 
  Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
  

  
  

  Customer response

  01/23/2025

   
  Complaint: 22764627
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The statement that there was no retaliation due to the sexual harassment complaint is false. After the complaint was made an investigation was performed. It was found to be without merit, of course, and the same person who completed the investigation also handled the consequences. The sexual harassment was witnessed by an entire classroom of students, majority female, and regardless of whether they felt it was harassment, I was did and was offended. The harassment WAS RECORDED on video. After the harassment claim was dismissed the two classes were separated and my class did not receive the proper instruction for the assignments (as it was the other instructor who performed the demonstrations). The remainder of the class was provided the opportunity to view the demonstrations by the other instructor. I was afforded this same opportunity but I would have had to be in the class with the same instructor that I complained of sexual harassment. My instructor did NOT perform instruction demonstrations. This also WAS RECORDED on video.

  After this sexual harassment complaint I was turned down for online externship opportunities which other students were provided. I was turned down for completing a capstone project as an externship, which other students were allowed. I was turned down to utilize my food truck as an externship site, which other students were allowed. The school was provided the details of my disability and restrictions on performing an externship prior to my enrollment. This was acceptable to them at the time of enrollment. It wasn't until AFTER a sexual harassment claim that all options for an externship were eliminated making it impossible for me to complete the required externship. This not only falls under the laws concerning sexual harassment, but also discrimination against a disabled individual. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ******

• Initial Complaint

  07/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went to Auguste Escoffier School of the Culinary Arts for roughly 6 months, I withdrew 4/22/24 before the second semester even started. They are claiming I owe ********. This money I owe they haven't told me what it was for but I think its for the second semester of classes which I never started. They took out loans that I didn't even know they were going to take out. I thought I would only have to pay back that to the ****** not also to the school. They are claiming I have to pay the ******** to the school on top of paying ***** to the ******

  Business response

  08/01/2024

  August 1, 2024

  
  BBB
  ******************************
  *****, ID *****

  
  RE: Complaint ID ********

  
  Dear Customer Relations Team:

  On July 24, 2024, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts (*****) received notification of complaint number ********. ***** has reviewed the complainant's claims and has prepared the response below for review and consideration.

  The complainant enrolled in the Associate of Occupational Studies in Baking and Pastry program at ***** on November 3, 2023, and began classes on November 15, 2023. The complainant completed four full courses and was attending the PA 120 and **167 courses (her sixth and seventh courses of the fifteen-course program) at the time she chose to withdraw on April 22, 2024.
  

  The complainant claims she withdrew before the second semester even started. As per the Enrollment Agreement signed by the complainant and the school catalog provided on the ***** website, ***** does not charge tuition by semester but rather by payment period. The complainant elected to withdraw during Week 8 of the PA 120 course and Week 2 of the ** 167 course which occurred in Payment Period 2, and charges were assessed accordingly based on the date she elected to withdraw (April 22, 2024). During the time she was enrolled in Payment Periods one and two, the complainant made assignment submissions and participated in live course sessions.

  The complainant elected to use Federal Title IV financial aid assistance to help her finance her education. Shortly after enrollment, the complainant completed Financial Aid Entrance Counseling, signed an Authorization to Retain Funds document, and signed a Master Promissory Note for FAFSA acknowledging her understanding that any Federal loan funds acquired must be paid back.

  In her complaint, the complainant states I thought I would only have to pay back that to FAFSA, not also to the school. By signing the Enrollment Agreement on November 3, 2023, the complainant acknowledged the following statement I understand that if I withdraw or are withdrawn prior to the end of the session, I am subject to the Return to Title IV Funds policy noted below which may increase my balance due to the school. The Return to Title IV funds policy found in the Enrollment Agreement includes the following statements If there is a balance due to the School after all Title IV funds have been returned, this balance will be due immediately, unless a cash payment agreement for this balance has been approved by the School and The School may adjust the Students account based on any repayments of Title IV funds that the School was required to make. For additional details regarding this policy, please see the school catalog.

  As per the Return to Title IV Funds policy found in the school catalog and included in the Enrollment Agreement, Federal law dictates how the institution must determine the amount of Title IV Program assistance the student has earned when the student withdraws or is terminated. A specific federal formula is used to determine the amount of Title IV Program assistance earned when a student withdraws or is terminated during a payment period or period of enrollment. If more assistance was received than earned, the excess funds must be returned to the appropriate fund sources by the institution and/or the student. Furthermore, by signing the Enrollment Agreement with ***** on November 3, 2023, the complainant also acknowledged that it is her sole responsibility to ensure that all tuition and fees are paid by me or funded from financial aid sources which may include a cash payment agreement with the School. The Enrollment Agreement also includes a statement that reads I understand that I am not released from any of my obligations or commitments to the School if I leave the school for any reason.

  Because the complainant chose to withdraw 12 days into the second payment period, she had not earned the financial aid needed to cover the full amount of her account balance, as per the Federally mandated calculation formula. As a result, $5,886.00 in Federal Title IV financial aid funds were returned to her Direct Student Loans and Pell ****** as per Federal guidelines, resulting in a $2,840.40 balance on her account, which she became directly responsible for per the terms of the Enrollment Agreement contract she signed. In addition, on November 17, 2023, the complainant signed a Retail Installment Contract for the amount of $2,971.00, which was the amount she promised to pay directly to ***** in the event the expected financial aid was not received by the school. By signing this Retail Installment Contract, the complainant further acknowledged her understanding that there was a possibility that her tuition may not be covered entirely by Title IV financial aid funds and that she may owe the school directly. On July 23, 2024, the complainant made a $25.00 payment, and a $2,815.40 balance currently remains on her account.

  ***** has reviewed the complainants account and remains confident that the charges posted to the account are accurate. Should you have additional questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact us.

  Sincerely,
  Office of the Ombudsman
  Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

• Initial Complaint

  02/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I got the ok from a supervisor to have my stipend for school dispersed to me on the 12th of February. The funds never showed in my account. I called yesterday and spoke with 3 different employees in the financial aide department at Escoffier. All three of them lied to me and told me it was dispersed on the 12th. Today I called again because there is still no money in my account. They rep from financial aide told me it was not sent and they can only send them once a week. Again, another lie. I needed that for desperateky and to lie and play with my emotions like that is unbelievable! I asked for a supervisor and no one has gotten back to me yet. They can easily disperse the money even if it's not something they typically do. If they don't send that to my bank today,

  Business response

  02/13/2024

  We have researched our customer database and determined that the person making this complaint is not a customer of ****************************************************************** of ********************** Arts in ******, *****.

  Customer response

  02/14/2024

  Complaint: 21287560
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  02/14/2024

  The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts campus located in ******, ***** is not the same entity as the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts  Boulder (online) campus. The screenshot provided by the complainant is associated with the other school, and not the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts ****** school. They are two different schools, which is why this complaint lodged against the ******, ***** campus does not apply.

  Customer response

  02/14/2024

  Complaint: 21287560
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************

  There is no option for the online Escoffier. Are you saying that you have the same exact name but are not affiliated? I would definitely file a complaint with the BBB for another business entity using your schools EXACT SAME BUSINESS NAME! Or it's just a WILD coincidence! -_-

  Customer response

  02/20/2024

  They have resolved this issue. Thank you

  Business response

  02/22/2024

  Dear Customer Relations Team:
  
  On February 20, ****, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts located in Boulder, ******** (***** Boulder, formerly Culinary School of the Rockies)received notification of complaint number ********. This complaint appears to have been originally received by the ******, ***** school on February 13, ****, and transferred to ***** Boulder on February 20, ****. ***** Boulder has reviewed the matter and provides the following information for your review and consideration.
  
  Upon notification, ***** Boulder took prompt action to research and resolve the complainants concerns. The concerns stem from the complainant's request to expedite a disbursement. ***** Boulder did honor this request, however, there was some confusion regarding the processing time needed by a third-party vendor to receive the disbursement and for the complainants financial institution to accept the disbursement before he could access it. ***** Boulder followed up with the third-party vendor to ensure the disbursement was processed. On February 15, ****, a member of ***** Boulders staff spoke with the complainant via phone to confirm that he had received the disbursement and that the issue had been resolved to his satisfaction.
  
  Sincerely,
  *************************
  Campus President-*******

• Initial Complaint

  01/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts I have requested to be removed from the program after submitting my application 24hrs, I have spoken with multiple representatives and after advising them I was no longer interested in the program I was emailed a enrollment verification notification. I have read the policy which states I have 5 days to cancel my application for enrollment to the school program and instead I have been given the run around which is why I would like to cancel my applications immediately!

  Business response

  01/18/2023

  Better Business Bureau 
  Attn: Resolution Department 
  P.O. Box 191279
  *****, **, *****
  *****************************************
   
  RE: Complaint ID ********
  Dear Complaint Resolution Team:  
  Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, located in Boulder, ******** (formerly Culinary School of the Rockies), is in receipt of your letter dated January 11, 2023, regarding Complaint ID ******** regarding ***********************. ***** has reviewed the matter and provides the following information for your review and consideration. 
  After further review of the situation, ***** strongly feels that a misinterpretation of the agreement terms occurred. ***** has spoken with ************ and has provided clarification to her regarding her concerns. ***** is happy to report that the situation has been successfully resolved. ************ is under no financial obligation to the school, her enrollment has been successfully canceled per her request, and her $25.00 application fee has been fully refunded. 
  ***** respectfully acknowledges ************** request for no further contact and will ensure she no longer receives messages from *****. As such, ***** has taken action to ensure her contact information has been removed from all call lists, email lists, and mailing lists in accordance with her request. 
  Should you have additional questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me. I may be reached at ************** or ************************************. 
  Kind regards,
  **************************** M.Ed., CEC, AAC | ********************************* ************************************************************* 80305
  Office: ************
  "Cooking is a science and an art." - Auguste Escoffier
  

  
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩