school the thumbs up yesterday after seeing the campus and dorm rooms for themselves.

A group of 115 family members had flown to South Carolina last week with PLP Sen. Trevor Woolridge, who managed to secure a special tuition deal for Bermudian students.

Sen. Woolridge, who returned with the group on Saturday, said there was not one complaint from either the parents or the students -- despite reports some Bermudian students already there were shocked at the state of the university.

"Everyone returned on Saturday wearing Allen University tee-shirts to show their support,'' Sen. Woolridge said. "I did not have one parent during the entire trip complain about Allen University, either its programmes or accommodations.

"There were minor things like a door not closing or a window not opening, but that was being worked on and all the students appeared to be quite happy.'' The Royal Gazette spoke to some of the parents last night and they were all satisfied their children were in good hands. "My son is very excited and has no complaints,'' Mrs. Debbie Evans said. "In fact, he says his room up there is bigger than his one at home.'' Mrs. Evans said the campus was better than she expected and Allen officials treated the group to the "best hospitality I have seen in years''.

"It was all very organised. They met us at the airport. They chaperoned us everywhere and fed us overnight at no cost.'' Mr. Philip Dyer said: "It's a very nice place. I have no complaints,'' "A few things are being cleaned up, but the school has been closed all summer. My son has settled right in and so have the majority of students.'' He added four new washers and dryers had just been installed in his son's dorm hall.

Mr. John Simons said: "I was very impressed with the school. They were working on some things but it was in good shape. The whole of Bermuda should commend Sen. Woolridge for helping the students.

He added: "I would never have left my daughter there if I didn't like it.'' The group of family members was given a guided tour of the campus by Allen officials, Sen. Woolridge said.

He added that all 115 in the group were treated to a home-cooked meal by his mother-in-law Mrs. Mattie Mae Darby.

The 13 remaining Bermudians taking advantage of the special programme will fly to South Carolina tomorrow, bringing the total to 81 Bermudians (seven are entering their second year) studying at the university, which has a student enrolment of about 400.

Instead of the normal tuition fees of about $9,000 a year, the Bermudians were offered work assistance programmes at $3,800 yearly. But it meant having to work in the library, cleaning the bathrooms or painting.

Following media reports some students were unhappy with the conditions at the university, two parents angrily came forward to defend the school and Sen.

Woolridge.

They said the Senator and AME Church pastor had been forthright with the students, telling them "this is not the Marriott or your bedroom at home''.