Can Uni throw me off a course and still charge me?

bundysdecision?

I started a masters in January, although on the induction day they explained the attendance policy which stated I will be withdrawn from the course should I miss more than 2 days. I explained to them that I had jury service, so I had to withdraw from the course with the intention of applying again later in the year- I can't get out of jury service.

They then sent me an invoice for the first term, at which point I phoned up finance to explain my position and they cancelled it. Now the particular department has sent me an e-mail explaining that I still owe the money, as stated in their payment policy (basically that a certain amount of notice should be given otherwise I still owe the money).

I have signed an application form and another form for the validating university (which had no financial information on it). I was only informed about the attendance policy a few days before I started.

As far as I can see there is no way they can legally claim that I owe them money - anyone got any thoughts?

blue_ashleigh

If you can give them the letter (or whatever it is) which calls you up for jury service then they shouldn't be able to charge you (I'd presume) just as they can't fire you for missing work:

Does your employer have to give you time off for jury service?
If you're up for jury service your employer must allow you time off for this. If they don't, they could be in contempt of court. If you're an employee you have the right not to be treated unfairly (for example, not being considered for promotion) because of your call-up. (Taken from DirectGov website)

Have you tried deferring your jury service?

bundysdecision?

blue_ashleigh wrote: »

If you can give them the letter (or whatever it is) which calls you up for jury service then they shouldn't be able to charge you (I'd presume) just as they can't fire you for missing work:

Does your employer have to give you time off for jury service?
If you're up for jury service your employer must allow you time off for this. If they don't, they could be in contempt of court. If you're an employee you have the right not to be treated unfairly (for example, not being considered for promotion) because of your call-up. (Taken from DirectGov website)

Have you tried deferring your jury service?

I deferred my jury service due to a broken foot, and I am currently serving my second call-up which is mandatory.

Thanks for that link, I was thinking in terms of contractual agreement and I didn't realise that I have a right not to be discriminated against... that should prove very handy, thank you.

Oldernotwiser

Might also be worth involving the SU.

clairec79

I'm pretty sure that as a full time student your jury duty could have been delayed - I know a few people who did (I think one had it written off the other did it in the summer)

Blacksheep1979

whilst they may not 'legally' be able to claim the money they have no legal reason to let you onto the masters course again....

I'd try solve this one in an amicable manner as otherwise it could bite you in the a$$

bundysdecision?

On second look at the documentation they've given me, they define the money they claim I owe them as a 'penalty charge'. Not only would such a charge require some kind of signed contractual agreement but would also likely be defined as excessive compared to what my withdrawal may have cost them, and may therefore be illegal just as bank charges are.

mancmum

This is a complex situation. Read google Palfreyman Oxcheps for latest links to contract law and university study. If the charge is huge consider instructing Jaswinder Gill (education lawyer) to write them a stiff letter.

Also, as a student on a validated course I think you will find that you have recourse to the validating university's complaints procedure. Validated colleges will run a mile rather than have the University that validates their courses involved in a complaint.

We are a validated college and we never pursue debts. There's no money in it.

Horace

I do know that a red brick university in the midlands will chuck students off their courses if a) they have unpaid fees and/or unpaid accommodation bills and b) if they cause damage to uni property including their halls of residence.

bundysdecision?

9 month down the line and I've now received a letter from STA Graydon acting as a debt collection agency on behalf of the Uni. Not pleased.

LemonGrove

bundysdecision? wrote: »

9 month down the line and I've now received a letter from STA Graydon acting as a debt collection agency on behalf of the Uni. Not pleased.

To your knowledge had the situation been solved during this 9 month gap?