Reimbursment for Uni Tuition fees

harekrishna

Hi All

I currently live in Australia , and applied for university as an external student last school year.

I was totally unimpressed by the service from the University, ie assessments never marked, course notes were missing for half a term etc...

The Loans system is set up a bit differently here, but basically I opted to pay from my 1st terms Tuition Fees up front, about $3500 (possibly 2,000 pounds equvialnt) :eek:

It didn't even occur to me to complain about it (as my questions about missing esssays etc.. went un-asnwered), until a client of mine suggested it to me.

So I will be writing to the university, tax centre and Omnbadsmun to complain. My question is where can I find expample letters of complaint to use as a template.

I am very good at writing letter about products and service (I realise this is about customer service) but this seems a little more serious as I believe the university is going to refer me to the Tax Department where I am sure my letter will get lost?!?

Hope someone can help

hollydays

What is the length of time between the first poor service and your complaint.
Did you complete the course?
Who did you address the letters to?

Hintza

Doubt many here are up to date on Australian law.

harekrishna

Hi

Its not really about legislation etc... Its more I'm just not sure how to address my complaint in the letter.

I did not complete the first term as I submitted two essays that I never heard back from (i.e lost in their cruddy system). And after not being able to access lecture notes for half the term I gave up on the University and cancelled my enrolment. (I was enrolled as an external student so they should have been properly set up to handle online submissions and to update their online lecture forums etc...)

I just feel like I paid all this money and got nothing back. As Universitys are businesses that provide a service, it stands to reason that this uni didnt meet this service so I have grounds to complain. No?!

If anyone knows a good website with examples, tips on how to complain that would be useful.

My google searches dont seem to through anything up.

I am also sure I cannot be the only person who had problems with this uni, which is why I will go to the Academic Omnbusdman.

Oh and I did call regularly (from work ) to ask them when the notes would be available, if this department has recieved my essay it will get marked etc... But the student sevice and faculty were pretty useless! Not surprising really.

hollydays

So you never put any complaint in writing at the time to the Principal,or anyone?

harekrishna

No not at all, I paid my tuition fees (similar to paying SLC student loan outright I guess) in full, because I could and I didnt want another student loan. So it never occured to me to try and get a refund back.

I dont think it will matter that it was last school year, the person who told me I should complain is a lecturer and a freind of someone on the Omnbudsmen so she knows roughly what shes on about.... I think! Its worth a shot anyway, as I am going to another uni this year and will not be paying for my fees outright this time! lol

hollydays

Hopefully you have noted all times,dates,failed IT attempts and who/when you spoke to as proof? Valid (!) reasons why you didnt follow the official laid down complaints procedure at the time?

neilmcl

As already been asked, which university was this?

bugsey007

the best way to complain in writing in the first instance to the uni listing all the areas they failed in. Include if u can copies of your letters/emails sent, also with dates time u had called. Give a reasonable time for response like 2 weeks. If nothing comes back from them then send a letter to the ombudsman with copies of all your corro to the uni. I always put a deadline in my letter to the place I am complaining to & also put cc the ombudsman on the bottom. This is so they know that if they dont do the right thing u will take it further. I hope this helps