Leaving University and associated Costs

StressedOut12

Hi,

I am new to this forum i just hope someone will be able to provide me with some advice.

I am a 20 year old female from Cumbria. I started a degree course at the University of Cumbria Part Time in September 2009 (one day per week). After 4 weeks of starting the 5 year course I decided that it was not right for me and not what I wished to do so i left. Upon leaving i filled out all of the correct paper work and consulted the University regarding the course fee (Not yet paid) and they informed me that there would be no financial implication of me leaving and I was not yet fully registered.

Almost a year later after hearing nothing I received a letter from a debt collection company instructed by the University of Cumbria to obtain the original course fee. Between now and then I have had no correspondence from the university and I can't believe I am being pursued for fees when i was told there would be no financial implications of me leaving.

I have contacted the University and they have instructed the debt collection company to no longer pursue the claim until it has been resolved between myself and the university. They also claim that they did send out numerous reminders none of which I received.

Please can you advise me which approach would be best to resolve this. I feel that I should be partly responsible for the amount though I feel that this amount should be pro-rated thereto with a % addition for loss of profit ect.

I also feel that i potentially have a civil case against the institution as the result of involving a debt collection company will be detrimental to my credit rating and they should not have taken this step until the appropriate invoice and notices were provided. I will request a copy of any correspondence they claim to have sent.

Any advice would be great. Help !!

Thanks

MrsManda

Do you have any paperwork confirming your withdrawal from the degree programme and stating that you will not be liable for any fees?

StressedOut12

I received a letter confirming my withdrawal but its been that long I don't know where it is. In the student handbook it says that in this letter i received i would also be informed of any fees outstanding. When I received the letter there was nothing of the sort stated on it therefore I presumed that was it and didn't think anything else of it.

mandyc

Usually, if you withdraw within the first three weeks there will be no fees due and after that you would be liable for one terms fee ie a third of the annual fee.

You need to contact the administrator of the course and explain what has happened. They should be able to trace the paper trail . from their end. It sounds as if it is an error in the finance department but you will need to speak to the course administrator to sort it out.