Student vs. University

GeneralC

Hi,

I really don't know where to go with this, so hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

Here it goes; I started a Masters programme in a well established university in Dublin. After 6 weeks or so, I was taken by ambulance from the uni and didn't return to finish off the year. After the 4th week I notified my chair head that I wasn't dealing with the programme and it was affecting my health. I submitted a deferral form and everything was fine. I can return in Sept 2015.

Here's the problem; I am medically not fit to return in Sept of this year. The uni have informed me if I don't return in Sept 2015, I lose all my money (6,250) - this money was received as part of a disability grant from the government. The uni will not let me change programmes, to a less demanding programme, nor will they hold onto my fees for 2/3 years.

Ultimately, all I want is for the money to be given back to government, so I can return to education when I am able.

I have explored all avenues within the uni, and even contacted two TD's, but no result. I really do not know what to do, and how to proceed with this. Should I just forfeit the 6,250? I feel I am being unfairly treated here because I am ill.

Advice would be greatly appreciated as I am lost with this one

Pat Mustard

GeneralC wrote: »

I have explored all avenues within the uni

It sounds like you have explored various possibilities but I wonder if everything possible has done with the university.

Have you asked about a further deferral of the course to 2016? Is that possible? Is leave of absence possible?

Have you spoken to the student education officer of the university?

If this is in relation to a specific college, there are boards.ie forums for UCD, TCD and DCU. This thread can be transferred, if you want.

clocks

The decision seems very harsh on behalf of the Uni. Though I was never in this situation in University, my memory is that they were very, very accommodating.

Try the Graduate Students' Union education officer or Welfare officer in your university. They represent students on an individual basis and will be well-informed on disability accommodations and policy.

You could also check with the grant-making authority to see if the rules governing their grant to the university offer some recourse.

GeneralC

Pat Mustard wrote: »

It sounds like you have explored various possibilities but I wonder if everything possible has done with the university.

Have you asked about a further deferral of the course to 2016? Is that possible? Is leave of absence possible?

Have you spoken to the student education officer of the university?

If this is in relation to a specific college, there are boards.ie forums for UCD, TCD and DCU. This thread can be transferred, if you want.

So, I went back to the uni to have a chat with the disability section, to which I am registered with. After a 40 minute meeting, they told me if I am not up for the course to maybe leave it at that and put it down as a loss. It's a lot of money to me!

A leave of absence is possible, however, they will NOT hold on to my fees for another year, I will lose all the money.


I also emailed the president a few days ago and he hasn't responded yet.

My option is either return in Sept, or leave it at that and lose the money. I think that is rather shocking to be honest.

GeneralC

clocks wrote: »

The decision seems very harsh on behalf of the Uni. Though I was never in this situation in University, my memory is that they were very, very accommodating.

Try the Graduate Students' Union education officer or Welfare officer in your university. They represent students on an individual basis and will be well-informed on disability accommodations and policy.

You could also check with the grant-making authority to see if the rules governing their grant to the university offer some recourse.

I contacted the authority who awarded this grant, and they didn't seem to care tbh.

I am pretty upset with it all, as only 1% of applicants get this grant and I will not be in financial position to afford college again in the future without it.

I think it is down right unfair that just because I am unwell and can't return to education in Sept that all my fees are taken from me

Pat Mustard

Maybe you could check out leave of absence then? Maybe the fees could be refunded that way:

Graduate Fees
For your tuition and Student Centre Levy, your fees are pro-rated by term/trimester. If you take a leave of absence you only pay for the trimester(s) for which you are registered. If you paid your fees in full earlier this academic year, you will receive the appropriate refund amount.

Peregrinus

Speak to your students' union. They should be able to give you valuable help and support in approaching the college.

GeneralC

Peregrinus wrote: »

Speak to your students' union. They should be able to give you valuable help and support in approaching the college.

I heard the SU are pretty much useless when it comes to matters like this. I will go to them, but not sure if they will do anything tbh, or even have the 'power' to do anything

p.s just sent an email there to the president of the SU.