How Can I Contest a Debt from My University
My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Minnesota.
I recently got a notice from the State revenue service threatening to take action to collect $700 from me by garnishing my wages, etc. The bill in question regards some sketchy behavior on behalf of my University. I applied for a study abroad program last Spring after talking to the international education office. The woman who ran the particular program I was interested in told me that despite it being past the deadline that I could still apply and get in. I applied and did the proper paperwork and unwittingly signed a paper titled something along the lines of "intent to participate" or some such nonsense. I guess by signing that particular paper I was bound to pay a $500 deposit fee regardless of whether or not I cancelled my application. After a lot of paperwork and email correspondence with the program coordinator I received an email from the foreign university stating that because I applied past the deadline I was ineligible to participate in the program, which is why I cancelled my application.
My question is: I want to contest this attempt on behalf of the University to collect this money. It started as a $500 bill, and due to their late fees it is now $700. The state will tack on an additional $133 if they have to intercede to collect on behalf of the University. Is disputing this viable? Is there any possibility I can get the charge dropped? Can I get an ethics commission to investigate the Universities practices? How do I go about making a good appeal on my behalf? Should I talk to a lawyer? Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.
Re: How Can I Contest a Debt from My University
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Quoting
Heyoka
I recently got a notice from the State revenue service threatening to take action to collect $700 from me by garnishing my wages, etc....
So this is a state university?
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Quoting Heyoka
I guess by signing that particular paper I was bound to pay a $500 deposit fee regardless of whether or not I cancelled my application.
Stop guessing and read the application - did you or did you not commit to paying the $500 "deposit" / application fee?
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Quoting Heyoka
After a lot of paperwork and email correspondence with the program coordinator I received an email from the foreign university stating that because I applied past the deadline I was ineligible to participate in the program, which is why I cancelled my application.
So you weren't rejected - you were told what you already knew (that you applied past the deadline), but changed your mind and withdrew rather than seeing if in fact you would be able to get in as "The woman who ran the particular program" told you?
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Quoting Heyoka
Is disputing this viable?
What efforts have you made with the university to dispute or negotiate over the bill?