Results 1 to 2 of 2
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    1

    Default 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.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: How Can I Contest a Debt from My University

    Quote Quoting Heyoka
    View Post
    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?
    Quote 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?
    Quote 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?
    Quote Quoting Heyoka
    Is disputing this viable?
    What efforts have you made with the university to dispute or negotiate over the bill?

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Other Violations: Negligent Driving Second Degree: to Contest, or Not to Contest
    By Juanathen in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 08-25-2012, 05:14 PM
  2. Trademarks: Use of a University's Name in Company Name
    By ballerjones in forum Intellectual Property
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 07-22-2011, 04:00 AM
  3. Discrimination: Age Discrimination at a University
    By gradstat in forum Education Law
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 02-18-2011, 12:58 PM
  4. Debt Collectors: Tax Refund Taken Over Debt to a Public University
    By shaka in forum Debts and Collections
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 04-30-2010, 11:23 PM
  5. Speeding Tickets: Whether to Contest or Not to Contest a Speeding Ticket
    By rogbiv in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-03-2010, 11:01 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources