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.

