College trying to charge for semester I didn't attend

[momto9kidlets]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Wisconsin

In September 2010 I started college with the intent of working on a second bachelors degree - during the first and second semesters at the school I signed financial agreements and made payments for my tuition (was always paid on time). Then when it came time to registering for my third semester which was to start September of 2011 I realized that there was no way I was going to be able to afford to continue attending classes. I never accepted any financial aid for that semester and never signed a financial agreement, but the school is now trying to bill me $3000 because they are saying I didn't withdraw properly (in writing) and on time. I asked them to present to me a copy of the financial agreement that I signed stating that I agreed to these charges - which they can't produce because I never signed anything for this semester. I was told that even though I didn't sign it that doesn't let me out of my financial obligation because according to them I didn't withdraw correctly (yet I never attended classes). They said it is written in their policies and procedures and I asked them to produce paperwork stating that I agreed to those policies and procedures and they said that there is no such signed paperwork but that it is the rules of the school and I have to pay.

Can they hold me to paying the $3000 when I never attended classes that semester and never signed a financial agreement for the semester based upon the policies and procedures that were in a brochure they mailed me with my entrance packet? Again I never signed anything agreeing to them and never signed anything stating I was attending another semester. I did tell my advisor that I wasn't returning but that is her word against mine.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[justalayman]

just to be clear:


you did not register for any classes for that semester?

 

[ecmst12]

It doesn't matter whether you ATTENDED classes. It only matters if you REGISTERED. When you register for classes, you agree to pay the fee, whether you sign any specific paperwork or not.

 

[momto9kidlets]

just to be clear:


you did not register for any classes for that semester?

Yes I did register. My school has us register in March and then I didn't find out the financial part of it (meaning I would owe more) until the end of May. I tried to figure out how to stay in school and then spoke with my advisor to see if she had any ideas on what I could do. She told me to save my money over the summer, and at that time I told her if I was going to have to pay $1000 a month I couldn't go there and expected her to withdraw me. Unfortunately she never did and then when my daughter went back to school (we were both attending the same college) someone asked where her mom was because they announced my name in class when taking attendance that was when I realized she never withdrew me. At that point they said I have to pay 45% of a class and all the student fees for the semester which came to $3000. It is her word against mine that I asked her to pull me from my classes and she won't budge on admitting to that conversation and told me "oh well it is just a misunderstanding" but I am sure she wouldn't be saying that if she owed them $3000 and didn't have a job!!!

 

[Proserpina]

Yes I did register. My school has us register in March and then I didn't find out the financial part of it (meaning I would owe more) until the end of May. I tried to figure out how to stay in school and then spoke with my advisor to see if she had any ideas on what I could do. She told me to save my money over the summer, and at that time I told her if I was going to have to pay $1000 a month I couldn't go there and expected her to withdraw me. Unfortunately she never did and then when my daughter went back to school (we were both attending the same college) someone asked where her mom was because they announced my name in class when taking attendance that was when I realized she never withdrew me. At that point they said I have to pay 45% of a class and all the student fees for the semester which came to $3000. It is her word against mine that I asked her to pull me from my classes and she won't budge on admitting to that conversation and told me "oh well it is just a misunderstanding" but I am sure she wouldn't be saying that if she owed them $3000 and didn't have a job!!!

Looks like you're on the hook.

 

[Antigone*]

Yes I did register. My school has us register in March and then I didn't find out the financial part of it (meaning I would owe more) until the end of May. I tried to figure out how to stay in school and then spoke with my advisor to see if she had any ideas on what I could do. She told me to save my money over the summer, and at that time I told her if I was going to have to pay $1000 a month I couldn't go there and expected her to withdraw me. Unfortunately she never did and then when my daughter went back to school (we were both attending the same college) someone asked where her mom was because they announced my name in class when taking attendance that was when I realized she never withdrew me. At that point they said I have to pay 45% of a class and all the student fees for the semester which came to $3000. It is her word against mine that I asked her to pull me from my classes and she won't budge on admitting to that conversation and told me "oh well it is just a misunderstanding" but I am sure she wouldn't be saying that if she owed them $3000 and didn't have a job!!!

I always confirm my dealings with my academic advisers. If they register me for a class, I follow up with an email just to confirm. I also save all those emails.

You have to be in charge of your education. The advisers are there to assist but really you need to be in charge.

 

[Humusluvr]

Yes I did register. My school has us register in March and then I didn't find out the financial part of it (meaning I would owe more) until the end of May. I tried to figure out how to stay in school and then spoke with my advisor to see if she had any ideas on what I could do. She told me to save my money over the summer, and at that time I told her if I was going to have to pay $1000 a month I couldn't go there and expected her to withdraw me. Unfortunately she never did and then when my daughter went back to school (we were both attending the same college) someone asked where her mom was because they announced my name in class when taking attendance that was when I realized she never withdrew me. At that point they said I have to pay 45% of a class and all the student fees for the semester which came to $3000. It is her word against mine that I asked her to pull me from my classes and she won't budge on admitting to that conversation and told me "oh well it is just a misunderstanding" but I am sure she wouldn't be saying that if she owed them $3000 and didn't have a job!!!

If you registered, the college held a seat for you in that class, that another paying student could have used. Unfortunately, since you didn't withdraw, you are on the hook for the balance.

BTW, my university has the same policy. That's why it's good to check, re-check, and double check your paperwork, grades, financial situation, and everything you can check related to your situation.

 

[ecmst12]

It is YOUR responsibility to file the paperwork to withdraw from classes before the deadline, and to ensure that it was completed by confirming with the registrar's office. With the amount of money at stake, that should not even have been a question. Never assume!

 

[csi7]

I have a question. Why do you register for classes in March for later on?
The school is responsible to follow up on the early registration for payment, not assume, and a document is to be generated for each each semester separately.

The financial aid program requires ALL students to be presented alternative payment plans, each semester, individually, and if this school uses the federal financial aid program, it is required to follow ALL of the rules associated with the program.

Advisors are required to document in writing what is needed, and the advisor is on the hook for not putting the request in writing.

You have options, so keep track of who you contact, numbers, names, and follow through to find a resolution for this fiasco.

 

[Humusluvr]

I have a question. Why do you register for classes in March for later on?
The school is responsible to follow up on the early registration for payment, not assume, and a document is to be generated for each each semester separately.

The financial aid program requires ALL students to be presented alternative payment plans, each semester, individually, and if this school uses the federal financial aid program, it is required to follow ALL of the rules associated with the program.

Advisors are required to document in writing what is needed, and the advisor is on the hook for not putting the request in writing.

You have options, so keep track of who you contact, numbers, names, and follow through to find a resolution for this fiasco.

What the heck are you talking about?

Student are often given opportunities to register for the fall classes during the spring semester, so that any new students to the university will not crowd returning students out of classes. Honors students, graduate students, graduating students - all usually given priority.

Second, the school doesn't care HOW you pay for the classes, as long as you pay. They are not REQUIRED to chase you around for payment. That is the STUDENT'S responsibility.

Third, advisers aren't REQUIRED to do SQUAT. They help advise the student, just as we do here, but they aren't required to hold the little child's hand. They can offer help, but ultimately, a student's education and their financial decisions are the STUDENT'S responsibility.

Keeping documentation is important, but READING THE RULES FIRST, and following through with requirements is paramount.

Don't give the student hope that they are going to "resolve" this. The resolution is most likely, she will be required to pay the money, or the school will not provide the transcript and may send her to collections.

 

[stealth2]

I have a question. Why do you register for classes in March for later on?

Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis? Most colleges have returning students register ~half way through the current semester for the coming one. Of course, they also usually expect payment soon after.

OP... at the end of the day, it was YOUR responsibility to withdraw properly. Not your advisor's. You didn't do so, and now you really are on the hook for the tuition.