University Studies

[Turquoise1999]

Hiya Everyone.

So last year, I wanted to complete a teacher training course. I started the course, however due to COVID and health concerns my doctors advised me to withdraw or defer my course, this was when restrictions were eased, however my doctors felt that it was not safe for me as. My course required me to work with children and he felt this could be detrimental on my health if I catch COVID.

I took his advise and withdrawed. My university had charged me for the few months I have done, I have been thinking about this and I think that it is unfair for them to do this as it was not my fault and it was advised by a professional to do so. (I also have evidence)

Please if anyone has any advice or steps on what I can do as I want to get this resolved

[RosieA]

Hi, have you talked to the Director of Studies / Personal Tutor about this. They can sometimes mediate between the labyrinth of documentation. Alternatively, ask for them to direct you to who can help. Have you got Student Welfare involved? There is certainly a difference between withdrawal with no intention of return and if you intend to continue with your studies at a later date. Good luck - keep knocking on doors until you get an answer. By the way, good luck if you do continue - teaching is so very rewarding. x

[RosieA]

P.S. Don't forget to bang on about mitigating circumstances - might nudge a conscience or two.

[Jmiller623]

I live in the US so unsure how it works in UK. You can drop a course or withdrawal from it. They are different things. To drop, you must do it before a certain date and the course is completely erased from your record. You typically do not have to pay for the course if dropped before a certain date. When you withdraw from a course, it’s usually after a certain date. Because of this, they will usually charge you for a portion of the class and it will remain on your academic record and with your transcript. There will be a W instead of a grade. A W is better than failing.

With regard to payment. If you had to withdrawal due to illness that will not allow you to do the same type of more rigorous work, there may be a forgiveness program. We have loan forgiveness over here if you fall ill and cannot pay back your student loans. Look into something like this if available.

[Tbrz]

Hi, I’m sorry to hear that you have not been able to complete your studies, I was in a similar position I was half way my masters, when I just couldn’t work. At the time I didn’t understand what was going on, just thought it was me so asked for extensions. Eventually I ended up in hospital severely ill, the uni was chasing me for my dissertation and I explained I was in hospital so they allowed me a few more weeks. Unfortunately I was too ill to continue, so had to withdraw as the uni would not allow me any more time and I didn’t have the energy to fight. By this time I had paid all my fees, which they never returned and frankly they were quite poor in how I was treated, they put pressure on me to withdraw even though I told them I was very ill and on chemotherapy treatment at the time, but I was too ill to fight. So if you are able do push them to pay you back speak to your department head and the student support who should be able to explain the process, especially student support as they are the administrators of students withdrawing etc. If you do not get any satisfaction then do progress it further by going to the OIA, which is the official body for raising complaints about a university and can seek compensation for you. If you have the energy then do try, unfortunately I was not in a fit state, so was left thousands of pounds out of pocket. Good luck 😊

[Jumper99]

What does your paperwork say about withdrawing from the course? You must have signed a contract with the University when you started so this would tell you what you are charged by the University under your circumstances.

Looked at from the University point of view, you signed up for the course and attended for some time so they would expect you to pay for the service that you have had. It’s not the university’s fault that you became ill. They still have to pay all the costs of running the course.

They used to be more generous in times of illness (but I haven’t worked for one for 20 years now) so it is worth following it up and asking student services for their advice. You may need a letter from your doctor confirming that they advised you to withdraw.