What Can I Do If My University Changes The Structure Or Timing Of Courses After I Have Paid For Them?

If your university changes the structure, timing, or content of courses after you have paid for them, you have several potential options to address the situation:

• Review the Enrollment Agreement: When you enroll in a course or program, you typically agree to certain terms outlined in your enrollment contract or the university's policies. Review these documents to determine if the university is in breach of its obligations to you. If changes to the course were not disclosed beforehand, or if the changes fundamentally alter the course you paid for, you may have grounds for a complaint.
• Speak with the University: Contact the relevant department or academic advisor to discuss the changes. Ask for a detailed explanation of why the course timing or structure was altered, and whether there are any options to make up for the changes (such as enrolling in an alternative course or section). Universities sometimes offer flexible solutions to students affected by schedule or content changes.
• Request a Refund or Tuition Adjustment: If the changes significantly affect the course's value to you (for example, if it no longer aligns with your academic goals, or the new schedule interferes with other commitments), request a partial refund or tuition adjustment. Many universities will offer a refund or credit if the course no longer meets the original expectations or requirements.
• Check for Course Substitutions: If the course is no longer being offered in its original format or timing, ask if the university can offer a substitute course that will meet the same academic or programmatic requirements. This could involve enrolling in a different section or a different course altogether, depending on availability and your academic plan.
• File a Formal Complaint: If the changes significantly disrupt your education or the terms of the agreement, and the university is not providing a satisfactory resolution, you can file a formal complaint with the university administration. This complaint should outline how the changes impact your education and request an appropriate remedy, such as a refund, credit, or alternative course arrangements.
• Check for Accreditation or Legal Violations: In some cases, changes to course content or structure may violate academic standards or accreditation requirements. If the changes are substantial and compromise the quality or integrity of the program, you may wish to contact the university’s accrediting body. Accreditation bodies monitor educational quality, and they may intervene if the changes affect the university’s standing or the value of your degree.
• Consult Consumer Protection Laws: If the university's changes violate the terms of your enrollment contract or constitute deceptive business practices, you may have legal grounds for a claim under consumer protection laws. Universities are sometimes subject to the same laws that govern other businesses, particularly when it comes to delivering the services they have promised. Consult a lawyer who specializes in education law or contract law to explore whether legal action is warranted.
• Seek Mediation or Arbitration: Some universities offer mediation or arbitration services as a way of resolving disputes between students and the institution. If your complaint involves significant disruption or financial loss, and you are unable to resolve it directly with the university, you can ask to have the issue mediated or arbitrated by an impartial third party.

Example

A student enrolls in a course that is scheduled for the spring semester and is a core requirement for their degree. After paying for the course, the university reschedules it to the summer semester, which conflicts with the student’s work schedule. The student contacts the academic advisor to discuss alternatives but is told that no other section is available. The student files a formal complaint, requesting a refund or a substitution for another required course. In response, the university offers a substitute course in the spring and a partial tuition refund for the inconvenience caused.