University of Glasgow student told to settle debt or miss graduation

Distraught Chloe Ritchie has been told that unless she finds over £700 for a bill that she was told had already been paid she won’t be permitted to attend the ceremony in December to receive her parchment.

The 26-year-old says she has now lodged a complaint with bosses at the University of Glasgow after discovering the issue has been caused because a historic bill was not properly processed by them.

Chloe, who has completed a postgraduate in international law and security, exclusively told the Glasgow Times: “As far as I was concerned all monies owed were paid in full eight months ago. I checked with the finance officer at the time that everything was in order and was told that it was and was given permission to enrol for graduation.

“So it came as a massive shock when out of the blue, and just as I was about to look at graduation gowns, I received notification that I now owed £703. I was told this had to be paid in full or I wouldn't be able to go to the ceremony - I was dumbstruck if I'm honest.

“I just can’t afford to pay that amount of money in the timescale they have given me, even with a payment plan.

“I’d have to find at least £140 a week, and as a student, I just don't have that type of spare cash. That’s my travel, food and bills. I’d need to go without the very basics just to try and clear this off at a time when I am the poorest I’ve ever been because I’ve just finished studying and am looking for employment.

“I’m furious and feel like I'm being held to ransom because of someone else's mistake."

Chloe Ritchie (Image: Gordon Terris)

The Glasgow Times has seen correspondence to Chloe from the university’s finance team which states: “Unfortunately due to an administrative error, the direct debit payment was not processed to your MyCampus account. When we were advised by the bank, this has since been actioned.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for this oversight and the inconvenience or any anguish this has caused."

It continues: “We would be obliged if you can arrange to make payment at your earliest convenience. Please note however you won’t be able to graduate until the balance has been paid.”

We previously told how Chloe, who lives in Glasgow’s Southside, received a written apology and a £3000 settlement from bosses at the university after the institution failed to make reasonable adjustments to aid her coursework, despite her notifying them of her dyslexia when she applied to study there.

Chloe told how her grades on the course were impacted and she blames the failings for not passing with distinction.

Chloe Ritchie (Image: Gordon Terris)

She added: “I feel so badly let down by the way I was treated. I had to fight for an apology regarding my disability discrimination claim, which was finally upheld by the university’s Complaints Resolution Office.

“Now I’m in a position where I won’t be able to graduate unless I can pluck more than £700 out of thin air. I’m appalled at the way I’ve been treated, the money I was awarded from my initial complaint I’ve had to use to get by and the rest went towards clearing my campus balance and education fees - which should have in turn allowed me to enjoy the graduation day that I've worked so hard for.

“This is a huge blow, I’ve already paid £10,000 for my course and now I'm expected to cough up more. I’m upset at the way this has been handled - and an apology isn’t good enough.

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“I’ve completed the work and should be able to get my degree without this hanging over me. It’s bad enough that I have missed out on distinction because of previous failings by the university to ensure I had the right support for my disability. This feels like another kick in the teeth."

A spokesperson for the University of Glasgow said: “We remain considerate of the financial situation of all our students and have been working to ensure graduation can take place as planned. An appropriate payment plan can be agreed to clear the outstanding debt.”