Whom Regulate University

[Ranchris 0]

This question has nothing to do with visa but if anyone can help please do. We've tried to resolve a complaint with a Canadian University. Having exhausted all avenues within the University itself whom do I approach next with this matter. I am an international student with a 4 year study permit. Is there a Board of Education or something? I know I can approach an attorney but...just before the Attorney is there any Canadian Board or Ministry that deals with this? Any assistance with the above would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[JillA 2]

I assume you already tried contacting the Ombudsman of the University? They are trained to resolve conflicts.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Ditto - see the Ombudsman.

Canada does not have a federal education ministry --- it is all dealt with by each province.

[Peachey 10]

I work at a University and would need more information to help you.

If you are an undergraduate student you can contact the Ministry in your province.

If you are doing a Graduate degree, each province is has it's own governing body for those degrees and you can contact them. In Ontario it's the OCGS.

I might also be able to guide you if you tell me a bit more about the complaint. Feel free to send me a Private Message.

[Old Dominion 26]

Before contacting provincial authorities, make sure you have followed all of the avenues of appeal within the university. If your grievance is about academic matters involving the classroom or lab, there is probably no chance of appealing beyond the university walls. Canadian universities are remarkably free of outside intervention in academic matters.

[Ranchris 0]

In response to your response and questions....first of all thanks for responding...secoundly, I have gone from the bottom to the top ... I was told the Prinipal has the final say at the University...not that I know who the Obudsman is...but if his position is less than the Principal then yes I''ve already passed him. As to the details of my complaint or query in summary it stemmed from late arrival at the University which was beyond my control (study permit processing)which the University were well advised inadvance and failed to advise or accommodate. I ended up losing an estimated $10,000.00. That's the best information I can give wthout going into lengthy detals.

It appears as though my alternatives would be to walk away from this or perhaps seek legal representation combined with Bahamian consulate consultation.

I'm happy for any other helpful input and very grateful for the repsonse I've received already. Thanks again.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Ranchris

[thetreble 19]

In response to your response and questions....first of all thanks for responding...secoundly, I have gone from the bottom to the top ... I was told the Prinipal has the final say at the University...not that I know who the Obudsman is...but if his position is less than the Principal then yes I''ve already passed him. As to the details of my complaint or query in summary it stemmed from late arrival at the University which was beyond my control (study permit processing)which the University were well advised inadvance and failed to advise or accommodate. I ended up losing an estimated $10,000.00. That's the best information I can give wthout going into lengthy detals.

It appears as though my alternatives would be to walk away from this or perhaps seek legal representation combined with Bahamian consulate consultation.

I'm happy for any other helpful input and very grateful for the repsonse I've received already. Thanks again.

Principal?

Do you mean the President of the university? I'd urge you to still contact the ombudsman. He/She may still be able to help you.

And maybe I don't understand but if you were late to the university because of visa issues, you could have pulled out of courses and received either 100% or 50% of your money back from said courses on certain days. I'm sure you don't want to go into details but if it is in regards to courses, I also have attended a Canadian university and now work at an American university, and will tell you that you probably aren't going to get much help on that front with those lost costs.

I'm not sure how they work with living expenses but I'm also sure you can pull out of residence and receive partial or full refunds.

[Ranchris 0]

Please tell me who is the Ombudsman and what is he/she function. The University never mentioned this person nor was a President mentioned the title given was Principal for this University...and it is a reputable University....Thanks sorry to be back and forth.

In the end I may very well have to walk away from this. The figure mentioned is for tuition only.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Ranchris

[JillA 2]

Please tell me who is the Ombudsman and what is he/she function. The University never mentioned this person nor was a President mentioned the title given was Principal for this University...and it is a reputable University....Thanks sorry to be back and forth.

In the end I may very well have to walk away from this. The figure mentioned is for tuition only.

Every University has an Ombudsman, their main function is to resolve conflict within the organization. Any problems/issues at a University should be brought to their attention, it's their job to problem solve. You could easily find this person at your school by asking around or through their website.

Edited March 11, 2009 by JillA

[thetreble 19]

Please tell me who is the Ombudsman and what is he/she function. The University never mentioned this person nor was a President mentioned the title given was Principal for this University...and it is a reputable University....Thanks sorry to be back and forth.

In the end I may very well have to walk away from this. The figure mentioned is for tuition only.

Tell me the university and I will look them up for you. Or, go to the university website and just type in ombudsman.