Can a University cancel the course mid-way through?
I am in a situation where my University is cancelling my course that I am studying mid-way through (Double Degree in Counselling & Behavioural Science). The University wanted everyone in that course to transfer to a different bachelor course (Bachelor of Arts). Is the University legally allowed to cancel a course mid-way through and force the students to transfer to another course or are they legally obligated to finish the course off?
In short, yes, a University can generally cancel a Course mid way. In essence, the provision or delivery of a Course is a contractual matter between the University and the student. The particulars of the contract are contained in the University Regulations, Policies or similar documents that a student is deemed to agree to by enrolling. A University generally does not guarantee that a Course will be conducted or continue to be conducted, or the nature of the degree conferred at the end of the Course. For example, your course may have led to a Bachelor of Science degree, but now leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree.
However, this does not mean you are without recourse. There may be a variety of legal avenues open to you including:
1. A refund on Course fees (which may be provided for in the regulations)
2. Re-enrolment in a different but substantially similar Course
3. Damages for breach of contract. The amount of damages would depend on the harm suffered by the student and what options are available to the student to mitigate his or her loss.
Suggested way forward
If you feel you have suffered loss from the actions of the University and that their suggested compensation or replacement course is inferior or unsuitable, then you should seek legal advice on your potential claim(s).
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