Irish University Issues Apology To Students Over A €200 Fine

The University of Limerick was forced to issue an apology after charging students a late fee of up to €200 this week. According to The Limerick Leader, students were charged the €200 fine for late payment fees as little as €18.

Releasing a statement on Facebook, UL Students' Union wanted to reassure students that UL's outstanding fines will be removed from accounts as long as students pay the remainder of their balance before April 20.

All students with an outstanding balance received the €200 fine regardless if the balance included academic fees or the new student levy of €36. The levy was introduced in 2016 as a move by students who voted to introduce the levy in order to contribute to a new student centre and sports facilities.

On Thursday morning students received emails advising them about the late payment fine and how failure to pay the fine would result in examinations being withheld; access to UL being restricted, and final year students being unable to graduate. According to the UL Students' Union, UL accepts that it did not sufficiently inform students of a clear deadline for the payment of the UL Student Levy and academic fees. Students who are a recipient of the SUSI grant have to pay the Student Levy as the grant does not cover the charge.

Speaking to The Limerick Leader, a spokesperson for the college once again reassured students that they would not be subjected to the fine as long as the balance of their fee, pre-fine, is paid:

The University of Limerick regrets causing concern to some of its students who this week have received notification of a €200 late payment of fees fine,” said the spokesperson. UL accepts students were not sufficiently informed of a clear deadline for payment of the UL Student Levy and has agreed with the President of the ULSU to move the deadline for payment of the levy and outstanding academic fees by a month to April 20. UL and ULSU wish to reassure students that as long as all outstanding fees are paid by April 20, the fine will be removed from their individual accounts.