Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision Room 974 EBA Albany, NY 12234 www.highered.nysed.gov/bpss

To:  Current Students of the Hendriks Institute

 From:  The New York State Education Department, The Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS)

Date:  August 22, 2003 (updated September 2, 2003)

 Re:   Status of the Hendriks Institute  – Student Information Bulletin No. 3

             This third Student Information Bulletin is intended to assist students who attended the Hendriks Institute.  You should also reference Student Information Bulletins Nos. 1 and 2 for additional information and guidance.

            Since BPSS has been receiving many questions from former Hendriks Institute students, this bulletin is in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).  For additional assistance, you can contact the BPSS-NYC office at (212) 643-4760 or by e-mail at bpss@mail.nysed.gov.   

1. Can I take the teach-out (see Bulletin No. 2 for details) and also apply to receive a tuition refund?

No, you must choose one of the two options. If you choose the teach-out, you may not receive a refund of your pre-paid tuition. If you want to receive a refund and then continue your education, you may choose to attend any school you wish but will begin as a new student.

2. Is it too late for me to take the teach-out? (updated 9/2/03)
   
   Yes, you had until August 29, 2003 to sign up for the teach-out. After that date, the teach-out is no longer an option.  You should reference Student Information Bulletin No. 2 for details on the teach-out with New Horizons Computer Learning Center.
   
   
3. Are there any documents I should submit with my complaint form to BPSS?
   
   Yes, if you have any documentation supporting what you paid to Hendriks Institute or what was paid on your behalf, these materials should be submitted. Also, a copy of your Enrollment Agreement would be helpful.  Copies of the documentation should be submitted to BPSS and you should retain the originals for your records.
   
   
4. After I send in my complaint form, how long will it take to be processed and for a tuition refund to be issued?
   
   Unfortunately making an estimate is difficult for us because of the number of students involved. Each complaint must be reviewed to determine eligibility and then the claim is submitted for processing. The processed claim submitted is then forwarded to the Bureau of Fiscal Management within the State Education Department for verification and payment.  This whole process will take several months, and could possibly be 6 months or more before a refund is issued.  BPSS also needs to receive confirmation from lenders on loan amounts and tuition payments before a refund can be finalized.
   
   
5. If I graduated Hendriks Institute can I still file a complaint with BPSS?
   
   Yes, but you are not eligible for a refund unless an overpayment was made by you or on your behalf and the school has not refunded the overpayment.
   
   
6. I graduated Hendriks Institute but never received my diploma.  What should I do?
   
   File a complaint form explaining this situation. We will review your student file and if it is determined that you were eligible to be graduated, then the Bureau will issue you a letter indicating that you have achieved the requirements for graduation or completion of the course indicated.  You can access a student complaint form from the BPSS website at www.highered.nysed.gov/bpss.
   
   
7. Should I continue to pay my loans until a refund is issued?
   
   You may wish to apply for a forbearance or a deferment with your lender. This will delay payment while we evaluate your complaint.  In some cases, to avoid a negative impact on your credit, you may need to make payments until your complaint is settled. Please make sure to keep the receipts of the payments you have made and forward a copy of the receipt to the Bureau.  Once again, you need to contact your individual lending agency on this matter.
   
   
8. If I withdrew from the program at Hendriks Institute, am I still entitled to a tuition refund?
   
   You are not entitled to a refund if you withdrew more than 14 days prior to Hendriks Institute closing. The only exception is if an overpayment was made that was not refunded by Hendriks Institute.
   
   
9.  Am I eligible for a refund if I never attended the program?
   
   Yes, if you enrolled and paid any money within the last 2 years. You will need to download and file a Student Complaint Form to be considered for a refund.
   
   
10. If it is determined that I am not eligible for a refund, what should I do?
    
    

11. Section 5003(8) of the Education Law allows students a private right of action. You have the right to pursue this on your own, if you so choose.  A copy of the relevant provisions of the Education Law is available on the BPSS website at www.highered.nysed.gov/bpss.  You may wish to contact your own legal counsel for further guidance.
    
    

12. Will I be paid back for the cost of my laptop?
    
    No, a refund is made for pre-paid tuition. A laptop is not considered part of the tuition.
    
    

13. But what if I paid for the laptop and never received it?
    
    The BPSS investigator assigned to review your complaint will evaluate your situation and make a determination on this issue.