OU funding and dropping out..........

[ToccataAndFudge]

does anyone know how this works.

I have taken the rather drastic (but I think sensible for now) decision to drop my current OU course, I'm about 6/7 weeks behind, missed submitting my first TMA, and given that I'm struggling to find the motivation (due to my depression) to even get my basic household stuff done I know realistically that I'm not going to catch up/do myself justice).

Only thing I'm worried about is that I got the full financial support, including the Study Grant (which has since been spent).

I fully intend to re-register for the replacement course next February, when hopefully I will be in a better state of mind to be studying etc.

Will I have to repay the course fee? The course grant? Will the let me pay it in installments??

No, you don't have to repay anything, Toccata - well, unless the rules have changed since I was in this position (I dropped a course in 2007). You may even be able to carry over part of the course fee to pay for something else.

Sorry to hear that you're depressed btw and hope that you're feeling better soon. When I started my OU degree I was in the depths of depression. I found studying was the only way I could escape from the illness, although I had plenty of time (I couldn't work and no small children to look after). Really hope things are better for you soon x

Thanks Molesworth.

Unfortunately my studying just seems to be the opposite, I'm so far behind that it's just getting me down even more.

Yep, it's more pressure that you don't need - you can pick it up again later when circs are better though

I would talk to the OU, they are very very supportive. I deferred/dropped out due to the stillbirth of my DD and joined a later course. They fully refunded me and were fantastic. They are great with mental health issues etc I believe. I bet they could carry the fees accross to the next course. I don't think you will have to repay at all, give them a ring/email.

oh gosh thanks for bumping this I'd totally forgotten I need to ring them.

Emailed them the other week when I started this thread and they replied to say there would be no problem dropping out if that's what I wanted (although could also offer extra tutor support etc.........tooo late for that) and gave me the number to ring, to do so, and to register on a different course. Apparently only issue that could arise is that you only get funding for 6yrs or something such like, so unless I doubled up then on courses in the future I could have to pay to finish my degree..........which tbh is the least of my concerns right now.

Oh jellybeans, I'm so sorry to hear about your DD

Agree that the OU are very supportive. I fell badly behind on one course I did (and I didn't even have a good reason, just took on too much that year) and the OU bent over backwards to help me. I'd say that if you can't face discussing it on the phone toccata, send them an email explaining the situation.