Help with fines and disputes form

What is it?

If you think you should not have to pay a fine, please use this form to tell us your reasons.

When should I send it in?

As soon as possible. Your fines will build up from the date your books are overdue.

What kind of reasons will you consider?

We consider three main kinds of reasons:

• medical – you were ill and could not get to university       
• personal – for example: family illness, house fire
• other –  for example: you returned the books and have a self-issue receipt; you had jury service 

What sort of information should I put in the form?

You need to tell us why you could not return your books on time. 
If the reasons are personal or medical, we need only enough information to let us make a decision. You don’t need to tell us everything. Anything you say or write is confidential.
If you have already returned the book and have a receipt from the self-issue machine, just say so and include the receipt.

What else should I send? 

It will help if you can give us these documents, or photocopies of them:

• medical – a medical certificate or letter from a GP, hospital or hospital clinic.
• personal – a written statement from someone who knows what happened, for example your tutor or academic adviser, a student wellbeing or disability adviser. They should confirm that you could not return or renew your books in person, by telephone or on-line.
• other  - for example a receipt from the self-issue machine, a letter about jury service.

Can anyone help me with the form?

An academic adviser, tutor, or student wellbeing staff can help.

How soon will I get an answer?

• If you can hand in a certificate, statement or receipt we can waive your fines straight away.
• If you don’t have these but feel you have a special case, please tell us in part 4 of the form. We will reply within 7 working days.
• If you’re not happy with what we say, you can appeal on the same form within 28 days; just fill in part 5. We will get back to you within 7 working days.

Who sees my form?

Our Fines and Disputes team and possibly our desk staff. The Resource Circulation Manager or Customer Service Development Manager will hear appeals. We will all treat your form in the strictest confidence.

How many times can I ask for my fines to be waived?

As many times as you need to.
We will complete part 7 of the form and hold this information under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Where do I send my completed form?

You can hand it in to the Base, or send it to:
Fines & Disputes Team, GCU Library, Saltire Centre, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 OBA