HARRISBURG - A former online student of Kaplan University has filed an appeal against an order to arbitrate her dispute, claiming the school misused her e-signature.
In her court filing to appeal the decision, Maria Jacqueline Dicent stated she did not consent to arbitrate.
“I was never told about the document or given an opportunity to opt out or consult with an attorney, providing that I would sign an arbitration agreement,” she stated in her court filing. She claims the university attached her e-signature to the documents, claiming it was part of the enrollment package.
“The affidavit submitted by Kaplan University stated that my e-signature was used to verify my identity and that has nothing to do with the arbitration agreement and enrollment package,” she wrote in her appeal notice.
She also claims that she was notified if a dispute arose with the university, “I would be able to file a grievance, which I did to no avail,” her court filing stated. “Kaplan University took advantage of my desperate situation during the enrollment time. They conned me into enrollment and attached the arbitration agreement with my consent."
The plaintiff also stated that it was a fraudulent contract and should be dismissed.
Her original complaint accused the university of false advertising, failure to provide student support, false claims and copyright infringement. She became disillusioned with the university, according to a U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania report and recommendation, after she enrolled to study law at the institute.
Among her issues were that she allegedly was not informed prior to enrollment that she would need 180 credits to graduate, while other schools only require 120 credits. Among other complaints, she also accuses the university of denying her financial aid and career services.
The District Court moved to compel arbitration in a court order dated June 15.