[Robert DeLong]

I would think that it depends on if they were told in advance that they would have to volunteer 75 hours. If not, I think it is questionable as to it's legality.

The contract you speak of is to provide an education in a discpline for a set price. You are also told about the books, materials and, if applicable, other expenses you can expect beyobd that.

[Ryde]

No, the students are just having this dumped on them. From the discussion it appears that we are in a grey area and it is likely that the college will get away with this. Sigh--I really dislike seeing my students in this fix--many of them may have to postpone graduation--but it looks as though the legal issues will outweigh the ethical issues. So we will provide free labor for people.

[freedumb2003]

>>I would think that it depends on if they were told in advance that they would have to volunteer 75 hours. If not, I think it is questionable as to it’s legality.

The contract you speak of is to provide an education in a discpline for a set price. You are also told about the books, materials and, if applicable, other expenses you can expect beyobd that. <<

You may have something there, but chances are good the admissions and registration documents allowed for such a change.

Trust me, I worked in Higher Ed for 20+ years and the contracts always favor the institution.

And, for the OP, the point is that whether or not the contract calls for such a commitment, it has nothing to do with “rights” and everything to do with “contract law.”