Does this client have a case?

It seems to me that he has no case. Even though the cheque was handed in 1/2 an hour before the meeting, by failing to attend he could not know what conditions would be set for his continuance there. the money was only one issue. The issue of a cheque in itself is not payment. It is only payment when the receiving bank has accepted and paid it. Not only that but he only paid when the threat of expulsion was virtually confirmed. Also his attitude broke the student code of conduct so whether he offered to pay or not is irrelevant.