Revised: March 26, 2024 | Effective: July 1, 1997
Date Policy Request To PET:
March 26, 2024
This is a change to an existing policy.
Current Policy Title:
13.05 / Tuition and Fees Payment Plan
Revised Policy Title:
N/A
Last Revised Date Of Policy:
June 30, 2016
Initiating Authority:
Financial Operations and Business Technology
Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:
This policy is being revised to ensure compliance with federal laws regarding the
withholding of student transcripts in connection with unpaid balances owed to the
University. Specifically, the language stating that transcripts will not be released
to students with unpaid balances under Section II.B of the current policy is being
removed. In addition, revisions were made to clarify the University's practice of
placing holds on diplomas and enrollment in connection with unpaid balances, and directions
to contact Financial Operations to resolve such holds was added. Finally, minor updates
were made to conform with the University's standard policy format.
Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:
In the fall of 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued supervisory
guidance, explaining that institutions that provide private educational loans, including
institutions of higher education offering tuition payment plans, fall under the authority
of the CFPB. The CFPB further directed that blanket policies to withhold transcripts
in connection with an extension of credit by these institutions are abusive under
the Consumer Financial Protection Act.
Subsequently, in the fall of 2023, the Department of Education (DOE) issued new regulations
(effective July 1, 2024) that require the release of official transcripts for payment
periods that the student received Title IV financial aid and all institutional charges
for that payment period were paid or included in an agreement to pay.
After careful consideration and consultation with University partners that are involved
in the process for withholding transcripts in connection with unpaid balances owed
to the University, Financial Operations has determined that the best course of action
is to discontinue the withholding of transcripts in connection with unpaid institutional
charges. The current policy revisions are being made to reflect this decision.
Applicable Laws Or Regulatory Or Policy Authority:
Other Relevant 49ͼ Policies:
The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of
This Policy Draft / Revision:
- Office of the General Counsel - Stacia Boden
- Financial Operations - Robyn Bongartz, Ryan Lohfink and Troy Bruun
- Registrar's Office - Gina Crabtree
- International Education - Vince Altum
- OneStop Student Services - Aaron Hamilton and Addie James
- Academic Affairs - Linnea GlenMaye
- Financial Aid - Sheelu Surender
- Student Engagement - Gabriel Fonseca
- Faculty Senate - Jolynn Dowling (shared)
- Staff Senate - Kennedy Rogers (shared)
Other Notes For Consideration:
Policy 13.04 / Tuition and Fees Refunds is also being revised for the same purpose
as the present policy.
Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:
Financial Operations - Robyn Bongartz