University Policy
In accordance with Illinois Public Act 103-54, an institution of higher education must provide both official
and unofficial transcripts to current or former students regardless of the students’ indebtedness to the
institution. The provision of official and unofficial transcripts is not contingent upon payment of other fees
owing to the institution besides the fee charged to produce the transcript.
To comply with the state mandate, which aims to make it easier for students to obtain their official
transcripts for myriad reasons such as applying for financial aid, transferring to another institution,
employment opportunities, etc.
This policy will affect the student population with academic history at NEIU and departments that either
work with or that should be aware of options available to students regarding institutional transcripts.
Active Student: a student who has enrollment activity in at least one course over the course of 6
semesters. A student loses their “active status” if they do not enroll in at least one course over 6
consecutive semesters.
Indebted: owing money
Official Transcript: academic transcript or record produced by an institution of higher education deemed
to be official, authenticated, certified or bona fide containing information such as courses taken, grades
awarded, terms of enrollment, degrees or credentials conferred, etc.
Unofficial Transcript: academic transcript or record containing information primarily found on the official
transcript but which cannot be used to transfer academic credits to another institution of higher education.
Diploma: a certificate awarded by an educational establishment to demonstrate successful completion of
a course of study.
Student Debt Assistance Act (110 ILCS 66)
Volume E3:
Enrollment Management
E3.1
Official Transcripts and Diplomas for
Students with Account Balances
Effective Date: 06/28/2024
Responsible Office:
Office of the Registrar
Chapter:
Responsible Officer:
University Registrar
POLICY STATEMENT
PURPOSE OF THE POLICY
WHO IS AFFECTED BY THIS POLICY
DEFINITIONS
REGULATIONS
Official Transcripts and Diplomas for Students with Account Balances Responsible Officer: University Registrar
Policy E3.1 Responsible Office: Office of the Registrar
Effective Date: 06/28/2024
Official Transcripts
Northeastern Illinois University (the University) will release official transcripts to students who are currently
indebted to the University, identified by the presence of an Accounts Receivable Hold and all its iterations
which, when present, prohibit the release of official transcripts. Students designated with any hold type will
be able to order official transcripts through the University’s official transcript ordering service, pay the
associated fee for the production of the official transcripts and have those transcripts delivered to the
intended recipient.
Unofficial Transcripts
Northeastern Illinois University will preserve its practice of only allowing active students who maintain
access to the NEIUport system to review their unofficial transcripts. Students who are no longer considered
active and who cannot access the NEIUport system must order official transcripts.
Diplomas
Northeastern Illinois University requires students to address any outstanding balances that have resulted
in the application of an Accounts Receivable Hold, in its various forms, before the University will release
their diploma. Students will need to work with Student Payment Services regarding their outstanding
balance. Students who have extenuating circumstances warranting a review of their assessed tuition and
fees based on registration in a given term can petition the Student Billing and Late Withdrawal Committee
within one calendar year of the semester in question to request a retroactive withdrawal and/or a reversal
of tuition and fees.
Reporting
Northeastern Illinois University will identify students with an Accounts Receivable Hold, in its various forms,
who have been prevented from registering for classes and/or accessing official transcripts and diplomas.
The Registrar’s Office will generate and submit an annual report to the Illinois Board of Higher Education
on or before July 1 of each year using data from the previous academic year.
8/29/2023 Transcript Provision Draft
06/28/2024 Completed 30-day public comment period
06/28/2024 Enacted
Please direct questions or concerns about this policy to:
Contact Phone Email
The University reserves the right to modify or amend sections of this policy at any time at its sole discretion.
This policy remains in effect until such time as the Responsible Officer calls for review. Requests for
exception to any portion of this policy, but not to the policy statement, must be presented in writing to the
Responsible Officer.
PROCEDURES
HISTORY
CONTACT INFORMATION
DISCLAIMER
