Ivy Tech Eases Transcription Policy

Ivy Tech Community College has implemented a new policy that will make student transcripts available even if students still owe money to the school. Ivy Tech says withholding transcripts is a common practice among higher education institutions to incentivize students to pay their debts.

The old practice makes it difficult for students to transfer to another school, or in some cases, land a job.

According to data from the National Association of College and University Business Officers, 98% of the 410 survey respondents said their schools hold transcripts as a debt collection tactic.

“Our primary goal at Ivy Tech Community College is to prepare individuals to achieve their goals and contribute to their families and their communities through high-wage careers,” said Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann. “We are working to remove barriers in the way of achieving that goal, and this is a step we can take to move our students toward a better financial future.”

Ivy Tech says it is not forgiving the debt, but the new policy does allow students to continue their academic careers.

The school says the decision impacts approximately 82,000 students statewide.