Consistent with the Illinois Student Debt Assistance Act, this policy establishes processes and procedures to assist students in limiting their student debt when a physical or financial hardship requires the student to withdraw from Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) after the 100% tuition add/drop deadline has passed, as well as implementing requirements of the Act as it pertains to access to student transcripts. This policy should be read in conjunction with other university policies related to student financial aid and student accounts.
Student Transcript Policy
Students are entitled to access their educational records maintained by MTI and entitled to an official transcript of record provided to them or their designated recipient.
Any student who has enrolled in an academic program at MTI may request an official transcript. The official transcript of record shall consist of a summary of the courses needed to complete a program of study. Request for Official Transcript is the authorization from the student to MTI to release the above defined transcript of the student’s record. An Official Transcript of Record is released upon request of the student. Such requests must be made in writing either by completing the Request for Official Transcript form or by writing a letter. All written requests must be signed by the student.
Transcripts will be issued as soon as possible after receipt of the request and a $5.00 processing fee is collected. All outstanding debts and obligations to MTI must be cleared prior to release of an official transcript directly to the student.
If a student has an outstanding balance, the student transcript and diploma will have a hold placed on it until the time that their balance has been paid. The student will still be eligible to request an unofficial transcript.
If the student has a hold placed on their transcripts but needs an official transcript for employment/continued education and/or military purposes, the student can request that an official transcript be sent directly to organization that is requiring the documentation.
Once the student has paid all outstanding debts and obligations in full, the hold on their transcripts will be lifted and they will be eligible to receive their official transcript and diploma.
Transcripts are normally issued via U.S. Mail or given directly to the recipient designated by the student. Prior arrangements must be made for transcripts to be picked up by the student or designated recipient. Pick up of transcripts by anyone other than the student must be authorized in writing at the time of the request.
Graduation Requirements
Those who meet attendance requirements, satisfy financial obligations to the school, and have a satisfactory completion of classroom and shop/lab goals will receive a diploma and/or transcript stating that they have successfully completed the elected program. Students will also be permitted to sit for approved certification exams. Diplomas and transcripts will not be given to students who have not successfully completed requirements in their elected program.
The HVAC/R students are required to take and pass the EPA Section 608* Core, Type I, and Type II certification exams. Successful completion of the HVAC/R program and EPA Section 608 Core, Type I, and Type II certification exams will entitle the student to a diploma.
*The Federal Government of the United States requires all individuals who open a system or container holding a controlled refrigerant to be certified. Persons who work on stationary equipment or use refrigerant designed for these systems can become certified by passing a proctored Section 608 examination. Candidates for this test can be certified in any of three equipment categories plus Universal.
Definition of good standing: Those who meet attendance requirements, satisfy financial obligations to the school, and have a satisfactory completion of classroom and shop/lab requirements.
Physical or Financial Hardship Withdrawal Request
A student may apply for a hardship withdrawal from their academic enrollment at MTI due to an unforeseeable and documented circumstance that occurs after the 100% tuition refund deadline date which had a significant impact on the student’s ability to continue in their course of study and be successful. Examples of a physical or financial hardship include: (i) serious injury or illness; (ii) chronic illness; (iii) a serious medical issue of a family member (spouse or partner, child, parent or guardian, grandparent, or sibling) for which the student is a part-time or full-time caretaker of that family member; (iv) a mental health condition of the student; (v) a sudden or consistent lack of transportation that prohibits a student’s presence in class; or (vi) a significant, non-elective cost of living increase for the student. To request a hardship withdrawal under this policy, the student must complete the Hardship Withdrawal Request Form and submit supporting documentation of the physical/financial hardship evidencing the significant physical or financial hardship prior to the end of the term in which they intend to withdraw.
Hardship withdrawal submissions will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar in conjunction with Academic Affairs, Financial Aid, and Student Accounting. Students will be considered for a full or partial refund of the original tuition, fee, and any other charges for the term of the withdrawal. Outcomes will be based on the information submitted along with MTI records including but not limited to enrollment, financial aid, and billing. Students will receive communication regarding the review outcome or any requests for further information within two weeks of submission.
As a general rule, students are not eligible for hardship withdrawals if they have completed all course requirements. A student receiving federal and/or state financial assistance should contact the Office of Financial Aid to address any possible financial implications, including those related to Title IV funding. Hardship withdrawal requests will be processed according to the last date of course attendance. A student who files or attempts to file a fraudulent application for a withdrawal under this policy in order to avoid a failing grade or disciplinary action will be denied and may be subject to disciplinary actions.
Questions regarding the MTI Hardship Withdrawal Policy should be emailed to the Office of the Registrar at kmoore@midwesttech.edu.