The Financial Hardship Withdrawal Policy

The Financial Hardship Withdrawal Policy is presented to all students during the orientation session as part of the Financial Policies section of the Catalog, Institutional Aid Agreement Letter, and Payment Plan Promissory Note. The policy was explained verbally by the Accounts Representative, highlighting the process for requesting withdrawal due to financial hardship, including whom to contact and the required documentation. Students also received a written copy of the policy in their orientation materials. Students were given an opportunity to ask questions and were required to acknowledge receipt of the policy by signing the orientation attendance form.

Financial Hardship Withdrawal Policy

Northwest Suburban College recognizes that students may face unexpected financial challenges that affect their ability to continue their education. In such cases, students may request a withdrawal based on financial hardship.

1. Students experiencing significant financial difficulty should complete & submit a written request form for a Financial Hardship Withdrawal to the Director of Admissions or a designated Institutional Aid representative. The request must include documentation supporting the hardship (e.g., loss of employment, unexpected medical expenses, or family emergency).
2. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Institutional Aid Committee. Students who are approved for a Financial Hardship Withdrawal may be eligible for a partial tuition waiver or adjusted payment obligations, depending on the timing of the withdrawal and the student’s academic progress.
3. Students who make satisfactory arrangements with the Accounts Office may be eligible to return to their program in good standing, with consideration for waiving prior balances if they demonstrate continued academic progress toward completion.
4. All students withdrawing under this policy must follow the official withdrawal procedures outlined in the NWSC catalog.

Registration Hold Policy

Northwest Suburban College reserves the right to place a registration hold on a student’s account if certain academic, financial, or administrative requirements are not met. A registration hold prevents the student from registering for future courses, enrolling in subsequent terms, or receiving official transcripts and diplomas.

Reasons for Registration Holds may include:

1. Outstanding Tuition or Fees: Failure to pay tuition or fees by the scheduled due date or failure to set up an approved payment plan.
2. Incomplete Documentation: Missing required admissions documents, immunization records, or other required forms.
3. Academic Requirements: Not meeting prerequisite course requirements or mandatory academic advising.
4. Conduct Violations: Disciplinary actions resulting in restricted enrollment.
5. Library or Equipment Obligations: Unpaid library fines or unreturned college property.

Removal of Hold:

Students must resolve the reason for the hold by working directly with the appropriate department (e.g., Accounts, Admissions, Academic Affairs). Financial holds require account clearance or an approved payment arrangement with the Accounts Office.

Impact:

While a registration hold is in place, students will be unable to:

1. Register for new classes or terms
2. Advance to the next module or externship
3. Receive official academic transcripts or diplomas

Policy for Release of Withheld Transcripts or Diplomas

Students whose transcripts, diplomas, or certificates have been previously withheld due to outstanding financial obligations may request their release once the account has been brought into good standing. This can be achieved by either paying the full outstanding balance or by establishing an approved payment arrangement with the Accounts Department. Upon verification of account clearance, official transcripts, diplomas, and certificates will be issued in accordance with institutional policies and procedures. Students facing financial hardship may also submit a Financial Hardship Withdrawal or Clearance Request for special consideration.

Registration Hold Policy

Northwest Suburban College (NWSC) reserves the right to place a registration hold on a student’s account if there are outstanding financial obligations, missing academic records, or unresolved administrative requirements. A registration hold prevents the student from enrolling in future courses, participating in externships, or progressing to the next module or term until the issue is resolved. Students are notified of holds in writing and are encouraged to contact the appropriate department, such as Accounts, Registrar, or Admissions, to address and clear the hold. Financial holds may be resolved by either full payment or by establishing a formal payment arrangement with the Accounts Department. NWSC is committed to working with students who are actively pursuing completion of their programs.

Retention/Return Policy

Northwest Suburban College (NWSC) is committed to supporting students in achieving their academic goals. Students who withdraw from a program before completion may be eligible to return, provided they are in good academic standing and make satisfactory arrangements with the Accounts Department regarding any outstanding balances. Students with financial obligations may have portions of their debt waived if they demonstrate steady academic progress toward completion upon return. Returning students are required to meet with academic advising and the financial office to finalize a re-entry plan before resuming classes.

Financial Hardship Forms:

• NWSC Student Clearance Form
• NWSC Financial Hardship Withdrawal Request
• Financial Hardship Withdrawal Policies