STATEHOUSE (April 12, 2023) – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) could soon become law and ensure former students of Indiana's public and private colleges and universities have access to their transcripts.
Transcripts serve as a permanent record for students, and can include information on classes taken, grades, grade point average and other key facts. These important documents are often needed when transferring college credits, filling out job applications or proving academic performance. However, McGuire said many students, particularly those who are low-income, are blocked from getting access to these records due to outstanding payments owed to their school.
"Transcripts are vital to an individual whether they're enrolling in another school or applying for jobs," McGuire said. "This legislation removes an unnecessary hurdle for students as long as they're making progress in paying down their debt with the school."
According to a study done by Ithaka S+R in October 2020, over 6 million students nationwide cannot obtain their transcripts from public and private colleges and universities due to having unpaid bills. In Indiana, about 138,000 Hoosiers owe an average of $2,800 to colleges and universities.
McGuire said Senate Enrolled Act 404 would prohibit universities from withholding a transcript if a student paid at least $100 to $300 toward their debt within the last year, depending on the amount owed.
To follow this legislation and others considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2023-bill-watch/.
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State Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 93,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
