A hold, also known as a service indicator, is a restriction placed on a student’s university record. Depending on the type of hold, it may limit enrollment, readmission, receipt of a diploma, or other university services.
Students can view active holds in the student information system which provides information about each hold, including the office responsible for the hold, and contact information for assistance or resolution.
The university will make reasonable efforts to notify students before placing a hold and will provide an opportunity to challenge a proposed hold through applicable university procedures.
The university will remove a hold when the condition that resulted in the hold has been satisfied.
Financial Holds
The Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer authorizes the use of financial holds. A financial hold may be placed when a student owes money to the university or to a university-managed student loan fund. A financial hold may not be used to collect debts owed to organizations or entities outside the university.
Students must receive notice of the debt and warning of a possible hold before a hold is placed except in cases involving unpaid checks or debts referred to Delinquent Receivables.
A student with a financial hold may not:
- Enroll in courses
- Be readmitted to the university
- Have an application to a new program processed
- Receive a diploma
- Receive financial aid processing when applicable
If a student does not satisfy the financial obligation by the deadline, the university may remove the student from courses in which they are enrolled.
Conduct Holds
Conduct holds may be placed as authorized under the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR), Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities (GSRR), Law Student Rights and Responsibilities (LSRR), and Medical Student Rights and Responsibilities (MSRR).
The Office of the Provost or the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs authorizes conduct holds.
Suspension or Dismissal Hold
A suspension or dismissal hold may be placed when n a student has been suspended or dismissed through the applicable student conduct process. The hold prevents enrollment during the period of suspension or dismissal.
SCCR Hold
A Student Conflict and Conflict Resolution (SCCR) hold may be placed to:
- Require a student to respond to a violation allegation of university regulations
- Ensure compliance with sanctions imposed through the student conduct process
Investigation Hold
An investigation hold may be placed while an investigation and any related appeal(s) are pending under the Anti-Discrimination Policy or the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Except for an investigation hold, a student with a conduct hold may not:
- Enroll in courses
- Be readmitted to the university
- Have an application to a new program processed
- Receive a diploma
A student with an investigation hold may not receive a diploma until the hold is removed.
Academic Holds
The Provost, college deans, and their designees may place academic holds.
An academic hold may be placed when a student:
- Has not completed an academic requirement
- Has not met conditions of reinstatement or readmission
- Has been recessed or dismissed
- Must meet with an academic advisor regarding academic concerns
- Has not fulfilled an obligation related to an academic program or academic service
Before an academic hold is placed, the student must have a reasonable opportunity to learn about and satisfy the requirement.
An academic hold prevents enrollment until the hold is resolved.
Administrative Holds
The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs authorizes offices that may place administrative holds.
An administrative hold may be placed when a student has not met a requirement established by university policy or regulation. Examples include requirements related to financial aid, housing, health insurance, or other university obligations.
Before an administrative hold is placed, the student must have a reasonable opportunity to learn about and satisfy the requirement.
An administrative hold may prevent:
- Enrollment
- Financial aid processing
Procedures and Appeals
University offices authorized to place holds must maintain procedures that comply with this policy.
Except in cases involving unpaid checks, hold procedures must provide:
- Notice to the student before a hold is placed.
- Information about the reason for the hold.
- An opportunity to challenge the proposed hold before it is issued.
A hold will not be placed while a timely appeal is under review.
University offices should use holds only when necessary and should use alternative methods whenever practical.
Judicial Review
This policy and actions taken under it are subject to judicial review as provided in Student Rights and Responsibilities at Michigan State University.