Physical or Financial Hardship Withdrawal Policy

In compliance with the Illinois Student Debt Assistance Act, this policy outlines the steps and protocols for supporting students in managing their student debt in cases of physical or financial difficulties necessitating their withdrawal from CROCUS Institute after the 100% tuition add/drop deadline. It also aims to adhere to the Act's guidelines regarding student transcript accessibility. Reviewing this policy alongside other Institute regulations concerning student financial aid and accounts is essential.

Official and Unofficial Transcripts

Pursuant to and in compliance with the Act, CROCUS Institute will not (I) refuse to provide an unofficial transcript to a current or former student on the grounds that the student owes a debt; (II) condition the provision of an unofficial transcript on the payment of a debt, other than a fee charged to provide the transcript; or (III) charge a higher fee for obtaining an unofficial transcript or provide less favorable treatment of a request for an unofficial transcript because a current or former student owes a debt.

For official transcripts, the Institute (I) will provide an official transcript of a current or former student to a current or potential employer, even if the current or former student owes a debt to the Institute; (II) will not condition the provision of an official transcript to a current or potential employer on the payment of a debt, other than a fee charged to provide the transcript; and (III) will not charge a higher fee for transferring an official transcript to a current or potential employer or provide less favorable treatment for such a request because a current or former student owes a debt.

If a hold has been placed on a student's transcript for reasons other than a debt owed, the student must contact the administration to resolve the hold.

Physical or Financial Hardship Withdrawal Request

A student may apply for a hardship withdrawal from their academic enrollment at CROCUS Institute 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/semester in which they intend to withdraw.

Hardship withdrawal submissions will be reviewed by the Institute Administration, 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 university 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 (e.g., attended the final exam). A student receiving federal and/or state financial assistance should contact the Institute Administration 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 may be considered in violation of the Code of Conduct.

Questions regarding the CROCUS Institute Hardship Withdrawal Policy should be emailed to the Institute Administration at crocusinstitute@gmail.com.

Student debt and credit report policy

The past due debt will not be reported by CROCUS Institute to any credit reporting agencies, except as provided by federal law.

Past-due policy

Past-due debt policy.

Tuition and Fees are due in full by the published tuition due dates each quarter. If you are not able to pay your bill, we strongly encourage you to contact one of our student accounts counselors to discuss payment options. Our dedicated team is here to support you in achieving your educational goals.

Financial Hold

A financial hold is placed on a student's account when the student has an account balance of $1000 or more that is 31 days past due.
A financial hold prohibits students from registering for future courses, obtaining their diploma, and utilizing alumni benefits.
Students must satisfy the past due balance in order for a financial hold to be removed.
If you have a financial hold and require access to registration, diploma, or other Institute services, you may email crocusinstitute@gmail.com.

Past due balances of $ 300 or more may be referred to a collection agency if the balance remains unpaid for one quarter or more and an internal payment plan has not been established.

Once the past due balance has been referred to an external collection agency, payment plans and payments must be made directly with the collection agency. If a student’s balance is sent to a collection agency, then the student must fully satisfy the balance with the collection agency in order to have the financial hold removed from the student’s account.

CROCUS Institute will provide an official transcript of a current or former student even if the current or former student owes a debt if the student requests the official transcript to: (A) complete a job application; (B) transfer from one institution of higher education to another; (C) apply for State, federal, or institutional financial aid; (D) join the United States Armed Forces or Illinois National Guard; or (E) pursue other postsecondary opportunities. Verification of the above conditions will be processed by Institute administration within reasonable amount of time after receiving fully completed application and all supporting documentation from the student.

Complaints

You may file a complaint with studentaccounts@depaul.edu or with the Attorney General’s student loan ombudsperson https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/File-A-Complaint/.