Most administrative holds placed on student accounts prevent them from completing an action, such as registering for classes, receiving a copy of their official transcript or applying for employment. By placing a hold, institutions aim to compel students to connect with academic advisors or pay a financial obligation, among other reasons. However, this also means they affect students’ ability to pursue a college credential, which undermines state education and workforce goals.
By developing a broader understanding of administrative holds in their state, policymakers and postsecondary leaders may be in a better position to determine whether any reforms or guidance are necessary and to collaborate with institutions to improve policies and practices.
This Policy Brief features insights from interviews with institutional, system and state leaders on the use of administrative holds; and it provides current policy examples and considerations for leaders as they evaluate these types of policies.
