SUNY no longer withholding transcripts of students with outstanding balances

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The State University of New York Board of Trustees Tuesday ended its practice of withholding transcripts from State University of New York (SUNY) students who owe their school money.

State officials say about 50% of SUNY students graduate without an outstanding balance, but the ones who do owe money owe an average of $3,500.

Under the old rules, those students wouldn’t have been able to get copies of their transcripts until they paid their balance.

Transcripts are needed to re-enroll in a campus, transfer credits, complete their degree, and sometimes, to obtain jobs.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office said it follows her plan as part of her 2022 State of the State address.