Student Information

Will I be able to finish my degree at the University of Providence?
Some students will be able to complete their degrees at the University of Providence. Others may need to transfer or participate in an approved teach-out arrangement. Every student will receive an individualized academic completion plan showing remaining requirements and available options.

Will I receive an individualized academic completion plan?
Yes. Every student will receive an individualized academic completion plan that outlines the program requirements they have completed, the requirements they still need to complete, and the available options for completing their degree, including any applicable teach-out or transfer options. If your program cannot be completed at the University, the plan and your advisor will help you make an informed decision about how to complete it.

Will all the classes I need for my major and core be offered?
The University will make every effort to offer necessary courses or to identify cooperating educational institutions that offer classes that can be transferred back to the University for degree completion.

What should students in licensure programs ask other programs?
Students in nursing, counseling, education, and other regulated programs should verify requirements with both the receiving institution and the appropriate licensing board.
o Programmatic accreditation and state authorization
o Clinical, practicum, or field-placement availability
o Eligibility for licensure examinations
o Whether transferred coursework satisfies state licensing requirements
o Whether the program can serve a student residing in the student’s state

Will clinical placements, internships, practicums, and student teaching continue?
Yes. Your required clinical placements, internships, practicums, or student teaching should continue through the remainder of the 2026–2027 academic year. The University must make sure these experiences remain available and are reasonably similar to what was planned for your program.

If a teach-out partner takes over your program, that partner must be able to provide these opportunities without requiring students to move or travel a substantial distance.

What happens if a faculty member leaves before I graduate?
The University is committed to supporting students through completion of their academic programs or an approved teach-out or transfer pathway. If a faculty member leaves before a program is completed, the University will evaluate the remaining instructional needs and make appropriate arrangements to support affected students. Specific plans may vary by program and course requirements.

Can I accelerate my degree completion?
In some circumstances, an accelerated completion plan may be possible.

Students who are academically positioned to complete their degree within the University’s remaining operating period may work with their advisor to determine whether an accelerated completion plan is academically appropriate and feasible.

Any accelerated plan must still satisfy degree requirements and applicable academic, accreditation, licensure, and financial-aid requirements.

What happens if I take a leave of absence before the University closes?
A leave of absence does not extend the University’s remaining period of operation. The University’s final day of instruction is August 20, 2027. If your leave means you would return after the University’s final date to grant degrees, you may need to complete your remaining coursework at a teach-out partner institution or another college or university instead. If you’re considering a leave of absence, contact the Registrar first to confirm that your expected return date fits within the University’s timeline.

What is a teach-out plan?
A teach-out is an approved plan that provides students an opportunity to complete their academic program either at the University or through an approved partner institution.

For more information about teach-out plans please visit the NWCCU Policies

What is a teach-out agreement?
A teach-out agreement is a formal, written agreement between institutions that allows affected students to complete their academic program at another institution if necessary. The agreement generally provides students with a reasonable opportunity to complete the same or a comparable program and addresses matters such as credit acceptance, tuition and fees, program requirements, completion timelines, financial aid, student services, and equitable treatment. Accreditor and state approval may be required.

For more information about teach-out agreements please visit the NWCCU Policies

Do I have to accept the University’s recommended teach-out institution?
No. Students have the right to explore other institutions and may choose another college or university instead of a recommended teach-out option. Students should confirm directly with the receiving institution which credits will transfer.

Can I transfer now even if I could finish my degree at UP?
Yes. You do not have to wait for the teach-out or stay at UP. You can choose to transfer now, even if you could finish your program at UP before August 2027.

Before you withdraw, make sure the new school confirms in writing which of your credits will transfer and what tuition and fees you will pay.

Will another college accept all previously earned credits?
Not necessarily. The receiving institution will review your academic record and determine which credits it will accept and how those credits apply toward its degree requirements. An approved teach-out agreement may provide more predictable credit acceptance than an independent transfer. Your individualized academic completion plan can help identify the requirements you have completed and those you still need to complete.

Will transferring delay my graduation?
Possibly. The effect of transferring depends on the receiving institution’s acceptance and application of credits, degree requirements, residency requirements, course availability, and the student’s academic progress. Students should review these factors carefully before deciding whether to transfer.

Will I still graduate with a University of Providence diploma?
Students who complete their degree requirements by August 2027 at the University of Providence will receive a University of Providence diploma. Students who complete their degree through another institution or an approved teach-out arrangement will receive their degree and diploma from the institution where they complete their degree requirements.

What will happen to all of the student records? Where will they be maintained after closure?
The University of Providence is securing a record custodian who will be the contact for official transcripts and student records after closure. Students will have continued access to official transcripts through the custodian of record, although there may be fees for requests at that time. This page will be updated once a record custodian is formally identified.

How do I request a transcript?
Past and current students may request a transcript (electronic or hard copy) online through the National Student Clearinghouse through August 2027.

Additional information for obtaining transcripts after August 2027 will be provided once available.

Do students have to pay for transcripts?
All past students from College of Great Falls, University of Great Falls, and University of Providence will be provided one (1) complimentary printed official transcript upon written request.

Requests for complimentary transcripts must be submitted using this form and must be received no later than August 1, 2027.

Those who wish to request additional copies of transcripts should follow the process below.

Current students who are attending a teach-out institution do not have to pay for their records to be moved to the teach-out institution. Students should complete the UP Release of Information Request form.

Please note, teach-out agreements are still in process and students should not submit re-lease of information forms until agreements are finalized.

Students who are requesting a transcript for any other purpose, including transfer to another institution (non-teach out partner), must order their transcript through National Student Clearinghouse and will be assessed a nominal charge for the request and processing.

Should I request an electronic transcript to retain for my records?
Electronic transcripts should not be requested as a means to retain an academic transcript for personal use. Electronic transcripts have an expiration date and will no longer be accessible or valid beyond the expiration.

Those wishing to store official transcripts for later use are encouraged to request official, hard copy transcripts. Provided they are kept in the sealed envelope, they will, in most instances, be considered official by receiving institutions and employers.

Will University of Providence degrees be recognized as valid after the university closes?
Yes. Degrees earned from an accredited institution remain valid, even if the institution later closes. The University of Providence remains accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Will my diploma indicate that the University later closed?
A University of Providence diploma will not indicate that the University subsequently closed.

How do I obtain my diploma?
All students completing degree requirements in 2026-2027 will be sent their University of Providence diploma through regular University processes provided they do not owe a balance to the University.

Individuals who would like to order a replacement diploma must request a replacement prior to August 1, 2027. Replacement cost is $25 and individuals should contact the University of Providence Registrar’s Office at registrar@uprovidence.edu for more information. Expedited requests outside of standard ordering timelines are subject to additional fees.

If students previously completed a degree but did not receive their diploma due to an outstanding account balance, diplomas are on record in the Registrar’s Office. Students may contact the Student Accounts Office at studentaccounts@uprovidence.edu to make payment arrangements and clear their account. Once student financial accounts are cleared, diplomas will be released to the student.

Information about obtaining a held or replacement diploma after educational operations end will be updated upon the finalization of a record custodian.

How can a potential employer or other entity verify a degree or dates of attendance?
Potential Employers can verify University of Providence degrees through the National Student Clearinghouse. Degree verification services are currently available and will remain active post closure.

Are parents of students able to obtain information about the teach-out or transfer process or other student records?
University of Providence staff and faculty will be happy to speak generally to any parent about the process. Various FAQs on this web page are intended to assist with many questions students and families may have.

In order to share specific information about a student’s situation, parents should ensure their students complete a FERPA waiver. Students should download the form and return it to registrar@uprovidence.edu.

FERPA releases allow University employees to share information about the student but do not give parents or others the ability to act on behalf of a student.

If a student left the university without finishing their degree, can they return?
A student who previously applied for graduation and did not successfully complete all requirements may be readmitted only if the student will be able to finish the intended degree program by August 2027 and has not been academically dismissed.

Students with outstanding financial commitments may be re-admitted but will not be issued a diploma until all financial obligations (past and current) have been met.
Students interested in exploring re-admission for the purpose of degree completion should contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@uprovidence.edu to begin the process.

Is the University still accredited?
Yes. The University of Providence remains accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Degrees earned at the University of Providence remain valid after the University closes.

What does NWCCU probation mean during the transition?
Probation is an accreditation status that requires an institution to address identified areas of noncompliance within a specified period. The University will continue to communicate directly with students regarding its accreditation status and any developments that affect academic completion or teach-out planning.

What happens to federal financial aid while the institution remains open?
Federal aid may continue while the institution remains eligible to participate in federal student-aid programs and the student remains eligible. Because eligibility can change, students should rely on written, term-specific information from the Financial Aid Office. Students should also ensure a FAFSA has been completed at https://studentaid.gov.

Will my scholarships continue?
Institutional scholarships will be unaffected if students remain academically eligible.

What happens to Federal Work-Study employment?
Federal Work-Study is tied to employment arranged through the participating institution. A position generally ends when the student’s employment or the institution’s participation ends. Work-Study funding does not automatically follow a student to another college.

What happens to federal financial aid when the institution closes?

All federal financial aid will be disbursed to students as normal until the date of closure. Once the school is closed, no further federal aid may be disbursed to the University.

Will Pell Grants have to be repaid because the institution closes?

A student is not required to repay properly received Pell Grant funds. An adjustment may be required if the student withdraws, does not begin attendance, or becomes subject to federal return-of-funds requirements. Federal Pell Grant eligibility is governed by federal regulations. Students should work with the Financial Aid Office regarding their individual eligibility.

Can federal financial aid transfer automatically to another institution?

No. Federal aid does not transfer automatically. The receiving institution must determine the student’s eligibility and issue a new aid offer. Aid already received during the award year may affect the amount remaining.

• Add the receiving institution to the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov
• Complete its admissions and financial-aid requirements
• Request and review a new financial-aid offer
• Confirm how grants, loans, scholarships, and satisfactory academic progress will be treated.

Will students receive refunds for tuition, housing, or fees?

Refund eligibility depends on the timing of closure, services provided, institutional policy, applicable state law, and federal financial-aid requirements. Students should receive an individualized account reconciliation and written explanation of any refund or outstanding balance.

Will I have to repay scholarships?

No. Institutional scholarships are considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid.

What happens to my federal student loans?

Any disbursed federal student loans will be serviced by your Department of Education Loan Servicer, per the terms of your Master Promissory Note. Any undisbursed loans will be cancelled.

What happens to private loans?

Disbursed private loans are serviced by the lender. Students should contact the lender and request information concerning repayment. Any undisbursed loan will be cancelled.

What happens to institutional payment plans?

Students are responsible for any charges they incur for educational expenses (tuition, fees, housing/food). Payments must still be made in accordance with the agreed upon payment plan.

What happens to my GI Bill benefits?

Veterans may be eligible for restoration of certain educational benefits following a school closure. Students should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for guidance.

What is Closed School Loan Discharge?

A closed-school discharge may cancel qualifying federal student loans, under specific circumstances, borrowed for attendance at a school that closed before the borrower could complete the program.

Official source: Closed School Discharge | Federal Student Aid

FAQ: Has Your School Closed? Here’s What to Do. | Federal Student Aid

Webinar: FSA Webinar – What To Do If Your School Closes

Am I eligible for a Closed School Loan Discharge?

For information about eligibility requirements, automatic discharge and the application process, please visit Closed School Discharge | Federal Student Aid.

Who generally does not qualify for a Closed School Loan Discharge?

For information about eligibility requirements, automatic discharge and the application process, please visit Closed School Discharge | Federal Student Aid.

Is a closed-school discharge automatic?

For information about eligibility requirements, automatic discharge and the application process, please visit Closed School Discharge | Federal Student Aid.

How do I apply for a Closed School Loan Discharge?

For information about eligibility requirements, automatic discharge and the application process, please visit Closed School Discharge | Federal Student Aid.

Where should students apply or ask questions?

Students should use official federal resources and should never pay a company to apply for a federal loan discharge.

• Sign in to StudentAid.gov to review federal loans and grants.
• Contact the federal loan servicer listed in the student’s account.
• Call Federal Student Aid at 1-800-433-3243.
• Use the Federal Student Aid Contact Center or Feedback Center for unresolved questions.

Official source: Federal Student Aid Contact Center

How does accepting a teach-out affect loan-discharge eligibility?

Completing a comparable program through a teach-out generally makes the borrower ineligible for a closed-school discharge. A borrower who begins but does not complete a teach-out may still qualify in certain circumstances. Students should obtain individualized guidance before deciding.

Can students transfer credits and also receive a closed-school loan discharge?

Generally, a borrower cannot receive a closed-school discharge for loans associated with a program if the borrower completes the same or a comparable program through a teach-out, transfer of credits, or another comparable arrangement. Transferring limited credits into a substantially different program does not necessarily prevent discharge. The U.S. Department of Education or applicable loan holder decides eligibility based on individual circumstances.

Official source: Federal Student Aid: Has Your School Closed?

What happens to loan limits if a student transfers rather than receiving a discharge?

Federal loans that are not discharged continue to count toward the student’s annual and aggregate federal loan limits.

Official source: Federal Student Aid: School Closure and Direct Loan Limits

Will tuition change during the teach-out?

A teach-out agreement is a contract between schools that will allow you to finish your program of study at one or more schools. A part of this contract will ensure that out-of-pocket expenses are not more than what the student paid at the closed school. A student should work with the new school for all agreed upon terms and conditions.

Will academic advising continue?
Yes. All students will continue to have a faculty academic advisor and an assigned advisor from the Academic Success Center.

Will counseling services continue?
Yes. The University is committed to maintaining access to counseling and wellness support for students throughout the transition. We will communicate clearly about the availability of University-based counseling services and, if those services change, provide students with appropriate referrals to qualified community providers and other support resources.

Will tutoring continue?
Yes. The Writing Center will continue to be staffed and major and class subject student tutors will be available to students at scheduled times and by appointment.

Will disability accommodation continue?
Yes. Our TRIO Student Support Services program will remain open and fully staffed for disability evaluation. Faculty will continue to honor as appropriate accommodation requests.

What happens to student organizations?
Student organizations will continue to be supported during the transition for as long as they can operate meaningfully. The University will work with student leaders to maintain opportunities for student activities, leadership, and community throughout the remaining academic period. As operations conclude, each organization will receive information about the process for closing or transferring its accounts, records, equipment, and other property.

What happens to my student email account?
University issued email accounts will remain active for students for a period of one year after time of separation, whether that means transferring before closure, or after. Similarly, students will be able to access their university issued Office365 platforms for that same period of time.

How will honors and awards be handled?
There will be no change in the criteria and awards.

Will residence halls remain open?
Yes. Campus housing will continue through the 2026–2027 academic year. Housing operations will be reviewed each term based on enrollment, staffing, safety, and operational needs. Students will receive timely information about housing availability, residence hall assignments, move-out dates, and any changes to residential operations.

What happens to my housing contract?
The University will provide specific information about housing contracts, charges, deposits, and move-out procedures as the transition plan is finalized. Students will receive advance notice of any changes affecting their housing arrangements and will be provided with information about applicable financial obligations, refunds, or other adjustments.

What happens to my meal plan?
Meal plans will continue according to the University’s operating and dining plans for the applicable academic period. If changes to dining operations or meal plans become necessary during the transition, students will be notified in advance and provided with information about any resulting changes to their plans or charges.

Will campus facilities remain open?
Yes. The University intends to maintain a safe, functional, and welcoming campus for as long as students and employees need access to campus facilities. Facilities, utilities, maintenance, security, and emergency services will be maintained throughout the academic transition, with changes to particular spaces communicated as operational needs evolve.

Will sports continue through the 2026-2027 academic year? 

The University intends to continue its athletic programs through the remainder of the 2026–2027 academic year, provided there are enough student-athletes enrolled to field teams.

What happens to scheduled competitions? What happens to conference championships?

All competitions and post-season matches, if applicable, will continue as planned.

Will my scholarship be impacted?

Scholarships will remain in place through the 2026-2027 academic year at the University of Providence.

Can I transfer to another University without sitting out? 

When an NAIA university closes, affected student-athletes are generally treated as standard transfer students under NAIA Regulations, meaning they do not face national residency (sit-out) penalties and can typically compete immediately at a new NAIA institution.

How will this impact my seasons of competition? 

If you have participated in 20% of athletic contests, you will be charged with a season of competition. Talk to your coach to see if you have met the threshold to be charged for a season of competition.

Can I contact other universities about transferring?

Yes. Once closure is announced, students can contact other universities and universities can reach out to student-athletes without notification.

What should I do if I plan to transfer? 

Alert your coach, the athletic director, and the registrar so proper paperwork can be submitted for a smooth transition.

Do I need a release or transfer document?

No. Once closure is announced, you will not need a release from the University to transfer.

What happens to team equipment and uniforms?

University property will need to be turned back into your coach. You should not take any equipment, uniforms, etc. without coach and athletic director approval.

Will my coach still be available to help me?

The University’s athletics department will remain available to support student-athletes.

Who has my academic and athletic records?

After closure, academic and athletic records that must be retained will be held by the University’s record custodian. See “What will happen to all of the student records?” in the Degree, Diploma, and Academic Records section.

How does the closure affect my visa status?

Students should work with the University’s Designated School Official (DSO). The physical F-1 visa stamp in the passport remains valid until its expiration date, but the students’ legal permission to stay in the U.S. is dependent on an “Active” SEVIS record. When a school closes, they are required to notify the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Therefore, it is important for F-1 visa students to either transfer, complete a change of status, or depart the United States prior to the institutional closure date.

If necessary, students may also contact the SEVP.

How much time do I have to transfer?

F-1 student records within SEVIS must be transferred to another SEVP-certified school before the official institutional closure date.

The standard grace period of 60 days remains in effect for students who graduate from the institution in any semester.

Does closure affect post completion OPT?

The F-1 immigration status remains tethered to the institution’s SEVP certification and the Designated School Official (DSO) who manages the SEVIS record. Therefore, if a school closes and is no longer a certified SEVP institution without the ability to maintain records in SEVIS, post completion OPT is terminated simultaneously. The University is working internally and in coordination with SEVP to outline the precise transition pathways, timeline, and SEVIS record options available to support our spring graduates.

What if I’m planning to attend in spring or summer, but want to transfer before that?

For new students, we are able to transfer the SEVIS record while it is in an ‘initial’ status. Please inform the DSO of your desire to transfer and we will help you through the process to ensure the SEVIS record is transferred.

Will I need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again if I go somewhere else?

If the SEVIS I-901 fee is already paid, you remain in status, and you transfer to another SEVP certified school, you will not need to pay the fee again. For new students who have already been issued an I-20 and have paid the fee, similarly, when we transfer your record, you will not need to pay the fee again. The payment remains valid, even if the SEVIS record is transferred.

Continue to support and communicate with your students throughout the transition. Encourage them to review official updates, meet with the appropriate University personnel to discuss their individualized academic plan, and carefully consider their options. If you are unsure how to answer a student’s question, direct them to the appropriate University resource or questions@uprovidence.edu