Secure Maintenance of Academic Records
Union University academic records are maintained on two sites to ensure their safety in the event of disaster. Records preceding 1988 are maintained by microfiche copies on campus in fire proof vaults with a duplicate copy maintained in a vault off campus. As of 1988 records are maintained solely by computer. Computer records are backed up daily with a second copy of the update maintained off campus.
Acceptance of Electronic Transcripts
It is the policy of Union University to only accept electronic transcripts from the institution or from an established provider such as Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse. We will not accept copies emailed from the student(s) in any format. Once Admissions has received the transcript(s), the transcript(s) will be printed and stamped as official for Union University.
FERPA & Your Privacy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, FERPA, protects academic and other education records of students from unauthorized access. It allows the University to refuse to issue a transcript in the event of an outstanding financial obligation to the University or to a national loan program.
FERPA permits access to academic records within the University under the “legitimate need to know” clause. This allows faculty advisors, administrators, and selected staff access as long as the use of such information is within the purpose of the University and for the benefit of the student.
FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s educational records. These rights, however, transfer to the student when he/she reaches 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level, whichever is earlier. A student, regardless of age, is the “legal entity” once he/she begins to attend class through Union University. Students must consent in writing before a record is released or grades are discussed.
The FERPA release does not provide copies of progress reports or final grades to parents or other parties.
It is the policy of Union University that any official transcript and/or verification of enrollment should be ordered through the Student Clearinghouse at studentclearinghouse.org. A student copy of the Union transcript for currently enrolled students is available to the student through Self Service.
Any document containing grades or grade point average of high school academic records or college credits transferred to Union University should be issued from the institution that maintains the permanent record. High School transcripts and transfer transcripts on file at Union University are third party, non-transferable records and are the property of Union University.
FERPA considers directory information (name, email address, date and place of birth, photograph, academic major/minor, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, most previous institution attended) public information. However, Union University does not release personal information without written consent from students.
Questions regarding this information should be directed to the University Registrar.
Official Transcript Requests
Union University does not release academic records without a signed release from the student or if there are unsettled accounts with the University
- Official paper transcripts are $10.00 per transcript
- Electronic transcripts are $5.00 per transcript
PLEASE NOTE: (Special Instructions do not apply to Electronic Transcripts)
Transcripts are processed in the order they are received. Normal processing time for mailed transcripts is 3-5 business days and does not reflect delivery time. During peak activity times at the university (beginning or end of terms, current or new student registration, or graduation) it will take longer than normal to process a transcript. Review the University calendar for those peak times.
Transcripts for work prior to Fall 1990 are on microfilm and may take additional days to process.
Transcripts mailed to the student should remain unopened with the seal not broken to be considered official. Check with the institution to make sure student received transcripts received in this manner is considered official.
NOTE: the Academic Center no longer processes requests received by mail or fax.
Processing Options
- Now – transcript will reflect the current grades/classes as of the day you make your request
- Hold for Grades – transcript will not be printed until a week after the end of the semester
- Hold for Degree – transcript will not be printed until a week after commencement
The following is required to order a transcript online
- A valid major credit card
- An email account
- Your signed consent
Delivery Options
- Electronic
- US Postal Service – unless otherwise specified, this is the default delivery method.
- Hold for Pickup – All transcripts are to be picked up at the Jackson Campus. Transcripts not picked up after two weeks will be destroyed and cancelled.
- Third Party Pickup – Authorized persons must bring a signed release statement from student stating “I, (students name), give permission for (authorized party) to pick up my transcript on (date).” A picture ID will be required of the third party.
Transcripts can be ordered online using any major credit card. The card will be charged only when the transcript request has been processed and sent.
University Document Requests
Union University offers the following requests forms for obtaining the noted documents. Payments will need to be made with Mastercard or Visa.
Request for Replacement Diploma
Replacement diplomas cost $50 each, and you can request them using one of the forms below. The diploma(s) will be mailed directly to you. Please be aware that replacement diplomas may take up to 6-8 weeks to be received.
NOTE: Link below may require the creation of a NextGen Dynamic Forms account. Current students and employees may use current Union credentials.
Enrollment Verifications
For Current Students
Student Self Service via the National Clearinghouse where current students can:
- Print enrollment verification certificates on demand
- View your enrollment history
- View enrollment verifications provided at your request
- Have access to student lender information
- Verification is updated monthly
This will be a free service to students which is available 24/7.
For Third Parties
Union University has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide enrollment and degree verifications to third parties. The National Student Clearinghouse can be contacted at:
- Web: degreeverify.org
- Mail: National Student Clearinghouse
2300 Dulles Station Boulevard, Suite 300
Herndon, VA 20171
Graduation Rates of first-time, full-time freshmen at Union University
Union University carefully monitors undergraduate graduation rates. The institution has a minimum threshold of 67% and a desired undergraduate graduation rate goal of 71%. This aspirational goal is based on the 5-year rolling average of both peer and aspirational institutions.
| Year of Entering Freshman Class | Completion Year* | % Graduating Within 150%* |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2021 | 68% |
| 2016 | 2022 | 67% |
| 2017 | 2023 | 71% |
| 2018 | 2024 | 66% |
| 2019 | 2025 | 75% |
| AVERAGE OF LAST 5 YEARS | 69% | |
| IPEDS 4-year average Student Right-to-Know graduation rate calculation | 69% | |
*By the definition of the National Center for Education Statistics for graduation rates, the student is allowed 150% of the normal time allotted to complete the degree; that is, a student seeking a 4-year bachelors degree is allowed 6 years for completion.
Our graduation rate data is derived from the IPEDS 6-year graduation rate.