1. No Transcript: Some colleges may not create a transcript for students who drop out before completing a semester. This is because they have not met the minimum requirements for academic progress. In such cases, the student may only receive a letter of withdrawal or a statement indicating that they attended the institution but did not complete any coursework.
2. Partial Transcript: In other cases, colleges may create a partial transcript that includes the courses the student enrolled in and the grades earned, up until the point of withdrawal. This transcript may be useful for students who wish to transfer to another institution or apply for financial aid. However, it may not include information about the reasons for withdrawal or any disciplinary actions taken.
3. Complete Transcript: Some institutions may provide a complete transcript, even for students who dropped out before completing a semester. This transcript will include all coursework attempted, including any incomplete grades or withdrawals, as well as the student's academic standing at the time of withdrawal.
4. FERPA: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have the right to access and review their educational records, including transcripts. However, FERPA also allows institutions to withhold transcripts if the student has outstanding financial obligations or other holds.
5. Readmission: If a student who dropped out later decides to return to the same institution, they may be able to access their previous transcript and continue their studies. In such cases, the institution may have policies in place to address any missing or incomplete coursework.
To determine whether a transcript exists, it is best to contact the registrar's office or the academic records department of the institution the student attended. They will be able to provide information about the availability and content of the transcript, as well as any procedures or requirements for obtaining it.