The following validating process is in place for circumstances in which Newlane University has reason to believe a prospective student’s secondary school records, or self-certification of completing secondary school (or equivalent) needs more validating. Validating documents includes a copy of an official high school transcript indicating the date of high school graduation, a GED certificate indicating state required passing scores or score sheet indicating state required passing scores, a DD214 indicating successful completion of high school or a post-secondary transcript indicating the date of graduation from an approved high school program.

The enrollment agreement states, “By signing my name below, I authorize any previous educational institution or agency to release educational records (including transcripts, diploma, or degree documents) to Newlane University.” 

When would an admissions counselor have reason to believe a prospective student’s secondary school records, or self-certification of completing secondary school (or equivalent) may need additional validating? 

• There is reason to believe the institution or certificate is not comparable to a valid secondary school, or valid secondary school certificate (e.g., the record appears to be from a primary school, or a non-academic school, etc.)
• The record is not in English (In the case that a student provides a secondary school level transcript that is not in English, Newlane may request that the student provide (at the student’s expense) a certified English translation of the transcript. 
• There is a significant discrepancy on dates, name, or other identifying factors for the institution or student.
• Application or other written materials include many spelling/grammar mistakes.
• If there is no way to find or reach the school
• Etc.

Checklist:

• Ask student to show/share record (diploma, transcript, etc.) 
• Ask student for contact information for school or institution with student’s records (phone, email, website)
• Inform student that you will be reaching out to the institution to request the student’s educational record for verification. Ask student to sign release that institution can share records with Newlane University.  

I hereby grant [name of institution] permission to share my original educational records, including grades, transcript, diploma, etc. with Newlane University. [Full Name as it would appear in school records] [Signed] [Dated]

• Reach out to institution and verify that it is an academic institution, or offers a certificate comparable to a secondary school diploma, and that the student in question completed the requirements for graduation or for the certificate program.
• If there are still questions about the record’s validity, enroll student in probationary status until they have completed 3 Newlane courses.