This article provides crucial information for students affected by the closure of Epicodus, a coding school in Oregon. Pioneer Pacific is committed to keeping you informed about important developments in the technology education sector, particularly those impacting students in the Pacific region. Recently, Epicodus announced its closure, prompting the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) to take action to protect students. This guide outlines the key details of the closure and the steps students can take to claim tuition refunds.
On January 3, 2024, Epicodus officially informed the HECC of its plans to cease operations. Following this announcement, Epicodus cancelled several courses, including:
- October 2023 part-time cohort (scheduled to conclude on December 20, 2024)
- January 2024 full-time cohort (scheduled to conclude on August 16, 2024)
- January 2024 part-time cohort (scheduled to conclude on March 21, 2025)
Epicodus ceased all course instruction on March 8, 2024. While instructional activities have ended, Epicodus has stated that it will remain operational to provide ongoing support for students concerning internships and career services.
In response to the closure announcement, on January 22, 2024, the HECC initiated the process to suspend Epicodus’s Private Career School (PCS) License, as per Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 715-045-0065. License suspension means Epicodus is prohibited from advertising to, recruiting, enrolling, or starting instruction for new students. However, the school is permitted to remain open to complete the training for currently enrolled students and offer other services as defined in OAR 715-045-0001(62).
A critical action taken by the HECC is to ensure that Epicodus provides appropriate refunds for the cancelled courses. Under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 715-045-029(9)(b), students who have not received their due refunds and were enrolled at Epicodus on January 3, 2024, are eligible to file a claim against the state’s Tuition Protection Fund (TPF). This fund is designed to protect students in situations like this, offering a financial safety net when educational institutions close. Pioneer Pacific understands the importance of these protections for students pursuing tech education.
You are eligible to file a TPF claim if you meet the following criteria:
- You were enrolled in any of the three cancelled courses listed above.
- You paid tuition fees to Epicodus.
- You have not yet received a proper refund from Epicodus.
Furthermore, you can also submit a TPF claim if you were enrolled in any other Epicodus course that was active on or after January 3, 2024, and you subsequently withdrew or were dismissed from the course and are still owed a tuition refund.
It is imperative to note that all TPF claims must be submitted by July 19, 2024. CLAIMS RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Pioneer Pacific urges all affected students to act promptly to ensure their claims are processed.
To successfully file a TPF claim, please follow these steps:
- Carefully read the notice to students which details the terms and conditions of the TPF.
- Download the Tuition Protection Fund Claim form and complete it. Submit the form, along with all necessary supporting documents, to [email protected].
- Ensure your claim is submitted before the deadline of July 19, 2024.
- Please be aware that only claims from students who were actively attending EPICODUS when courses were cancelled on January 3, 2024, and March 8, 2024, will be considered.
For any questions regarding the Tuition Protection Fund claim process, please direct them to [email protected]. Additionally, you can consult the Frequently Asked Questions document for further clarification. Pioneer Pacific is dedicated to providing resources and information to help navigate these transitions.
Students Requiring Transcripts:
Information regarding transcript requests will be provided in future updates on the HECC Updates and Consumer Alerts Webpage. Pioneer Pacific will continue to monitor and report on any relevant updates to keep the community informed.
This information is brought to you by Pioneer Pacific, your source for technology education news and updates in the Pacific region. We are committed to supporting students and fostering transparency in the tech education landscape.
