How Do Holds Work in Banner Student?
Banner holds block actions such as registration, transcripts or graduation. Learn how hold types are defined on STVHLDD, applied on SOAHOLD and released.
How do holds work in Banner?
A hold is a flag placed on a person that blocks certain actions until it is released. Hold types are defined on the STVHLDD validation page, where each type is marked with the processes it blocks (such as registration, transcripts, graduation, grades or accounts receivable). Staff add or release holds for individual people on SOAHOLD, and holds can also be created automatically by processes such as AR collections.
Overview
Holds are Banner's way of saying "not until you sort this out". The hold type decides what is blocked; the hold record decides who is blocked and when.
Defining hold types: STVHLDD
Each hold type on STVHLDD carries indicators for what it restricts, typically including:
- Registration
- Transcripts
- Graduation
- Grades
- Accounts receivable
- Enrolment verification
- Applications to graduate
A "Library fine" hold might block transcripts only, while a "Finance balance" hold might block registration and transcripts.
Applying holds: SOAHOLD
On SOAHOLD, authorised staff add a hold to a person with:
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hold type | Which restrictions apply |
| From / To dates | When the hold is active |
| Reason | Free-text explanation |
| Amount | Optional, for financial holds |
| Originator | The office that placed the hold |
Banner security can limit which offices can add or release which hold types.
Good hold governance
- One owner per hold type: the office that places it releases it.
- Clear student messaging: tell students how to clear the hold in Self-Service.
- Review before registration: clear stale holds before registration opens. See our registration readiness runbook.
Frequently asked questions
On SOAHOLD (Hold Information), by entering the person's ID, the hold type, dates and reason.
Check the student's active holds on SOAHOLD and compare the hold types against the registration flag on STVHLDD. Students can also see their holds in Self-Service.
Holds have from and to dates. A hold stops being active after its end date, or when staff release it.
Last reviewed by the ITCadence Banner team. Ellucian product capabilities vary by version and licence; confirm details against current Ellucian documentation.
