Dear UNLV Lifelong Learning Cybersecurity Students,


We are reaching out with another update on the sudden and unexpected disruptions to the IronCircle/QuickStart Cybersecurity program offered through UNLV Lifelong Learning in June. We are very sorry for any inconvenience and stress caused by this situation. As noted in our previous messages, we were as taken aback and surprised by this unfortunate development as you, and we are working hard to make this right for you and other impacted students.


UNLV is now building our own credential-based cybersecurity certificate program taught, delivered, supported, and administered exclusively by UNLV. This new, non-credit-bearing UNLV cybersecurity program is planned for launch in October. UNLV is offering free access to the program for eligible students who were enrolled in the IronCircle cybersecurity program through UNLV Lifelong Learning, and who had active access remaining when the IronCircle platform became unavailable in June. Our Cybersecurity Transition Advisors are reaching out to former IronCircle students enrolled through UNLV to understand students' concerns, determine where students left off in the IronCircle program before it closed, and gauge potential interest in UNLV’s cybersecurity credential pathways.


We also understand that some students have financial concerns and have received communications demanding payment related to their IronCircle program. We want to be clear that the entity requesting payment is in no way affiliated with UNLV. UNLV is not requesting payment from you. UNLV will not seek payment related to the IronCircle cybersecurity program. In addition, the cybersecurity program that UNLV is currently developing will be offered at no cost to eligible students.


UNLV wants to share important information regarding the wind-up and dissolution of Hacker USA (doing business as ThriveDX). Students who made payments directly to Hacker USA or believe they have a claim may participate in the claims process managed by HUI Liquidation Services. Directions on how to file a claim were included with a notice HUI Liquidation sent out around June 22, 2026. In part, the notice directs:  


PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all persons or entities asserting any claim against Assignor must submit a proof of claim at https://fileclaim.info/hui-liquidation-services/ and attaching proper supporting documentation no later than November 29, 2026 (the "Bar Date"). Completed claims may be submitted by email or mail as follows:


HUI Liquidation Services, LLC c/o HUI Claims Administration 6750 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251


Email: HUILiquidation@resolutecommercial.com


Any claimant who fails to timely submit a claim, postmarked on or before the Bar Date, in accordance with the Instructions set forth above, shall be barred from sharing In any distribution from the net liquidation proceeds, if applicable, and shall not receive any payment from Assignee. The Assignee will analyze claim submissions to assess validity. If, at the conclusion of the General Assignment process, funds are sufficient for distribution, the Assignee will issue payments to holders of valid, timely submitted claims in accordance with their relative priorities. Neither this notice nor the filing of a claim guarantees that there will be a recovery for any interested party.


Failure to submit a valid claim by the Bar Date will bar recovery from any available liquidation proceeds. The filing of a claim does not guarantee a monetary recovery.


The information provided is for informational purposes only. UNLV does not represent HUI Liquidation Services, cannot act as legal counsel or legal representative for students, and cannot file a claim on a student’s behalf. Students seeking legal advice regarding their specific rights or claims should consult their own attorney. Students should direct refund related questions to the party responsible for their original enrollment agreement.


Students may be concerned about attempts to collect any alleged remaining balance due to IronCircle, including efforts by debt collectors and reports made to a credit reporting agency. We understand that this may be stressful and concerning. While UNLV is not responsible for any collection actions, we are committed to helping students understand their financial rights. UNLV's Institute for Financial Literacy and Wellness (IFLW) is available to provide you with timely information and guidance on:

  • Understanding debt collection practices and rights under federal and state consumer protection laws.
  • Reviewing collection notices and interpreting their meaning.
  • Understanding credit reports, credit scores, and the impact collections may have on credit.
  • Obtaining and reviewing free credit reports for accuracy.
  • Identifying when it may be appropriate to dispute inaccurate information on a credit report.
  • Developing a plan to respond to collection communications and maintain organized records.
  • General financial coaching to navigate financial situations and make informed decisions.


IFLW staff provide financial education and coaching but do not provide legal advice or represent students in disputes with creditors or debt collectors. Students can set up a virtual appointment with an IFLW coach by emailing financialliteracy@unlv.edu with the word “Cybersecurity” in the subject line, and a representative will reach out to schedule an appointment.


We hope that this is helpful, and we stand ready to continue to support students through this unexpected program transition. If you have questions or concerns, please call Lifelong Learning at 702-895-3394 or contact Dr. Nicole Hudson, the Executive Director of UNLV Lifelong Learning, at nicole.hudson@unlv.edu.


Sincerely,


Dr. Nicole Hudson
Executive Director of Lifelong Learning, UNLV


Dr. Jake Thompson
Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and High Impact Practices, UNLV


Dr. Kate Korgan
Senior Vice Provost, UNLV