Regulations for State Grants for Strengthening the Skills of Teachers and Instruction in Mathematics, Science, Foreign Languages, and Computer Learning and for Increasing the Access of all Students to That Instruction, 34 CFR part 208.
20 U.S.C. 1088, 1091, 1094, 1099b, 1099c, and 1141, unless otherwise noted.
This part establishes the rules and procedures that the Secretary uses to determine whether an educational institution qualifies in whole or in part as an eligible institution of higher education under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). An eligible institution of higher education may apply to participate in programs authorized by the HEA (HEA programs).
The following definitions apply to terms used in this part:
(1) Is permanent in nature;
(2) Offers courses in educational programs leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential;
(3) Has its own faculty and administrative or supervisory organization; and
(4) Has its own budgetary and hiring authority.
(1) A 50- to 60-minute class, lecture, or recitation in a 60-minute period;
(2) A 50- to 60-minute faculty-supervised laboratory, shop training, or internship in a 60-minute period; or
(3) Sixty minutes of preparation in a correspondence course.
(2) A home study course that provides instruction in whole or in part through the use of video cassettes or video discs in an award year is a correspondence course unless the institution also delivers the instruction on the cassette or disc to students physically attending classes at the institution during the same award year.
(3) A course at an institution that may otherwise satisfy the definition of a “telecommunications course” is a correspondence course if the sum of telecommunications and other correspondence courses offered by that institution equals or exceeds 50 percent of the total courses offered at that institution.
(4) If a course is part correspondence and part residential training, the Secretary considers the course to be a correspondence course.
(1) Qualifies as—
(i) An institution of higher education, as defined in § 600.4;
(ii) A proprietary institution of higher education, as defined in § 600.5; or
(iii) A postsecondary vocational institution, as defined in § 600.6; and
(2) Meets all the other applicable provisions of this part.
(1) Is owned and operated by one or more nonprofit corporations or associations, no part of the net earnings of which benefits any private shareholder or individual;
(2) Is legally authorized to operate as a nonprofit organization by each State in which it is physically located; and
(3) Is determined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service to be an organization to which contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)).
(1) A General Education Development Certificate (GED);
(2) A State certificate received by a student after the student has passed a State-authorized examination that the State recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma;
(3) An academic transcript of a student who has successfully completed at least a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree; or
(4) For a person who is seeking enrollment in an educational program that leads to at least an associate degree or its equivalent and who has not completed high school but who excelled academically in high school, documentation that the student excelled academically in high school and has met the formalized, written policies of the institution for admitting such students.
(1) Listed in an “occupational division” of the latest edition of the
(2) Determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Labor to be a recognized occupation.
(a) An institution of higher education is a public or private nonprofit educational institution that—
(1) Is in a State, or for purposes of the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, and Federal TRIO programs may also be located in the Federated States of Micronesia or the Marshall Islands;
(2) Admits as regular students only persons who—
(i) Have a high school diploma;
(ii) Have the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma; or
(iii) Are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is physically located;
(3) Is legally authorized to provide an educational program beyond secondary education in the State in which the institution is physically located;
(4) Provides an educational program—
(i) For which it awards an associate, baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree;
(ii) That is at least a two-academic-year program acceptable for full credit toward a baccalaureate degree; or
(iii) That is at least a one-academic-year training program that leads to a certificate, degree, or other recognized educational credential and prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation; and
(5) Is—
(i) Accredited or preaccredited; or
(ii) Approved by a State agency listed in the
(b) An institution is physically located in a State if it has a campus or other instructional site in that State.
(c) The Secretary does not recognize the accreditation or preaccreditation of an institution unless the institution agrees to submit any dispute involving the final denial, withdrawal, or termination of accreditation to binding arbitration before initiating any other legal action.
(a) A proprietary institution of higher education is an educational institution that—
(1) Is not a public or private nonprofit educational institution;
(2) Is in a State;
(3) Admits as regular students only persons who—
(i) Have a high school diploma;
(ii) Have the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma; or
(iii) Are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is physically located;
(4) Is legally authorized to provide an educational program beyond secondary education in the State in which the institution is physically located;
(5) Provides an eligible program of training, as defined in 34 CFR 668.8, to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation;
(6) Is accredited;
(7) Has been in existence for at least two years; and
(8) Has no more than 85 percent of its revenues derived from title IV, HEA program funds, as determined under paragraph (d) of this section.
(b)(1) The Secretary considers an institution to have been in existence for two years only if—
(i) The institution has been legally authorized to provide, and has provided, a continuous educational program to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation during the 24 months preceding the date of its eligibility application; and
(ii) The educational program that the institution provides on the date of its eligibility application is substantially the same in length and subject matter as the program that the institution provided during the 24 months preceding the date of its eligibility application.
(2)(i) The Secretary considers an institution to have provided a continuous educational program during the 24 months preceding the date of its eligibility application even if the institution did not provide that program during normal vacation periods, or periods when the institution temporarily closed due to a natural disaster that directly affected the institution or the institution's students.
(ii) The Secretary considers an institution to have satisfied the provisions of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section if the institution substantially changed the subject matter of the educational program it provided during that 24-month period because of new technology or the requirements of other Federal agencies.
(3) In determining whether an applicant institution satisfies the requirement contained in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Secretary—
(i) Counts any period during which the applicant institution qualified as a branch campus; and
(ii) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, does not count any period during which the applicant institution was a part of another eligible proprietary institution of higher education, postsecondary vocational institution, or vocational school.
(c) An institution is physically located in a State if it has a campus or other instructional site in that State.
(d)(1) An institution satisfies the requirement contained in paragraph (a)(8) of this section by examining its revenues under the following formula:
(2) Under the fraction contained in paragraph (d)(1) of this section—
(i) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, the title IV, HEA program funds included in the numerator and the revenue included in the denominator are the amount of title IV, HEA program funds and revenues received by the institution during the institution's last complete fiscal year;
(ii) The title IV, HEA program funds included in the numerator do not include State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG) or Federal Work-Study (FWS) program funds. (The SSIG and FWS programs are defined in 34 CFR 668.2);
(iii) The title IV, HEA program funds included the numerator and revenue included the denominator do not include any refunds paid to or on behalf of students under the institution's refund policy;
(iv) The amount charged for books, supplies, and equipment is not included in the numerator or the denominator unless the amount is included in tuition, fees, or other institutional charges;
(v) With regard to the numerator, any title IV, HEA program funds disbursed or delivered to or on behalf of a student shall be presumed to be used to pay the student's tuition, fees, or other institutional charges, regardless of whether the institution credits those funds to the student's account or pays those funds directly to the student, except for tuition, fees, and other institutional charges that were satisfied by—
(A) Grant funds provided by non-Federal public agencies, or private sources independent of the institution; or
(B) Funds provided under a contractual arrangement described in § 600.7(d); and
(vi) With regard to the denominator, revenue generated by the institution from other activities conducted by the institution that are necessary for its students’ education or training includes only revenue for those activities that—
(A) Are conducted on campus or at a facility under the control of the institution;
(B) Are performed under the supervision of a member of the institution's faculty; and
(C) Are required to be performed by all students in a specific educational program at the institution.
(e) [Reserved]
(f) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, an institution shall notify the Secretary if it fails to satisfy the requirement contained in paragraph (a)(8) of this section within 90 days following the end of the fiscal year used in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
(g) If an institution loses its eligibility because it failed to satisfy the requirement contained in paragraph (a)(8) of this section, to regain its eligibility it must demonstrate compliance with all eligibility requirements for at
(h) Special provisions for the 1994-95 award year. As of July 1, 1994:
(1) If an institution's latest complete fiscal year ended during the period of October 1, 1993 through June 30, 1994, an institution shall use that fiscal year in paragraph (d)(1) of this section to determine whether the institution satisfies the requirement contained in paragraph (a)(8) of this section.
(2) If an institution's latest complete fiscal year ended before October 1, 1993, the institution shall use as its latest fiscal year in paragraph (d)(1) of this section the fiscal year that ends between July 1, 1994 and September 30, 1994 to determine whether the institution satisfies the requirement contained in paragraph (a)(8) of this section.
(3) If an institution uses the fiscal year described in paragraph (h)(1) of this section as its latest fiscal year under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the institution shall notify the Secretary by September 30, 1994 if it fails to satisfy the requirement contained in paragraph (a)(8) of this section.
(4) If an institution uses the fiscal year described in paragraph (h)(2) of this section as its latest fiscal year under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the institution shall notify the Secretary if it fails to satisfy the requirement contained in paragraph (a)(8) of this section within 90 days following the end of that fiscal year.
(i) The Secretary does not recognize the accreditation of an institution unless the institution agrees to submit any dispute involving the final denial, withdrawal, or termination of accreditation to binding arbitration before initiating any other legal action.
(a) A postsecondary vocational institution is a public or private nonprofit educational institution that—
(1) Is in a State;
(2) Admits as regular students only persons who—
(i) Have a high school diploma;
(ii) Have the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma; or
(iii) Are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is physically located;
(3) Is legally authorized to provide an educational program beyond secondary education in the State in which the institution is physically located;
(4) Provides an eligible program of training, as defined in 34 CFR 668.8, to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation;
(5) Is—
(i) Accredited or preaccredited; or
(ii) Approved by a State agency listed in the
(6) Has been in existence for at least two years.
(b)(1) The Secretary considers an institution to have been in existence for two years only if—
(i) The institution has been legally authorized to provide, and has provided, a continuous education or training program to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation during the 24 months preceding the date of its eligibility application; and
(ii) The education or training program it provides on the date of its eligibility application is substantially the same in length and subject matter as the program it provided during the 24 months preceding the date of its eligibility application.
(2)(i) The Secretary considers an institution to have provided a continuous education or training program during the 24 months preceding the date of its eligibility application even if the institution did not provide that program
(ii) The Secretary considers an institution to have satisfied the provisions of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section if the institution substantially changed the subject matter of the educational program it provided during that 24-month period because of new technology or the requirements of other Federal agencies.
(3) In determining whether an applicant institution satisfies the requirement contained in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Secretary—
(i) Counts any period during which the applicant institution qualified as an eligible institution of higher education;
(ii) Counts any period during which the applicant institution was part of another eligible institution of higher education, provided that the applicant institution continues to be part of an eligible institution of higher education;
(iii) Counts any period during which the applicant institution qualified as a branch campus; and
(iv) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section, does not count any period during which the applicant institution was a part of another eligible proprietary institution of higher education or postsecondary vocational institution.
(c) An institution is physically located in a State or other instructional site if it has a campus or instructional site in that State.
(d) The Secretary does not recognize the accreditation or preaccreditation of an institution unless the institution agrees to submit any dispute involving the final denial, withdrawal, or termination of accreditation to binding arbitration before initiating any other legal action.
(a)
(1) For its latest complete award year—
(i) More than 50 percent of the institution's courses were correspondence courses as calculated under paragraph (b) of this section;
(ii) Fifty percent or more of the institution's regular enrolled students were enrolled in correspondence courses;
(iii) Twenty-five percent or more of the institution's regular enrolled students were incarcerated;
(iv) Fifty percent or more of its regular enrolled students had neither a high school diploma nor the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, and the institution does not provide a four-year or two-year educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree or an associate degree, respectively;
(2) The institution, or an affiliate of the institution that has the power, by contract or ownership interest, to direct or cause the direction of the management of policies of the institution—
(A) Files for relief in bankruptcy, or
(B) Has entered against it an order for relief in bankruptcy; or
(3) The institution, its owner, or its chief executive officer—
(i) Has pled guilty to, has pled
(ii) Has been judicially determined to have committed fraud involving title IV, HEA program funds.
(b)
(2)
(i) A correspondence course may be a complete educational program offered by correspondence, or one course provided by correspondence in an on-campus (residential) educational program;
(ii) A course must be considered as being offered once during an award year regardless of the number of times it is offered during that year; and
(iii) A course that is offered both on campus and by correspondence must be considered two courses for the purpose of determining the total number of courses the institution provided during an award year.
(3)
(ii) The Secretary waives the limitation contained in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section for an institution that offers a 2-year associate-degree or a 4-year bachelor's-degree program if the students enrolled in the institution's correspondence courses receive no more than 5 percent of the title IV, HEA program funds received by students at that institution.
(c)
(2) If the nonprofit institution that applies for a waiver consists solely of four-year or two-year educational programs for which it offers bachelor's or associate degrees, respectively, or both types of programs, the Secretary waives the prohibition contained in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section for the entire institution.
(3) If the nonprofit institution that applies for a waiver does not consist solely of four-year or two-year educational programs for which it offers bachelor's or associate degrees, respectively, or both types of programs, the Secretary waives the prohibition contained in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section—
(i) For the four-year and two-year programs that lead, respectively, to bachelor's and associate degrees; and
(ii) For the other programs the institution offers, if the incarcerated regular students enrolled in those other programs have a completion rate of 50 percent or greater.
(d)
(2)
(i) Do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent; and
(ii) Are not served through contracts described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
(3)
(e)
(i) Count each regular student without regard to the full-time or part-time nature of the student's attendance (i.e., “head count” rather than “full-time equivalent”);
(ii) Count a regular student once regardless of the number of times the student enrolls during an award year; and
(iii) Determine the number of regular students who enrolled in the institution during the relevant award year by—
(A) Calculating the number of regular students who enrolled during that award year; and
(B) Excluding from the number of students in paragraph (e)(1)(iii)(A) of this section, the number of regular students who enrolled but subsequently withdrew or were expelled from the institution and were entitled to receive a 100 percent refund of their tuition and fees less any administrative fee that the institution is permitted to keep under its fair and equitable refund policy.
(2) For the purpose of calculating a completion rate under paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section, the institution shall—
(i) Determine the number of regular incarcerated students who enrolled in the other programs during the last completed award year;
(ii) Exclude from the number of regular incarcerated students determined in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, the number of those students who enrolled but subsequently withdrew or were expelled from the institution and were entitled to receive a 100 percent refund of their tuition and fees, less any administrative fee the institution is permitted to keep under the institution's fair and equitable refund policy;
(iii) Exclude from the total obtained in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, the number of those regular incarcerated students who remained enrolled in the programs at the end of the applicable award year;
(iv) From the total obtained in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section, determine the number of regular incarcerated students who received a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential awarded for successfully completing the program during the applicable award year; and
(v) Divide the total obtained in paragraph (e)(2)(iv) of this section by the total obtained in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section and multiply by 100.
(f)(1) If the Secretary grants a waiver to an institution under this section, the waiver extends indefinitely provided that the institution satisfies the waiver requirements in each award year.
(2) If an institution fails to satisfy the waiver requirements for an award year, the institution becomes ineligible on June 30 of that award year.
(g)(1) For purposes of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and any applicable waiver or exception under this section, the institution shall substantiate the required calculations by having the certified public accountant who prepares its audited financial statement under 34 CFR 668.15 or its title IV, HEA program compliance audit under 34 CFR 668.23 report on the accuracy of those determinations.
(2) The certified public accountant's report must be based on performing an “attestation engagement” in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA's) Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements. The certified public accountant shall include that attestation report with or as part of the audit report referenced in paragraph (g)(1) of this section.
(3) The certified public accountant's attestation report must indicate whether the institution's determinations regarding paragraph (a)(1) of this section and any relevant waiver or exception under paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section are accurate;
(h)
(1) By July 31 following the end of an award year if it falls within one of the prohibitions contained in paragraph (a)(1)of this section, or fails to continue to satisfy a waiver or exception granted under this section; or
(2) Within 10 days if it falls within one of the prohibitions contained in paragraphs (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this section.
(i)
(i) Compliance with all eligibility requirements;
(ii) That it did not fall within any of the prohibitions contained in paragraph (a)(1) of this section for at least one award year; and
(iii) That it changed its administrative policies and practices to ensure that it will not fall within any of the prohibitions contained in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(2) If an institution loses its eligibility because of one of the prohibitions contained in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section, this loss is permanent. The institution's eligibility cannot be reinstated.
A branch campus of an eligible institution must be in existence for at least two years as a branch campus before seeking to be designated as a main campus or a free-standing institution.
(a) Without losing its eligibility under this part, an eligible institution may enter into a written agreement with another eligible institution under which the latter institution provides all or a part of the educational program of students enrolled in the former institution if the former institution gives credit to students enrolled in that contracted program on the same basis as if it provided that program itself.
(b) Without losing its eligibility under this part, an eligible institution may enter into a written agreement with an institution or organization that is not an eligible institution under which the latter institution or organization provides a part of the educational program of students enrolled in the eligible institution if—
(1) The eligible institution gives credit to students enrolled in that contracted program on the same basis as if it provided that program itself;
(2) The ineligible institution or organization—
(i) Has not been terminated from participation in the title-IV, HEA programs; or
(ii) Has not withdrawn from participation in the title IV, HEA programs under a termination, show-cause, suspension, or similar type proceeding initiated by the institution's State licensing agency, accrediting agency, guarantor, or SPRE, or by the Secretary; and
(3) The ineligible institution or organization provides—
(i) Not more than 25 percent of the educational program of a student enrolled in the eligible institution; or
(ii) More than 25 percent but not more than 50 percent of the educational program of a student enrolled in the eligible institution so long as—
(A) The eligible institution and the ineligible institution or organization are not owned or controlled by the same individual, partnership, or corporation; and
(B) The eligible institution's accrediting agency or, if the eligible institution is a public postsecondary vocational educational institution, the relevant State agency listed in the
(a)
(i) The Secretary signs the institution's program participation agreement described in 34 CFR part 668, subpart B, for purposes of participating in any title IV, HEA program; and
(ii) The Secretary receives all the information necessary to make that determination for purposes other than participating in any title IV, HEA program.
(2) For purposes of participating in a title IV, HEA program, if an eligible institution seeks eligibility for a location or educational program not previously designated eligible, and the Secretary determines that the location or educational program satisfies all the statutory and regulatory eligibility requirements, the Secretary considers the location or program to be eligible to participate in that title IV, HEA program as of the date the Secretary certifies that location or program to so participate.
(b)
(2) If the Secretary determines that only certain educational programs or certain locations of an applicant institution satisfy the applicable requirements of this part, the Secretary extends eligibility only to those educational programs and locations that meet those requirements and identifies the eligible educational programs and locations in the eligibility notice sent to the institution under § 600.21.
(3) Eligibility does not extend to any location that an institution establishes after it receives its eligibility designation if the institution provides at least 50 percent of an educational program at that location, unless—
(i) The institution has notified the Secretary of that location in accordance with § 600.30(a)(3); and
(ii) The Secretary does not require the institution to submit an eligibility application for that location under § 600.21(c).
(c)
(2) An eligible institution that adds an educational program after it has been designated as an eligible institution by the Secretary does not have to apply to the Secretary to have that additional program designated as an eligible program of that institution if the additional program—
(i) Leads to an associate, baccalaureate, professional, or graduate degree; or
(ii)(A) Prepares students for gainful employment in the same or related recognized occupation as an educational program that has previously been designated as an eligible program at that institution by the Secretary; and
(B) Is at least 8 semester hours, 12 quarter hours, or 600 clock hours.
(3) If an institution incorrectly determines under paragraph (c)(2) of this section that an educational program satisfies the applicable statutory and regulatory eligibility provisions without applying to the Secretary for approval, the institution is liable to repay to the Secretary all HEA program funds received by the institution for that educational program, and all the title IV, HEA program funds received by or on behalf of students who were enrolled in that educational program.
(d)
(2) If an institution participates in an HEA program other than a title IV, HEA program, the Secretary's designation of the institution as an eligible institution, for purposes of that non-title IV, HEA program, does not expire as long as the institution continues to satisfy the statutory and regulatory requirements governing its eligibility.
(e)
(2) If, as part of its institutional eligibility application, an institution indicates that it does not wish to participate in any title IV, HEA program and the Secretary determines that the institution satisfies the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements governing institutional eligibility, the institution is eligible to apply to participate in any HEA program listed by the Secretary in the eligibility notice it receives under § 600.21. However, the institution is not eligible to participate in those programs, or receive funds under those programs, merely by virtue of its designation as an eligible institution under this part.
(a)
(1) All materials related to its prior accreditation or preaccreditation; and
(2) Materials demonstrating reasonable cause for changing its accrediting agency.
(b)
(1) Provides to each such accrediting agency and the Secretary the reasons for that multiple accreditation or preaccreditation;
(2) Demonstrates to the Secretary reasonable cause for that multiple accreditation or preaccreditation; and
(3) Designates to the Secretary which agency's accreditation or preaccreditation the institution uses to establish its eligibility under this part.
(c)
(2) An institution may not be considered eligible for 24 months after it has withdrawn voluntarily from its accreditation or preaccreditation status under a show-cause or suspension order issued by an accrediting agency, unless that agency rescinds its order.
(d)
(i) Is related to the religious mission or affiliation of the institution; and
(ii) Is not related to its failure to satisfy the accrediting agency's standards.
(2) If the Secretary considers an unaccredited institution to be accredited or preaccredited under the provisions of paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the Secretary will consider that unaccredited institution to be accredited or preaccredited for a period sufficient to allow the institution to obtain alternative accreditation or preaccreditation, except that period may not exceed 18 months.
(a) An institution that wishes to establish its eligibility to apply to participate in any program authorized by the HEA must first apply to the Secretary for a determination that it qualifies as an eligible institution.
(b) A previously designated eligible institution must apply to the Secretary if—
(1) The Secretary requests the institution to file an application so as to determine whether it continues to meet the requirements of this part; or
(2) The institution satisfies one of the conditions contained in paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) An institution must apply if it wishes to—
(1) Continue to be eligible beyond the scheduled expiration of its current eligibility designation;
(2) Include in its eligibility designation a branch campus that is not currently included in that designation;
(3) Include in its eligibility designation a location that is not currently included in that designation, if—
(i) The institution offers 100 percent of an educational program at that location; or
(ii) The institution offers at least 50 percent of an educational program at that location, and the Secretary requires the institution to apply for eligibility under § 600.21(c)(2);
(4) Continue to be eligible following a change in its name, location, or address;
(5) Continue to include in its eligibility designation a branch campus that has changed its name, location, or address;
(6) Continue to include in its eligibility designation another location that has changed its name, location, or address, if—
(i) That location offers 100 percent of an educational program; or
(ii) The Secretary requires the institution to apply for eligibility under § 600.21(c)(2); or
(7) Reestablish eligibility following a change in ownership that results in a change in control according to the provisions of § 600.31.
(d) An institution applying for designation as an eligible institution shall—
(1) Apply on the form prescribed by the Secretary; and
(2) Provide all the information and documentation requested by the Secretary to make a determination of its eligibility.
(a) The Secretary notifies an institution in writing—
(1) Whether the applicant institution qualifies in whole or in part as an eligible institution under the appropriate provisions in §§ 600.4, 600.5, 600.6 and 600.7;
(2) Whether the institution is certified to participate in the title IV, HEA programs if the institution applied to participate in those programs; and
(3) Of the title IV, HEA programs in which it is eligible to participate, and the title IV, HEA programs for which it is eligible to apply to participate.
(b) If only a portion of the applicant institution qualifies as an eligible institution, the Secretary specifies in the notice the locations or educational programs that qualify as the eligible institution.
(c) If the Secretary receives a notice from an institution as a result of § 600.30(a)(3), the Secretary—
(1) Notifies the institution that the location is an eligible location of that institution, identifies the HEA programs in which the institution may participate without further action, and indicates that the extension of eligibility and participation is effective on the date that the Secretary received the institution's notice; or
(2) Notifies the institution that the institution must apply for eligibility of that location under § 600.20.
(d) The Secretary makes the determination in paragraph (c) of this section by evaluating the institution's ability to provide adequately education or training at the location. In making that evaluation, the Secretary uses such factors as—
(1) The percentage of an educational program offered at the location; and
(2) The financial and administrative capability of the institution.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, an eligible institution shall notify the Secretary in writing, at an address specified by the Secretary in a notice published in the
(1) Its name.
(2) Its address.
(3) The name, number, and address of locations other than the main campus at which it offers at least 50 percent of an educational program and the percentages of the educational programs that it provides at each location.
(4) The way it measures program length,
(5) Its ownership, if that ownership change results in a change in control of the institution.
(6) Its status as a proprietary, nonprofit, or public institution.
(7) A persons ability to affect substantially the actions of the institution, if that person did not previously have this ability. The Secretary generally considers a person to have this ability if the person—
(i) Directly or indirectly holds at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution;
(ii) Holds, together with another member or members of his or her family, at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution;
(iii) Represents, either alone or together with other persons, under a voting trust, power of attorney, proxy, or similar agreement one or more persons who hold either individually or in combination with the other persons represented or the person representing them, at least a 25 percent ownership in the institution; or
(iv) Is a member of the board of directors, a general partner, the chief executive officer, or other executive officer of—
(A) The institution; or
(B) An entity that holds at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution.
(b) An eligible institution that is owned by a publicly-traded corporation shall notify the Secretary in writing, at an address specified by the Secretary in a notice published in the
(c) The Secretary notifies the institution in writing if any reported change affects the institution's eligibility, and the effective date of that change.
(d) The institution's failure to inform the Secretary of the information described in paragraph (a) of this section within the time period stated in that paragraph may result in adverse action against it, including its loss of eligibility.
(e)(1) For the purposes of this section, an
(2) The term
(i) An interest as tenant in common, joint tenant, or tenant by the entireties;
(ii) A partnership; and
(iii) An interest in a trust.
(3) The term
(i) A mutual fund that is regularly and publicly traded;
(ii) An institutional investor; or
(iii) A profit-sharing plan, provided that all employees are covered by the plan.
(f) For the purposes of this section, the Secretary considers a member of a person's family to be a parent, sibling, spouse or child; spouse's parent or sibling; or sibling's or child's spouse.
(a)
(2) In order to reestablish eligibility and to resume participation in the title IV, HEA programs, the institution must demonstrate to the Secretary that after the change in ownership and control—
(i) The institution satisfies all the applicable requirements contained in §§ 600.4, 600.5, and 600.6, except that if the institution is a proprietary institution of higher education or postsecondary vocational institution, it need not have been in existence for two years before seeking eligibility; and
(ii) The institution qualifies to be certified to participate under 34 CFR part 668, subpart B.
(b)
(1) A corporation that qualifies under the law of the State of its incorporation as a closely-held corporation; or
(2) If the State of incorporation has no definition of closely-held corporation, a corporation the stock of which —
(i) Is held by no more than 30 persons; and
(ii) Has not been and is not planned to be publicly offered.
(c)
(i) A person acquires more than 50 percent of the total outstanding voting stock of the corporation;
(ii) A person who holds an ownership interest in the corporation acquires control of more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation; or
(iii) A person who holds or controls 50 percent or more of the total outstanding stock of the corporation ceases to hold or control that proportion of the stock of the corporation.
(2)
(3)
(i) A person who has or acquires an ownership interest acquires both control of at least 25 percent of the total outstanding voting stock of the corporation and control of the corporation;
(ii) A person who holds both ownership or control of at least 25 percent of the total outstanding voting stock of the corporation and control of the corporation, ceases to own or control that proportion of the stock of the corporation, or to control the corporation; or
(iii) For a membership corporation, a person who is or becomes a member acquires or loses control of 25 percent of the voting interests of the corporation and control of the corporation.
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(d)
(1) The sale of the institution;
(2) The transfer of the controlling interest of stock of the institution or its parent corporation;
(3) The merger of two or more eligible institutions;
(4) The division of one institution into two or more institutions;
(5) The transfer of the liabilities of an institution to its parent corporation;
(6) A transfer of assets that comprise a substantial portion of the educational business of the institution, except where the transfer consists exclusively in the granting of a security interest in those assets; or
(7) A conversion of the institution from a for-profit to a nonprofit institution.
(e)
(1) A member of the owner's family, as described in § 600.30(f);
(2) A person with an ownership interest in the institution who has been involved in management of the institution for at least two years preceding the transfer.
(f)
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, to qualify as an eligible location, an additional location of an eligible institution must satisfy the applicable requirements of this section and §§ 600.4, 600.5, 600.6, 600.8, and 600.10.
(b) To qualify as an eligible location, an additional location is not required to satisfy the two-year requirement of §§ 600.5(a)(7) or 600.6(a)(6), unless—
(1) The location was a facility of another institution that has closed or ceased to provide educational programs for a reason other than a normal vacation period or a natural disaster that directly affects the institution or the institution's students;
(2) The applicant institution acquired, either directly from the institution that closed or ceased to provide educational programs, or through an intermediary, the assets at the location; and
(3) The institution from which the applicant institution acquired the assets of the location—
(i) Owes a liability for a violation of an HEA program requirement; and
(ii) Is not making payments in accordance with an agreement to repay that liability.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) of this section, an additional location is not required to satisfy the two-year requirement of § 600.5(a)(7) or § 600.6(a)(6) if the applicant institution agrees—
(1) To be liable for all improperly expended or unspent title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution that has closed or ceased to provide educational programs;
(2) To be liable for all unpaid refunds owed to students who received title IV, HEA program funds; and
(3) To abide by the policy of the institution that has closed or ceased to provide educational programs regarding refunds of institutional charges to students in effect before the date of the acquisition of the assets of the additional location for the students who were enrolled before that date.
(d) For purposes of this section, an “additional location” is a location of an institution that was not designated as an eligible location in the eligibility notification provided to an institution under § 600.21.
(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (a) (2) and (3) of this section, an institution, or a location or educational program of an institution, loses its eligibility on the date that—
(i) The institution, location, or educational program fails to meet any of the eligibility requirements of this part;
(ii) The institution or location permanently closes;
(iii) The institution or location ceases to provide educational programs for a reason other than a normal vacation period or a natural disaster that directly affects the institution, particular location, or the students of the institution or location; or
(iv) For purposes of the title IV, HEA programs—
(A) The institution's period of participation as specified under 34 CFR 668.13 expires;
(B) The institution's provisional certification is revoked under 34 CFR 668.13; or
(C) The Secretary receives a notice under 34 CFR part 667 from a SPRE of the SPRE's determination that the institution shall not be eligible to participate in a title IV, HEA program.
(2) If an institution loses its eligibility because it violated the requirements of § 600.5(a)(8), as evidenced by the determination under provisions contained in § 600.5(d), it loses its eligibility on the last day of the fiscal year
(3) If an institution loses its eligibility under the provisions of § 600.7(a)(1), it loses its eligibility on the last day of the award year being evaluated under that provision.
(b) If the Secretary undertakes to terminate the eligibility of an institution because it violated the provisions of § 600.5(a)(8) or § 600.7(a), and the institution requests a hearing, the presiding official must terminate the institution's eligibility if it violated those provisions, notwithstanding its status at the time of the hearing.
(c)(1) If the Secretary designates an institution or any of its educational programs or locations as eligible on the basis of inaccurate information or documentation, the Secretary's designation is void from the date the Secretary made the designation, and the institution or program or location, as applicable, never qualified as eligible.
(2) If an institution closes its main campus or stops providing any educational programs on its main campus, it loses its eligibility as an institution, and that loss of eligibility includes all its locations and all its programs. Its loss of eligibility is effective on the date it closes that campus or stops providing any educational program at that campus.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in this part, if an institution ceases to satisfy any of the requirements for eligibility under this part—
(1) It must notify the Secretary within 30 days of the date that it ceases to satisfy that requirement; and
(2) It becomes ineligible to continue to participate in any HEA program as of the date it ceases to satisfy any of the requirements.
(a) If the Secretary believes that a previously designated eligible institution as a whole, or at one or more of its locations, does not satisfy the statutory or regulatory requirements that define that institution as an eligible institution, the Secretary may—
(1) Terminate the institution's eligibility designation in whole or as to a particular location—
(i) Under the procedural provisions applicable to terminations contained in 34 CFR 668.81, 668.83, 668.86, 668.87, 668.88, 668.89, 668.90 (a)(1), (a)(4), and (c) through (f), and 668.91; or
(ii) Under a show-cause hearing, if the institution's loss of eligibility results from—
(A) Its previously qualifying as an eligible vocational school;
(B) Its previously qualifying as an eligible institution, notwithstanding its unaccredited status, under the transfer-of-credit alternative to accreditation (as that alternative existed in 20 U.S.C. 1085, 1088, and 1141(a)(5)(B) and § 600.8 until July 23, 1992);
(C) Its loss of accreditation or preaccreditation;
(D) Its loss of legal authority to provide postsecondary education in the State in which it is physically located;
(E) Its violations of the provisions contained in § 600.5(a)(8) or § 600.7(a);
(F) Its permanently closing;
(G) Its ceasing to provide educational programs for a reason other than a normal vacation period or a natural disaster that directly affects the institution, a particular location, or the students of the institution or location; or
(H) The Secretary's receipt of a notice under 34 CFR part 667 from a SPRE of the SPRE's determination that the institution shall not be eligible to participate in the title IV, HEA programs;
(2) Limit, under the provisions of 34 CFR 668.86, the authority of the institution to disburse, deliver, or cause the disbursement or delivery of funds under one or more title IV, HEA programs as otherwise provided under 34 CFR 668.26 for the benefit of students enrolled at the ineligible institution or location prior to the loss of eligibility of that institution or location; and
(3) Initiate an emergency action under the provisions contained in 34 CFR 668.83 with regard to the institution's participation in one or more title IV, HEA programs.
(b) If the Secretary believes that an educational program offered by an institution that was previously designated by the Secretary as an eligible institution under the HEA does not
(1) Undertake to terminate that educational program's eligibility under one or more of the title IV, HEA programs under the procedural provisions applicable to terminations described in paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Limit the institution's authority to deliver, disburse, or cause the delivery or disbursement of funds provided under that title IV, HEA program to students enrolled in that educational program, as otherwise provided in 34 CFR 668.26; and
(3) Initiate an emergency action under the provisions contained in 34 CFR 668.83 with regard to the institution's participation in one or more title IV, HEA programs with respect to students enrolled in that educational program.
(c)(1) An action to terminate and limit the eligibility of an institution as a whole or as to any of its locations or educational programs is initiated in accordance with 34 CFR 668.86(b) and becomes final 20 days after the Secretary notifies the institution of the proposed action, unless the designated department official receives by that date a request for a hearing or written material that demonstrates that the termination and limitation should not take place.
(2) Once a termination under this section becomes final, the termination is effective with respect to any commitment, delivery, or disbursement of funds provided under an applicable title IV, HEA program by the institution—
(i) Made to students enrolled in the ineligible institution, location, or educational program; and
(ii) Made on or after the date of the act or omission that caused the loss of eligibility as to the institution, location, or educational program.
(3) Once a limitation under this section becomes final, the limitation is effective with regard to any commitment, delivery, or disbursement of funds under the applicable title IV, HEA program by the institution—
(i) Made after the date on which the limitation became final; and
(ii) Made to students enrolled in the ineligible institution, location, or educational program.
(d) After a termination under this section of the eligibility of an institution as a whole or as to a location or educational program becomes final, the institution may not certify applications for, make awards of or commitments for, deliver, or disburse funds under the applicable title IV, HEA program, except—
(1) In accordance with the requirements of 34 CFR 668.26(c) with respect to students enrolled in the ineligible institution, location, or educational program; and
(2) After satisfaction of any additional requirements, imposed pursuant to a limitation under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, which may include the following:
(i) Completion of the actions required by 34 CFR 668.26(a) and (b).
(ii) Demonstration that the institution has made satisfactory arrangements for the completion of actions required by 34 CFR 668.26(a) and (b).
(iii) Securing the confirmation of a third party selected by the Secretary that the proposed disbursements or delivery of title IV, HEA program funds meet the requirements of the applicable program.
(iv) Using institutional funds to make disbursements permitted under this paragraph and seeking reimbursement from the Secretary for those disbursements.
(e) If the Secretary undertakes to terminate the eligibility of an institution, location, or program under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section:
(1) If the basis for the loss of eligibility is the loss of accreditation or preaccreditation, the sole issue is whether the institution, location, or program has the requisite accreditation or preaccreditation. The presiding official has no authority to consider challenges to the action of the accrediting agency.
(2) If the basis for the loss of eligibility is the loss of legal authorization,
(3) If the basis for the loss of eligibility for title IV, HEA program purposes is a notice under 34 CFR part 667 from a SPRE to the Secretary of the SPRE's determination that the institution shall not be eligible to participate in the title IV, HEA programs, the sole issue is whether the SPRE notified the Secretary of that determination. The presiding official has no authority to consider any challenge to the SPRE's determination.
(a) A foreign institution is eligible to apply to participate in the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) programs if it is comparable to an eligible institution of higher education located in the United States and has been approved by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
(b) This subpart E contains the procedures and criteria under which a foreign institution may be deemed eligible to apply to participate in the FFEL programs.
(c) This subpart E does not include the procedures and criteria by which a foreign institution that is deemed eligible to apply to participate in the FFEL programs actually applies for that participation. Those procedures and criteria are contained in the regulations for the FFEL programs, 34 CFR part 682, subpart F.
The following definitions apply to this subpart E:
(a) To be designated as eligible to apply to participate in the FFEL programs or to continue to be eligible beyond the scheduled expiration of the institution's current period of eligibility, a foreign institution must—
(1) Apply on the form prescribed by the Secretary; and
(2) Provide all the information and documentation requested by the Secretary to make a determination of that eligibility.
(b) If a foreign institution fails to provide, release, or authorize release to the Secretary of information that is required in this subpart E, the institution is ineligible to apply to participate in the FFEL programs.
The Secretary considers a foreign institution to be comparable to an eligible institution of higher education in the United States and eligible to apply to participate in the FFEL programs if the foreign institution is a public or private nonprofit educational institution that—
(a) Admits as regular students only persons who—
(1) Have a secondary school completion credential; or
(2) Have the recognized equivalent of a secondary school completion credential;
(b) Is legally authorized by an appropriate authority to provide an eligible educational program beyond the secondary school level in the country in which the institution is located; and
(c) Provides an eligible education program—
(1) For which the institution is legally authorized to award a degree that is equivalent to an associate, baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree awarded in the United States;
(2) That is at least a two-academic-year program acceptable for full credit toward the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree awarded in the United States; or
(3) That is equivalent to at least a one-academic-year training program in the United States that leads to a certificate, degree, or other recognized educational credential and prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
(a) The Secretary considers a foreign graduate medical school to be eligible to apply to participate in the FFEL programs if, in addition to satisfying the criteria in § 600.54 (except the criterion that the institution be public or private nonprofit), the school satisfies all of the following criteria:
(1) The school provides, and in the normal course requires its students to complete, a program of clinical and classroom medical instruction of not less that 32 months in length, that is supervised closely by members of the school's faculty and that is provided either—
(i) Outside the United States, in facilities adequately equipped and staffed to afford students comprehensive clinical and classroom medical instruction; or
(ii) In the United States, through a training program for foreign medical students that has been approved by all medical licensing boards and evaluating bodies whose views are considered relevant by the Secretary.
(2) The school has graduated classes during each of the two twelve-month periods immediately preceding the date the Secretary receives the school's request for an eligibility determination.
(3) The school employs for the program described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section only those faculty members whose academic credentials are the equivalent of credentials required of faculty members teaching the same or similar courses at medical schools in the United States.
(4)(i) The school has been approved by an accrediting body—
(A) That is legally authorized to evaluate the quality of graduate medical school educational programs and facilities in the country where the school is located; and
(B) Whose standards of accreditation of graduate medical schools—
(
(
(ii) The school is a public or private nonprofit educational institution that satisfies the requirements in § 600.4(a)(5)(i).
(5)(i)(A) During the academic year preceding the year for which any of the school's students seeks an FFEL program loan, at least 60 percent of those enrolled as full-time regular students in the school and at least 60 percent of the school's most recent graduating class were persons who did not meet the citizenship and residency criteria contained in 34 CFR 668.7(a)(4)(i) through (iii); and
(B) At least 60 percent of the school's students and graduates who took any step of the examinations administered by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) (including the ECFMG English test) in the year preceding the year for which any of the school's students seeks an
(ii) The school's clinical training program was approved by a State as of January 1, 1992, and is currently approved by that State.
(b) In performing the calculation required in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(B) of this section, a foreign graduate medical school shall count as a graduate each person who graduated from the school during the three years preceding the year for which the calculation is performed.
(a) The eligibility of a foreign institution under this subpart expires four years after the date of the Secretary's determination that the institution is eligible to apply for participation, except that the Secretary may specify a shorter period of eligibility. In the case of a foreign graduate medical school, continued eligibility is dependent upon annual submission of the data and information required under § 600.55(a)(5)(i), subject to the terms described in § 600.53(b).
(b) A foreign institution that has been determined eligible loses its eligibility on the date that the institution no longer meets any of the criteria in this subpart E.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of 34 CFR 668.26, if a foreign institution loses its eligibility under this subpart E, an otherwise eligible student, continuously enrolled at the institution before the loss of eligibility, may receive an FFEL program loan for attendance at that institution for the academic year succeeding the academic year in which that institution lost its eligibility, if the student actually received an FFEL program loan for attendance at the institution for a period during which the institution was eligible under this subpart E.
20 U.S.C. 1099b, unless otherwise noted.
(a)(1) This part establishes procedures and criteria for the Secretary's
(2) The Secretary's recognition of an accrediting agency is based on the Secretary's determination that the agency satisfies the requirements of this part.
(b) The Secretary only grants recognition to those accrediting agencies that—
(1) Accredit—
(i) Institutions of higher education, provided that accreditation by the agency is a required element in enabling those institutions to establish eligibility to participate in HEA programs; or
(ii) Institutions of higher education or higher education programs, provided that accreditation by the agency is a required element in enabling those institutions or programs to establish eligibility to participate in other programs administered by the Department or by other Federal agencies;
(2) Meet the organization and membership requirements specified in § 602.3;
(3) For agencies already recognized by the Secretary, comply with the information sharing requirements specified in § 602.4; and
(4) Satisfy the criteria for Secretarial recognition specified in subpart C of this part.
The following definitions apply to terms used in this part:
(1) A location of an institution of higher education that meets the definition of this term in 34 CFR 600.2, and
(2) Any location of an institution, other than the main campus, at which the institution offers at least 50 percent of an educational program.
(1) An employee, member of the governing board, owner, or shareholder of, or consultant to, an institution or program that either is accredited by the agency or has applied for accreditation;
(2) A member of any trade association or membership organization related to, affiliated with, or associated with the accrediting agency; or
(3) A spouse, parent, child, or sibling of an individual identified in paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition.
(a) The Secretary recognizes only the following categories of accrediting agencies:
(1) A State agency that—
(i) Has as a principal purpose the accrediting of institutions of higher education, higher education programs, or both; and
(ii) Has been listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency on or before October 1, 1991;
(2) An accrediting agency that—
(i) Has a voluntary membership of institutions of higher education;
(ii) Has as a principal purpose the accrediting of institutions of higher education and that accreditation is a required element in enabling those institutions to participate in programs authorized under this Act; and
(iii) Satisfies the “separate and independent” requirements contained in paragraph (b) of this section;
(3) An accrediting agency that—
(i) Has a voluntary membership; and
(ii) Has as its principal purpose the accrediting of higher education programs, or higher education programs and institutions of higher education, and that accreditation is a required element in enabling those institutions or programs, or both, to participate in Federal programs not authorized under this Act; and
(4) An accrediting agency that, for purposes of determining eligibility for Title IV, HEA programs—
(i)(A) Has a voluntary membership of individuals participating in a profession; or
(B) Has as its principal purpose the accrediting of programs within institutions that are accredited by another nationally recognized accrediting agency; and
(ii)(A) Satisfies the “separate and independent” requirements contained in paragraph (b) of this section; or
(B) Obtains a waiver from the Secretary under paragraph (d) of this section of the “separate and independent” requirements contained in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) For purposes of this section, “separate and independent” means that—
(1) The members of the agency's decision-making body—who make its accrediting decisions, establish its accreditation policies, or both—are not elected or selected by the board or chief executive officer of any related, associated, or affiliated trade association or membership organization;
(2) At least one member of the agency's decision-making body is a representative of the public, with no less than one-seventh of the body consisting of representatives of the public;
(3) The agency has established and implemented guidelines for each member of the decision-making body to avoid conflicts of interest in making decisions;
(4) The agency's dues are paid separately from any dues paid to any related, associated, or affiliated trade association or membership organization; and
(5) The agency's budget is developed and determined by the agency without review by or consultation with any other entity or organization.
(c) The Secretary considers that any joint use of personnel, services, equipment, or facilities by an accrediting agency and a related, associated, or affiliated trade association or membership organization does not violate the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section if—
(1) The agency pays the fair market value for its proportionate share of the joint use; and
(2) The joint use does not compromise the independence and confidentiality of the accreditation process.
(d)(1) Upon request of an accrediting agency described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the Secretary waives the “separate and independent” requirements of this section if the agency demonstrates that—
(i) The agency has been listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized agency on or before October 1, 1991; and
(ii) The existing relationship between the agency and the related, associated, or affiliated trade association or membership organization does not compromise the independence of the accreditation process.
(2) To demonstrate that the existing relationship between the agency and the related, associated, or affiliated trade association or membership organization does not compromise the independence of the accreditation process, the agency must show that—
(i) The related, associated, or affiliated trade association or membership organization plays no role in making or ratifying the accreditation decisions of the agency;
(ii) The agency has sufficient budgetary and administrative autonomy to carry out its accrediting functions; and
(iii) The agency provides to the related, associated, or affiliated trade association or membership organization only information it makes available to the public.
(3) An agency seeking a waiver of the “separate and independent” requirements contained in this section must apply for the waiver each time it seeks recognition or renewal of recognition by the Secretary.
Each accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary shall submit to the Secretary—
(a) Notice of final accrediting actions taken by the agency with respect to the institutions and programs it accredits;
(b) A copy of any annual report prepared by the agency;
(c) A copy, updated annually, of the agency's directory of accredited institutions and programs;
(d) A summary of the agency's major accrediting activities during the previous year (an annual data summary), if so requested by the Secretary to carry out the Secretary's responsibilities related to this part;
(e) Upon request of the Secretary, information regarding an accredited or preaccredited institution's compliance with its Title IV, HEA program responsibilities, including its eligibility to participate in Title IV, HEA programs, for the purpose of assisting the Secretary in resolving problems with the institution's participation in these programs;
(f) The name of any institution or program accredited by the agency that
(g) Any proposed change in the agency's policies, procedures, or accreditation standards that might alter the agency's—
(1) Scope of recognition; or
(2) Compliance with the requirements of this part.
(a) If the Secretary takes an action against an institution or program, the Secretary notifies the appropriate accrediting agency or agencies no later than 10 days after taking that action.
(b) If the Secretary is informed that another Federal agency is taking an action against an institution or program, the Secretary notifies the appropriate accrediting agency or agencies as soon as possible but no later than 10 days after learning of that action.
(c) If an institution is referred for review under the State Postsecondary Review Program, the Secretary notifies the institution's accrediting agency or agencies at the same time the Secretary notifies the State Postsecondary Review Entity.
(a) An accrediting agency seeking initial or renewed recognition by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency submits a written application to the Secretary. The application for recognition consists of—
(1) A statement of the agency's requested scope of recognition;
(2) Evidence of the agency's compliance with the criteria for recognition set forth in this part; and
(3) Supporting documentation.
(b) An accrediting agency's application for recognition constitutes a grant of authority to the Secretary to conduct site visits and to gain access to agency records, personnel, and facilities on an announced or unannounced basis.
(c) The Secretary does not make available to the public any confidential agency materials examined by Department personnel or the Secretary as part of the Secretary's evaluation of either an accrediting agency's application for recognition or its compliance with the requirements for recognition.
(a) Upon receipt of an accrediting agency's application for initial or renewed recognition, the Secretary—
(1) Establishes a schedule for the review of the agency by the designated Department official, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, and the Secretary;
(2) Publishes notice of the agency's application in the
(3) Provides State Postsecondary Review Entities and other appropriate organizations with copies of the notice described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(b)(1) The designated Department official analyzes the accrediting agency's application to determine whether the agency satisfies the requirements of this part, taking into account all available relevant information concerning the compliance of the agency with the requirements for recognition. The analysis includes—
(i) Site visits, on an announced or unannounced basis, to the agency and, at the Secretary's discretion, institutions or programs it accredits;
(ii) Review of public comment and other third-party information received
(iii) Review of complaints or legal actions involving the agency.
(2) The designated Department official's evaluation may also include a review of information directly related to institutions or programs accredited or preaccredited by the agency, relative to their compliance with the accrediting agency's standards, the effectiveness of the agency's standards, and the agency's application of those standards.
(c) The designated Department official—
(1) Prepares a written analysis of the accrediting agency;
(2) Sends the analysis and all supporting documentation, including all third-party comments received by the Secretary, to the agency no later than 45 days before the Advisory Committee meeting; and
(3) Specifies a time period, which will be no later than 14 days before the Advisory Committee meeting, during which the agency may provide the designated Department official with any written comments on the analysis.
(d) The accrediting agency provides any written comments it chooses to make to the designated Department official before the expiration of the time period specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.
(e) The designated Department official provides the Advisory Committee with the accrediting agency's application and supporting documentation, the designated Department official's analysis of the application, all information relied upon by the designated Department official in developing the analysis, any response by the agency to the analysis or third-party comment, any Department concurrence with or rebuttal to the agency's response, and any third-party information the Secretary receives regarding the agency.
(f) The designated Department official provides the agency with a copy of any Department rebuttal provided to the Advisory Committee under paragraph (e) of this section.
(g) If the designated Department official fails to provide the agency with the materials described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section within the 45-day time frame specified in that section, the agency may request that the Advisory Committee defer action on its application until the next meeting of the Advisory Committee.
(h) At least 30 days before the Advisory Committee meeting, the Secretary publishes a notice of the meeting in the
(a)(1) The Advisory Committee considers an accrediting agency's application at a public meeting and invites the designated Department official, the agency, and other interested parties to make oral presentations at the meeting.
(2) The designated Department official arranges for a transcript to be made of the Advisory Committee meeting.
(b) At the conclusion of the meeting, the Advisory Committee recommends that the Secretary approve or deny recognition of the accrediting agency or defer a decision on the agency's application.
(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the Advisory Committee recommends recognition of an agency if the agency complies with each of the requirements of this part.
(2) The Advisory Committee may recommend recognition despite finding that the agency failed to comply with each of the requirements of this part if the Advisory Committee provides the Secretary with a detailed explanation as to why it believes the agency's failure to comply with the particular requirement(s) does not require denial or deferral.
(3) If the Advisory Committee recommends recognition, the Advisory Committee also recommends the scope
(4) If the Advisory Committee recommends denial of recognition, the Advisory Committee specifies the reasons for the recommendation and the requirements of this part that the agency failed to meet.
(5) If the Advisory Committee recommends deferral of a decision on the agency's application, the Advisory Committee specifies the reasons for the recommendation, the requirements of this part that it believes the agency has not met, and a recommended deferral period.
(d) After the meeting, the Advisory Committee forwards its written recommendations concerning recognition to the Secretary.
(a) The Secretary determines whether to grant national recognition to an applicant accrediting agency based on the Advisory Committee's recommendation and the full record of the agency's application, including all oral and written presentations to the Advisory Committee by the agency, the designated Department official, and interested third parties.
(b)(1) Before making a final decision, the Secretary affords both the designated Department official and the accrediting agency an opportunity to contest, in writing, the Advisory Committee's recommendation. If either the agency or the designated Department official wishes to contest the recommendation, that party shall notify the Secretary and the other party no later than 10 days after the Advisory Committee meeting.
(2) If the party contesting the Advisory Committee's recommendation wishes to make a written submission to the Secretary, the Secretary must receive that submission no later than 30 days after the Advisory Committee meeting. However, the contesting party may not submit any evidence to the Secretary that it did not submit to the Advisory Committee. The contesting party shall simultaneously provide a copy of its submission to the other party.
(3) If the noncontesting party wishes to respond in writing to the Secretary, the Secretary must receive that submission no later than 30 days after the noncontesting party receives the contesting party's submission. However, the noncontesting party may not submit any evidence to the Secretary that it did not submit to the Advisory Committee. The noncontesting party shall simultaneously provide a copy of its response to the contesting party.
(4) If the Advisory Committee's recommendation is contested, the Secretary renders a final decision after taking into account the two parties’ timely written submissions, if any.
(c) The Secretary approves the accrediting agency for national recognition if the Secretary determines that the agency satisfies each of the requirements contained in this part.
(d) The Secretary approves the accrediting agency for national recognition even if the agency does not satisfy each of the requirements contained in this part if the Secretary determines that the agency's effectiveness is not impaired by the noncompliance.
(e) If the Secretary approves the accrediting agency for national recognition, the Secretary defines—
(1) The scope of the agency's recognition for Federal purposes, which shall include the—
(i) Geographic area;
(ii) Degrees and certificates awarded;
(iii) Types of institutions, programs, or both that the agency may accredit; and
(iv) Preaccreditation status(es), if any, that the Secretary approves for recognition; and
(2) The recognition period, which does not exceed five years.
(f) If the Secretary denies recognition to the accrediting agency or grants recognition for a scope narrower than that requested by the agency, the Secretary indicates in writing the reasons for that decision.
(g) If the Secretary defers a decision on the accrediting agency's application, the Secretary—
(1) Indicates in writing the reasons for the deferral and the deferral period; and
(2) Automatically extends any previously granted recognition period
(h) If the Secretary does not reach a final decision on an accrediting agency's application for renewal of recognition before the expiration of the agency's recognition period, the Secretary automatically extends the previously granted recognition period until the Secretary reaches a decision on the renewal application.
(a)(1) The Secretary may limit, suspend, or terminate the recognition of an accrediting agency before completion of its previously granted recognition period if the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that the agency fails or has failed to satisfy any of the requirements of this part.
(2)(i) If the agency requests a hearing, the hearing is conducted by the Advisory Committee or by a subcommittee of five members of the Advisory Committee, selected by the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that a more timely hearing is necessary than can be accommodated by the schedule of the full Advisory Committee.
(ii) If the Secretary selects a subcommittee of the Advisory Committee instead of the full Advisory Committee, the agency may challenge the membership of the subcommittee on grounds of conflict of interest on the part of one or more of the members of the subcommittee, and the Secretary replaces the member(s) if the agency's challenge is successful.
(iii) The designated Department official arranges for a transcript to be made of the hearing.
(b) The designated Department official begins a limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding against an accrediting agency by sending the agency a notice that—
(1) Informs the agency of the Secretary's intent to limit, suspend, or terminate its recognition;
(2) Identifies the alleged violations of the governing regulations that constitute the basis for the action;
(3) Describes the limits to be imposed if the Secretary seeks to limit the accrediting agency;
(4) Specifies the effective date of the limitation, suspension, or termination; and
(5) Informs the agency that it may—
(i) Submit to the designated Department official a written response to the notice no later than 30 days after it receives the notice; and
(ii) Request a hearing, which shall take place in Washington, DC, before the Advisory Committee or subcommittee if the agency submits a hearing request to the designated Department official no later than 30 days after it receives the notice.
(c)(1) As part of its response to the limitation, suspension, or termination notice or its hearing request, if any, the accrediting agency shall identify the issues and facts in dispute and its position with regard to those issues and facts.
(2) After receipt of the agency's response and hearing request, if any, the designated Department official—
(i) Transmits the limitation, suspension, or termination notice and the agency's response, if any, to that notice to the Advisory Committee or subcommittee; and
(ii) Establishes the date and time of any hearing before the Advisory Committee or subcommittee.
(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, if a hearing is held, the Advisory Committee or subcommittee shall allow the designated Department official, the accrediting agency, and any interested party to make an oral or written presentation. That presentation may include the introduction of written and oral evidence.
(2) If the designated Department official and the accrediting agency each agree, the Advisory Committee or subcommittee review shall be based solely on the written materials submitted to it under paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section.
(e)(1) After the Advisory Committee or subcommittee reviews the presentations, it shall issue an opinion in which it—
(i) Makes findings of fact based upon the evidence presented;
(ii) Recommends whether a limitation, suspension, or termination of the agency's recognition is warranted; and
(iii) Provides the reasons for that recommendation.
(2) The Advisory Committee or subcommittee shall—
(i) Transmit its written opinion to the Secretary; and
(ii) Provide a copy of its opinion to the designated Department official and the accrediting agency.
(f)(1) Unless the Advisory Committee's or subcommittee's recommendation is appealed, after receiving the recommendation, the Secretary issues a decision on whether to limit, suspend, or terminate the agency's recognition, based upon the Advisory Committee's or subcommittee's recommendation and the full record before the Advisory Committee or subcommittee.
(2) Either the accrediting agency or the designated Department official may appeal the Advisory Committee's or subcommittee's recommendation by filing a notice of appeal with the Secretary within 10 days of receipt of the Advisory Committee's or subcommittee's recommendation. If either party files an appeal with the Secretary, that party shall simultaneously provide a copy of the notice of appeal to the other party.
(3) The party appealing the Advisory Committee's or subcommittee's recommendation has 30 days after its receipt of the recommendation to make a written submission to the Secretary challenging the recommendation. However, the appealing party may not submit any evidence that was not submitted to the Advisory Committee or subcommittee. The appealing party shall simultaneously provide a copy of the submission to the other party.
(4) The nonappealing party has 30 days from the date it receives the appealing party's submission to file a written response to the Secretary regarding the submissions of the appealing party and shall simultaneously provide the appealing party with a copy of its response. The nonappealing party may not submit any evidence that was not submitted to the Advisory Committee or subcommittee.
(5) If the Advisory Committee's or subcommittee's recommendation is appealed, the Secretary renders a final decision after taking into account that recommendation and the parties’ written submissions on appeal.
An accrediting agency may appeal the Secretary's final decision under this part regarding the agency's recognition to the Federal courts as a final decision in accordance with applicable Federal law.
(a) The Secretary periodically publishes in the
(b) If the Secretary denies recognition to a previously recognized accrediting agency, or limits, suspends, or terminates its recognition during a previously granted recognition period, the Secretary publishes a notice of that action in the
To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, an accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that the geographical scope of its accrediting activities covers—
(a) A State, if the agency is a component of a State government;
(b) A region of the United States that includes at least three States that are contiguous or in close geographical proximity to one another; or
(c) The United States.
(a) To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, an accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that it has the administrative and fiscal capability to carry out its accreditation activities in light of its requested scope of recognition.
(b) The Secretary considers that an accrediting agency meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section if it has, and will likely continue to have—
(1) Adequate administrative staff to—
(i) Carry out its accrediting responsibilities effectively; and
(ii) Manage its finances effectively;
(2) Competent and knowledgeable individuals, qualified by experience and training, responsible for on-site evaluation, policy-making, and decision-making regarding accreditation and preaccreditation status;
(3) Representation on its evaluation, policy, and decision-making bodies of—
(i) For an institutional accrediting agency, both academic and administrative personnel; and
(ii) For a programmatic accrediting agency, both educators and practitioners;
(4) Representation of the public on all decision-making bodies;
(5) Clear and effective controls against conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest by the agency's board members, commissioners, evaluation team members, consultants, administrative staff, and other agency representatives;
(6) Adequate financial resources to carry out its accrediting responsibilities, taking into account the funds required to conduct the range of accrediting activities specified in the requested scope of recognition and the income necessary to meet the anticipated costs of its activities in the future; and
(7) Complete and accurate records of—
(i) Its last two full accreditation or preaccreditation reviews of each institution or program, including on-site evaluation team reports, institution or program responses to on-site reports, periodic review reports, any reports of special reviews conducted by the agency between regular reviews, and the institution's or program's most recent self-study report; and
(ii) All preaccreditation and accreditation decisions, including all adverse actions.
(a) To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, an accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that it has adequate experience in accrediting institutions, programs, or both.
(b) The Secretary considers that an accrediting agency satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section if it has—
(1) Granted accreditation or preaccreditation status to institutions or programs in the geographical area for which it seeks recognition;
(2) Conducted accreditation activities covering the range of the specific degrees, certificates, and programs for which it seeks recognition, including—
(i) Granting accreditation or preaccreditation status; and
(ii) Providing technical assistance related to accreditation to institutions, programs, or both; and
(3) Established policies, evaluative criteria, and procedures, and made evaluative decisions, that are accepted throughout the United States by—
(i) Educators and educational institutions; and
(ii) Licensing bodies, practitioners, and employers in the professional or vocational fields for which the educational institutions or programs within the agency's jurisdiction prepare their students.
(a) To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, an accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that it consistently applies and enforces written standards that ensure that the education or training offered by an institution or program is of sufficient quality to achieve, for the duration of any accreditation period granted by the
(b) The Secretary considers that an accrediting agency meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section if—
(1) The agency's written standards and procedures for accreditation and preaccreditation, if that latter status is offered, comply with the requirements of this part;
(2) The agency's preaccreditation standards, if offered, are appropriately related to the agency's accreditation standards, with a limit on preaccreditation status of no more than five years for any institution or program;
(3) The agency's organizations, functions, and procedures include effective controls against the inconsistent application of its criteria and standards;
(4) The agency bases its decisions regarding accreditation or preaccreditation on its published criteria; and
(5) The agency maintains a systematic program of review designed to ensure that its criteria and standards are valid and reliable indicators of the quality of the education or training provided by the institutions or programs it accredits and are relevant to the education or training needs of affected students.
(6) The agency demonstrates to the Secretary that, as a result of its program of review under paragraph (b)(5) of this section, each of its standards provides—
(i) A valid measure of the aspects of educational quality it is intended to measure; and
(ii) A consistent basis for determining the educational quality of different institutions and programs.
(a) To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, an accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that it has effective mechanisms for evaluating compliance with its standards and that those mechanisms cover the full range of an institution's or program's offerings, including those offerings conducted at branch campuses and additional locations.
(b) The Secretary considers that an accrediting agency meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section if—
(1) In determining whether to grant initial or renewed accreditation, the accrediting agency evaluates whether an institution or program—
(i) Maintains clearly specified educational objectives consistent with its mission and appropriate in light of the degrees or certificates it awards;
(ii) Is successful in achieving its stated objectives;
(iii) Maintains degree and certificate requirements that at least conform to commonly accepted standards; and
(iv) Complies with the agency's criteria;
(2) In reaching its determination to grant initial or renewed accreditation, the accrediting agency—
(i) Requires an in-depth self-study by each institution or program, in accordance with guidance provided by the agency, that includes the assessment of educational quality and the institution's or program's continuing efforts to improve educational quality;
(ii) Conducts at least one on-site review of the institution or program at which the agency obtains sufficient information to enable it to determine if the institution or program complies with the agency's criteria;
(iii) Conducts its own analyses and evaluations of the self-study and supporting documentation furnished by the institution or program, and any other appropriate information from other sources, to determine whether the institution or program complies with the agency's standards; and
(iv) Provides to the institution or program a detailed written report on its review assessing—
(A) The institution's or program's compliance with the agency's standards, including areas needing improvement; and
(B) The institution's or program's performance with respect to student achievement;
(3) In addition to the on-site visit described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, an institutional accrediting agency whose accreditation enables the
(4) The accrediting agency—
(i) Monitors institutions or programs throughout the accreditation or preaccreditation period to ensure continuing compliance with the agency's standards or criteria; and
(ii) Conducts special evaluations, site visits, or both, as necessary; and
(5) The accrediting agency regularly reevaluates institutions or programs that have been granted accreditation or preaccreditation.
(a) To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, an institutional accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that it maintains adequate substantive change policies that ensure that any substantive change to the educational mission or program(s) of an institution after the agency has granted accreditation or preaccreditation to the institution does not adversely affect the capacity of the institution to continue to meet the agency's standards.
(b) The Secretary considers that an accrediting agency meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section if—
(1) The agency requires prior approval of the substantive change by the agency before the change is included in the agency's previous grant of accreditation or preaccreditation to the institution; and
(2) The agency's definition of substantive change includes, but is not limited to, the following types of change:
(i) Any change in the established mission or objectives of the institution;
(ii) Any change in the legal status or form of control of the institution;
(iii) The addition of courses or programs that represent a significant departure, in terms of either in the content or method of delivery, from those that were offered when the agency most recently evaluated the institution;
(iv) The addition of courses or programs at a degree or credential level above that included in the institution's current accreditation or preaccreditation;
(v) A change from clock hours to credit hours or
(vi) A substantial increase in—
(A) The number of clock or credit hours awarded for successful completion of a program; or
(B) The length of a program.
(c) The agency has discretion to determine the procedures it will use to grant prior approval of the substantive change, which may, but need not, require an on-site evaluation before approval is granted.
(a)(1) To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, an accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that its accreditation or preaccreditation standards, or both, are sufficiently rigorous to ensure that the agency is a reliable authority as to the quality of the education or training provided by the institutions or programs it accredits.
(2) For a programmatic accrediting agency that does not serve as an institutional accrediting agency for any of the programs it accredits, the standards must address the areas contained in paragraph (b) of this section in terms of the type and level of the program rather than in terms of the institution.
(3) If none of the institutions an agency accredits participates in any Title IV, HEA program, or if the agency only accredits programs within institutions accredited by an institutional accrediting agency recognized
(b) In order to assure that an accrediting agency is a reliable authority as to the quality of the education or training provided by an institution or program it accredits, the agency must have standards that effectively address the quality of an institution or program in the following areas:
(1) Curricula.
(2) Faculty.
(3) Facilities, equipment, and supplies.
(4) Fiscal and administrative capacity as appropriate to the specified scale of operations.
(5) Student support services.
(6) Recruiting and admissions practices, academic calendars, catalogs, publications, grading, and advertising.
(7) Program length and tuition and fees in relation to the subject matters taught and the objectives of the degrees or credentials offered.
(8) Measures of program length in clock hours or credit hours.
(9) Success with respect to student achievement in relation to mission, including, as appropriate, consideration of course completion, State licensing examination, and job placement rates.
(10) Default rates in the student loan programs under Title IV of the Act, based on the most recent data provided by the Secretary.
(11) Record of student complaints received by, or available to, the agency.
(12) Compliance with the institution's program responsibilities under Title IV of the Act, including any results of financial or compliance audits, program reviews, and such other information as the Secretary may provide to the agency.
(c)(1) An accrediting agency shall take appropriate action if its review of an institution or program under any standard indicates that the institution or program is not in compliance with that standard.
(2) If the agency believes that the institution or program is not in compliance with the standards, the agency shall—
(i) Take prompt adverse action against the institution or program; or
(ii) Require the institution or program to take appropriate action to bring itself into compliance with the agency's standards within a time frame specified by the agency.
(3) The accrediting agency has sole discretion to determine the course of action it chooses under paragraph (c)(2) of this section and, if it selects the option specified in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section, the time frame for the institution or program to bring itself into compliance with agency standards. However, except as indicated in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the specified period may not exceed—
(i) Twelve months, if the program is less than one year in length;
(ii) Eighteen months, if the program is at least one year, but less than two years, in length; or
(iii) Two years, if the program is at least two years in length.
(4) If the institution or program does not bring itself into compliance within the specified period, the agency must take adverse action unless the agency extends the period for achieving compliance for good cause.
(d) An accrediting agency shall have a reasonable basis for determining that the information it relies on for making the assessments described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section is accurate.
(e) An accrediting agency that has established and applies the standards in paragraph (b) of this section may establish any additional accreditation standards as it deems appropriate.
(a) To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, an accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that it satisfies the procedural requirements contained in other provisions of this part and the additional requirements contained in paragraphs (b) through (h) of this section.
(b) If the accrediting agency accredits institutions and that accreditation enables those institutions to seek eligibility to participate in Title IV, HEA programs—
(1) The agency requires the institution to—
(i) Notify the agency if the institution plans to establish a branch campus; and
(ii) Submit a business plan described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section for the branch campus;
(2) The business plan that an institution submits under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section must contain a description of—
(i) The educational program to be offered at the branch campus;
(ii) The projected revenues and expenditures and cash flow at the branch campus; and
(iii) The operation, management, and physical resources at the branch campus;
(3) The agency extends accreditation to the branch campus only after evaluating the business plan and taking other necessary actions to permit the agency to determine that the branch campus has sufficient educational, financial, operational, management, and physical resources to satisfy the accrediting agency's standards for accreditation;
(4) The agency undertakes a site visit of the branch campus as soon as practicable, but no later than six months after the establishment of that branch campus;
(5) The agency undertakes a site visit of an institution that has undergone a change of ownership that resulted in a change of control as soon as practicable, but no later than six months after the change of ownership; and
(6) The agency requires any institution it accredits that enters into a teach-out agreement with another institution to submit that teach-out agreement to the agency for approval and approves the teach-out agreement if the agreement—
(i) Is consistent with applicable standards and regulations; and
(ii) Provides for the equitable treatment of students by ensuring that—
(A) Students are provided, without additional charge, all of the instruction promised by the closed institution prior to its closure but not provided to the students because of the closure; and
(B) The teach-out institution is geographically proximate to the closed institution and can demonstrate compatibility of its program structure and scheduling to that of the closed institution.
(c) The accrediting agency maintains and makes publicly available written materials describing—
(1) Each type of accreditation and preaccreditation granted by the agency;
(2) Its procedures for applying for accreditation or preaccreditation;
(3) The criteria and procedures used by the agency for determining whether to grant, reaffirm, reinstate, deny, restrict, revoke, or take any other action related to each type of accreditation and preaccreditation that the agency grants;
(4) The names, academic and professional qualifications, and relevant employment and organizational affiliations of the members of the agency's policy and decision-making bodies as well as the agency's principal administrative staff; and
(5) The institutions or programs that the agency currently accredits or preaccredits and the date when the agency will review or reconsider the accreditation or preaccreditation of each institution or program.
(d) In accordance with agency policy, the accrediting agency publishes the year when an institution or program subject to its jurisdiction is being considered for accreditation or preaccreditation and provides an opportunity for third-party comment, either in writing or at a public hearing, at the agency's discretion, concerning the institution's or program's qualifications for accreditation or preaccreditation.
(e) The accrediting agency provides advance public notice of proposed new or revised criteria, giving interested parties adequate opportunity to comment on these proposals prior to their adoption.
(f) The accrediting agency—
(1) Reviews any complaint it receives against an accredited institution or program, or the agency itself, that is related to the agency's standards, criteria, or procedures; and
(2) Resolves the complaint in a timely, fair, and equitable manner.
(g) The accrediting agency ensures that, if an institution or program elects to make a public disclosure of its accreditation or preaccreditation status granted by the agency, the institution or program discloses that status accurately, including the specific academic or instructional programs covered by that status and the name, address, and telephone number of the accrediting agency.
(h) The accrediting agency provides for the public correction of incorrect or misleading information released by an accredited or preaccredited institution or program about—
(1) The accreditation status of the institution or program;
(2) The contents of reports of site team visitors; and
(3) The agency's accrediting actions with respect to the institution or program.
(a) To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, an accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that the procedures it uses throughout the accrediting process satisfy due process requirements.
(b) The Secretary considers that an accrediting agency's procedures satisfy due process requirements if—
(1) The agency sets forth in writing its procedures governing its accreditation or preaccreditation processes;
(2) The agency's procedures afford an institution or program a reasonable period of time to comply with agency requests for information and documents;
(3) The agency notifies the institution or program in writing of any adverse accrediting action;
(4) The agency's notice details the basis for any adverse accrediting action;
(5) The agency permits the institution or program the opportunity to appeal an adverse accrediting action, and the right to representation by counsel during an appeal, except that the agency, at its sole discretion, may limit the appeal to a written appeal; and
(6) The agency notifies the appellant in writing of the result of the appeal and the basis for that result.
(a) To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, an accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that its written policies, procedures, and practices require it to notify the Secretary, the appropriate State postsecondary review entity, the appropriate accrediting agencies, and the public of the following types of decisions, no later than 30 days after a decision is made:
(1) A decision by the agency to award initial accreditation or preaccreditation to an institution or program.
(2) A final decision by the agency to—
(i) Deny, withdraw, suspend, or terminate the accreditation or preaccreditation of an institution or program; or
(ii) Take other adverse action against an institution or program.
(3) A decision by the agency to place an institution or program on probation.
(4) A decision by an accredited institution or program to withdraw voluntarily from accreditation or formal preaccreditation status.
(5) A decision by an accredited institution or program to let its accreditation or preaccreditation lapse.
(b) If the agency's final decision is to deny, withdraw, suspend, or terminate the accreditation or preaccreditation of an institution or program or to take other adverse action against an institution or program, the agency must notify the Secretary of that decision at the same time it notifies the institution or program.
(c) No later than 60 days after a final decision, the accrediting agency makes
(d)(1) For purposes of the decisions described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the date of the decision is the date on which the accrediting agency receives notification by the institution or program that it is voluntarily withdrawing from accreditation or preaccreditation.
(2) For purposes of the decisions described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, the date of the decision is the date on which accreditation or preaccreditation lapses.
(a) To be listed by the Secretary as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, an accrediting agency must demonstrate to the Secretary that—
(1) If the accrediting agency accredits institutions—
(i) The agency accredits only those institutions that are legally authorized under applicable State law to provide a program of education beyond the secondary level;
(ii) The agency does not renew, under the conditions described in paragraph (b) of this section, the accreditation or preaccreditation of an institution during a period in which the institution—
(A) Is the subject of an interim action by a recognized institutional accrediting agency potentially leading to the suspension, revocation, or termination of accreditation or preaccreditation;
(B) Is the subject of an interim action by a State agency potentially leading to the suspension, revocation, or termination of the institution's legal authority to provide postsecondary education;
(C) Has been notified of a threatened loss of accreditation, and the due process procedures required by the action have not been completed; or
(D) Has been notified of a threatened suspension, revocation, or termination by the State of the institution's legal authority to provide postsecondary education, and the due process procedures required by the action have not been completed;
(iii) In considering whether to grant initial accreditation or preaccreditation to an institution, the agency takes into account actions by—
(A) Recognized institutional accrediting agencies that have denied accreditation or preaccreditation to the institution, placed the institution on public probationary status, or revoked the accreditation or preaccreditation of the institution; and
(B) A State agency that has suspended, revoked, or terminated the institution's legal authority to provide postsecondary education;
(iv) If the agency grants accreditation or preaccreditation to an institution notwithstanding the actions described in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) or (a)(1)(iii) of this section, the agency provides the Secretary a thorough explanation, consistent with its accreditation standards, why the previous action by a recognized institutional accrediting agency or the State does not preclude the agency's grant of accreditation or preaccreditation; and
(v) If a recognized institutional accrediting agency takes an adverse action with respect to a dually-accredited institution or places the institution on public probationary status, or if a recognized programmatic accrediting agency takes an adverse action for reasons associated with the overall institution rather than the specific program against a program offered by an institution or places the program on public probation, the agency promptly reviews its accreditation or preaccreditation of the institution to determine if it should also take adverse action against the institution.
(2) If the accrediting agency accredits programs—
(i) The agency does not renew, under the conditions described in paragraph (b) of this section, the accreditation or preaccreditation status of a program
(A) Is the subject of an interim action by a recognized institutional accrediting agency potentially leading to the suspension, revocation, or termination of accreditation or preaccreditation;
(B) Is the subject of an interim action by a State agency potentially leading to the suspension, revocation, or termination of the institution's legal authority to provide postsecondary education;
(C) Has been notified of a threatened loss of accreditation, and the due process procedures required by the action have not been completed;
(D) Has been notified of a threatened suspension, revocation, or termination by the State of the institution's legal authority to provide postsecondary education, and the due process procedures required by the action have not been completed;
(ii) In considering whether to grant initial accreditation or preaccreditation to a program, the agency takes into account actions by—
(A) Recognized institutional accrediting agencies that have denied accreditation or preaccreditation to the institution offering the program, placed the institution on public probationary status, or revoked the accreditation or preaccreditation of the institution; and
(B) A State agency that has suspended, revoked, or terminated the institution's legal authority to provide postsecondary education;
(iii) If the agency grants accreditation or preaccreditation to a program notwithstanding the actions described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, the agency provides to the Secretary a thorough explanation, consistent with its accreditation standards, why the previous action by a recognized institutional accrediting agency or the State does not preclude the agency's grant of accreditation or preaccreditation; and
(iv) If a recognized institutional accrediting agency takes adverse action with respect to the institution offering the program or places the institution on public probationary status, the agency promptly reviews its accreditation or preaccreditation of the program to determine if it should take adverse action against the program.
(3) The agency routinely shares with other appropriate recognized accrediting agencies and State agencies information about the accreditation or preaccreditation status of an institution or program and any adverse actions it has taken against an accredited or preaccredited institution or program.
(b) An accrediting agency is subject to the requirements contained in paragraph (a) of this section if the accrediting agency knew, or should have known, of the actions being taken by another recognized accrediting agency or State agency.
20 U.S.C. 403(b), 1085(b), 1141(a), 1248(11); 42 U.S.C. 293a(b), 295f-3(b), 295h-4(1)(D), 298b(f); 38 U.S.C. 1775(a), unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 438(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Pub. L. 89-329 as amended by Pub. L. 92-318, 86 Stat. 235, 264 (20 U.S.C. 1087-1(b)), unless otherwise noted.
(a) Pursuant to section 438(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended by Pub. L. 92-318, the Secretary is required to publish a list of State agencies which he determines to be reliable authorities as to the quality of public
(b) Approval by a State agency included on the list will provide an alternative means of satisfying statutory standards as to the quality of public postsecondary vocational education to be undertaken by students receiving assistance under such programs.
Periodically the Secretary will publish a list in the
Any State agency which desires to be listed by the Secretary as meeting the criteria set forth in § 603.24 should apply in writing to the Director, Division of Eligibility and Agency Evaluation, Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202.
For initial recognition and for renewal of recognition, the State agency will furnish information establishing its compliance with the criteria set forth in § 603.24. This information may be supplemented by personal interviews or by review of the agency's facilities, records, personnel qualifications, and administrative management. Each agency listed will be reevaluated by the Secretary at his discretion, but at least once every four years. No adverse decision will become final without affording an opportunity for a hearing.
The following are the criteria which the Secretary will utilize in designating a State agency as a reliable authority to assess the quality of public postsecondary vocational education in its respective State.
(a)
(1)
(i) Is statewide in the scope of its operations and is legally authorized to approve public postsecondary vocational institutions or programs;
(ii) Clearly sets forth the scope of its objectives and activities, both as to kinds and levels of public postsecondary vocational institutions or programs covered, and the kinds of operations performed;
(iii) Delineates the process by which it differentiates among and approves programs of varying levels.
(2)
(i) Employs qualified personnel and uses sound procedures to carry out its operations in a timely and effective manner;
(ii) Receives adequate and timely financial support, as shown by its appropriations, to carry out its operations;
(iii) Selects competent and knowledgeable persons, qualified by experience and training, and selects such persons in accordance with nondiscriminatory practices, (A) to participate on visiting teams, (B) to engage in consultative services for the evaluation and approval process, and (C) to serve on decision-making bodies.
(3)
(i) Maintains clear definitions of approval status and has developed written procedures for granting, reaffirming, revoking, denying, and reinstating approval status;
(ii) Requires, as an integral part of the approval and reapproval process, institutional or program self-analysis and onsite reviews by visiting teams, and provides written and consultative guidance to institutions or programs and visiting teams.
(A) Self-analysis shall be a qualitative assessment of the strengths and limitations of the instructional program, including the achievement of institutional or program objectives, and
(B) The visiting team, which includes qualified examiners other than agency staff, reviews instructional content, methods and resources, administrative management, student services, and facilities. It prepares written reports and recommendations for use by the State agency.
(iii) Reevaluates at reasonable and regularly scheduled intervals institutions or programs which it has approved.
(b)
(1) Its responsiveness to the public interest. The State agency:
(i) Has an advisory body which provides for representation from public employment services and employers, employees, postsecondary vocational educators, students, and the general public, including minority groups. Among its functions, this structure provides counsel to the State agency relating to the development of standards, operating procedures and policy, and interprets the educational needs and manpower projections of the State's public postsecondary vocational education system;
(ii) Demonstrates that the advisory body makes a real and meaningful contribution to the approval process;
(iii) Provides advance public notice of proposed or revised standards or regulations through its regular channels of communications, supplemented, if necessary, with direct communication to inform interested members of the affected community. In addition, it provides such persons the opportunity to comment on the standards or regulations prior to their adoption;
(iv) Secures sufficient qualitative information regarding the applicant institution or program to enable the institution or program to demonstrate that it has an ongoing program of evaluation of outputs consistent with its educational goals;
(v) Encourages experimental and innovative programs to the extent that these are conceived and implemented in a manner which ensures the quality and integrity of the institution or program;
(vi) Demonstrates that it approves only those institutions or programs which meet its published standards; that its standards, policies, and procedures are fairly applied; and that its evaluations are conducted and decisions are rendered under conditions that assure an impartial and objective judgment;
(vii) Regularly reviews its standards, policies and procedures in order that the evaluative process shall support constructive analysis, emphasize factors of critical importance, and reflect the educational and training needs of the student;
(viii) Performs no function that would be inconsistent with the formation of an independent judgment of the quality of an educational institution or program;
(ix) Has written procedures for the review of complaints pertaining to institutional or program quality as these relate to the agency's standards, and demonstrates that such procedures are adequate to provide timely treatment of such complaints in a manner fair and equitable to the complainant and to the institution or program;
(x) Annually makes available to the public (A) its policies for approval, (B) reports of its operations, and (C) list of institutions or programs which it has approved;
(xi) Requires each approved school or program to report on changes instituted to determine continued compliance with standards or regulations;
(xii) Confers regularly with counterpart agencies that have similar responsibilities in other and neighboring States about methods and techniques that may be used to meet those responsibilities.
(2) Its assurances that due process is accorded to institutions or programs seeking approval. The State agency:
(i) Provides for adequate discussion during the on-site visit between the visiting team and the faculty, administrative staff, students, and other appropriate persons;
(ii) Furnishes as a result of the evaluation visit, a written report to the institution or program commenting on
(iii) Provides the chief executive officer of the institution or program with opportunity to comment upon the written report and to file supplemental materials pertinent to the facts and conclusions in the written report of the visiting team before the agency takes action on the report;
(iv) Provides the chief executive officer of the institution with a specific statement of reasons for any adverse action, and notice of the right to appeal such action before an appeal body designated for that purpose;
(v) Publishes rules of procedure regarding appeals;
(vi) Continues the approval status of the institution or program pending disposition of an appeal;
(vii) Furnishes the chief executive officer of the institution or program with a written decision of the appeal body, including a statement of its reasons therefor.
(c)
(i) Promotes a well-defined set of ethical standards governing institutional or programmatic practices, including recruitment, advertising, transcripts, fair and equitable student tuition refunds, and student placement services;
(ii) Maintains appropriate review in relation to the ethical practices of each approved institution or program.
Sec. 1203 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by Pub. L. 96-374 (20 U.S.C. 1143), unless otherwise noted.
(a) A State shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary if it wishes to participate in the following programs authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended: The Continuing Education Outreach program, title I-B, with the exception of sections 116 and 117 of the Act; the State Student Incentive Grant program, subpart 3 of title IV-A of the Act; and the Undergraduate Academic Facilities Grant program, title VII-A of the Act. The agreement must contain assurances relating to administration, financial management, treatment of applicants for subgrants and contracts, supplement, not supplant requirements, and planning. These assurances are listed in subpart B of this part. The means by which these assurances will be met must also be described.
(b) The provisions of the agreement replace comparable provisions in annual plans previously required by each applicable program.
The following regulations apply to Federal-State relationship agreements:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR part 76 (State Administered Programs) and 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions).
(b) The regulations in this part 604.
(a)
(b)
The agreement shall contain the following assurances and a description of the means by which they will be met:
(a) Management practices and procedures will assure proper and efficient administration of each applicable program. The description of these methods shall include the identification of the State entity or entities designated to administer each applicable program as well as the name of the responsible official.
(b) Appropriate fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be provided for Federal funds received under all titles of the Act.
(c) Federal funds under the applicable programs will not supplant non-Federal funds.
(d) Equitable and appropriate criteria will be used in evaluating applications for subgrants or proposals for contracts under each applicable program.
(a) The agreement shall contain an assurance by the State that it has a comprehensive planning or policy formulation process which:
(1) Considers the relationship between State administration of each applicable program and administration of similar State programs or processes;
(2) Encourages State policies that consider the effects of declining enrollments on all sectors of postsecondary education within the State;
(3) Considers the postsecondary educational needs of unserved and underserved individuals within the State, including individuals beyond traditional college age;
(4) Considers the resources of public and private institutions, organizations, and agencies within the State that are capable of providing postsecondary educational opportunities; and
(5) Provides for direct, equitable, and active participation in the comprehensive planning or policy formulation processes by representatives of institutions of higher education—including community colleges, proprietary institutions, and independent colleges and universities—other providers of postsecondary education services, students, and the general public in the State.
(i) Participation shall be achieved through membership on State planning commissions, State advisory councils, or other State entities established by the State to conduct federally assisted comprehensive planning or policy formulation.
(ii) Participation shall be consistent with State law.
(b) The agreement shall include a description of the planning or policy formulation process through which these assurances will be fulfilled.
(a) The agreement shall remain in effect until substantial changes in administrative practices or planning processes would require its modification.
(b) Routine organizational or personnel changes are not subject to prior modification of the agreement, but information concerning these changes shall be promptly communicated to the Secretary.
(a) If the Secretary finds that there is a failure to comply substantially
(b) To regain eligibility, a State must satisfy the Secretary that the failure to comply has been remedied.
20 U.S.C. 1057-1059c, 1066-1069f, unless otherwise noted.
The purpose of the Strengthening Institutions Program is to provide grants to eligible institutions of higher education to improve their academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability in order to increase their self-sufficiency and strengthen their capacity to make a substantial contribution to the higher education resources of the Nation.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, an institution of higher education is eligible to receive a grant under the Strengthening Institutions Program if—
(1) It has an enrollment of needy students as described in § 607.3(a), unless the Secretary waives this requirement under § 607.3(b);
(2) It has low average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent undergraduate student as described in § 607.4(a), unless the Secretary waives this requirement under § 607.4(c).
(3) It is legally authorized by the State in which it is located to be a junior college or to provide an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree; and
(4) It is accredited or preaccredited by a nationally recognized accrediting
(b) A branch campus of an institution of higher education, if the institution as a whole meets the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section, is eligible to receive a grant under the Strengthening Institutions Program even if, by itself, it does not satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this section, although the branch must meet the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section.
(c) For the purpose of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, an institution's enrollment consists of a head count of its entire student body.
(d) A Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) may receive a grant authorized under section 316 of the HEA if—
(1) It is an eligible institution under this part;
(2) It provides assurances that—
(i) When it applies for a grant, its enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students is at least 25 percent Hispanic students ;
(ii) Not less than 50 percent of its Hispanic students are low-income individuals who are first generation college students; and
(iii) Another 25 percent of its Hispanic students are either low-income individuals or first generation college students.
(e)(1) An institution that qualifies for a grant under the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program (34 CFR part 608) or the Hispanic-Serving Institution Program (20 U.S.C. 1059c) and receives a grant under either of these programs for a particular fiscal year is not eligible to receive a grant under the Strengthening Institutions Program for that same fiscal year.
(2) An HSI that receives a grant under section 316 of the HEA may not concurrently receive grant funds under the Strengthening Institutions program, Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities program, or Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions program.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, for the purpose of § 607.2(a)(1), an applicant institution has an enrollment of needy students if in the base year—
(1) At least 50 percent of its degree students received student financial assistance under one or more of the following programs: Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, College Work-Study, and Perkins Loan; or
(2) The percentage of its undergraduate degree students who were enrolled on at least a half-time basis and received Pell Grants exceeded the median percentage of undergraduate degree students who were enrolled on at least a half-time basis and received Pell Grants at comparable institutions that offer similar instruction.
(b) The Secretary may waive the requirement contained in paragraph (a) of this section if the institution demonstrates that—
(1) The State provides more than 30 percent of the institution's budget and the institution charges not more than $99.00 for tuition and fees for an academic year;
(2) At least 30 percent of the students served by the institution in the base year were students from low-income families;
(3) The institution substantially increases the higher education opportunities for low-income students who are also educationally disadvantaged, underrepresented in postsecondary education, or minority students;
(4) The institution substantially increases the higher education opportunities for individuals who reside in an area that is not included in a “metropolitan statistical area” as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and who are unserved by other postsecondary institutions;
(5) The institution is located on or within 50 miles of an Indian reservation, or a substantial population of Indians and the institution will, if granted the waiver, substantially increase higher education opportunities for American Indians; or
(6) The institution will, if granted the waiver, substantially increase the higher education opportunities for Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders, including Native Hawaiians.
(c) For the purpose of paragraph (b) of this section, the Secretary considers “low-income” to be an amount which does not exceed 150 percent of the amount equal to the poverty level as established by the United States Bureau of the Census.
(d) Each year, the Secretary notifies prospective applicants through a notice in the
(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, for the purpose of § 6072(a)(2), an applicant institution's average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent undergraduate student in the base year must be less than the average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent undergraduate student of comparable institutions that offer similar institution in that year.
(2) For the purpose of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the Secretary determines the average educational and general expenditure per FTE undergraduate student for institutions with graduate students that do not differentiate between graduate and undergraduate E&G expenditures by discounting the graduate enrollment using a factor of 2.5 times the number of graduate students.
(b) Each year, the Secretary notifies prospective applicants through a notice in the
(c) The Secretary may waive the requirement contained in paragraph (a) of this section, if the Secretary determines, based upon persuasive evidence provided by the institution, that—
(1) The institution's failure to satisfy the criteria in paragraph (a) of this section was due to factors which, if used in determining compliance with those criteria, distorted that determination; and
(2) The institution's designation as an eligible institution under this part is otherwise consistent with the purposes of this part.
(d) For the purpose of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the Secretary considers that the following factors may distort an institution's educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent undergraduate student—
(1) Low student enrollment;
(2) Location of the institution in an unusually high cost-of-living area;
(3) High energy costs;
(4) An increase in State funding that was part of a desegregation plan for higher education; or
(5) Operation of high cost professional schools such as medical or dental schools.
An institution shall apply to the Secretary to be designated an eligible institution under the Strengthening Institutions Program by submitting an application to the Secretary in the form, manner and time established by the Secretary. The application must contain—
(a) The information necessary for the Secretary to determine whether the institution satisfies the requirements of §§ 607.2, 607.3(a) and 607.4(a);
(b) Any waiver request under §§ 607.3(b) and 607.4(c); and
(c) Information or explanations justifying any requested waiver.
The following regulations apply to the Strengthening Institutions Program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs), except 34 CFR 75.128(a)(2) and 75.129(a) in the case of applications for cooperative arrangements.
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 607.
(a)
(b) The following terms used in this part are defined in section 316 of the HEA:
(c) The following definitions also apply to this part:
(1) Is permanent in nature;
(2) Offers courses for credit and programs leading to an associate or bachelor's degree; and
(3) Is autonomous to the extent that it has—
(i) Its own faculty and administrative or supervisory organization; and
(ii) Its own budgetary and hiring authority.
(1) Public junior or community colleges;
(2) Private nonprofit junior or community colleges;
(3) Public institutions that offer an educational program for which they offer a bachelor's degree; or
(4) Private nonprofit institutions that offer an educational program for which they offer a bachelor's degree.
(1) Economically disadvantaged families;
(2) Limited English proficiency families;
(3) Migrant worker families; or
(4) Families in which one or both of their parents have dropped out of secondary school.
(1) That admits as regular students persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is located and who have the ability to benefit from the training offered by the institution;
(2) That does not provide an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree (or an equivalent degree); and
(3) That—
(i) Provides an educational program of not less than 2 years that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, or
(ii) Offers a 2-year program in engineering, mathematics, or the physical or biological sciences, designed to prepare a student to work as a technician or at the semiprofessional level in engineering, scientific, or other technological fields requiring the understanding and application of basic engineering, scientific, or mathematical principles of knowledge.
(1) As indicated by—
(i) The most current edition of the Department's
(ii) The National Research Council's
(iii) Other standard statistical references, as announced annually in the
(2) As documented by national survey data submitted to and accepted by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis.
(a) A comprehensive development plan is an institution's strategy for achieving growth and self-sufficiency by strengthening its—
(1) Academic programs;
(2) Institutional management; and
(3) Fiscal stability.
(b) The comprehensive development plan must include the following:
(1) An analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and significant problems of the institution's academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability.
(2) A delineation of the institution's goals for its academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability, based on the outcomes of the analysis described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(3) Measurable objectives related to reaching each goal and timeframes for achieving the objectives.
(4) Methods and resources that will be used to institutionalize practices and improvements developed under the proposed project.
(a)(1) Under this part, the Secretary may award planning grants and two types of development grants, individual development grants and cooperative arrangement development grants.
(2) Planning grants may be awarded for a period not to exceed one year.
(3) Either type of development grant may be awarded for a period of five years.
(b)(1) An institution that receives a planning grant may not subsequently receive another planning grant but may subsequently receive a development grant after its planning grant expires.
(2) An institution that receives a development grant of up to three years may subsequently receive another development grant after its development grant expires.
(3) An institution that receives a development grant of four years may not subsequently receive another development grant for a period of eight years from the date it received the four year grant.
(4) An institution that receives a development grant of five years may not subsequently receive another development grant for a period of ten years from the date it received the five year grant.
(a)
(1) A comprehensive development plan described in § 607.8; and
(2) An application for a development grant.
(b)
(1) Faculty development that provides faculty with the skills and knowledge needed to—
(i) Develop academic support services, including advising and mentoring students;
(ii) Develop academic programs or methodology, including computer-assisted instruction, that strengthen the academic quality of the institution; or
(iii) Acquire terminal degrees that are required to obtain or retain accreditation of an academic program or department;
(2) Funds and administrative management that will improve the institution's ability to—
(i) Manage financial resources in an efficient and effective manner; and
(ii) Collect, access, and use information about the institution's operations for improved decisionmaking;
(3) Developing and improving academic programs that enable the institution to—
(i) Develop new academic programs or new program options that show promise for increased student enrollment;
(ii) Provide new technology or methodology to increase student success and retention or to retain accreditation; or
(iii) Improve curriculum or methodology for existing academic programs to stabilize or increase student enrollment;
(4) Acquiring equipment for use in strengthening management and academic programs to achieve objectives such as those described in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section;
(5) Establishing or increasing the joint use of facilities such as libraries and laboratories to—
(i) Eliminate the distance and high cost associated with providing academic programs and academic support; or
(ii) Provide clinical experience that is part of an approved academic program at off-campus locations;
(6) Developing or improving student services to provide—
(i) New or improved methods to deliver student services, including counseling, tutoring, and instruction in basic skills; or
(ii) Improved strategies to train student services personnel;
(7) Payment of any portion of the salary of a dean, with proper justification, to fill a position under the project such as project coordinator or activity director. For purposes of this paragraph, proper justification includes evidence that the position entitled “Dean” is not one that has college-wide administrative authority and responsibility; or
(8) For grants authorized under section 316 of the HEA to HSIs—
(i) Purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes;
(ii) Renovation and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities;
(iii) Support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and faculty fellowships to assist in attaining advanced degrees in their field of instruction;
(iv) Curriculum development and academic instruction;
(v) Purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials;
(vi) Funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;
(vii) Joint use of facilities such as laboratories and libraries; and
(viii) Academic tutoring and counseling programs and student support services.
(c)
(1) Activities that are not included in the grantee's approved application.
(2) Activities that are inconsistent with any State plan for higher education that is applicable to the institution, including, but not limited to, a State plan for desegregation of higher education.
(3) Activities or services that relate to sectarian instruction or religious worship.
(4) Activities provided by a school or department of divinity. For the purpose of this provision, a “school or department of divinity” means an institution, or a department of an institution, whose program is specifically for the education of students to prepare them to become ministers of religion or to enter into some other religious vocation or to prepare them to teach theological subjects.
(5) Developing or improving non-degree or non-credit courses other than basic skills development courses.
(6) Developing or improving community-based or community services programs, unless the program provides academic-related experiences or academic credit toward a degree for degree students.
(7) Purchase of standard office equipment, such as furniture, file cabinets, bookcases, typewriters, or word processors.
(8) Payment of any portion of the salary of a president, vice president, or equivalent officer who has college-wide administrative authority and responsibility at an institution to fill a position under the grant such as project coordinator or activity director.
(9) Costs of organized fund-raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions.
(10) Costs of student recruitment such as advertisements, literature, and college fairs.
(11) Services to high school students.
(12) Instruction in the institution's standard courses as indicated in the institution's catalog.
(13) Costs for health and fitness programs, transportation, and day care services.
(14) Student activities such as entertainment, cultural, or social enrichment programs, publications, social clubs, or associations.
(15) Activities that are operational in nature rather than developmental in nature.
In addition to the information needed by the Secretary to determine whether the institution should be awarded a grant under the funding criteria contained in subpart C, an application for a development grant must include—
(a) The institution's comprehensive development plan;
(b) A description of the relationship of each activity for which grant funds are requested to the relevant goals and objectives of its plan;
(c) A description of any activities that were funded under previous development grants awarded under the Strengthening Institutions of Special Needs Program that expired within five years of when the development grant will begin and the institution's justification for not completing the activities under the previous grant;
(d) The provisions required by section 351 of the HEA which are not specified in other sections of this part. These provisions require that an institution applying for more than one activity shall—
(1) Identify those activities that would be a sound investment of Federal funds if funded separately;
(2) Identify those activities that would be a sound investment of Federal funds only if funded with the other activities; and
(3) Rank the activities in preferred funding order; and
(e) For a grant under section 316 of the HEA to an HSI, as a part of the applicant's Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) required in § 607.8, a five-year plan for improving the assistance
(a)(1) Institutions applying for a cooperative arrangement grant shall submit only one application for that grant regardless of the number of institutions participating in the cooperative arrangement.
(2) The application must include the names of each participating institution, the role of each institution, and the rationale for each eligible participating institution's decision to request grant funds as part of a cooperative arrangement rather than as an individual grantee.
(b) If the application is for a development grant, the application must contain—
(1) Each participating institution's comprehensive development plan;
(2) The information required under § 607.11; and
(3) An explanation from each eligible participating institution of why participation in a cooperative arrangement grant rather than performance under an individual grant will better enable it to meet the goals and objectives of its comprehensive development plan at a lower cost.
(4) The name of the applicant for the group that is legally responsible for—
(i) The use of all grant funds; and
(ii) Ensuring that the project is carried out by the group in accordance with Federal requirements.
In any fiscal year, an institution of higher education may—
(a) Submit an application for an individual development grant; and
(b) Be part of a cooperative arrangement application.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application on the basis of the criteria in—
(1) Sections 607.21 and 607.23 for a planning grant; and
(2) Sections 607.22, 607.23, and 607.25 for a development grant.
(b)(1) With regard to applicants that satisfy the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section, for each fiscal year, the Secretary awards development grants to applicants that are not, or were not, individual grantees under this part during the fiscal year, before the Secretary awards a development grant to any applicant that is or was an individual grantee under this part during the fiscal year.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, an institution that is a recipient of a cooperative arrangement grant is not an individual grantee under this part.
(c)(1) The Secretary awards up to 100 points for the criteria in § 607.21 and up to 100 points for the criteria in § 607.22.
(2) The maximum possible score for each complete criterion is in parentheses.
(d)(1) The Secretary considers funding an application for a planning grant that scores at least 50 points under § 607.21.
(2) The Secretary considers funding an application for a development grant that—
(i) Scores at least 50 points under § 607.22;
(ii) Is submitted with a comprehensive development plan that satisfies all the elements required of such a plan under § 607.8; and
(iii) In the case of an application for a cooperative arrangement grant, demonstrates that the grant will enable each eligible participant to meet the goals and objectives of its comprehensive development plan better and at a lower cost than if each eligible participant were funded individually.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application to determine whether the applicant will produce a good comprehensive development plan and a fundable Strengthening Institutions Program application:
(a)
(1) The planning process is clearly and comprehensively described and based on sound planning practice (15 points);
(2) The president or chief executive officer, administrators and other institutional personnel, students, and governing board members systematically and consistently will be involved in the planning process (15 points);
(3) The applicant will use its own resources to help implement the project (10 points); and
(4) The planning process is likely to achieve its intended results (20 points).
(b)
(1) The past experience and training of key personnel such as the project coordinator and persons who have key roles in the planning process are suitable to the tasks to be performed (10 points); and
(2) The time commitments of key personnel are adequate (10 points).
(c)
(1) The procedures for managing the project are likely to ensure effective and efficient project implementation (10 points); and
(2) The project coordinator has sufficient authority, including access to the president or chief executive officer, to conduct the project effectively (5 points).
(d)
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate applications for development grants:
(a)
(1) The strengths, weaknesses, and significant problems of the institution's academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability are clearly and comprehensively analyzed and result from a process that involved major constituencies of the institution. (12 points);
(2) The goals for the institution's academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability are realistic and based on comprehensive analysis. (5 points);
(3) The objectives stated in the plan are measurable, related to institutional goals, and, if achieved, will contribute to the growth and self-sufficiency of the institution (5 points);
(4) The plan clearly and comprehensively describes the methods and resources the institution will use to institutionalize practice and improvements developed under the proposed project, including, in particular, how operational costs for personnel, maintenance, and upgrades of equipment will be paid with institutional resources (8 points).
(b)
(1) Realistic and defined in terms of measurable results (5 points); and
(2) Directly related to the problems to be solved and to the goals of the comprehensive development plan (5 points).
(c)
(1) The implementation strategy for each activity is comprehensive (10 points);
(2) The rationale for the implementation strategy for each activity is clearly described and is supported by the results of relevant studies or projects (10 points); and
(3) The timetable for each activity is realistic and likely to be attained (5 points).
(d)
(1) The past experience and training of key professional personnel are directly related to the stated activity objectives (7 points); and
(2) The time commitment of key personnel is realistic (3 points).
(e)
(1) Procedures for managing the project are likely to ensure efficient and effective project implementation (5 points); and
(2) The project coordinator and activity directors have sufficient authority to conduct the project effectively, including access to the president or chief executive officer (5 points).
(f)
(1) The data elements and the data collection procedures are clearly described and appropriate to measure the attainment of activity objectives and to measure the success of the project in achieving the goals of the comprehensive development plan (5 points); and
(2) The data analysis procedures are clearly described and are likely to produce formative and summative results on attaining activity objectives and measuring the success of the project on achieving the goals of the comprehensive development plan (5 points).
(g)
(a) If funds are available to fund only one additional planning grant and each of the next fundable applications has received the same number of points under § 607.21, the Secretary awards additional points, up to a maximum of two points, to any of those applicants that—
(1) Has an endowment fund of which the current market value, per full-time equivalent enrolled student, is less than the average current market value of the endowment funds, per full-time equivalent enrolled student, at similar type institutions; (one point) or
(2) Has expenditures for library materials per full-time equivalent enrolled student which is less than the average expenditure for library materials per full-time equivalent enrolled student at similar type institutions. (one point)
(b) If funds are available to fund only one additional development grant and each of the next fundable applications has received the same number of points under § 607.22, the Secretary will award additional points, up to a maximum of three points, to any of those applicants that—
(1) Has an endowment fund of which the current market value, per full-time equivalent enrolled student, is less than the average current market value of the endowment funds, per full-time equivalent enrolled student, at comparable institutions that offer similar instruction; (one point)
(2) Has expenditures for library materials per full-time equivalent enrolled student which is less than the average expenditure for library materials per full-time equivalent enrolled student at comparable institutions that offer similar instruction (one point); or
(3) Propose to carry out one or more of the following activities—
(i) Faculty development;
(ii) Funds and administrative management;
(iii) Development and improvement of academic programs;
(iv) Acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening management and academic programs;
(v) Joint use of facilities; and
(vi) Student services. (one point)
(c) As used in this section, an endowment fund does not include any fund established or supported under 34 CFR part 628.
(d) Each year, the Secretary provides prospective applicants with the average expenditure of endowment funds and library materials per full-time equivalent student.
(e) The Secretary gives priority to applications from HSIs that contain satisfactory evidence that the HSI has entered into or will enter into a collaborative arrangement with at least one local educational agency to provide that agency with assistance (from funds other than funds provided under Title III Part A of the HEA) in—
(1) Reducing the dropout rates of Hispanic students;
(2) Improving rates of academic achievement of Hispanic students; and
(3) Increasing the rates at which Hispanic high school graduates enroll in higher education.
(a)(1) In addition to evaluating an application under the selection criteria in § 607.22, the Secretary evaluates an applicant's performance under any previous development grant awarded under Strengthening Institutions and Special Needs Programs that expired within five years of the year when the development grant will begin.
(2) The Secretary evaluates whether the applicant fulfilled, or is making substantial progress toward fulfilling, the goals and objectives of the previous grant, including, but not limited to, the applicant's success in institutionalizing practices developed and improvements made under the grant.
(3) The Secretary bases the evaluation of the applicant's performance on information contained in—
(i) Performance and evaluation reports submitted by the applicant;
(ii) Audit reports submitted on behalf of the applicant; and
(iii) Other information obtained by the Secretary, including reports prepared by the Department.
(b) If the Secretary initially determines that the applicant did not fulfill the goals and objectives of a previous grant or is not making substantial progress towards fulfilling those goals and objectives, the Secretary affords the applicant the opportunity to respond to that initial determination.
(c) If the Secretary determines that the applicant did not fulfill the goals and objectives of a previous grant or is not making substantial progress towards fulfilling those goals and objectives, the Secretary may—
(1) Decide not to fund the applicant; or
(2) Fund the applicant but impose special grant terms and conditions, such as specific reporting and monitoring requirements.
Among applications for cooperative arrangement grants, the Secretary gives priority to proposed cooperative arrangements that are geographically and economically sound, or will benefit the institutions applying for the grant.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) A grantee shall maintain its eligibility under the requirements in § 607.2, except for § 607.2(a) (1) and (2), for the duration of the grant period.
(b) The Secretary reviews an institution's application for a continuation award to ensure that—
(1) The institution continues to meet the eligibility requirements described in paragraph (a) of this section; and
(2) The institution is making substantial progress toward achieving the objectives set forth in its grant application including, if applicable, the institution's success in institutionalizing practices and improvements developed under the grant.
20 U.S.C. 1060 through 1063a, 1063c, 1066, 1068, 1069c, 1069d, and 1069f, unless otherwise noted.
The Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program, hereafter called the HBCU Program, provides grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to assist these institutions in establishing and strengthening their physical plants, academic resources and student services so that they may continue to participate in fulfilling the goal of equality of educational opportunity.
(a) To be eligible to receive a grant under this part, an institution must—
(1) Satisfy section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA);
(2) Be legally authorized by the State in which it is located—
(i) To be a junior or community college; or
(ii) To provide an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree; and
(3) Be accredited or preaccredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.
(b) The Secretary has determined that the following institutions satisfy section 322(2) of the HEA.
(c) If an institution identified in paragraph (b) of this section has merged with another institution, and, as a result of the merger, would not otherwise qualify to receive a grant under this part, that institution may nevertheless qualify to receive a grant under this part if—
(1) The institution would have qualified to receive a grant before the merger; and
(2) The institution was eligible to receive a grant under the Special Needs Program in any fiscal year prior to fiscal year 1986. (The Special Needs Program was authorized under Title III, Part B, of the HEA before 1986.)
(d) For the purpose of paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the Secretary publishes a list in the
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, for each fiscal year—
(1) The University of the District of Columbia is eligible to receive a grant under this part only if the amount of the grant it is scheduled to receive under § 608.31 exceeds the amount it is scheduled to receive in the same fiscal year under the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act; and
(2) Howard University is eligible to receive a grant under this part only if the amount of the grant it is scheduled to receive under § 608.31 exceeds the amount it is scheduled to receive in the same fiscal year under the Act of March 2, 1867, 20 U.S.C. 123.
The following regulations apply to this part:
(a) The Department of Education General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) The following sections of 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs): §§ 75.1-75.104, 75.125-75.129, 75.190-75.192, 75.230-75.261, 75.500, 75.510-75.519, 75.524-75.534, 75.580-75.903, and 75.910;
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 608.
(a)
(b)
(i) Admits as regular students persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is located and who have the ability to benefit from the training offered by the institution;
(ii) Does not provide an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree; and
(iii) Provides an educational program of not less than 2 years that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree; or offers a 2-year program in engineering, mathematics, or the physical or biological sciences, designed to prepare a student to work as a technician or at the semiprofessional level in engineering, scientific, or other technological fields requiring the understanding and application of basic engineering, scientific, or mathematical principles of knowledge.
(a)
(1) Purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional or research purposes;
(2) Construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or services;
(3) Support of faculty exchanges, faculty development and faculty fellowships to assist these faculty members in attaining advanced degrees in their fields of instruction;
(4) Academic instruction in disciplines in which Black Americans are underrepresented;
(5) Purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials, including telecommunications program materials;
(6) Tutoring, counseling, and student service programs designed to improve academic success;
(7) Funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;
(8) Joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and libraries;
(9) Establishing or improving a development office to strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private sector;
(10) Establishing or enhancing a program of teacher education designed to
(11) Establishing community outreach programs that will encourage elementary and secondary students to develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue postsecondary education; and
(12) Other activities that it proposes in its application that contribute to carrying out the purpose of this part and are approved by the Secretary as part of the review and acceptance of the application.
(b)
(1) Activities that are not included in the grantee's approved application;
(2) Activities described in paragraph (a)(12) of this section that are not approved by the Secretary;
(3) Activities that are inconsistent with any State plan of higher education that is applicable to the institution;
(4) Activities that are inconsistent with a State plan for desegregation of higher education that is applicable to the institution;
(5) Activities or services that relate to sectarian instruction or religious worship; and
(6) Activities provided by a school or department of divinity. For the purpose of this section, a “school or department of divinity” means an institution, or a department of an institution, whose program is specifically for the education of students to prepare them to become ministers of religion or to enter upon some other religious vocation, or to prepare them to teach theological subjects.
(c) No award under this part may be used for telecommunications technology equipment, facilities or services, if such equipment, facilities or services are available pursuant to section 396(k) of the Communications Act of 1934.
The Secretary may award a grant under this part for a period of up to five academic years.
In order to receive a grant under this part, an institution must submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe. The application must contain—
(a) A description of the activities to be carried out with grant funds;
(b) A description of how the grant funds will be used so that they will supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the funds that would otherwise be made available for the activities to be carried out under the grant and in no case supplant those funds;
(c) (1) A comprehensive development plan as described in § 608.21; or
(2) If an applicant has already submitted a comprehensive development plan as described in § 608.21, a description of the progress the applicant has made in carrying out the goals of its plan;
(d) An assurance that the institution will provide the Secretary with an annual report on the activities carried out under the grant;
(e) An assurance that the institution will provide for, and submit to the Secretary, the compliance and financial audit described in § 608.41;
(f) An assurance that the proposed activities in the application are in accordance with any State plan that is applicable to the institution;
(g) The number of graduates of the applicant institution during the school year immediately preceding the fiscal year for which grant funds are requested; and
(h) The number of graduates of the applicant institution—
(1) Who, within five years of graduating with baccalaureate degrees, attended graduate or professional schools and enrolled in degree programs in disciplines in which Blacks are underrepresented during the school year immediately preceding the fiscal year for which funds are requested; and
(2) Who graduated with baccalaureate degrees during any one of the five school years immediately preceding the school year described in paragraph (h)(1) of this section.
(a) A comprehensive development plan must describe an institution's strategy for achieving growth and self-sufficiency by strengthening its—
(1) Financial management;
(2) Academic programs; and
(b) The comprehensive development plan must include the following:
(1) An assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the institution's financial management and academic programs.
(2) A delineation of the institution's goals for its financial management and academic programs, based on the outcomes of the assessment described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(3) A listing of measurable objectives designed to assist the institution to reach each goal with accompanying timeframes for achieving the objectives.
(4) A description of methods, processes, and procedures that will be used by the college or university to institutionalize financial management and academic program practices and improvements developed under the proposed funded activities.
The Secretary—
(a) Approves any application that satisfies the requirements of § 608.10 and § 608.20; and
(b) Does not disapprove any application, or any modification of an application, without affording the applicant reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, for each fiscal year, the Secretary determines the amount of a grant under this part by-
(1) Multiplying fifty percent of the amount appropriated for the HBCU Program by the following fraction:
(2) Multiplying twenty-five percent of the amount appropriated for the HBCU Program by the following fraction:
(3) Multiplying twenty-five percent of the amount appropriated for the HBCU Program by the following fraction:
(4) Adding the amounts obtained in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this section.
(b)(1) For each fiscal year, the numerator in paragraph (a)(3) of this section is calculated by—
(i) Determining the number of graduates of an applicant institution who, within five years of graduating with baccalaureate degrees, attended graduate or professional schools and enrolled in degree programs in disciplines in which Blacks are underrepresented during the school year immediately preceding that fiscal year; and
(ii) Dividing the number obtained in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section by the number of graduates of an applicant institution who graduated with baccalaureate degrees during the five school years immediately preceding the school year described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section.
(2) For purposes of this section, the Secretary—
(i) Considers that Blacks are underrepresented in a professional or academic discipline if the percentage of Blacks in that discipline is less than the percentage of Blacks in the general population of the United States; and
(ii) Notifies applicants of the disciplines in which Blacks are underrepresented through a notice in the
(c) Notwithstanding the formula in paragraph (a) of this section—
(1) For each fiscal year, each eligible institution with an approved application must receive at least $500,000; and
(2) If the amount appropriated for a fiscal year for the HBCU Program is insufficient to provide $500,000 to each eligible institution with an approved application, each grant is ratably reduced. If additional funds become available for the HBCU Program during a fiscal year, each grant is increased on the same basis as it was decreased until the grant amount reaches $500,000.
(d) The amount of any grant that the Secretary determines will not be required by a grantee for the period for which the grant was made is available for reallotment by the Secretary during that period to other eligible institutions under the formula contained in paragraph (a) of this section.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Spend more than fifty percent of its grant award in each fiscal year for costs relating to constructing or maintaining a classroom, library, laboratory, or other instructional facility; or
(2) Use an indirect cost rate to determine allowable costs under its grant.
(a) (1) A grantee shall provide for the conduct of a compliance and financial audit of any funds it receives under this part of a qualified, independent organization or person in accordance with the
(2) The grantee shall have an audit conducted at least once every two years, covering the period since the previous audit, and the grantee shall submit the audit to the Secretary.
(3) If a grantee is audited under Chapter 75 of Title 31 of the United States Code, the Secretary considers that
(b) An institution awarded a grant under this part must submit to the Department of Education Inspector General three copies of the audit required in paragraph (a) of this section within six months after completion of the audit.
(c) Any individual or firm conducting an audit described in this section shall give the Department of Education's Inspector General access to records or other documents necessary to review the results of the audit.
(d) A grantee shall repay to the Treasury of the United States any grant funds it received that it did not expend or use to carry out the allowable activities included in its approved application within ten years following the date of the initial grant it received under this part.
The Secretary terminates any grant under which funds were not expended if an institution loses—
(a) Its accredited status; or
(b) Its legal authority in the State in which it is located—
(1) To be a junior or community college; or
(2) To provide an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree.
20 U.S.C. 1063b and 1063c, unless otherwise noted.
The Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions Program provides grants to the institutions listed in § 609.2 to assist these institutions in establishing and strengthening their physical plants, development offices, endowment funds, academic resources and student services so that they may continue to participate in fulfilling the goal of equality of educational opportunity in graduate education.
(a) An institution or an institution's qualified graduate program listed in paragraph (b) of this section is eligible to receive a grant under this part if the Secretary determines that the institution is making a substantial contribution to legal, medical, dental, veterinary or other graduate education opportunities for Black Americans.
(b) The institutions and programs referred to in paragraph (a) of this section are—
(1) Morehouse School of Medicine;
(2) Meharry Medical School;
(3) Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School;
(4) Clark Atlanta University;
(5) Tuskegee Institute School of Veterinary Medicine;
(6) Xavier University School of Pharmacy;
(7) Southern University School of Law;
(8) Texas Southern University School of Law and School of Pharmacy;
(9) Florida A&M University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences;
(10) North Carolina Central University School of Law;
(11) Morgan State University's qualified graduate program;
(12) Hampton University's qualified graduate program;
(13) Alabama A&M's qualified graduate program;
(14) North Carolina A&T State University's qualified graduate program;
(15) University of Maryland Eastern Shore's qualified graduate program; and
(16) Jackson State University's qualified graduate program.
(c) An institution that was awarded a grant prior to October 1, 1992 may continue to receive grant payments, regardless of the eligibility of the graduate institutions described in paragraphs (b)(6) through (16) of this section, until the institution's grant period has expired or September 30, 1993, whichever is later.
(d) No institution of higher education or university system may receive more than one grant under this section in any fiscal year.
The following regulations apply to this part:
(a) The Department of Education General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) The following sections of 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs): §§ 75.1-75.104, 75.125-75.129, 75.190-75.192, 75.230-75.261, 75.500, 75.510-75.519, 75.524-75.534, 75.580-75.903, and 75.901;
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants))
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 609.
(a)
(b) The following definition applies to a term used in this part:
(i) Provides a program of instruction in the physical or natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or other scientific disciplines in which African Americans are underrepresented;
(ii) Has been accredited or approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association. (The Secretary publishes a list in the
(iii) Has students enrolled in that program when the institution offering the program applies for a grant under this part.
(a)
(1) Purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional or research purposes;
(2) Construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or services;
(3) Support of faculty exchanges, faculty development and faculty fellowships to assist these faculty members in attaining advanced degrees in their fields of instruction;
(4) Academic instruction in disciplines in which Black Americans are underrepresented;
(5) Purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials, including telecommunications program materials;
(6) Tutoring, counseling, and student service programs designed to improve academic success;
(7) Funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;
(8) Joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and libraries;
(9) Establishing or improving a development office to strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private sector;
(10) Establishing or enhancing a program of teacher education designed to qualify students to teach in a public elementary or secondary school in the State that shall include, as part of such program preparation for teacher certification;
(11) Establishing community outreach programs that will encourage elementary and secondary students to develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue postsecondary education;
(12) Other activities that it proposes in its application that contribute to carrying out the purpose of this part and are approved by the Secretary;
(13) Establishing or improving a development office to strengthen and increase contributions from alumni and the private sector; and
(14) Establishing and maintaining an institutional endowment under 34 CFR part 628 to facilitate financial independence.
(b)
(1) Activities that are not included in the grantee's approved application;
(2) Activities described in paragraph (a)(12) of this section that are not approved by the Secretary;
(3) Activities that are inconsistent with any State plan of higher education that is applicable to the institution;
(4) Activities that are inconsistent with a State plan for desegregation of higher education that is applicable to the institution;
(5) Activities or services that relate to sectarian instruction or religious worship; and
(6) Activities provided by a school or department of divinity. For the purpose of this section, a “school or department of divinity” means an institution, or a department of an institution, whose program is specifically for the education of students to prepare them to become ministers of religion or to enter upon some other religious vocation, or to prepare them to teach theological subjects.
(c) No award under this part may be used for telecommunications technology equipment, facilities or services, if such equipment, facilities or services are available pursuant to section 396(k) of the Communications Act of 1934.
The Secretary may award a grant under this part for a period of up to five academic years.
In order to receive a grant under this part, an institution must submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe. The application must contain—
(a) A description of the activities to be carried out with grant funds and how those activities will improve graduate educational opportunities for Black and low-income students and lead to greater financial independence for the applicant;
(b) A description of how the applicant is making a substantial contribution to the legal, medical, dental, veterinary or other graduate education opportunities for Black Americans;
(c) An assurance from each applicant requesting in excess of $500,000 that 50 percent of the costs of all the activities to be carried out under the grant will come from non-Federal sources;
(d) A description of how the grant funds will be used so that they will supplement, and to the extent practical, increase the funds that would otherwise be made available for the activities to be carried out under the grant and in no case supplant those funds, for the activities described in § 609.10(a)(1) through § 609.10(a)(14);
(e) An assurance that the proposed activities in the application are in accordance with any State plan that is applicable to the institution; and
(f)(1) A comprehensive development plan as described in § 609.21; or
(2) If an applicant has already submitted a comprehensive development plan as described in § 609.21, a description of the progress the applicant has made in carrying out the goals of its plan.
(a) A comprehensive development plan must describe an institution's strategy for achieving growth and self-sufficiency by strengthening its—
(1) Financial management;
(2) Academic programs; and
(b) The comprehensive development plan must include the following:
(1) An assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the institution's financial management and academic programs.
(2) A delineation of the institution's goals for its financial management and academic programs, based on the outcomes of the assessment described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(3) A listing of measurable objectives designed to assist the institution to reach each goal with accompanying timeframes for achieving the objectives.
(4) A description of methods, processes and procedures that will be used by the college or university to institutionalize financial management and academic program practices and improvements developed under the proposed funded activities.
The Secretary approves any application that satisfies the requirements of §§ 609.10 and 609.20.
Of the amount appropriated for any fiscal year—
(a)(1) The first $12,000,000 (or any lesser amount appropriated) shall be available only for the purpose of making
(2) If the sum of the approved applications does not exceed the amount appropriated, the Secretary awards grants in the amounts requested and approved;
(3) If the sum of the approved requests exceeds the sum appropriated, and Morehouse School of Medicine submits an approved request for at least $3,000,000, and the amount appropriated exceeds $3,000,000, the Secretary awards no less than $3,000,000 to Morehouse School of Medicine and reduces the grants to the institutions described in § 609.2(b)(1) through § 609.2(b)(5) as the Secretary considers appropriate, so that the sum of the approved grants equals the amount appropriated; and
(4) If Morehouse School of Medicine submits an approved request for at least $3,000,000 and the amount appropriated does not exceed $3,000,000, Morehouse School of Medicine receives all the appropriated funds; and
(b)(1) Any amount appropriated in excess of $12,000,000 shall be available for the purpose of making grants, in equal amounts not to exceed $500,000, to institutions or programs described in § 609.2(b)(6) through § 609.2(b)(16); and
(2) If any funds remain, the Secretary makes grants to institutions or programs described in § 609.2(b)(1) through § 609.2(b)(16).
If an institution receives a grant in excess of $500,000, it must spend non-Federal funds to meet the cost of at least 50 percent of the activities approved in its application.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Spend more than fifty percent of its grant award in each fiscal year for costs relating to constructing or maintaining a classroom, library, laboratory, or other instructional facility; and
(2) Use an indirect cost rate to determine allowable costs under its grant.
(a)(1) A grantee shall provide for the conduct of a compliance and financial audit of any funds it receives under this part by a qualified, independent organization or person in accordance with the Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions, 1981 revision, established by the Comptroller General of the United States. This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office.
(2) The grantee shall have an audit conducted at least once every two years, covering the period since the previous audit, and the grantee shall submit the audit to the Secretary.
(3) If a grantee is audited under chapter 75 of title 31 of the United States Code, the Secretary considers that audit to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(b) An institution awarded a grant under this part must submit to the Department of Education Inspector General three copies of the audit required in paragraph (a) of this section within six months after completion of the audit.
(c) Any individual or firm conducting an audit described in this section shall give the Department of Education's Inspector General access to records or
(d) A grantee shall repay to the Treasury of the United States any grant funds it received that it did not expend or use to carry out the allowable activities included in its approved application within ten years following the date of the initial grant it received under this part.
The Secretary terminates any grant under which funds were not expended if an institution loses—
(a) Its accredited status; or
(b) Its legal authority in the State in which it is located.
20 U.S.C. 1065, unless otherwise noted.
The Endowment Challenge Grant Program provides endowment challenge grants, which must be matched, to eligible institutions to—
(a) Establish or increase endowment challenge funds;
(b) Provide additional incentives to promote fund-raising activities; and
(c) Foster increased independence and self-sufficiency at those institutions.
An institution is eligible to apply for an endowment challenge grant if—
(a) It qualifies as an eligible institution for the Strengthening Institutions Program under 34 CFR 607.2;
(b) It qualifies as an eligible institution for the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program under 34 CFR 608.2;
(c) It would have qualified as an eligible institution for the Strengthening Institutions Program if 34 CFR 607.2(a)(3) referred to a postgraduate degree rather than a bachelor's degree;
(d) It would have qualified as an eligible institution for the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program if 34 CFR 608.2(a)(4)(i) referred to a postgraduate degree rather than a bachelor's degree; or
(e) It qualifies as an institution that makes a substantial contribution to graduate or postgraduate medical educational opportunities for minorities and the economically disadvantaged.
An eligible institution may designate a foundation, which was established for the purpose of raising money for that institution, as the recipient of an endowment challenge grant if—
(a) The institution assures the Secretary in its application that the foundation is legally authorized to receive the endowment fund corpus and to administer the endowment fund in accordance with the regulations in this part;
(b) The foundation agrees to administer the endowment fund in accordance with the regulations in this part; and
(c) The institution agrees to be liable for any violation by the foundation of any applicable regulation, including any violation resulting in monetary liability.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, an institution that has received a grant under this part may apply for another grant under this part only after 10 fiscal years have elapsed following the fiscal year appropriation from which the institution's grant was awarded (base fiscal year).
(b) An institution that has received a grant under this part may apply for another grant under this part after five fiscal years have elapsed following the base fiscal year if the appropriation for this part exceeds $20 million in any of those five fiscal years.
(c) If an institution has received a grant under this part and the appropriation for this part exceeds $20 million in any of the sixth through tenth fiscal years following the base fiscal year, the institution may apply for another grant under this part in the fiscal year in which the appropriation exceeds $20 million, or any subsequent fiscal year.
(a) The following regulations apply to the Endowment Challenge Grant Program:
(1) The regulations in this part 628.
(2)-(3) [Reserved]
(b)(1) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(i) The regulations in 34 CFR 74.61(h), or 34 CFR 80.26 and the appendix to 34 CFR part 80, as applicable.
(ii) The regulations in 34 CFR 74.80, 74.84, and 74.85.
(iii) The regulations in 34 CFR 75.100 through 75.102, and 75.217.
(iv) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(2) Except as specifically indicated in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Education Department General Administrative Regulations do not apply.
The following definitions apply to the regulations in this part:
Each endowment challenge grant awarded by the Secretary under this part—
(a) Must be matched by the institution receiving the grant with one dollar of non-Federal funds for every two dollars of Federal grant funds;
(b) Must be invested by the institution; and
(c) Must have a duration of 20 years.
An applicant shall include in its application the amount of the endowment challenge grant it is requesting, a description of its short-term plan and long-term plan for raising and using endowment challenge grant funds, and information sufficient for the Secretary to—
(a) Evaluate the application under the selection criteria set forth in § 628.31 and the priorities set forth in § 628.32; and
(b) Determine whether the applicant will administer the endowment challenge grant in accordance with the regulations in this part.
(a) In evaluating an application for an endowment challenge grant, the Secretary—
(1) Judges the application using the selection criteria in § 628.31 and the priorities in § 628.32;
(2) Gives, for each criterion and priority, a score up to the maximum possible points in parentheses following the description of that criterion or priority; and
(3) Gives up to 130 total points, 90 points maximum for the criteria in § 628.31, and 40 points maximum for the priorities in § 628.32.
(b) In selecting recipients for grants, the Secretary follows the procedures in 34 CFR 75.217(d) and (e) of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.
In evaluating an application for an endowment challenge grant, the Secretary uses the following three criteria:
(a) The Secretary measures the applicant's past efforts to build or maintain its existing endowment and quasi-endowment funds by the dollar and relative increase in market value to the applicant's existing endowment and quasi-endowment funds over the applicant's four fiscal years preceding the year of application using the formulas set forth in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this section.
(1) In measuring an applicant's dollar increase in its endowment and quasi-endowment funds, the Secretary—
(i) Subtracts from an amount equal to the market value of the applicant's endowment and quasi-endowment funds at the end of the four-year period described in paragraph (a) of this section an amount equal to the market value of the applicant's endowment and quasi-endowment funds at the beginning of that four-year period; and
(ii) Divides the result obtained in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section by the applicant's full-time equivalent enrollment at the end of the four-year period.
(2) The Secretary awards points on a sliding scale giving 10 points to applicants with the highest dollar increase as calculated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and no points to applicants with the lowest dollar increase.
(3) In measuring an applicant's relative increase in market value of its endowment and quasi-endowment funds, the Secretary—
(i) Divides an amount equal to the market value of the applicant's endowment and quasi-endowment funds at the beginning of the four-year period described in paragraph (a) of this section by the applicant's full-time equivalent enrollment at the end of the four-year period.
(ii) Adds $50 to the amount obtained in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section.
(iii) Divides the result obtained in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section by the amount obtained in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section.
(4)(i) If the amount of endowment per full-time equivalent student under paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section is $50 or more, the Secretary awards points on a sliding scale giving 15 points to applicants with a relative increase of 100 percent or more and no points to applicants that have had a relative decrease of more than 20 percent.
(ii) If the amount of endowment per full-time equivalent student under paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section is less than $50, the Secretary awards points on a sliding scale giving 15 points to applicants with a relative increase of 100 percent or more and no points to applicants that have had no relative increase.
(5) In measuring the applicant's past effort, the Secretary—
(i) Excludes real estate from being considered as part of the applicant's existing endowment or quasi-endowment fund; and
(ii) Includes an endowment or quasi-endowment fund operated by a foundation if the foundation is tax-exempt and was established for the purpose of raising money for the institution.
(b) The Secretary considers the degree of proposed nongovernmental matching funds. (Total: 15 points maximum for the highest proposed percentage)
(1) The Secretary measures the degree to which an applicant proposes to match the grant with funds from sources other than a State or local government—giving up to 15 points to applicants proposing to obtain the largest percentage of matching funds from those nongovermental sources.
(2) If an applicant is applying for an endowment challenge grant for the first time, the Secretary multiplies the maximum number of points (i.e., 15 points) on this criterion times the following fraction:
(3) If an applicant has previously received an endowment challenge grant, the Secretary uses the following formula in awarding points under this criterion:
(c) The Secretary considers the need for an endowment challenge grant as measured by the applicant's lack of resources.
(1) The Secretary gives up to 50 points to applicants with the least resources as measured, at the end of the applicant's fiscal year preceding the year it applies for an endowment challenge grant, by revenue per full-time equivalent student it receives from the sum of the following—
(i) Federal, State and local government appropriations;
(ii) Unrestricted Federal, State and local government grants and contracts;
(iii) Eighty percent of tuition and fees; and
(iv) Unrestricted and restricted “endowment income”.
(2) In measuring the applicant's resources, the Secretary—
(i) Defines the factors in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (iv) as they are defined in the Education Department Higher Education General Information Survey of Financial Statistics.
(ii) Excludes real estate from being considered as part of the applicant's existing endowment or quasi-endowment fund.
In evaluating an endowment challenge grant application, the Secretary uses the following two priorities:
(a)
(b)
(1) The Secretary gives up to 20 total points to an applicant with the greatest need for an endowment challenge grant under this part, as measured by the applicant's lack of endowment funds.
(2) The Secretary gives up to 20 points to the applicant with the lowest market value, at the end of the applicant's fiscal year preceding the year it applies for an endowment challenge grant, of its existing endowment and quasi-endowment fund in relation to the number of full-time equivalent students enrolled at the institution in the fall of the year preceding the year it applies for an endowment challenge grant.
(3) In measuring the applicant's need for an endowment challenge grant, the Secretary excludes real estate from being considered as part of the applicant's existing endowment or quasi-endowment fund.
(a) To receive an endowment challenge grant, an institution must raise at least $25,000 in matching funds and qualify for at least a $50,000 grant under paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) If an institution obtains at least $25,000 in matching funds and raises all the nongovernmental funds it proposed to raise in its application, the institution may receive a grant equal to twice the amount of matching funds it raises up to—
(1) $500,000 in any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated for the Endowment Challenge Grant Program is less than $15,000,000;
(2) $1,000,000 in any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated for the Endowment Challenge Grant Program equals or exceeds $15,000,000 but is less than $25,000,000; or
(3) $1,500,000 in any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated for the Endowment Challenge Grant Program equals or exceeds $25,000,000.
(c) If an institution does not raise all the nongovernmental funds it proposes to raise in its application, the Secretary reduces the institution's grant by multiplying the grant amount requested by the following fraction:
(a) An institution that the Secretary selects to receive an endowment challenge grant shall—
(1) Enter into an agreement with the Secretary to administer the endowment challenge grant;
(2) Establish an endowment fund independent of any other endowment fund established by or for that institution;
(3) Deposit its matching funds in the endowment fund established under this part;
(4) Upon receipt, immediately deposit the grant funds into the endowment fund established under this part; and
(5) Within fifteen working days after receiving the grant funds, invest the endowment fund corpus.
(b) Before the Secretary disburses grant funds and not later than a date established by the Secretary through a notice in the
(1) Match, with cash or low-risk securities, the endowment challenge grant funds to be received under this part;
(2) Certify to the Secretary—
(i) The source, kind and amount of the eligible matching funds;
(ii) That the matching funds are eligible under paragraph (b)(1) of this section and § 628.42; and
(3) Have a certified public accountant or other licensed public accountant, who is not an employee of the institution, certify that the data contained in the application is accurate.
(c)(1) For the purpose of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, “cash” may include cash on hand, certificates of deposit and money market funds; and
(2) A negotiable security, to be considered as part of the institution's match—
(i) Must be low-risk as required in § 628.43; and
(ii) Must be assessed at its market value as of the end of the trading day on the date the institution deposits the security into the endowment fund established under this part.
To match an endowment challenge grant, a grantee may not use—
(a) A pledge of funds or securities;
(b) Deferred gifts such as a charitable remainder annuity trust or unitrust;
(c) Any Federal funds;
(d) Any borrowed funds; or
(e) The corpus or income of an endowment fund or quasi-endowment fund existing at the closing date established by the Secretary for submission of eligibility requests under the Endowment Challenge Grant Program. This includes the corpus or income of an endowment or quasi-endowment fund established by a foundation if the foundation is tax-exempt and was established for the purpose of raising money for the institution.
(a) A grantee shall invest, for the duration of the grant period, the endowment fund established under this part in savings accounts or in low-risk securities in which a regulated insurance company may invest under the law of the State in which the institution is located.
(b) When investing the endowment fund, the grantee shall exercise the judgment and care, under the circumstances, that a person of prudence,
(c) An institution may invest its endowment fund in savings accounts permitted under paragraph (a) of this section such as—
(1) A federally insured bank savings account;
(2) A comparable interest bearing account offered by a bank; or
(3) A money market fund.
(d) An institution may invest its endowment fund in low-risk securities permitted under paragraph (a) of this section such as—
(1) Certificates of deposit;
(2) Mutual funds;
(3) Stocks; or
(4) Bonds.
(e) An institution may not invest its endowment fund in real estate.
(a)(1) During the grant period, a grantee may not withdraw or spend any part of the endowment fund corpus.
(2) If, during the grant period, a grantee withdraws or spends all or part of the endowment fund corpus, it must repay to the Secretary an amount equal of 50 percent of the amount withdrawn or spent plus the income earned on that amount.
(b) At the end of the grant period, the institution may use the endowment fund corpus for any educational purpose.
(a) During the endowment challenge grant period, a grantee—
(1) May withdraw and spend up to 50 percent of the total aggregate endowment fund income earned prior to the date of expenditure;
(2) May spend the endowment fund income for—
(i) Costs necessary to operate the institution, including general operating and maintenance costs;
(ii) Costs to administer and manage the endowment fund; and
(iii) Costs associated with buying and selling securities, such as stockbroker commissions and fees to “load” mutual funds;
(3) May not use endowment fund income for—
(i) A school or department of divinity or any religious worship or sectarian activity;
(ii) An activity that is inconsistent with a State plan for desegregation applicable to the grantee; or
(iii) An activity that is inconsistent with a State plan applicable to the grantee; and
(4) May not withdraw or spend the remaining 50 percent of the endowment fund income.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the Secretary may permit a grantee that requests to spend more than 50 percent of the total aggregate endowment fund income to do so if the grantee demonstrates that the expenditure is necessary because of—
(1) A financial emergency such as a pending insolvency or temporary liquidity problem;
(2) A situation threatening the existence of the institution such as destruction due to a natural disaster or arson; or
(3) Another unusual occurrence or demanding circumstance, such as a judgment against the institution for which the institution would be liable.
(c) If, during the grant period, a grantee spends more endowment fund income or uses it for purposes other than permitted under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section, it shall repay to the Secretary an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount improperly spent.
(d) At the end of the grant period, the institution may use all of the endowment fund income for any educational purpose.
A grantee shall calculate the amount of endowment fund income that it may withdraw and spend at a particular time as follows:
(a) On each date that the grantee plans a withdrawal of income, it must—
(1) Determine the value of endowment fund income by subtracting the endowment fund corpus from the current total value of the endowment fund on that date; and
(2) Calculate the amount of endowment fund income previously withdrawn from the endowment fund.
(b) If the value of endowment fund income in the endowment fund exceeds the aggregate amount of previously withdrawn endowment fund income, the grantee may withdraw and spend up to 50 percent of that excess fund income.
A grantee shall—
(a) Keep records of—
(1) The source, kind and amount of matching funds;
(2) The type and amount of investments of the endowment fund;
(3) The amount of endowment fund income; and
(4) The amount and purpose of expenditures of endowment fund income;
(b) Retain each year's records for a minimum of five years after the grant period ends;
(c) Allow the Secretary access to information that the Secretary judges necessary to audit or examine the records required in paragraph (a) of this section;
(d) Carry out the audit required in 34 CFR 74.61(h) or 80.26 and the appendix to 34 CFR part 80, as applicable;
(e) Provide to the Secretary a copy of the external or internal audit to be performed under 34 CFR 74.61(h) or 80.26 and the appendix to 34 CFR part 80, as applicable; and
(f) Submit reports on a timely basis that are requested by the Secretary.
(a) The Secretary may, after giving the grantee notice and an opportunity for a hearing, terminate an endowment challenge grant if the grantee—
(1) Withdraws or spends any part of the endowment fund corpus in violation of § 628.44(a)(1);
(2) Spends any portion of the endowment fund income not permitted to be spent in § 628.45;
(3) Fails to invest the endowment fund in accordance with the investment standards set forth in § 628.43; or
(4) Fails to meet the requirements in § 628.41.
(b) If the Secretary terminates a grant under paragraph (a) of this section, the grantee must return to the Secretary an amount equal to the sum of the original endowment challenge grant or grants plus the income earned on that sum.
20 U.S.C. 1136-1136h, unless otherwise noted.
The Urban Community Service Program provides grants to urban academic institutions to work with private and civic organizations to devise and implement solutions to pressing and severe problems in their urban communities.
The following institutions are eligible for grants under the Urban Community Service Program:
(a) A nonprofit municipal university, established by the governing body of the city in which it is located and operating as of July 23, 1992.
(b) An institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions with at least one member that satisfies all of the following requirements:
(1) Is located in an urban area.
(2) Draws a substantial portion of its undergraduate students from the urban area in which it is located or from contiguous areas.
(3) Carries out programs to make postsecondary educational opportunities more accessible to residents of the urban area or contiguous areas.
(4) Has the present capacity to provide resources responsive to the needs and priorities of the urban area and contiguous areas.
(5) Offers a range of professional, technical, or graduate programs sufficient to sustain the capacity of the institution to provide these resources.
(6) Has demonstrated and sustained a sense of responsibility to the urban area and contiguous areas and the people in those areas.
(a) The Secretary awards grants under this program for the following activities:
(1) Planning.
(2) Applied research.
(3) Training.
(4) Resource exchanges or technology transfers.
(5) Delivery of services.
(6) Other activities to design and implement programs to assist urban communities to meet and address their pressing and severe problems.
(b) Examples of pressing and severe urban problems that applications may address include concerns such as the following:
(1) Work force preparation.
(2) Urban poverty and the alleviation of poverty.
(3) Health care, including delivery and access.
(4) Underperforming school systems and students.
(5) Problems faced by the elderly and individuals with disabilities in urban settings.
(6) Problems faced by families and children.
(7) Campus and community crime prevention, including enhanced security and safety awareness measures as well as coordinated programs addressing the root causes of crime.
(8) Urban housing.
(9) Urban infrastructure.
(10) Economic development.
(11) Urban environmental concerns.
(12) Other problem areas that participants of the planning consortium agree are of high priority in the urban area in which their institutions are located.
(13) Problems faced by individuals with disabilities regarding accessibility to institutions of higher education and other public and private community facilities.
(14) Lessening of existing attitudinal barriers that prevent full inclusion of individuals with disabilities within their community.
The duration of an Urban Community Service Program grant is a maximum of five annual budget periods.
(a) The applicant and the local governments associated with its application shall contribute to the conduct of the project supported by the grant an amount, in cash or in-kind, from non-Federal funds equal to at least one-fourth of the amount of the grant.
(b) The applicant shall develop and include in its application a plan agreed to by the members of a planning consortium.
The following regulations apply to the Urban Community Service Program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 80 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments).
(6) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(7) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(8) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 636.
(a)
(b)
(i) Have physical or mental impairments that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities;
(ii) Have a record of physical or mental impairments; or
(iii) Are regarded as having physical or mental impairments.
(i) Is chartered or otherwise established as a not-for-profit institution by the governing body of the city in which it is located; and
(ii) Is accredited by an agency or association recognized by the Secretary.
(i) A community college.
(ii) An urban school system.
(iii) A local government.
(iv) A business or other employer.
(v) A nonprofit institution.
(i) A metropolitan area having a population of not less than 350,000;
(ii) Two contiguous metropolitan areas having a combined total population of not less than 350,000;
(iii) In any State that does not have a metropolitan area having a population of not less than 350,000, the one urban area designated by the entity of the State having an agreement under the HEA to make a designation; or
(iv) If a State entity does not have an agreement under the HEA to make a designation, the one urban area designated by the Secretary.
An application must include the following:
(a) A description of the activities for which the grant is sought.
(b) The plan agreed to by each of the members of the planning consortium.
(c) An assurance that the applicant and the local governments associated with the application will contribute to the conduct of the project supported by the grant an amount, in cash or in-kind, from non-Federal funds equal to at least one-fourth of the amount of the grant.
(a) An applicant may request that the Secretary waive the requirement for a planning consortium by submitting as part of the application a request that includes the following:
(1) The reasons why the applicant seeks the waiver.
(2) Detailed information evidencing the applicant's integrated and coordinated plan to work with private and civic organizations to meet the pressing and severe problems of the urban community.
(b) The Secretary may grant the request for a waiver if the Secretary finds that—
(1) The applicant has shown an integrated and coordinated plan to meet the purposes of the Urban Community Service Program; and
(2) A planning consortium would not substantially improve the applicant's proposed project.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application on the basis of the selection criteria in § 636.21.
(b) The Secretary awards up to 100 points for these selection criteria.
(c) The maximum possible score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application under this part:
(a)
(1) The process used to ensure that the pressing and severe problems that are identified are in fact high priority problems for the urban area;
(2) The priority relationship of the problems addressed by the project to other pressing and severe problems identified for the urban area;
(3) The extent to which the problems addressed by the project represent pressing and severe problems in urban areas nationally;
(4) The process by which project participants review and comment on proposed project goals, objectives, and strategies; and
(5) The specific benefits to be gained by meeting the identified problems.
(b)
(1) The cooperative arrangement between the applicant and any of the following that are appropriate for the conduct of the proposed project:
(i) Agencies of local government.
(ii) Public and private elementary and secondary schools.
(iii) Business organizations.
(iv) Labor organizations.
(v) Community service and advocacy organizations.
(vi) Community colleges.
(2)(i) Any previous working relationships between the applicant and the entities listed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and
(ii) The outcomes of those relationships.
(3) The agreement among project participants to commit their own resources in carrying out proposed project goals, objectives, and strategies.
(c)
(d)
(1) The implementation strategy for each key project component activity is—
(i) Comprehensive;
(ii) Based on a sound rationale; and
(iii) Is a cost-effective approach for accomplishing project goals and objectives; and
(2) The described timetable for each project component and for the overall project is realistic.
(e)
(1) Relate to the objectives of the project;
(2) Describe both process and product evaluation measures for each project component activity and outcome;
(3) Describe data collection procedures, instruments, and schedules for effective data collection;
(4) Describe how the data will be analyzed and reported so that adjustments and improvements can be made on a regular basis while the project is in operation;
(5) Describe a time-line chart that relates key evaluation processes and benchmarks to other project component processes and benchmarks; and
(6) Establish the potential for effectively disseminating project information that can be generalized, replicated, and applied throughout the Nation.
(f)
(1) The past work experience and training of key professional personnel are directly related to the stated activity purposes and objectives; and
(2) The time commitment of key personnel is realistic.
(g)
(1) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and
(2) The costs are necessary and reasonable in relation to the project objectives and scope.
(h)
(a) The Secretary awards grants in a manner that achieves an equitable geographic distribution of grants.
(b) No institution, individually or as a participant in a consortium of institutions, may receive an Urban Community Service Program grant for more than five years.
In awarding grants, the Secretary gives an absolute preference to applicants that propose to conduct joint projects supported by other local, State, and Federal programs.
(a) The Secretary identifies and designates the eligible institutions described in § 636.2 as urban grant institutions.
(b) The Secretary publishes a list of urban grant institutions in a notice published in the
(a) The Secretary establishes a network of urban grant institutions consisting of the urban grant institutions designated in § 636.30.
(b) The Secretary invites institutions in the network of urban grant institutions to disseminate results and other information on individual projects that can be generalized, replicated, and applied throughout the Nation.
20 U.S.C. 1135b-1135b-3, 1135d-1135d-3, 1135d-5, and 1135d-6, unless otherwise noted.
The Minority Science Improvement Program is designed to effect long-range improvement in science education at predominantly minority institutions and to increase the flow of underrepresented ethnic minorities, particularly minority women, into scientific careers.
The following parties are eligible to receive grants:
(a) Public and private, nonprofit minority institutions as defined in § 637.4(b) for minority institutions.
(b) Nonprofit science-oriented organizations, professional scientific societies, and all nonprofit, accredited colleges and universities which render a needed service to a group of eligible minority institutions or which provide in-service training for project directors, scientists, and engineers from eligible minority institutions.
The following regulations apply to the Minority Science Improvement Program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 637.
(a)
(b)
The Secretary awards grants under this program for all or some of the following categories of projects:
(a) Institutional projects for implementing a comprehensive science improvement plan as described in § 637.12.
(b) Design projects for developing a long-range science improvement plan as described in § 637.13.
(c) Special projects to support activities as described in § 637.14.
(d) Cooperative projects to share facilities and personnel and disseminate information as described in § 637.15.
(a) Institutional project grants support the implementation of a comprehensive science improvement plan, which may include any combination of activities for improving the preparation of minority students, particularly minority women, for careers in science.
(b) Activities that the Secretary may assist under an institutional project include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Faculty development programs; or
(2) Development of curriculum materials.
(a) Design project grants assist minority institutions that do not have their own appropriate resources or personnel to plan and develop long-range science improvement programs.
(b) Activities that the Secretary may assist under a design project include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Development of planning, management, and evaluation systems; and
(2) Improvement of institutional research or development offices.
There are two types of special projects grants—
(a) Special project grants for which minority institutions are eligible which support activities that—
(1) Improve quality training in science and engineering at minority institutions; or
(2) Enhance the minority institutions’ general scientific research capabilities.
(b) Special project grants for which all applicants are eligible which support activities that—
(1) Provide a needed service to a group of eligible minority institutions; or
(2) Provide in-service training for project directors, scientists, and engineers from eligible minority institutions.
(c) Activities that the Secretary may assist under a special project include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Advanced science seminars;
(2) Science faculty workshops and conferences;
(3) Faculty training to develop specific science research or education skills;
(4) Research in science education;
(5) Programs for visiting scientists;
(6) Preparation of films or audio-visual materials in science;
(7) Development of learning experiences in science beyond those normally available to minority undergraduate students, particularly minority women;
(8) Development of pre-college enrichment activities in science; and
(9) Any other activities designed to address specific barriers to the entry of minorities, particularly minority women, into science.
(d) Minority institutions are eligible to apply for special projects of the type listed in paragraph (a) of this section. All applicants eligible for assistance under this program may apply for special projects of the type listed in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
(a) Cooperative project grants assist groups of nonprofit accredited colleges and universities to work together to conduct a science improvement project.
(b) Activities that the Secretary may fund under cooperative projects include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Assisting institutions in sharing facilities and personnel;
(2) Disseminating information about established programs in science and engineering;
(3) Supporting cooperative efforts to strengthen the institutions’ science and engineering programs; and
(4) Carrying out a combination of any of the activities in paragraphs (c)(1)-(3) of this section.
(c) Eligible applicants for cooperative projects are groups of nonprofit accredited colleges and universities whose primary fiscal agent is an eligible minority institution as defined in § 637.4(b).
One applies for a grant under the procedures of EDGAR §§ 75.100 through 75.129.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application on the basis of the criteria in § 637.32.
(b) The Secretary awards up to 100 points for these criteria.
(c) The maximum possible score of each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
(d) The Secretary gives priority to applicants which have not previously received funding from the program and to previous grantees with a proven record of success, as well as to applications that contribute to achieving balance among funded projects with respect to:
(1) Geographic region;
(2) Academic discipline; and
(3) Project type.
The Secretary evaluates applications using the following criteria:
(a)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) Higher quality in the design of the project;
(ii) An effective plan of management that insures proper and efficient administration of the project;
(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program;
(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and
(v) Methods of coordination. (See EDGAR 34 CFR 75.581)
(b)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be used);
(ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project;
(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project.
(iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory emloyment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of a racial or ethnic minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly.
(3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the applicant provides.
(c)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objective of the project.
(d)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project. (See EDGAR 34 CFR 75.590—Evaluation by the grantee; where applicable)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
(e)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate; and
(ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate.
(f)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the identification of need for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) An adequate needs assessment;
(ii) An identification of specific needs in science; and
(iii) An involvement of appropriate individual, especially science faculty, in identifying the institutional needs.
(g)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the proposed project gives evidence of potential for enhancing the institution's capacity for improving and maintaining quality science education
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) For an institutional or cooperative project, the extent to which both the established science education program(s) and the proposed project will expand or strengthen the established program(s) in relation to the identified needs; or
(ii) For a design project, the extent to which realistic long-range science education improvement plans will be developed with the technical assistance provided under the project; or
(iii) For a special project, the extent to which it addresses needs that have not been adequately addressed by an existing institutional science program or takes a particularly new and exemplary approach that has not been taken by any existing institutional science program.
(h)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to continue the project activities when funding ceases.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) Adequate institutional commitment to absorb any after-the-grant burden initiated by the project;
(ii) Adequate plans for continuation of project activities when funding ceases;
(iii) Clear evidence of past institutional commitment to the provision of quality science programs for its minority students; and
(iv) A local review statement signed by the chief executive officer of the institution endorsing the project and indicating how the project will accelerate the attainment of the institutional goals in science.
(i)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which minority students, particularly minority women, will benefit from the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) Expected outcomes likely to result in the accomplishment of the program goal;
(ii) Educational value for science students; and
(iii) Possibility of long-term benefits to minority students, faculty, or the institution.
(j)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows its potential for contributions to science education.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The relationship of the proposed project to the present state of science education;
(ii) The use or development of effective techniques and approaches in science education; and
(iii) Potential use of some aspects of the project at other institutions.
For design project grants funds may not be used to pay more than fifty percent of the academic year salaries of faculty members involved in the project.
20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-17, unless otherwise noted.
The Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs—referred to in these regulations as the Training Program—provides Federal financial assistance to train the staff and leadership personnel employed in, or preparing for employment in, Federal TRIO Program projects.
The following are eligible to apply for a grant to carry out a Training Program project:
(a) Institutions of higher education.
(b) Public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations.
The following are eligible for training under this program:
(a) Leadership personnel and full and part-time staff members of projects under the Federal TRIO Programs.
(b) Individuals preparing for employment as staff or leadership personnel in projects under the Federal TRIO Programs.
The following regulations apply to the Training Program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 642.
(a)
(b)
(a) A Training Program project trains the staff and leadership personnel of Federal TRIO Program projects to enable them to more effectively operate those projects.
(b) A Training Program project may include conferences, internships, seminars, workshops, and the publication of manuals designed to improve the operations of Federal TRIO Program projects.
(c) Each year, one or more Training Program projects must provide training for new project directors.
(d) Each year, one or more Training Program projects must offer training covering the following topics:
(1) The legislative and regulatory requirements for operating Federal TRIO Programs.
(2) Assisting students to obtain adequate student financial assistance from programs authorized under Title IV of the Act, as well as from other sources.
(3) The design and operation of model Federal TRIO Program projects.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application on the basis of the criteria in § 642.31.
(1) The Secretary awards up to 100 points for these criteria.
(2) The maximum possible score for each complete criterion is indicated in the parentheses next to the heading of that criterion.
(b) In addition, for applicants that have conducted a Training Program project within the three fiscal years prior to the fiscal year for which the applicant is applying, the Secretary considers the experience of the applicant on the basis of § 642.32.
The Secretary uses the criteria in paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section to evaluate applications:
(a)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) High quality in the design of the project;
(ii) An effective plan of managment that insures proper and efficient administration of the project;
(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program;
(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and
(v) A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as—
(A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(B) Women;
(C) Handicapped persons; and
(D) The elderly.
(b)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the qualifications of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The qualifications of the project director;
(ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project;
(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and
(iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as—
(A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(B) Women;
(C) Handicapped persons; and
(D) The elderly.
(3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the applicant provides.
(c)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project.
(d)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
(e)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate; and
(ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate.
(f)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows a need for a Training Program project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The extent to which the proposed training addresses a specific need not addressed by other training projects available to Federal TRIO Programs personnel;
(ii) The extent to which the proposed training addresses a significant training need in the region(s) to be served; and
(iii) The extent to which the proposed training addresses needs that are consistent with the topics required by statute and other topics chosen as priorities by the Secretary as authorized under § 642.34.
At 58 FR 51519, Oct. 1, 1993 in § 642.31, paragraph (f)(2)(i) was amended by removing “Special Programs” and adding “Federal TRIO Programs” in their place, and (f)(2)(iii) was revised. This section contains information collection and recordkeeping requirements and will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget.
(a)(1) The Secretary gives priority to each applicant that has conducted a Training Program project under title IV-A-4 of the Higher Education Act within the three fiscal years prior to the fiscal year for which the applicant is applying.
(2) To determine the number of priority points to be awarded each eligible applicant, the Secretary considers the
(b)(1) The Secretary may add from one to eight points to the point score obtained on the basis of the selection criteria in § 642.31, based on the applicant's success in meeting the administrative requirements and programmatic objectives of paragraph (c) of this section.
(2) The maximum possible score for each criterion is indicated in the parentheses preceding the criterion.
(c) The Secretary—based on information contained in one or more of the following: Performance reports, audit reports, training site visit reports, evaluations by participants, project evaluation reports, the previously funded application, the negotiated program plan(s), and the application under consideration—looks for information that shows—
(1) (2 points) The extent to which the project has served the number and kinds of training participants it was funded to serve;
(2) (2 points) The extent to which participants benefited from training in areas such as—
(i) Increased qualifications and skills in meeting the needs of disadvantaged students; and
(ii) Increased knowledge and understanding of the Federal TRIO Programs;
(3) (2 points) The extent to which the applicant has achieved other goals and objectives as stated in the previously funded application or negotiated program plan; and
(4) (2 points) The extent to which the applicant has met the administrative requirements—including recordkeeping, reporting, and financial accountability—under the terms of the previously funded award.
The Secretary, to the greatest extent possible, awards grants for Training Program projects that will be carried out in all of the regions of the Nation in order to assure accessibility to prospective training participants.
(a) The Secretary, after consultation with regional and State professional associations of persons having special knowledge with respect to the training needs of Special Programs personnel, may select one or more of the following subjects as training priorities:
(1) Basic skills instruction in reading, mathematics, written and oral communication, and study skills.
(2) Counseling.
(3) Assessment of student needs.
(4) Academic tests and testing.
(5) College and university admissions policies and procedures.
(6) Student financial aid.
(7) Cultural enrichment programs.
(8) Career planning.
(9) Tutorial programs.
(10) Retention and graduation strategies.
(11) Support services for persons of limited proficiency in English.
(12) Support services for physically handicapped persons.
(13) Strategies for preparing students for doctoral studies.
(14) Project evaluation.
(15) Budget management.
(16) Personnel management.
(17) Reporting student and project performance.
(18) Coordinating project activities with other available resources and activities.
(19) General project management for new directors.
(20) Legislative and regulatory requirements for the operation of programs.
(21) The design and operation of model programs for projects funded under the Federal TRIO Programs.
(b) The Secretary annually funds training on the subjects listed in paragraphs (a)(6), (19), (20), and (21) of this section.
(c) The Secretary may consider an application for a Training Program project that does not address one of the established priorities if the applicant addresses another significant training
Allowable project costs may include the following costs reasonably related to carrying out a Training Program project:
(a) Rental of space, if space is not available at a sponsoring institution and if the space is not owned by a sponsoring institution.
(b) Printing.
(c) Postage.
(d) Purchase or rental of equipment if approved in writing by the Secretary.
(e) Consumable supplies.
(f) Transportation costs for participants and training staff.
(g) Lodging and subsistence costs for participants and training staff.
(h) Transportation costs, lodging and subsistence costs and fees for consultants, if any.
(i) Honorariums for speakers who are not members of the staff or consultants to the project.
(j) Other costs that are specifically approved in advance and in writing by the Secretary.
Costs that may not be charged against a grant under this program include the following:
(a) Research not directly related to the evaluation or improvement of the project.
(b) Construction, renovation, or remodeling of any facilities.
(c) Stipends, tuition fees, and other direct financial assistance to trainees other than those participating in internships.
20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-12, unless otherwise noted.
The Talent Search program provides grants for projects designed to—
(a) Identify qualified youths with potential for education at the postsecondary level and encourage them to complete secondary school and undertake a program of postsecondary education;
(b) Publicize the availability of student financial assistance for persons who seek to pursue postsecondary education; and
(c) Encourage persons who have not completed education programs at the secondary or postsecondary level, but
The following are eligible for a grant to carry out a Talent Search project:
(a) An institution of higher education.
(b) A public or private agency or organization.
(c) A combination of the types of institutions, agencies, and organizations described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
(d) A secondary school, under exceptional circumstances such as if no institution, agency, or organization described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section is capable of carrying out a Talent Search project in the target area to be served by the proposed project.
(a) An individual is eligible to participate in a Talent Search project if the individual meets all the following requirements:
(1)(i) Is a citizen or national of the United States;
(ii) Is a permanent resident of the United States;
(iii) Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident;
(iv) Is a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau); or
(v) Is a resident of the Freely Associated States—the Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
(2)(i) Has completed five years of elementary education or is at least 11 years of age but not more than 27 years of age.
(ii) However, an individual who is more than 27 years of age may participate in a Talent Search project if the individual cannot be appropriately served by an Educational Opportunity Center project under 34 CFR part 644 and if the individual's participation would not dilute the Talent Search project's services to individuals described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.
(3)(i) Is enrolled in or has dropped out of any grade from six through 12, or has graduated from secondary school, has potential for a program of postsecondary education, and needs one or more of the services provided by the project in order to undertake such a program; or
(ii) Has undertaken, but is not presently enrolled in, a program of postsecondary education, has the ability to complete such a program, and needs one or more of the services provided by the project to reenter such a program.
(b) A veteran as defined in § 643.6(b), regardless of age, is eligible to participate in a Talent Search project if he or she satisfies the eligibility requirements in paragraph (a) of this section other than the age requirement in paragraph (a)(2).
A Talent Search project may provide the following services:
(a) Academic advice and assistance in secondary school and college course selection.
(b) Assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications.
(c) Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations.
(d) Guidance on secondary school reentry or entry to other programs leading to a secondary school diploma or its equivalent.
(e) Personal and career counseling.
(f) Tutorial services.
(g) Exposure to college campuses as well as cultural events, academic programs, and other sites or activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth.
(h) Workshops and counseling for parents of students served.
(i) Mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons.
(j) Activities described in paragraphs (a) through (i) of this section that are specifically designed for students of limited English proficiency.
(k) Other activities designed to meet the purposes of the Talent Search program stated in § 643.1, including activities to meet the specific educational needs of individuals in grades six through eight.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a project period under the Talent Search program is four years.
(b) The Secretary approves a project period of five years for applications that score in the highest ten percent of all applications approved for new grants under the criteria in § 643.21.
The following regulations apply to the Talent Search program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs), except for § 75.511.
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions That Apply to Department Regulations), except for the definition of “secondary school” in § 77.1.
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 643.
(a)
(b)
(1) Is determined to be eligible to participate in the project under § 643.3; and
(2) Receives project services designed for his or her age or grade level.
(1) An individual neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree;
(2) An individual who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree; or
(3) An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or an adoptive parent.
(1) For a period of more than 180 days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and who was discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable; or
(2) After January 31, 1955, and who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
An applicant shall submit, as part of its application, assurances that—
(a) At least two-thirds of the individuals it serves under its proposed Talent Search project will be low-income individuals who are potential first-generation college students;
(b) Individuals who are receiving services from another Talent Search project or an Educational Opportunity Center project under 34 CFR part 644 will not receive services under the proposed project;
(c) The project will be located in a setting or settings accessible to the individuals proposed to be served by the project; and
(d) If the applicant is an institution of higher education, it will not use the project as a part of its recruitment program.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a new grant as follows:
(1)(i) The Secretary evaluates the application on the basis of the selection criteria in § 643.21.
(ii) The maximum score for all the criteria in § 643.21 is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion.
(2)(i) For an application for a new grant to continue to serve substantially the same populations or campuses that the applicant is serving under an expiring project, the Secretary evaluates the applicant's prior experience in delivering services under the expiring project on the basis of the criteria in § 643.22.
(ii) The maximum score for all the criteria in § 643.22 is 15 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion.
(3) The Secretary awards additional points equal to 10 percent of the application's score under paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section to an application for a project in Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau), or the Northern Mariana Islands if the applicant meets the requirements of subparts A, B, and D of this part.
(b) The Secretary makes new grants in rank order on the basis of the applications’ total scores under paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section.
(c) If the total scores of two or more applications are the same and there are insufficient funds for these applications after the approval of higher-ranked applications, the Secretary uses the remaining funds to serve geographic areas and eligible populations that have been underserved by the Talent Search program.
(d) The Secretary may decline to make a grant to an applicant that carried out a project that involved the fraudulent use of funds under section 402A(c)(2)(B) of the HEA.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application for a new grant:
(a)
(1) A high number or percentage, or both, of low-income families residing in the target area;
(2) A high number or percentage, or both, of individuals residing in the target area with education completion levels below the baccalaureate level;
(3) A high student dropout rate in the proposed target schools in the preceding three years;
(4) A low rate of enrollment in programs of postsecondary education by graduates of the target schools in the preceding three years;
(5) A high ratio of students to school counselors in the target schools; and
(6) Other indicators of need for a Talent Search project, including the presence of unaddressed academic or socio-economic problems of students in the target schools or the target area.
(b)
(1) Include both process and outcome objectives relating to each of the purposes of the Talent Search program stated in § 643.1;
(2) Address the needs of the target area;
(3) Are clearly described, specific, and measurable; and
(4) Are ambitious but attainable within each budget period and the project period given the project budget and other resources.
(c)
(1) (4 points) The plan to inform the residents, schools, and community organizations in the target area of the goals, objectives, and services of the project and the eligibility requirements for participation in the project;
(2) (4 points) The plan to identify and select eligible participants and ensure their participation without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, or disability;
(3) (2 points) The plan to assess each participant's need for services provided by the project;
(4) (12 points) The plan to provide services that meet participants’ needs and achieve the objectives of the project; and
(5) (8 points) The plan, including the project's organizational structure and the time committed to the project by the project director and other personnel, to ensure the proper and efficient administration of the project.
(d)
(1) (8 points) Facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel, and other resources committed by the applicant; and
(2) (8 points) Resources secured through written commitments from schools, community organizations, and others.
(e)
(i) The qualifications required of the project director.
(ii) The qualifications required of each of the other personnel to be used in the project.
(iii) The plan to employ personnel who have succeeded in overcoming the disadvantages of circumstances like those of the population of the target area.
(2) In evaluating the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers his or her experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the project.
(f)
(g)
(1) Are appropriate to the project's objectives;
(2) Provide for the applicant to determine, using specific and quantifiable measures, the success of the project in—
(i) Making progress toward achieving its objectives (a formative evaluation); and
(ii) Achieving its objectives at the end of the project period (a summative evaluation); and
(3) Provide for the disclosure of unanticipated project outcomes, using quantifiable measures if appropriate.
(a) In the case of an application described in § 643.20(a)(2)(i), the Secretary reviews information relating to an applicant's performance under its expiring Talent Search project. This information includes performance reports, audit reports, site visit reports, and project evaluation reports.
(b) The Secretary evaluates the applicant's prior experience in delivering services on the basis of the following criteria:
(1) (3 points) (i) Whether the applicant provided services to the number of participants required to be served under the approved application; and
(ii) Whether two-thirds of all participants served were low-income individuals and potential first-generation college students.
(2) (6 points) The extent to which the applicant met or exceeded its objectives regarding the retention, reentry, and graduation levels of secondary school participants.
(3) (6 points) The extent to which the applicant met or exceeded its objectives regarding the admission or reentry of participants to programs of postsecondary education.
(a) The Secretary sets the amount of a grant on the basis of—
(1) 34 CFR 75.232 and 75.233, for new grants; and
(2) 34 CFR 75.253, for the second and subsequent years of a project period.
(b) If the circumstances described in section 402A(b)(3) of the HEA exist, the Secretary uses the available funds to set the amount of the grant beginning in fiscal year 1994 at the lesser of—
(1) $180,000; or
(2) The amount requested by the applicant.
The cost principles that apply to the Talent Search program are in 34 CFR part 74, subpart Q. Allowable costs include the following if they are reasonably related to the objectives of the project:
(a) Transportation, meals, and, if necessary, lodging for participants and staff for—
(1) Visits to postsecondary educational institutions to obtain information relating to the admission of participants to those institutions;
(2) Participation in “College Day” activities; and
(3) Field trips to observe and meet with persons who are employed in various career fields in the target area and who can act as role models for participants.
(b) Purchase of testing materials.
(c) Fees required for college admissions applications or entrance examinations if—
(1) A waiver of the fee is unavailable; and
(2) The fee is paid by the grantee to a third party on behalf of a participant.
(d) In-service training of project staff.
(e) Rental of space if—
(1) Space is not available at the site of the grantee; and
(2) The rented space is not owned by the grantee.
(f) Purchase of computer hardware, computer software, or other equipment for student development, project administration, and recordkeeping, if the applicant demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that the equipment is required to meet the objectives
Costs that are unallowable under the Talent Search program include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Tuition, stipends, and other forms of direct financial support for participants.
(b) Application fees for financial aid.
(c) Research not directly related to the evaluation or improvement of the project.
(d) Construction, renovation, and remodeling of any facilities.
(a)
(2) A grantee shall determine the status of a low-income individual on the basis of the documentation described in section 402A(e) of the HEA.
(b)
(c)
(1) The basis for the grantee's determination that the participant is eligible to participate in the project under § 643.3;
(2) The grantee's needs assessment for the participant;
(3) The services that are provided to the participant; and
(4) The specific educational progress made by the participant as a result of the services.
(d)
(2) The grantee shall give the project director sufficient authority to administer the project effectively.
(3) The Secretary waives the requirement in paragraph (d)(1) of this section if the applicant demonstrates that the requirement will hinder coordination—
(i) Among the Federal TRIO Programs (sections 402A through 402F of the HEA); or
(ii) Between the programs funded under sections 402A through 410 of the HEA and similar programs funded through other sources.
20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-16, unless otherwise noted.
The Educational Opportunity Centers program provides grants for projects designed to provide—
(a) Information regarding financial and academic assistance available for individuals who desire to pursue a program of postsecondary education; and
(b) Assistance to individuals in applying for admission to institutions that offer programs of postsecondary education, including assistance in preparing necessary applications for use by admissions and financial aid officers.
The following are eligible for a grant to carry out an Educational Opportunity Centers project:
(a) An institution of higher education.
(b) A public or private agency or organization.
(c) A combination of the types of institutions, agencies, and organizations described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
(d) A secondary school, under exceptional circumstances such as if no institution, agency, or organization described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section is capable of carrying out an Educational Opportunity Centers project in the target area to be served by the proposed project.
(a) An individual is eligible to participate in an Educational Opportunity Centers project if the individual meets all of the following requirements:
(1)(i) Is a citizen or national of the United States;
(ii) Is a permanent resident of the United States;
(iii) Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident;
(iv) Is a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau); or
(v) Is a resident of the Freely Associated States—the Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
(2)(i) Is at least 19 years of age; or
(ii) Is less than 19 years of age, and the individual cannot be appropriately served by a Talent Search project under 34 CFR part 643, and the individual's participation would not dilute the Educational Opportunity Centers project's services to individuals described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.
(3) Expresses a desire to enroll, or is enrolled, in a program of postsecondary education, and requests information or assistance in applying for admission to, or financial aid for, such a program.
(b) A veteran as defined in § 644.7(b), regardless of age, is eligible to participate in an Educational Opportunity Centers project if he or she satisfies the eligibility requirements in paragraph (a) of this section other than the age requirement in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
An Educational Opportunity Centers project may provide the following services:
(a) Public information campaigns designed to inform the community about opportunities for postsecondary education and training.
(b) Academic advice and assistance in course selection.
(c) Assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications.
(d) Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations.
(e) Guidance on secondary school reentry or entry to a General Educational Development (GED) program or other alternative education program for secondary school dropouts.
(f) Personal counseling.
(g) Tutorial services.
(h) Career workshops and counseling.
(i) Mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers,
(j) Activities described in paragraphs (a) through (i) of this section that are specifically designed for students of limited English proficiency.
(k) Other activities designed to meet the purposes of the Educational Opportunity Centers program stated in § 644.1.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a project period under the Educational Opportunity Centers program is four years.
(b) The Secretary approves a project period of five years for applications that score in the highest ten percent of all applications approved for new grants under the criteria in § 644.21.
The following regulations apply to the Educational Opportunity Centers program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs), except for § 75.511.
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations), except for the definition of “secondary school” in § 77.1.
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 644.
(a)
(b)
(i) Is determined to be eligible to participate in the project under § 644.3; and
(ii) Receives project services.
(i) An individual neither of whose parents received a baccalaureate degree; or
(ii) An individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree.
(i) For a period of more than 180 days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and who was discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable; or
(ii) After January 31, 1955, and who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
An applicant shall submit, as part of its application, assurances that—
(a) At least two-thirds of the individuals it serves under its proposed Educational Opportunity Centers project will be low-income individuals who are potential first-generation college students;
(b) Individuals who are receiving services from another Educational Opportunity Centers project or a Talent Search project under 34 CFR part 643 will not receive services under the proposed project;
(c) The project will be located in a setting or settings accessible to the individuals proposed to be served by the project; and
(d) If the applicant is an institution of higher education, it will not use the project as a part of its recruitment program.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a new grant as follows:
(1)(i) The Secretary evaluates the application on the basis of the selection criteria in § 644.21.
(ii) The maximum score for all the criteria in § 644.21 is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion.
(2)(i) For an application for a new grant to continue to serve substantially the same populations or campuses that the applicant is serving under an expiring project, the Secretary evaluates the applicant's prior experience in delivering services under the expiring project on the basis of the criteria in § 644.22.
(ii) The maximum score for all the criteria in § 644.22 is 15 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion.
(3) The Secretary awards additional points equal to 10 percent of the application's score under paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section to an application for a project in Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau), or the Northern Mariana Islands if the applicant meets the requirements of subparts A, B, and D of this part.
(b) The Secretary makes new grants in rank order on the basis of the applications’ total scores under paragraphs (a) (1) through (3) of this section.
(c) If the total scores of two or more applications are the same and there are insufficient funds for these applications after the approval of higher-ranked applications, the Secretary uses the remaining funds to serve geographic areas and eligible populations that have been underserved by the Educational Opportunity Centers program.
(d) The Secretary may decline to make a grant to an applicant that carried out a project that involved the fraudulent use of funds under section 402A(c)(2)(B) of the HEA.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application for a new grant:
(a)
(1) A high number or percentage, or both, of low-income families residing in the target area;
(2) A high number or percentage, or both, of individuals residing in the target area with education completion levels below the baccalaureate level;
(3) A high need on the part of residents of the target area for further education and training from programs of postsecondary education in order to meet changing employment trends; and
(4) Other indicators of need for an Educational Opportunity Centers project, including the presence of unaddressed educational or socioeconomic problems of adult residents in the target area.
(b)
(1) Include both process and outcome objectives relating to each of the purposes of the Educational Opportunity Centers program stated in § 644.1;
(2) Address the needs of the target area;
(3) Are clearly described, specific, and measurable; and
(4) Are ambitious but attainable within each budget period and the project period given the project budget and other resources.
(c)
(1) (4 points) The plan to inform the residents, schools, and community organizations in the target area of the goals, objectives, and services of the project and the eligibility requirements for participation in the project;
(2) (4 points) The plan to identify and select eligible participants and ensure their participation without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, or disability;
(3) (2 points) The plan to assess each participant's need for services provided by the project;
(4) (12 points) The plan to provide services that meet participants’ needs and achieve the objectives of the project; and
(5) (8 points) The management plan to ensure the proper and efficient administration of the project including, but not limited to, the project's organizational structure, the time committed to the project by the project director and other personnel, and, where appropriate, its coordination with other projects for disadvantaged students.
(d)
(1) (8 points) Facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel, and other resources committed by the applicant; and
(2) (8 points) Resources secured through written commitments from schools, community organizations, and others.
(e)
(i) The qualifications required of the project director.
(ii) The qualifications required of each of the other personnel to be used in the project.
(iii) The plan to employ personnel who have succeeded in overcoming the disadvantages or circumstances like those of the population of the target area.
(2) In evaluating the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers his or her experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the project.
(f)
(g)
(1) Are appropriate to the project's objectives;
(2) Provide for the applicant to determine, using specific and quantifiable measures, the success of the project in—
(i) Making progress toward achieving its objectives (a formative evaluation); and
(ii) Achieving its objectives at the end of the project period (a summative evaluation); and
(3) Provide for the disclosure of unanticipated project outcomes, using quantifiable measures if appropriate.
(a) In the case of an application described in § 644.20(a)(2)(i), the Secretary reviews information relating to an applicant's performance under its expiring Educational Opportunity Centers project. This information includes performance reports, audit reports, site visit reports, and project evaluation reports.
(b) The Secretary evaluates the applicant's prior experience in delivering services on the basis of the following criteria:
(1) (3 points) (i) Whether the applicant provided services to the required number of participants who resided in the target area; and
(ii) Whether two-thirds of all participants served were low-income individuals and potential first-generation college students.
(2) (6 points) The extent to which the applicant met or exceeded its objectives regarding the provision of assistance to individuals in applying for admission to, or financial aid for, programs of postsecondary education.
(3) (6 points) The extent to which the applicant met or exceeded its objectives regarding the admission or reentry of participants to programs of postsecondary education.
(a) The Secretary sets the amount of a grant on the basis of—
(1) 34 CFR 75.232 and 75.233, for new grants; and
(2) 34 CFR 75.253, for the second and subsequent years of a project period.
(b) If the circumstances described in section 402A(b)(3) of the HEA exist, the Secretary uses the available funds to set the amount of the grant beginning in fiscal year 1994 at the lesser of—
(1) $180,000; or
(2) The amount requested by the applicant.
The cost principles that apply to the Educational Opportunity Centers program are in 34 CFR part 74, subpart Q. Allowable costs include the following if they are reasonably related to the objectives of the project:
(a) Transportation, meals, and, with specific prior approval of the Secretary, lodging for participants and staff for—
(1) Visits to postsecondary educational institutions to obtain information relating to the admission of participants to those institutions;
(2) Participation in “College Day” activities; and
(3) Field trips to observe and meet with people who are employed in various career fields in the target area and who can serve as role models for participants.
(b) Purchase of testing materials.
(c) Fees required for college admissions of entrance examinations if—
(1) A waiver is unavailable; and
(2) The fee is paid by the grantee to a third party on behalf of a participant.
(d) In-service training of project staff.
(e) Rental of space if—
(1) Space is not available at the site of the grantee; and
(2) The rented space is not owned by the grantee.
(f) Purchase of computer hardware, computer software, or other equipment for student development, project administration, and recordkeeping, if the applicant demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that the equipment is required to meet the objectives of the project more economically or efficiently.
Costs that are unallowable under the Educational Opportunity Centers program include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Tuition, fees, stipends, and other forms of direct financial support for participants.
(b) Research not directly related to the evaluation or improvement of the project.
(c) Construction, renovation, and remodeling of any facilities.
(a)
(2) A grantee shall determine the status of a low-income individual on the basis of the documentation described in section 402A(e) of the HEA.
(b)
(c)
(1) The basis for the grantee's determination that the participant is eligible to participate in the project under § 644.3;
(2) The services that are provided to the participant; and
(3) The specific educational benefits received by the participant.
(d)
(2) The grantee shall give the project director sufficient authority to administer the project effectively.
(3) The Secretary waives the requirement in paragraph (d) (1) of this section if the applicant demonstrates that the requirement will hinder coordination—
(i) Among the Federal TRIO Programs (sections 402A through 402F of the HEA); or
(ii) Between the programs funded under sections 402A through 410 of the HEA and similar programs funded through other sources.
20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-13, unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Upward Bound Program provides Federal grants to projects designed to generate in program participants the skills and motivation necessary to complete a program of secondary education and to enter and succeed in a program of postsecondary education.
(b) The Upward Bound Program provides Federal grants for the following three types of projects:
(1) Regular Upward Bound projects.
(2) Upward Bound Math and Science Centers.
(3) Veterans Upward Bound projects.
The following entities are eligible to apply for a grant to carry out an Upward Bound project:
(a) Institutions of higher education.
(b) Public or private agencies or organizations.
(c) Secondary schools, in exceptional cases, if there are no other applicants capable of providing this program in the target area or areas to be served by the proposed project.
(d) A combination of the types of institutions, agencies, and organizations described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
An individual is eligible to participate in a Regular, Veterans, or a Math and Science Upward Bound project if the individual meets all of the following requirements:
(a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States.
(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States.
(3) Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident.
(4) Is a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
(5) Is a resident of the Freely Associated States—the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.
(b) Is—(1) A potential first-generation college student; or
(2) A low-income individual.
(c) Has a need for academic support, as determined by the grantee, in order to pursue successfully a program of education beyond high school.
(d) At the time of initial selection, has completed the eighth grade but has not entered the twelfth grade and is at least 13 years old but not older than 19, although the Secretary may waive the age requirement if the applicant demonstrates that the limitation would defeat the purposes of the Upward Bound program. However, a veteran as defined in § 645.6, regardless of age, is eligible to participate in an Upward Bound project if he or she satisfies the eligibility requirements in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section.
(a) At least two-thirds of the eligible participants a grantee serves must at the time of initial selection qualify as both low-income individuals and potential first-generation college students. The remaining participants must at the time of initial selection qualify as either low-income individuals or potential first generation college students.
(b) For purposes of documenting a participant's low-income status the following applies:
(1) In the case of a student who is not an independent student, an institution shall document that the student is a
(i) A signed statement from the student's parent or legal guardian regarding family income;
(ii) Verification of family income from another governmental source;
(iii) A signed financial aid application; or
(iv) A signed United States or Puerto Rican income tax return.
(2) In the case of a student who is an independent student, an institution shall document that the student is a low-income individual by obtaining and maintaining—
(i) A signed statement from the student regarding family income;
(ii) Verification of family income from another governmental source;
(iii) A signed financial aid application; or
(iv) A signed United States or Puerto Rican income tax return.
(c) For purposes of documenting potential first generation college student status, documentation consists of a signed statement from a dependent participant's parent, or a signed statement from an independent participant.
(d) A grantee does not have to revalidate a participant's eligibility after the participant's initial selection.
The following regulations apply to the Upward Bound Program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations);
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs), except for § 75.511;
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations), except for the definition of “secondary school” in 34 CFR 77.1;
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities);
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying);
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants));
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 645.
(a)
(b)
(1) With regard to a dependent student, the taxable income of the individual's parents;
(2) With regard to a dependent student who is an orphan or ward of the court, no taxable income;
(3) With regard to an independent student, the taxable income of the student and his or her spouse.
(1) Is an orphan or ward of the court;
(2) Is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States (as defined in this section);
(3) Is a married individual; or
(4) Has legal dependents other than a spouse.
(1) Is determined to be eligible to participate in the project under § 645.3;
(2) Resides in the target area, or is enrolled in a target school at the time of acceptance into the project; and
(3) Has been determined by the project director to be committed to the project, as evidenced by being allowed to continue in the project for at least—
(i) Ten days in a summer component if the individual first enrolled in an Upward Bound project's summer component; or
(ii) Sixty days if the individual first enrolled in an Upward Bound project's academic year component.
(1) An individual neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree; or
(2) A student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one natural or adoptive parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree.
(1) For a period of more than 180 days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and who was discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable; or
(2) After January 31, 1955, and who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
The Secretary provides grants to the following three types of Upward Bound projects:
(a) Regular Upward Bound projects designed to prepare high school students for programs of postsecondary education.
(b) Upward Bound Math and Science Centers designed to prepare high school students for postsecondary education programs that lead to careers in the fields of math and science.
(c) Veterans Upward Bound projects designed to assist veterans to prepare for a program of postsecondary education.
(a) An Upward Bound project that has received funds under this part for at least two years shall include as part of its core curriculum, instruction in—
(1) Mathematics through pre-calculus;
(2) Laboratory science;
(3) Foreign language;
(4) Composition; and
(5) Literature.
(b) All Upward Bound projects may provide such services as—
(1) Instruction in subjects other than those listed in § 645.11(a) that are necessary for success in education beyond high school;
(2) Personal counseling;
(3) Academic advice and assistance in secondary school course selection;
(4) Tutorial services;
(5) Exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other educational activities not usually available to disadvantaged youths;
(6) Activities designed to acquaint youths participating in the project with the range of career options available to them;
(7) Instruction designed to prepare youths participating in the project for careers in which persons from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly underrepresented;
(8) Mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons and other professional individuals; and
(9) Programs and activities such as those described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(8) of this section that are specifically designed for individuals with limited proficiency in English.
(a) Regular Upward Bound projects—
(1) Must provide participants with a summer instructional component that is designed to simulate a college-going experience for participants, and an academic year component; and
(2) May provide a summer bridge component to those Upward Bound participants who have graduated from secondary school and intend to enroll in an institution of higher education in the following fall term. A summer bridge component provides participants with services and activities, including college courses, that aid in the transition from secondary education to postsecondary education.
(b) A summer instructional component shall—
(1) Be six weeks in length unless the grantee can demonstrate to the Secretary that a shorter period will not hinder the effectiveness of the project nor prevent the project from achieving its goals and objectives, and the Secretary approves that shorter period; and
(2) Provide participants with one or more of the services described in § 645.11 at least five days per week.
(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, an academic year component shall provide program participants with one or more of the services described in § 645.11 on a weekly basis throughout the academic year and, to the extent possible, shall not prevent participants from fully participating in academic and nonacademic activities at the participants’ secondary school.
(2) If an Upward Bound project's location or the project's staff are not readily accessible to participants because of distance or lack of transportation, the grantee may, with the Secretary's permission, provide project services to participants every two weeks during the academic year.
(a) In addition to the services that must be provided under § 645.11(a) and may be provided under § 645.11(b), an Upward Bound Math and Science Center must provide—
(1) Intensive instruction in mathematics and science, including hands-on experience in laboratories, in computer facilities, and at field-sites;
(2) Activities that will provide participants with opportunities to learn from mathematicians and scientists who are engaged in research and teaching at the applicant institution, or who are engaged in research or applied science at hospitals, governmental laboratories, or other public and private agencies;
(3) Activities that will involve participants with graduate and undergraduate science and mathematics majors who may serve as tutors and counselors for participants; and
(4) A summer instructional component that is designed to simulate a college-going experience that is at least six weeks in length and includes daily coursework and other activities as described in this section as well as in § 645.11.
(b) Math Science Upward Bound Centers may also include—
(1) A summer bridge component consisting of math and science related
(2) An academic year component designed by the applicant to enhance achievement of project objectives in the most cost-effective way taking into account the distances involved in reaching participants in the project's target area.
In addition to the services that must be provided under § 645.11(a) and may be provided under § 645.11(b), a Veterans Upward Bound project must—
(a) Provide intensive basic skills development in those academic subjects required for successful completion of a high school equivalency program and for admission to postsecondary education programs;
(b) Provide short-term remedial or refresher courses for veterans who are high school graduates but who have delayed pursuing postsecondary education. If the grantee is an institution of higher education, these courses shall not duplicate courses otherwise available to veterans at the institution; and
(c) Assist veterans in securing support services from other locally available resources such as the Veterans Administration, State veterans agencies, veterans associations, and other State and local agencies that serve veterans.
(a) The Secretary accepts more than one application from an eligible entity so long as an additional application describes a project that serves a different participant population.
(b) Each application for funding under the Upward Bound Program shall state whether the application proposes a Regular Upward Bound project, an Upward Bound Math and Science Center, or a Veterans Upward Bound project.
An applicant must assure the Secretary that—
(a) Not less than two-thirds of the project's participants will be low-income individuals who are potential first generation college students; and
(b) That the remaining participants be either low-income individuals or potential first generation college students.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a grant as follows:
(1)(i) The Secretary evaluates the application on the basis of the selection criteria in § 645.31.
(ii) The maximum score for all the criteria in § 645.31 is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion.
(2)(i) If an applicant for a new grant proposes to continue to serve substantially the same target population or schools that the applicant is serving under an expiring project, the Secretary evaluates the applicant's prior experience in delivering services under the expiring Upward Bound project on the basis of the criteria in § 645.32.
(ii) The maximum score for all the criteria in § 645.32 is 15 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion.
(b) The Secretary makes grants in rank order on the basis of the application's total scores under paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section.
(c) If the total scores of two or more applications are the same and there are insufficient funds for these applications after the approval of higher-
(d) The Secretary may decline to make a grant to an applicant that carried out a project that involved the fraudulent use of funds under section 402A(c)(2)(B) of the HEA.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application for a grant:
(a)
(1) The Secretary evaluates the need for a Regular Upward Bound project in the proposed target area on the basis of information contained in the application which clearly demonstrates that—
(i) The income level of families in the target area is low;
(ii) The education attainment level of adults in the target area is low;
(iii) Target high school dropout rates are high;
(iv) College-going rates in target high schools are low;
(v) Student/counselor ratios in the target high schools are high; and
(vi) Unaddressed academic, social and economic conditions in the target area pose serious problems for low-income, potentially first-generation college students.
(2) The Secretary evaluates the need for an Upward Bound Math and Science Center in the proposed target area on the basis of—
(i) The extent to which student performance on standardized achievement and assessment tests in mathematics and science in the target area is lower than State or national norms.
(ii) The extent to which potential participants attend schools in the target area that lack the resources and coursework that would help prepare persons for entry into postsecondary programs in mathematics, science, or engineering;
(iii) The extent to which such indicators as attendance data, dropout rates, college-going rates and student/counselor ratios in the target area indicate the importance of having additional educational opportunities available to low-income, first-generation students; and
(iv) The extent to which there are eligible students in the target area who have demonstrated interest and capacity to pursue academic programs and careers in mathematics and science, and who could benefit from an Upward Bound Math and Science program.
(3) The Secretary evaluates the need for a Veterans Upward Bound project in the proposed target area on the basis of clear evidence that shows—
(i) The proposed target area lacks the services for eligible veterans that the applicant proposes to provide;
(ii) A large number of veterans who reside in the target area are low income and potential first generation college students;
(iii) A large number of veterans who reside in the target area who have not completed high school or, have completed high school but have not enrolled in a program of postsecondary education; and
(iv) Other indicators of need for a Veterans Upward Bound project, including the presence of unaddressed academic or socio-economic problems of veterans in the area.
(b)
(1) Include both process and outcome objectives relating to the purpose of the applicable Upward Bound programs for which they are applying;
(2) Address the needs of the target area or target population; and
(3) Are measurable, ambitious, and attainable over the life of the project.
(c)
(1) The plan to inform the faculty and staff at the applicant institution
(2) The plan for identifying, recruiting, and selecting participants to be served by the project;
(3) The plan for assessing individual participant needs and for monitoring the academic progress of participants while they are in Upward Bound;
(4) The plan for locating the project within the applicant's organizational structure;
(5) The curriculum, services and activities that are planned for participants in both the academic year and summer components;
(6) The planned timelines for accomplishing critical elements of the project;
(7) The plan to ensure effective and efficient administration of the project, including, but not limited to, financial management, student records management, and personnel management;
(8) The applicant's plan to use its resources and personnel to achieve project objectives and to coordinate the Upward Bound project with other projects for disadvantaged students;
(9) The plan to work cooperatively with parents and key administrative, teaching, and counseling personnel at the target schools to achieve project objectives; and
(10) A follow-up plan for tracking graduates of Upward Bound as they enter and continue in postsecondary education.
(d)
(1) The applicant is committed to supplementing the project with resources that enhance the project such as: space, furniture and equipment, supplies, and the time and effort of personnel other than those employed in the project.
(2) The applicant has secured written commitments of support from schools, community organizations, and businesses, including the commitment of resources that will enhance the project as described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
(e)
(1) The qualifications required of the project director, including formal training or work experience in fields related to the objectives of the project and experience in designing, managing, or implementing similar projects;
(2) The qualifications required of each of the other personnel to be used in the project, including formal training or work experience in fields related to the objectives of the project;
(3) The quality of the applicant's plan for employing personnel who have succeeded in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the project's target population.
(f)
(1) The budget for the project is adequate to support planned project services and activities; and
(2) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives and scope of the project.
(g)
(1) Are appropriate to the project and include both quantitative and qualitative evaluation measures; and
(2) Examine in specific and measurable ways the success of the project in making progress toward achieving its process and outcomes objectives.
(a) In the case of an application described in § 645.30(a)(2), the Secretary reviews information relating to an applicant's performance under its expiring Upward Bound grant. This information includes information derived from annual performance reports, audit reports, site visit reports, project evaluation reports, and any other verifiable information submitted by the applicant.
(b) The Secretary evaluates the applicant's prior experience in delivering services on the basis of the following criteria:
(1) (3 points) Whether the applicant serves the number of participants agreed to under the approved application;
(2) (3 points) The extent to which project participants have demonstrated improvement in academic skills and competencies as measured by standardized achievement tests and grade point averages;
(3) (3 points) The extent to which project participants continue to participate in the Upward Bound Program until they complete their secondary education program;
(4) The extent to which participants who complete the project, or were scheduled to complete the project, undertake programs of postsecondary education; and
(5) (3 points) The extent to which participants who complete the project, or were scheduled to complete the project, succeed in education beyond high school, including the extent to which they graduate from postsecondary education programs.
(a) The Secretary sets the amount of a grant on the basis of—
(1) 34 CFR 75.232 and 75.233, for new grants; and
(2) 34 CFR 75.253, for the second and subsequent years of a project period.
(b) If the circumstances described in section 402A(b)(3) of the HEA exist, the Secretary uses the available funds to set the amount of the grant at the lesser of—
(1) $190,000; or
(2) The amount requested by the applicant.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a project period under the Upward Bound Program is four years.
(b) The Secretary approves a project period of five years for applicants that score in the highest ten percent of all applicants approved for new grants under the criteria in § 645.31.
The cost principles that apply to the Upward Bound Program are in 34 CFR part 74, subpart Q. Allowable costs include the following if they are reasonably related to the objectives of the project:
(a) In-service training of project staff.
(b) Rental of space if space is not available at the host institution and the space rented is not owned by the host institution.
(c) For participants in an Upward Bound residential summer component, room and board—computed on a weekly basis—not to exceed the weekly rate the host institution charges regularly enrolled students at the institution.
(d) Room and board for those persons responsible for dormitory supervision of participants during a residential summer component.
(e) Educational pamphlets and similar materials for distribution at workshops for the parents of participants.
(f) Student activity fees for Upward Bound participants.
(g) Admissions fees, transportation, Upward Bound T-shirts, and other costs necessary to participate in field trips, attend educational activities, visit museums, and attend other events that have as their purpose the intellectual, social, and cultural development of participants.
(h) Costs for one project-sponsored banquet or ceremony.
(i) Tuition costs for postsecondary credit courses at the host institution for participants in the summer bridge component.
(j)(1) Accident insurance to cover any injuries to a project participant while participating in a project activity; and
(2) Medical insurance and health service fees for the project participants
(k) Courses in English language instruction for project participants with limited proficiency in English and for whom English language proficiency is necessary to succeed in postsecondary education.
(l) Transportation costs of participants for regularly scheduled project activities.
(m) Transportation, meals, and overnight accommodations for staff members when they are required to accompany participants in project activities such as field trips.
(n) Purchase of computer hardware, computer software, or other equipment for student development, project administration and recordkeeping, if the applicant demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that the equipment is required to meet the objectives of the project more economically or efficiently.
(o) Fees required for college admissions applications or entrance examinations if—
(1) A waiver of the fee is unavailable;
(2) The fee is paid by the grantee to a third party on behalf of a participant.
Costs that may not be charged against a grant under this program include the following:
(a) Research not directly related to the evaluation or improvement of the project.
(b) Meals for staff except as provided in § 645.40 (d) and (m) and in paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) Room and board for administrative and instructional staff personnel who do not have responsibility for dormitory supervision of project participants during a residential summer component unless these costs are approved by the Secretary.
(d) Room and board for participants in Veterans Upward Bound projects.
(e) Construction, renovation or remodeling of any facilities.
(f) Tuition, stipends, or any other form of student financial aid for project staff beyond that provided to employees of the grantee as part of its regular fringe benefit package.
(a) An Upward Bound project may provide stipends for all participants who participate on a full-time basis.
(b) In order to receive the stipend, the participant must show evidence of satisfactory participation in activities of the project including—
(1) Regular attendance; and
(2) Performance in accordance with standards established by the grantee and described in the application.
(c) The grantee may prorate the amount of the stipend according to the number of scheduled sessions in which the student participated.
(d) The following rules govern the amounts of stipends a grantee is permitted to provide:
(1) For Regular Upward Bound projects and Upward Bound Math and Science Centers—
(i) For the academic year component, the stipend may not exceed $40 per month; and
(ii) For the summer component, the stipend may not exceed $60 per month.
(2) For Veterans Upward Bound projects, the stipend may not exceed $40 per month.
(a)
(2) Veterans Upward Bound projects shall serve a minimum of 120 veterans in each budget period.
(3) The Secretary may waive the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section if the applicant can demonstrate that the project will be more cost effective and consistent with the objectives of the program if a greater or lesser number of participants will be served.
(b)
(2) The grantee shall give the project director sufficient authority to administer the project effectively.
(3) The Secretary waives the requirement in paragraph (b)(1) of this section if the applicant demonstrates that the requirement will hinder coordination—
(i) Among the Federal TRIO Programs; or
(ii) Between the programs funded under sections 402A through 410 of the HEA and similar programs funded through other sources.
(c)
(1) The basis for the grantee's determination that the participant is eligible to participate in the project under § 645.3;
(2) The basis for the grantee's determination that the participant has a need for academic support in order to pursue successfully a program of education beyond secondary school;
(3) The services that are provided to the participant;
(4) The educational progress of the participant during high school and, to the degree possible, during the participant's pursuit of a postsecondary education program.
20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-14, unless otherwise noted.
The Student Support Services Program provides grants for projects designed to—
(a) Increase the retention and graduation rates of eligible students;
(b) Increase the transfer rate of eligible students from two-year to four-year institutions; and
(c) Foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of low-income and first generation college students and individuals with disabilities through services such as those described in § 646.4.
An institution of higher education or a combination of institutions of higher education is eligible to receive a grant to carry out a Student Support Services project.
A student is eligible to participate in a Student Support Services project if
(a) Is a citizen or national of the United States or meets the residency requirements for Federal student financial assistance.
(b) Is enrolled at the grantee institution or accepted for enrollment in the next academic term at that institution.
(c) Has a need for academic support, as determined by the grantee, in order to pursue successfully a postsecondary educational program.
(d) Is—
(1) A low-income individual;
(2) A first generation college student; or
(3) An individual with disabilities.
A Student Support Services project may provide services such as:
(a) Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, and other subjects necessary for success beyond secondary school.
(b) Personal counseling.
(c) Academic advice and assistance in course selection.
(d) Tutorial services and counseling and peer counseling.
(e) Exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students.
(f) Activities designed to acquaint students participating in the project with the range of career options available.
(g) Activities designed to secure admission and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate and professional programs.
(h) Activities designed to assist students currently enrolled in two-year institutions in securing admission and financial assistance for enrollment in a four-year program of postsecondary education.
(i) Mentoring programs involving faculty or upper class students, or any combination of faculty members and upper class students.
(j) Programs and activities as described in paragraphs (a) through (i) of this section that are specifically designed for students of limited English proficiency.
(k) Other activities designed to meet the purposes of the Student Support Services Program stated in § 646.1.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a project period under the Student Support Services Program is four years.
(b) The Secretary approves a project period of five years for applicants that score in the highest ten percent of all applicants approved for new grants under the criteria in § 646.21.
The following regulations apply to the Student Support Services Program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 85 and 86.
(b) The regulations in this part 646.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Is permanent in nature;
(2) Offers courses in educational programs leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential;
(3) Has its own faculty and administrative or supervisory organization; and
(4) Has its own budgetary and hiring authority.
(1) Low-income, first-generation college students; or
(2) Disabled students.
(1) Is determined to be eligible to participate in the project under § 646.3; and
(2) Receives project services that the grantee has determined to be sufficient to increase the individual's chances for success in a postsecondary educational program.
The Secretary accepts more than one application from an eligible applicant so long as each additional application describes a project that serves a different campus, or a different population of participants who cannot readily be served by a single project.
An applicant shall assure in its application that—
(a) At least two-thirds of the students it will serve in its Student Support Services project will be—
(1) Low-income individuals who are first generation college students; or
(2) Individuals with disabilities;
(b) The remaining students it will serve will be low-income individuals, first generation college students, or individuals with disabilities;
(c) Not less than one-third of the individuals with disabilities will be low— income individuals; and
(d) Each student participating in the project will be offered sufficient financial assistance to meet that student's full financial need.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a new grant as follows:
(1)(i) The Secretary evaluates the application on the basis of the selection criteria in § 646.21.
(ii) The maximum score for all the criteria in § 646.21 is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion.
(2)(i) If an application for a new grant proposes to continue to serve substantially the same population or campus that the applicant is serving under an expiring grant, the Secretary evaluates the applicant's prior experience in delivering services under the expiring grant on the basis of the criteria in § 646.22.
(ii) The maximum score for all the criteria in § 646.22 is 15 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion.
(b) The Secretary makes new grants in rank order on the basis of the applications’ total scores under paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section.
(c) If the total scores of two or more applications are the same and there is insufficient money available to fully fund them both after funding the higher-ranked applications, the Secretary chooses among the tied applications so as to serve geographic areas that have been underserved by the Student Support Services Program.
(d) The Secretary does not make grants to applicants that carried out a Federal TRIO program project that involved the fraudulent use of funds.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application for a new grant:
(a)
(1) (8 points) A high number or percentage, or both, of students enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the applicant institution who meet the eligibility requirements of § 646.3;
(2) (8 points) The academic and other problems that eligible students encounter at the applicant institution; and
(3) (8 points) The differences between eligible Student Support Services students compared to an appropriate group, based on the following indicators:
(i) Retention and graduation rates.
(ii) Grade point averages.
(iii) Graduate and professional school enrollment rates (four-year colleges only).
(iv) Transfer rates from two-year to four-year institutions (two-year colleges only).
(b)
(1) (2 points) Include performance, process and outcome objectives relating to each of the purposes of the Student Support Services Program stated in § 646.1;
(2) (2 points) Address the identified needs of the proposed participants;
(3) (2 points) Are clearly described, specific, and measurable; and
(4) (2 points) Are ambitious but attainable within each budget period and the project period given the project budget and other resources.
(c)
(1) (3 points) The plan to inform the institutional community (students, faculty, and staff) of the goals, objectives, and services of the project and the eligibility requirements for participation in the project.
(2) (3 points) The plan to identify, select, and retain project participants with academic need.
(3) (4 points) The plan for assessing each individual participant's need for specific services and monitoring his or her academic progress at the institution to ensure satisfactory academic progress.
(4) (10 points) The plan to provide services that address the goals and objectives of the project.
(5) (10 points) The applicant's plan to ensure proper and efficient administration of the project, including the organizational placement of the project; the time commitment of key project staff; the specific plans for financial management, student records management, and personnel management; and, where appropriate, its plan for coordination with other programs for disadvantaged students.
(d)
(1) (6 points) Committed facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel, and other resources to supplement the grant and enhance project services;
(2) (6 points) Established administrative and academic policies that enhance participants’ retention at the institution and improve their chances of graduating from the institution;
(3) (2 points) Demonstrated a commitment to minimize the dependence on student loans in developing financial aid packages for project participants by committing institutional resources to the extent possible; and
(4) (2 points) Assured the full cooperation and support of the Admissions, Student Aid, Registrar and data collection and analysis components of the institution.
(e)
(1) (3 points) The qualifications required of the project director, including formal education and training in fields related to the objectives of the project, and experience in designing, managing, or implementing Student Support Services or similar projects;
(2) (3 points) The qualifications required of other personnel to be used in the project, including formal education, training, and work experience in fields related to the objectives of the project; and
(3) (3 points) The quality of the applicant's plan for employing personnel who have succeeded in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the project's target population.
(f)
(g)
(1) The applicant's methods for evaluation—
(i) (2 points) Are appropriate to the project and include both quantitative and qualitative evaluation measures; and
(ii) (2 points) Examine in specific and measurable ways, using appropriate baseline data, the success of the project in improving academic achievement, retention and graduation of project participants; and
(2) (4 points) The applicant intends to use the results of an evaluation to make programmatic changes based upon the results of project evaluation.
(a) In the case of an application described in § 646.20(a)(2)(i), the Secretary reviews information relating to an applicant's performance under its expiring Student Support Services project. This information may come from performance reports, site visit reports, project evaluation reports, and any other verifiable information submitted by the applicant.
(b) The Secretary evaluates the applicant's prior experience in achieving the goals of the Student Support Services Program on the basis of the following criteria:
(1) (4 points) The extent to which project participants persisted toward completion of the academic programs in which they were enrolled.
(2) (4 points) The extent to which project participants met academic performance levels required to stay in good academic standing at the grantee institution.
(3) (4 points) (i) For four-year institutions, the extent to which project participants graduated; and
(ii) For two-year institutions, the extent to which project participants either graduated or transferred to four-year institutions.
(4) (3 points) The extent to which the applicant has met the administrative requirements—including recordkeeping, reporting, and financial accountability—under the terms of the previously funded award.
(a) The Secretary sets the amount of a grant on the basis of—
(1) 34 CFR 75.232 and 75.233, for new grants; and
(2) 34 CFR 75.253, for the second and subsequent years of a project period.
(b) If the circumstances described in section 402A(b)(3) of the HEA exist, the Secretary uses the available funds to set the amount of the grant at the lesser of—
(1) $170,000; or
(2) The amount requested by the applicant.
The cost principles that apply to the Student Support Services Program are in 34 CFR part 74, subpart Q. Allowable costs include the following if they are reasonably related to the objectives of the project:
(a) Cost of remedial and special classes if—
(1) These classes are not otherwise available at the grantee institution;
(2) Are limited to eligible project participants; and
(3) Project participants are not charged tuition for classes paid for by the project.
(b) Courses in English language instruction for students of limited English proficiency if these classes are limited to eligible project participants and not otherwise available at the grantee institution.
(c) In-service training of project staff.
(d) Activities of an academic or cultural nature, such as field trips, special lectures, and symposiums, that have as their purpose the improvement of the participants’ academic progress and personal development.
(e) Transportation of participants and staff to and from approved educational and cultural activities sponsored by the project.
(f) Purchase of computer hardware, computer software, or other equipment to be used for student development, student records and project administration if the applicant demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that the equipment is required to meet the objectives of the project more economically or efficiently.
(g) Professional development travel for staff if directly related to the project's overall purpose and activities, except that these costs may not exceed four percent of total project salaries. The Secretary may adjust this percentage if the applicant demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that a higher percentage is necessary and reasonable.
(h) Project evaluation that is directly related to assessing the project's impact on student achievement and improving the delivery of services.
Costs that may not be charged against a grant under the Student Support Services Program include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Costs involved in recruiting students for enrollment at the institution.
(b) Tuition, fees, stipends, and other forms of direct financial support for staff or participants.
(c) Research not directly related to the evaluation or improvement of the project.
(d) Construction, renovation, or remodeling of any facilities.
(a)
(2) A grantee shall determine the low-income status of an individual on the basis of the documentation described in section 402A(e) of the Higher Education Act.
(3) A grantee may not serve any individual who is receiving the same services from another Federal TRIO program.
(b)
(1) The basis for the grantee's determination that each participant is eligible to participate in the project under § 646.3;
(2) The grantee's basis for determining the academic need for each participant;
(3) The services that are provided to each participant; and
(4) The performance and progress of each participant by cohort for the duration of the participant's attendance at the grantee institution.
(c)
(2) The grantee shall give the project director sufficient authority to administer the project effectively.
(3) The Secretary waives the requirement in paragraph (c)(1) of this section if the applicant demonstrates that the requirement will hinder coordination—
(i) Among the Federal TRIO programs; or
(ii) Between the programs funded under sections 404A through 410 of the Higher Education Act and similar programs funded through other sources.
(d)
(2) To the extent practical, the grantee may share staff with programs serving similar populations provided the grantee maintains appropriate records of staff time and effort and does not commingle grant funds.
(3) Costs for special classes and events that would benefit Student Support Services students and participants in other programs for disadvantaged students must be proportionately divided among the benefiting projects.
20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-15, unless otherwise noted.
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program—referred to in these regulations as the McNair program—awards grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to provide disadvantaged college students with effective preparation for doctoral study.
Institutions of higher education and combinations of those institutions are eligible for grants to carry out McNair projects.
A student is eligible to participate in a McNair project if the student meets all the following requirements:
(a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States; or
(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States; or
(3) Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident; or
(4) Is a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; or
(5) Is a resident of one of the Freely Associated States.
(b) Is currently enrolled in a degree program at an institution of higher education that participates in the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA.
(c) Is—
(1) A low-income individual who is a first-generation college student;
(2) A member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education; or
(3) A member of a group that is not listed in § 647.7 if the group is underrepresented in certain academic disciplines as documented by standard statistical references or other national survey data submitted to and accepted by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis.
(d) Has not enrolled in doctoral level study at an institution of higher education.
A McNair project may provide the following services and activities:
(a) Opportunities for research or other scholarly activities at the grantee institution or at graduate centers that are designed to provide participants with effective preparation for doctoral study.
(b) Summer internships.
(c) Seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare participants for doctoral study.
(d) Tutoring.
(e) Academic counseling.
(f) Assistance to participants in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs.
(g) Mentoring programs involving faculty members or students at institutions of higher education, or any combination of faculty members and students.
(h) Exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to project participants.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a project period under the McNair program is four years.
(b) The Secretary approves a project period of five years for applications that score in the highest ten percent of all applications approved for new grants under the criteria in § 647.21.
The following regulations apply to the McNair program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 ((Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 647.
(a)
(b)
(1) A student neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree; or
(2) A student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree.
(3) An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or an adoptive parent.
(1) Provides instruction in one or more programs leading to a doctoral degree;
(2) Maintains specialized library collections;
(3) Employs scholars engaged in research that relates to the subject areas of the center; and
(4) Provides outreach and consultative services on a national, regional or local basis.
An applicant must submit as part of its application, assurances that—
(a) Each participant enrolled in the project will be enrolled in a degree program at an institution of higher education that participates in one or more of the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA;
(b) Each participant given a summer research internship will have completed his or her sophomore year of study; and
(c)(1) At least two thirds of the students to be served will be low-income individuals who are first-generation college students; and
(2) The remaining students to be served will be members of groups underrepresented in graduate education.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a new grant as follows:
(1)(i) The Secretary evaluates an application on the basis of the selection criteria in § 647.21.
(ii) The maximum score for all the criteria in § 647.21 is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion.
(2)(i) For an application from an applicant who has carried out a McNair project in the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year for which the applicant is applying, the Secretary evaluates the applicant's prior experience on the basis of the criteria in § 647.22.
(ii) The maximum score for all the criteria in § 647.22 is fifteen (15) points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion.
(iii) If an applicant described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section applies for more than one new grant in the same fiscal year, the Secretary applies the criteria in § 647.22 to a project that seeks to continue support for an existing McNair project on that campus.
(b) The Secretary makes new grants in rank order on the basis of the total scores received by applications under paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section.
(c)(1) If the total scores of two or more applications are the same and there are insufficient funds for these applications after the approval of higher-ranked applications, the Secretary uses the remaining funds to achieve an equitable geographic distribution of all new projects.
(2) In making an equitable geographic distribution of new projects, the Secretary considers only the locations of new projects.
(d) The Secretary may decline to make a grant to an applicant that carried out a Federal TRIO Program project that involved the fraudulent use of funds.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application for a new grant:
(a)
(b)
(1) Include both process and outcome objectives relating to the purpose of the McNair program stated in § 647.1;
(2) Address the needs of the target population; and
(3) Are measurable, ambitious, and attainable over the life of the project.
(c)
(1) (4 points) The plan for identifying, recruiting and selecting participants to be served by the project, including students enrolled in the Student Support Services program;
(2) (4 points) The plan for assessing individual participant needs and for monitoring the academic growth of participants during the period in which the student is a McNair participant;
(3) (5 points) The plan for providing high quality research and scholarly activities in which participants will be involved;
(4) (5 points) The plan for involving faculty members in the design of research activities in which students will be involved;
(5) (5 points) The plan for providing internships, seminars, and other educational activities designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral study;
(6) (5 points) The plan for providing individual or group services designed to enhance a student's successful entry into postbaccalaureate education;
(7) (3 points) The plan to inform the institutional community of the goals and objectives of the project;
(8) (8 points) The plan to ensure proper and efficient administration of the project, including, but not limited to matters such as financial management, student records management, personnel management, the organizational structure, and the plan for coordinating the McNair project with other programs for disadvantaged students; and
(9) (5 points) The follow-up plan that will be used to track the academic and career accomplishments of participants after they are no longer participating in the McNair project.
(d)
(1)(i) The job qualifications of the project director.
(ii) The job qualifications of each of the project's other key personnel.
(iii) The quality of the project's plan for employing highly qualified persons, including the procedures to be used to employ members of groups underrepresented in higher education, including Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (including Native Hawaiians).
(2) In evaluating the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers his or her experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the project.
(e)
(1) The applicant's proposed allocation of resources in the budget is clearly related to the objectives of the project;
(2) Project costs and resources, including facilities, equipment, and supplies, are reasonable in relation to the objectives and scope of the project; and
(3) The applicant's proposed commitment of institutional resources to the McNair participants, as for example, the commitment of time from institutional research faculty and the waiver of tuition and fees for McNair participants engaged in summer research projects.
(f)
(1) Are appropriate to the project's objectives;
(2) Provide for the applicant to determine, in specific and measurable ways, the success of the project in—
(i) Making progress toward achieving its objectives (a formative evaluation); and
(ii) Achieving its objectives at the end of the project period (a summative evaluation); and
(3) Provide for a description of other project outcomes, including the use of quantifiable measures, if appropriate.
(a) The Secretary reviews information relating to an applicant's performance as a grantee under its expiring McNair project. In addition to the application under review, this information may be derived from performance reports, audit reports, site visit reports, and project evaluation reports received by the Secretary during the project period about to be completed.
(b) The Secretary evaluates the applicant's performance as a grantee on the basis of the following criteria:
(1) (3 points) Whether the applicant consistently served the number and types of participants the project was funded to serve.
(2) (4 points) Whether the applicant was successful in providing the participants with research and scholarly activities and whether those activities had an impact on project participants.
(3) (8 points) The extent to which the applicant met or exceeded its funded objectives with regard to project participants as demonstrated by the number of participants who—
(i) Attained a baccalaureate degree;
(ii) Enrolled in a postbaccalaureate program; and
(iii) Attained a doctoral level degree.
(a) The Secretary sets the amount of a grant on the basis of—
(1) 34 CFR 75.232 and 75.233 for new grants; and
(2) 34 CFR 75.253 for the second and subsequent years of a project period.
(b) If the circumstances described in section 402A(b)(3) of the HEA exist, the Secretary uses the available funds to set the amount of the grant beginning in fiscal year 1995 at the lesser of—
(1) $190,000; or
(2) The amount requested by the applicant.
Allowable project costs, not specifically covered by 34 CFR part 74, may include the following costs reasonably related to carrying out a McNair project:
(a) Activities of an academic or scholarly nature, such as trips to institutions of higher education offering doctoral programs, and special lectures, symposia, and professional conferences, which have as their purpose the encouragement and preparation of project participants for doctoral studies.
(b) Stipends of up to $2,400 per year for students engaged in research internships, provided that the student has completed the sophomore year of study at an eligible institution before the internship begins.
(c) Necessary tuition, room and board, and transportation for students engaged in research internships during the summer.
(d) Purchase of computer hardware, computer software, or other equipment for student development, project administration, and recordkeeping, if the applicant demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that the equipment is required to meet the objectives of the project more economically or efficiently.
Costs that may not be charged against a grant under this program include the following:
(a) Payment of tuition, stipends, test preparation and fees or any other form of student financial support to staff or participants not expressly allowed under § 647.30.
(b) Construction, renovation, and remodeling of any facilities.
(a)
(2) A grantee shall determine the status of a low-income individual on the basis of the documentation described in section 402A(e) of the HEA.
(b)
(1) The basis for the grantee's determination that the student is eligible to participate in the project under § 647.3;
(2) The individual needs assessment;
(3) The services provided to the participant; and
(4) The specific educational progress made by the student during and after participation in the project.
(c)
(d)
(1) Authority to conduct the project effectively; and
(2) Appropriate professional qualifications, experience and administrative skills to effectively fulfill the objectives of the project.
20 U.S.C. 1134, 1134l-1134q-1, unless otherwise noted.
The Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need program provides fellowships through academic departments of institutions of higher education to assist graduate students of superior ability who demonstrate financial need. The purpose of the program is to sustain and enhance the capacity for teaching and research in areas of national need.
(a) The Secretary awards grants to the following:
(1) Any academic department of an institution of higher education that provides a course of study that—
(i) Leads to a graduate degree in an area of national need; and
(ii) Has been in existence for at least four years at the time of an application for a grant under this part.
(2) An academic department of an institution of higher education that—
(i) Satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section; and
(ii) Submits a joint application with one or more eligible nondegree-granting institutions that have formal arrangements for the support of doctoral dissertation research with one or more degree-granting institutions.
(b) A formal arrangement under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section is a written agreement between a degree-granting institution and an eligible nondegree-granting institution whereby the degree-granting institution accepts students from the eligible nondegree-granting institution as doctoral degree candidates with the intention of awarding these students doctorates in an area of national need.
(c) The Secretary does not award a grant under this part for study at a school or department of divinity.
(a) The Secretary awards grants to institutions of higher education to fund fellowships in one or more areas of national need.
(b)(1) For the purposes of this part, the Secretary designates areas of national need from the academic areas listed in the appendix to this part or from the resulting inter-disciplines.
(2) The Secretary announces these areas of national need in a notice published in the
Each grant awarded by the Secretary consists of the following:
(a) The stipends paid by the Secretary through the institution of higher education to fellows. The stipend provides an allowance to a fellow for the fellow's (and his or her dependents’) subsistence and other expenses.
(b) The institutional payments paid by the Secretary to the institution of higher education to be applied against each fellow's tuition, fees, and the costs listed in § 648.62(b).
(a) The amount of a grant to an academic department may not be less than $100,000 and may not be more than $750,000 in a fiscal year.
(b) In any fiscal year, no academic department may receive more than $750,000 as an aggregate total of new and continuing grants.
The duration of a grant awarded under this part is a maximum of three annual budget periods during a three-year (36-month) project period.
An institution shall provide, from non-Federal funds, an institutional matching contribution equal to at least 25 percent of the amount of the grant received under this part, for the uses indicated in § 648.63.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part.
(a)
(b)
(i) Directly administers or supervises post-baccalaureate instruction in a specific discipline; and
(ii) Has the authority to award academic course credit acceptable to meet degree requirements at an institution of higher education.
(i) Conducts post-baccalaureate academic programs of study but does not award doctoral degrees in an area of national need;
(ii) Is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Code;
(iii) Is organized and operated substantially to conduct scientific and cultural research and graduate training programs;
(iv) Is not a private foundation;
(v) Has academic personnel for instruction and counseling who meet the standards of the institution of higher education in which the students are enrolled; and
(vi) Has necessary research resources not otherwise readily available in the institutions in which students are enrolled.
(i) The most current edition of the Department's
(ii) The National Research Council's
(iii) Other standard statistical references, as announced annually in the
(iv) As documented by national survey data submitted to and accepted by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis.
(a) To apply for a grant under this part, an institution of higher education shall submit an application that responds to the appropriate selection criteria in § 648.31.
(b) In addition, an application for a grant must—
(1) Describe the current academic program for which the grant is sought;
(2) Request a specific number of fellowships to be awarded on a full-time basis for the academic year covered under the grant in each academic field included in the application;
(3) Set forth policies and procedures to ensure that in making fellowship awards under this part the institution will seek talented students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds;
(4) Set forth policies and procedures to assure that in making fellowship awards under this part the institution will make awards to individuals who satisfy the requirements of § 648.40;
(5) Set forth policies and procedures to ensure that Federal funds made available under this part for any fiscal year will be used to supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the funds that otherwise would be made available for the purposes of this part and, in no case, to supplant those funds;
(6) Provide assurances that the institution will provide the institutional matching contribution described in § 648.7;
(7) Provide assurances that, in the event that funds made available to the academic department under this part are insufficient to provide the assistance due a student under the commitment entered into between the academic department and the student, the academic department will endeavor, from any funds available to it, to fulfill the commitment to the student;
(8) Provide that the institution will comply with the requirements in subpart F; and
(9) Provide assurances that the academic department will provide at least one year of supervised training in instruction to students receiving fellowships under this program.
(c) In any application period, an academic department may not submit more than one application for new awards.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application on the basis of the criteria in § 648.31.
(b) The Secretary awards up to 100 points for these criteria.
(c) The maximum possible score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application:
(a)
(1) The applicant's general and specific objectives for the project are realistic and measurable;
(2) The applicant's objectives for the project seek to sustain and enhance the capacity for teaching and research at the institution and at State, regional, or national levels;
(3) The applicant's objectives seek to institute policies and procedures to ensure the enrollment of talented graduate students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds; and
(4) The applicant's objectives seek to institute policies and procedures to ensure that it will award fellowships to individuals who satisfy the requirements of § 648.40.
(b)
(1) How the applicant identified the problems that form the specific needs of the project;
(2) The specific problems to be resolved by successful realization of the goals and objectives of the project; and
(3) How increasing the number of fellowships will meet the specific and general objectives of the project.
(c)
(1) The course offerings and academic requirements for the graduate program;
(2) The qualifications of the faculty, including education, research interest, publications, teaching ability, and accessibility to graduate students;
(3) The focus and capacity for research; and
(4) Any other evidence the applicant deems appropriate to demonstrate the quality of its academic program.
(d)
(1) Provides each fellow with the required supervised training in instruction;
(2) Provides adequate instruction on effective teaching techniques;
(3) Provides extensive supervision of each fellow's teaching performance; and
(4) Provides adequate and appropriate evaluation of the fellow's teaching performance.
(e)
(1) How the applicant plans to identify, recruit, and retain students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in the academic program for which fellowships are sought;
(2) How the applicant plans to identify eligible students for fellowships;
(3) The past success of the academic department in enrolling talented graduate students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds; and
(4) The past success of the academic department in enrolling talented graduate students for its academic program.
(f)
(1) How the applicant will select fellows, including how the applicant will ensure that project participants who are otherwise eligible to participate are selected without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disabling condition;
(2) How the applicant proposes to monitor whether a fellow is making satisfactory progress toward the degree for which the fellowship has been awarded;
(3) How the applicant proposes to identify and meet the academic needs of fellows;
(4) How the applicant proposes to maintain enrollment of graduate students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds; and
(5) The extent to which the policies and procedures the applicant proposes to institute for administering the project are likely to ensure efficient and effective project implementation, including assistance to and oversight of the project director.
(g)
(1) The applicant will provide, from any funds available to it, sufficient funds to support the financial needs of the fellows if the funds made available under the program are insufficient;
(2) The institution's social and academic environment is supportive of the academic success of students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds on the applicant's campus;
(3) Students receiving fellowships under this program will receive stipend support for the time necessary to complete their courses of study, but in no case longer than 5 years; and
(4) The applicant demonstrates a financial commitment, including the nature and amount of the institutional matching contribution, and other institutional commitments that are likely to ensure the continuation of project activities for a significant period of time following the period in which the project receives Federal financial assistance.
(h)
(1) The qualifications of the project director;
(2) The qualifications of other key personnel to be used in the project;
(3) The time commitment of key personnel, including the project director, to the project; and
(4) How the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, will ensure that its personnel are selected without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disabling condition, except pursuant to a lawful affirmative action plan.
(i)
(1) The applicant shows a clear understanding of the acceptable uses of program funds; and
(2) The costs of the project are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project.
(j)
(1) Relate to the specific goals and measurable objectives of the project;
(2) Assess the effect of the project on the students receiving fellowships under this program, including the effect on persons of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders, and ages, and on persons with disabilities who are served by the project;
(3) List both process and product evaluation questions for each project activity and outcome, including those of the management plan;
(4) Describe both the process and product evaluation measures for each project activity and outcome;
(5) Describe the data collection procedures, instruments, and schedules for effective data collection;
(6) Describe how the applicant will analyze and report the data so that it can make adjustments and improvements on a regular basis; and
(7) Include a time-line chart that relates key evaluation processes and benchmarks to other project component processes and benchmarks.
(k)
(a)
(2) If appropriations for this program are insufficient to fund all continuation grantees for the second and third years at the approved funding level, the Secretary prorates the available funds, if any, among the continuation grantees and, if necessary, awards continuation grants of less than $100,000.
(b)
(1) An equitable geographic distribution of grants to eligible applicant institutions of higher education.
(2) An equitable distribution of grants to eligible applicant public and eligible applicant private institutions of higher education.
(a) For each application period, the Secretary establishes as an area of national need and gives absolute preference to one or more of the general disciplines and sub-disciplines listed as priorities in the appendix to this part or the resulting interdisciplines.
(b) The Secretary announces the absolute preferences in a notice published in the
(a) In selecting individuals to receive fellowships, an academic department shall consider only individuals who—
(1) Are currently enrolled as graduate students, have been accepted at the grantee institution, or are enrolled or accepted as graduate students at an eligible nondegree-granting institution;
(2) Are of superior ability;
(3) Have an excellent academic record;
(4) Have financial need;
(5) Are planning to pursue the highest possible degree available in their course of study;
(6) Are planning a career in teaching or research;
(7)Are not ineligible to receive assistance under 34 CFR 75.60; and
(8)(i) Are United States citizens or nationals;
(ii) Are permanent residents of the United States;
(iii) Are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become permanent residents; or
(iv) Are permanent residents of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
(b) An individual who satisfies the eligibility criteria in paragraph (a) of this section, but who attends an institution that does not offer the highest possible degree available in the individual's course of study, is eligible for a fellowship if the individual plans to attend subsequently an institution that offers this degree.
An individual shall apply directly to an academic department of an institution of higher education that has received a grant.
(a) The Secretary awards to the institution of higher education a stipend and an institutional payment for each individual awarded a fellowship under this part.
(b) If an academic department of an institution of higher education is unable to use all of the amounts available to it under this part, the Secretary reallots the amounts not used to academic departments of other institutions of higher education for use in the academic year following the date of the reallotment.
(a) For a fellowship initially awarded for an academic year prior to the academic year 1993-94, the institution shall pay the fellow a stipend in an amount that equals the fellow's financial need or $10,000, whichever is less.
(b) For a fellowship initially awarded for the academic year 1993-94, or any succeeding academic year, the institution shall pay the fellow a stipend at a level of support equal to that provided by the National Science Foundation graduate fellowships, except that this amount must be adjusted as necessary so as not to exceed the fellow's demonstrated level of financial need. The Secretary announces the amount of the stipend in a notice published in the
For academic year 1993-1994, the amount of the institutional payment received by an institution of higher education for each student awarded a fellowship at the institution is $9,000. Thereafter, the Secretary adjusts the amount of the institutional payment annually in accordance with inflation as determined by the United States Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index for the previous calendar year. The Secretary announces the amount of the institutional payment in a notice published in the
(a) An academic department makes a commitment to a fellow at any point in his or her graduate study for the length of time necessary for the fellow to complete the course of graduate study, but in no case longer than five years.
(b) An academic department shall not make a commitment under paragraph
The institution shall provide to fellows at least one academic year of supervised training in instruction at the graduate or undergraduate level at the schedule of at least one-half-time teaching assistant.
(a) The institutional payment must be first applied against a fellow's tuition and fees.
(b) After payment of a fellow's tuition and fees, the institutional payment may be applied against educational expenses of the fellow that are not covered by tuition and fees and are related to the academic program in which the fellow is enrolled. These expenses include the following:
(1) Costs for rental or purchase of any books, materials, or supplies required of students in the same course of study.
(2) Costs of computer hardware, project specific software, and other equipment prorated by the length of the student's fellowship over the reasonable life of the equipment.
(3) Membership fees of professional associations.
(4) Travel and per diem to professional association meetings and registration fees.
(5) International travel, per diem, and registration fees to participate in educational activities.
(6) Expenses incurred in research.
(7) Costs of reproducing and binding of educational products.
(c) The institutional payment must supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the funds that would otherwise be made available for the purpose of the program and, in no case, to supplant institutional funds currently available for fellowships.
(a) The institutional matching contribution may be used to—
(1) Provide additional fellowships to graduate students who are not already receiving fellowships under this part and who satisfy the requirements of § 648.40;
(2) Pay for tuition, fees, and the costs listed in § 648.62(b);
(3) Pay for costs of providing a fellow's instruction that are not included in the tuition or fees paid to the institution in which the fellow is enrolled; and
(4) Supplement the stipend received by a fellow under § 648.51 in an amount not to exceed a fellow's financial need.
(b) An institution may not use its institutional matching contribution to fund fellowships that were funded by the institution prior to the award of the grant.
Neither grant funds nor the institutional matching funds may be used to pay for general operational overhead costs of the academic department.
(a) An institution that receives a grant shall disburse a stipend to a fellow in accordance with its regular payment schedule, but shall not make less than one payment per academic term.
(b) If a fellow withdraws from an institution before completion of an academic term, the institution may award the fellowship to another individual who satisfies the requirements in § 648.40.
(c) If a fellowship is vacated or discontinued for any period of time, the institution shall return a prorated portion of the institutional payment and unexpended stipend funds to the Secretary, unless the Secretary authorizes the use of those funds for a subsequent
(d) If a fellow withdraws from an institution before the completion of the academic term for which he or she received a stipend installment, the fellow shall return a prorated portion of the stipend installment to the institution at a time and in a manner determined by the Secretary.
(a) An institution of higher education that receives a grant shall provide to the Secretary, prior to the receipt of grant funds for disbursement to a fellow, a certification that the fellow is enrolled in, is making satisfactory progress in, and is devoting essentially full time to study in the academic field for which the grant was made.
(b) An institution of higher education that receives a grant shall keep records necessary to establish—
(1) That each student receiving a fellowship satisfies the eligibility requirements in § 648.40;
(2) The time and amount of all disbursements and return of stipend payments;
(3) The appropriate use of the institutional payment; and
(4) That assurances, policies, and procedures provided in its application have been satisfied.
To continue to be eligible for a fellowship, a fellow must—
(a) Maintain satisfactory progress in the program for which the fellowship was awarded;
(b) Devote essentially full time to study or research in the academic field in which the fellowship was awarded; and
(c) Not engage in gainful employment, except on a part-time basis in teaching, research, or similar activities determined by the academic department to be in support of the fellow's progress toward a degree.
The Secretary may give an absolute preference to any of the academic areas listed as disciplines or subdisciplines below, or the resulting inter-disciplines. The list was derived from the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) developed by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement of the U.S. Department of Education and includes the instructional programs that may constitute courses of studies toward graduate degrees. The code number to the left of each discipline and subdiscipline is the Department's identification code for that particular type of instructional program.
20 U.S.C. 1134, 1134d-1134g, unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship Program provides, through institutions of higher education, grants to assist in making available the benefits of master's level, professional, and doctoral education programs to women and individuals from minority groups who are underrepresented.
(b) Each individual recipient of a fellowship under this program is to be known as a Patricia Roberts Harris Graduate Fellow.
Institutions of higher education, offering a program of post-baccalaureate study leading to a master's level, professional, or doctoral degree, other than schools or departments of divinity, are eligible to receive grants under this program.
(a) The Secretary makes grants to institutions of higher education to enable the institutions to provide fellowships in master's level, professional, and doctoral education programs.
(b)(1) In awarding fellowships for master's level and professional study, the institution must give priority to one or more of the following groups—
(i) Women who are pursuing master's level or professional study in academic
(ii) Individuals from minority groups who are pursuing master's level or professional study in academic fields in which they are underrepresented;
(iii) Women who are pursuing master's level study leading to careers that serve the public interest; or
(iv) Individuals from minority groups who are pursuing master's level study leading to careers that serve the public interest.
(2) In awarding fellowships for doctoral study, the institution must give priority to one or more of the following groups—
(i) Women undertaking doctoral study; or
(ii) Individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups undertaking doctoral study.
The Secretary reserves—
(a) Fifty percent of the funds appropriated for this program to make grants for projects that provide fellowships for master's level or professional study; and
(b) Fifty percent of the funds appropriated for this program to make grants for projects that provide fellowships for doctoral study.
The following regulations apply to the Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship Program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 649.
(a)
(b)
(i) Directly administers or supervises postbaccalaureate instruction in a specific discipline; and
(ii) Has the authority to award academic course credit acceptable to meet degree requirements at an institution of higher education.
(i) A postbaccalaureate program of study leading to a degree required for admission to practice a profession; or
(ii) Any post-master's or doctoral degree that does not require a dissertation.
(i) As indicated by—
(A) The most current edition of the Department's
(B) The National Research Council's
(C) Other standard statistical references, as announced annually in the
(ii) As documented by national survey data submitted to and accepted by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis.
(i) A citizen of the United States; or
(ii) A person defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22), who, though not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States.
(a) To apply for a grant under this part, an institution of higher education must submit an application that responds to the appropriate selection criteria in §§ 649.21 and 649.31.
(b) An institution of higher education's application must describe how
(1) The selected individuals will have the capability to achieve the academic goals of the fellowship; and
(2) The institution will give priority to members of one or more of the groups to which priority must be given under § 649.3(b)(1).
(c) An institution of higher education may apply for a grant under this part for the following types of fellowships:
(1) Master's Level and Professional Study Fellowships.
(2) Doctoral Study Fellowships.
(d) An institution of higher education may submit no more than one application for new awards for Master's Level and Professional Study Fellowships and no more than one application for new awards for Doctoral Study Fellowships in a given application period.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for master's level and professional study fellowships on the basis of the criteria in § 649.21.
(b) The Secretary awards up to 100 points for these criteria.
(c) The maximum possible score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application:
(a)
(i) Evidence that the institution's social and academic environment is supportive of the academic success of students who are members of the priority group or groups;
(ii) The availability of other sources of financial aid and support for students who are members of the priority group or groups; and
(iii) The employment of women or individuals from minority groups or both, depending on the group or groups to which the institution proposes to give priority, among the administrators and faculty in the institution.
(2)
(i) The Secretary reviews each application for information that describes the applicant's recruitment plan.
(ii) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(A) The applicant's active and aggressive efforts, previous and current, to identify and attract students who are members of the group or groups to which the applicant proposes to give priority.
(B) The applicant's previous and current efforts in successfully preparing students from the group or groups to which the applicant proposes to give priority for careers in which members of those groups are underrepresented; and
(C) The applicant's success in providing students with access to careers in which women and minority groups are underrepresented.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(i) Relate to the specific goals and measurable objectives of the project;
(ii) Include both process and product evaluation measures that are objective and designed to produce data that are quantifiable; and
(iii) Describe how the applicant will analyze and report the data so that it can make adjustments and improvements on a regular basis.
(b)
(i) The applicant describes the general and specific objectives of the project with respect to each academic field that are realistic and measurable; and
(ii) The objectives of the project with respect to each academic field further the purposes of the authorizing statute by assisting in making available the benefits of master's level and professional education programs to one or more of the groups listed in § 649.3(b)(1) of this part.
(2)
(i) The needs of the applicant within each academic field that are addressed by the project;
(ii) How the applicant identified those needs;
(iii) How those needs will be met by the project within each academic field; and
(iv) The benefits to be gained by meeting those needs.
(3)
(i) The quality of the design of the project with respect to each academic field;
(ii) The extent to which the plan of management is effective and ensures proper and efficient administration of the project within each academic field;
(iii) How well the objectives of the project within each academic field relate to the purpose of the program;
(iv) How well the project activities of each academic field within the project are described and the potential of those activities to achieve project objectives in a cost-effective manner;
(v) The quality of the applicant's plan to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and
(vi) How the applicant will ensure that project participants who are otherwise eligible to participate are selected without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disabling condition, except as necessary to implement the priority or priorities established in accordance with the requirements of § 649.3(b)(1).
(4)
(i) The course offerings and academic requirements for the academic program; and
(ii) The focus on, and capability for, research or teaching.
(5)
(i) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the quality of key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project, including—
(A) The qualifications of the project director (2 points);
(B) The qualifications of the key faculty to be used for the project in each academic field (6 points);
(C) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(5)(i) (A) and (B) of this section will commit to the project (2 points); and
(D) How the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, will ensure that its personnel are selected without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disabling condition, except pursuant
(ii) To determine personnel qualifications under paragraphs (b)(5)(i) (A) and (B) of this section, the Secretary considers—
(A) Experience and training in areas related to the objectives of the project or the relevant academic field within the project; and
(B) Any other qualifications that pertain to the quality of the project.
(6)
(a)(1) The Secretary gives an absolute preference to applicants proposing to provide fellowships in the award of which priority is given to women or individuals from minority groups, or both, who are pursuing master's level or professional study and are underrepresented in the academic field for which the grant award is made.
(2) The Secretary announces the absolute preference annually in the
(b)(1) The Secretary gives a competitive preference of one point to applicants proposing to provide fellowships in the award of which priority is given to women or individuals from minority groups, or both, who are pursuing master's level study leading to careers that serve the public interest.
(2) This point is in addition to any points the applicant earns under the selection criteria for the program.
(c)(1) The Secretary gives an absolute preference to applicants proposing to provide fellowships in academic career fields of high national priority as established by the Secretary from among one or more of the academic areas listed in the appendix to this part or the resulting subdisciplinary or interdisciplinary academic areas.
(2) The Secretary announces the absolute preference annually in the
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for doctoral study fellowships on the basis of the criteria in § 649.31.
(b) The Secretary awards up to 100 points for these criteria.
(c) The maximum possible score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application:
(a)
(i) Evidence that the institution's social and academic environment is supportive of the academic success of students who are members of the priority group or groups;
(ii) The availability of other sources of financial aid and support for students who are members of the priority group or groups; and
(iii) The employment of women or individuals who are from minority groups or both, depending on the group or groups to which the institution proposes to give priority, among the administrators and faculty in the institution.
(2)
(i) The Secretary reviews each application for information that describes the applicant's recruitment plan.
(ii) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(A) The applicant's active and aggressive efforts, previous and current, to identify and attract qualified students who are members of the group or groups to which the applicant proposes to give priority;
(B) The applicant's previous and current efforts in successfully preparing students who are members of the group or groups to which the applicant proposes to give priority for careers in which members of the group or groups are underrepresented; and
(C) The applicant's success in providing students with access to careers in which women and minority groups are underrepresented.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(i) Relate to the specific goals and measurable objectives of the project;
(ii) Include both process and product evaluation measures that are objective and designed to produce data that are quantifiable; and
(iii) Describe how the applicant will analyze and report the data so that it can make adjustments and improvements on a regular basis.
(b)
(i) The applicant describes the general and specific objectives of the project with respect to each academic field that are realistic and measurable; and
(ii) The objectives of the project, with respect to each academic field, further the purposes of the authorizing statute by assisting in making available the benefits of doctoral education programs to member of the group or groups to which the applicant proposes to give priority.
(2)
(i) The needs of the applicant addressed by the project within each academic field;
(ii) How the applicant identified those needs;
(iii) How those needs will be met by the project within each academic field; and
(iv) The benefits to be gained by meeting those needs.
(3)
(i) The quality of the design of the project, with respect to each academic field;
(ii) The extent to which the plan of management is effective and ensures proper and efficient administration of the project within each academic field;
(iii) How well the objectives of the project within each academic field relate to the purpose of the program;
(iv) How well the project activities within each academic field are described and the potential of those activities to achieve project objectives in a cost-effective manner;
(v) The quality of the applicant's plan to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and
(vi) How the applicant will ensure that project participants who are otherwise eligible to participate are selected without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disabling condition, except as necessary to implement the priority or priorities established in accordance with the requirements of § 649.3(b)(2).
(4)
(i) The course offerings and academic requirements for the academic program; and
(ii) The focus on, and capacity for, research or teaching.
(5)
(i) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the quality of key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project, including—
(A) The qualifications of the project director (2 points);
(B) The qualifications of each of the key faculty to be used on the project in each academic field (6 points);
(C) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(5)(i) (A) and (B) of this section will commit to the project (2 points); and
(D) How the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, will ensure that its personnel are selected without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disabling condition, except pursuant to a lawful affirmative action plan (2 points).
(ii) To determine personnel qualifications under paragraphs (b)(5)(i) (A) and (B) of this section, the Secretary considers—
(A) Experience and training in areas related to the objectives of the project or the relevant academic field within the project; and
(B) Any other qualifications that pertain to the quality of the project.
(6)
(i) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the adequacy of the applicant's plans to provide two years of support for each fellow, immediately following the second year of fellowship support, including at least one year of supervised teaching.
(ii) In reviewing the applicant's plan of support for the fellows, the Secretary considers—
(A) The applicant's financial support for each fellow; and
(B) The applicant's plan for the supervision of each fellow's teaching assignment.
(7)
(a) The Secretary gives an absolute preference to applicants proposing to provide fellowships in the award of which priority is given to members of one or more of the groups identified in § 649.3(b)(2).
(b) The Secretary gives an absolute preference to applicants proposing to provide fellowships in academic career fields of high national priority as established by the Secretary from among one or more of the academic areas listed in the appendix to this part or the resulting subdisciplinary or inter-disciplinary academic areas.
(c) The Secretary announces the absolute preferences annually in the
(a) In selecting individuals to receive master's level and professional study fellowships, the institution of higher education shall—
(1) Give priority to members of one or more of the groups identified for priority in § 649.3(b)(1); and
(2) Select only individuals who—
(i) Have been accepted for or are enrolled in a program of study leading to a master's level or professional degree in the academic field for which the institution received a grant;
(ii) Plan to pursue an academic or professional career in the academic field of study for which the institution received the grant;
(iii)(A) Are nationals of the United States;
(B) Are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become permanent residents; or
(C) Are permanent residents of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; and
(iv) Are not ineligible to receive assistance under 34 CFR 75.60, as added on July 8, 1992 (57 FR 30328, 30337).
(b) In selecting individuals to receive doctoral study fellowships, the institution of higher education shall—
(1) Give priority to members of one or more of the groups identified for priority in § 649.3(b)(2); and
(2) For doctoral study fellowships other than doctoral study leading to an academic career, select only individuals who—
(i) Have been accepted for or are enrolled in a program of study leading to a doctoral degree in the academic field for which the institution received a grant;
(ii) Plan to pursue a professional career in the academic field of study for which the institution received the grant;
(iii)(A) Are nationals of the United States;
(B) Are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become permanent residents; or
(C) Are permanent residents of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; and
(iv) Are not ineligible to receive assistance under 34 CFR 75.60, as added on July 8, 1992 (57 FR 30328, 30337); and
(3) For fellowships for doctoral study leading to an academic career, select only individuals who—
(i) Have been accepted for or are enrolled in a program of study leading to a doctoral degree in the academic field for which the institution received a grant;
(ii) Plan to pursue an academic career in the academic field of study for which the institution received the grant;
(iii) Are citizens of the United States; and
(iv) Are not ineligible to receive assistance under 34 CFR 75.60, as added on July 8, 1992 (57 FR 30328, 30337).
An individual must apply directly to an institution of higher education that has received a grant.
(a) An award for a fellowship for a master's level or professional degree program of study is for the normal period of time for completing the program or a total of three years, whichever is less.
(b) A fellow may apply to the Secretary for an additional period of fellowship support of up to 12 months. The fellow's application must include—
(1) The specific facts detailing the reasons why the additional period of support is necessary;
(2) A certification by the institution that it is aware of the fellow's application and that the fellow has attained satisfactory progress in the fellow's academic studies; and
(3) A recommendation from the institution that the additional period of fellowship support of up to 12 months is necessary.
(c) The institution shall request approval for the additional support in its third-year noncompeting continuation application, as required under 34 CFR 75.253 for multiyear project periods.
(a) An award for a fellowship for doctoral study is for a total of three years, consisting of not more than two years of fellowship support for study or research, and not more than one year of support for dissertation work, provided that the fellow has attained satisfactory progress prior to the dissertation stage.
(b) Following the two years of fellowship support for study or research, the institution of higher education shall provide—
(1) Financial support in the amount of the fellow's financial need, as defined in § 649.6(b), or in an amount equal to the stipend awarded in the last year of fellowship support, whichever is less, for two years;
(2) A waiver of tuition and fees or an allowance on behalf of the fellow as full payment of tuition and fees required of the fellow by the institution as part of the fellow's instructional program for two years; and
(3)(i) Teaching requirements for the fellow that equal those required of other graduate teaching assistants at that institution; and
(ii) Supervision of the fellow's teaching for one year.
(c) Following two years of institutional support, the institution must include in its application for the third year of fellowship support for the fellow's dissertation work a certification that—
(1) The institution has provided two years of institutional support;
(2) The fellow satisfactorily completed one year of supervised teaching; and
(3) The fellow satisfactorily completed all pre-dissertation requirements.
To continue to receive payments under a fellowship, a fellow must—
(a) Maintain satisfactory progress;
(b) Devote essentially full time to study or research (including acting as a teaching or research assistant, as required as a condition for award of the degree) in the academic field for which the fellowship was awarded; and
(c) Not engage in gainful employment during the period of the fellowship, except on a part-time basis in teaching, research, or similar types of activities approved by the Secretary.
(a) The institution shall calculate the amount of a fellow's financial need annually, in accordance with Part F of Title IV of the HEA.
(b) For a fellowship initially awarded for an academic year prior to the academic year 1993-1994, the institution shall pay the fellow a stipend in the amount of the fellow's financial need or $10,000, whichever is less.
(c) For a fellowship initially awarded for the academic year 1993-1994 or any succeeding academic year, the institution shall pay the fellow a stipend at a level of support equal to that provided by the National Science Foundation graduate fellowships, except that this amount must be adjusted as necessary so as not to exceed the fellow's demonstrated level of financial need.
(a) With respect to awards made for the academic year 1993-1994, the Secretary makes a payment of $9,000 to the institution of higher education for each individual awarded a fellowship at the institution. The Secretary adjusts the institutional payment annually thereafter in accordance with inflation as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index for the previous calendar year.
(b) An institution shall treat the institutional payment made by the Secretary on behalf of a fellow as full payment of tuition and fees required of the
(a) The Secretary pays to the institution of higher education the fellowship stipend and institutional payment for each individual enrolled in that institution that is awarded a fellowship under this program.
(b) If an institution of higher education is unable to use all of the amounts available under this program, the Secretary—on such dates each fiscal year as the Secretary determines—reallots the amounts not used to other institutions of higher education that can use the grants authorized under this program in the academic year following the reallotment.
(c) The Secretary does not award a fellowship under this part for study at a school or department of divinity.
(a) If a fellow withdraws from an institution before completion of an academic term, the institution shall refund to the Secretary a pro-rated portion of the institutional payment that it received for that fellow. The institution shall return the funds to the Secretary at a time and in a manner as the Secretary requires.
(b) An institution shall disburse a stipend to a fellow in accordance with its regular payment schedule for graduate assistants, but shall not make less than one payment per academic term. If the fellowship is vacated or discontinued, the institution shall return unexpended funds to the Secretary at a time and in a manner as the Secretary requires.
(c) A fellow who withdraws from an institution before completion of an academic term for which he or she received a stipend installment shall return a pro-rated portion of the stipend installment to the institution at a time and in a manner as the Secretary requires.
(d) If a fellow first enrolls at an institution in the spring term, the institution shall disburse a pro-rated stipend to the fellow and use a pro-rated portion of the institutional payment for that fellow and shall carry over for disbursement the following academic year the remaining portion of the stipend and the institutional payment for that fellow.
(a) An institution of higher education that receives a grant shall provide to the Secretary, prior to receipt of funds for disbursement to a fellow after the fellow's first academic term, a certification that the fellow is enrolled in, is making satisfactory progress in, and is devoting essentially full time to study in the academic field for which the grant was made.
(b) An institution of higher education that receives a grant shall keep records as are necessary to establish the time and amount of all stipend disbursements.
The Secretary may give an absolute preference to applicants proposing to provide fellowships in academic areas listed below, or the resulting subdisciplinary or inter-disciplinary academic areas.
The list was derived from the
20 U.S.C. 1134, 1134h-1134k-l, unless otherwise noted.
(a) Under the Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program the Secretary awards fellowships to students of superior ability selected on the basis of demonstrated achievement and exceptional promise, for study at the doctoral level in selected fields of the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
(b) Students awarded fellowships under this program are called Jacob K. Javits Fellows.
An individual is eligible to receive a fellowship if the individual—
(a) Is enrolled at an institution of higher education, other than a school or department of divinity, in the program of study leading to a doctoral degree in the academic field for which the fellowship is awarded;
(b) Meets the eligibility requirements established by the Fellowship Board;
(c) Is not ineligible to receive assistance under 34 CFR 75.60, as added on July 8, 1992 (57 FR 30328, 30337); and
(d)(1) Is pursuing a doctoral degree that will not lead to an academic career and is—
(i) A citizen or national of the United States;
(ii) A permanent resident of the United States;
(iii) In the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intends to become a permanent resident; or
(iv) A permanent resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; or
(2) Is pursuing a doctoral degree that will lead to an academic career and is a citizen of the United States.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in this part
(b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs), except for the following:
(i) Subpart C (How to Apply for a Grant);
(ii) Subpart D (How Grants Are Made); and
(iii) Sections 75.580 through 75.592 of subpart E.
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations), except for the terms “grantee” and “recipient.”
(4) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(5) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(6) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
The following definitions apply to terms used in this part:
(1) Directly administers or supervises post-baccalaureate instruction in a specific discipline; and
(2) Has the authority to award academic course credit acceptable to meet degree requirements at an institution of higher education.
(1) Has actual knowledge that the statement is false or fictitious;
(2) Acts in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the statement; or
(3) Acts in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the statement.
The Secretary awards fellowships consisting of the following:
(a) A stipend paid to the fellow, based upon an annual determination of the fellow's financial need, as described in § 650.42.
(b) An annual payment made to the institution in which the fellow is enrolled as described in § 650.41.
An individual shall apply to the Secretary for a fellowship award in response to an application notice published by the Secretary in the
(a) The Fellowship Board establishes criteria for the selection of fellows.
(b) Each year the Fellowship Board selects specific fields of study, and the number of fellows in each field (within the humanities, arts and social sciences), for which fellowships will be awarded.
(c) The Fellowship Board appoints panels of distinguished individuals in each field to evaluate applications.
(d) The Secretary may make awards of the fellowships each year in two or more stages, taking into account at each stage the amount of funds remaining after the level of funding for awards previously made has been established or adjusted.
A fellow may use the fellowship only for enrollment in a doctoral program at an institution of higher education, other than a school or department of divinity, which is accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary, which accepts the fellow for graduate study, and which has agreed to comply with the provisions of this part applicable to institutions.
(a) An individual notified by the Secretary of selection as a fellow shall inform the Secretary of the individual's acceptance in the manner and time prescribed by the Secretary in the notification.
(b) If an individual fails to comply with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary treats the individual's failure to comply as a refusal of the fellowship.
(a) The Secretary withdraws an offer of a fellowship to an individual only if the Secretary determines that the individual submitted fraudulent information on the application.
(b) The Secretary considers the application to contain fraudulent information if the application contains a statement that—
(1) The applicant knows or has reason to know—
(i) Asserts a material fact that is false or fictitious; or
(ii) Is false or fictitious because it omits a material fact that the person making the statement has a duty to include in the statement; and
(2) Contains or is accompanied by an express certification or affirmation of the truthfulness and accuracy of the contents of the statement.
(a) An individual may receive a fellowship for a doctoral degree program of study for a total of 48 months or the time required for receiving the doctoral degree, whichever is less.
(b) (1) An individual may receive a fellowship for no more than 24 months for dissertation work, without the prior approval of the Secretary.
(2) A fellow may apply to the Secretary for an additional period of fellowship support for dissertation work. The fellow's application must include—
(i) The specific facts detailing the reasons why the additional period of dissertation work support is necessary;
(ii) A certification by the institution that it is aware of the fellow's application and that the fellow has attained satisfactory progress in the fellow's academic studies; and
(iii) A recommendation from the institution that the additional period of fellowship support for dissertation work is necessary.
(c) A fellow who maintains satisfactory progress in the program of study for which the fellowship was awarded may have the fellowship renewed annually for the total length of time described in paragraph (a) of this section.
In order to continue to receive payments under a fellowship, a fellow shall—
(a) Maintain satisfactory progress in the program for which the fellowship was awarded as determined by the institution of higher education;
(b) Devote essentially full time to study or research in the field in which
(c) Not engage in gainful employment during the period of the fellowship except on a part-time basis, for the institution of higher education at which the fellowship was awarded, in teaching, research, or similar activities approved by the Secretary; and
(d) Begin study under the fellowship in the academic year specified in the fellowship award.
(a) An institution of higher education may allow a fellow to interrupt study for a period not to exceed 12 months, but only if the interruption of study is—
(1) For the purpose of work, travel, or independent study, if the independent study is away from the institution and supportive of the fellow's academic program; and
(2) Approved by the institution of higher education.
(b) A fellow may continue to receive payments during the period of interruption only if the fellow's interruption of study is for the purpose of travel or independent study that is supportive of the fellow's academic program.
(c) A fellow may not receive payments during the period of interruption if the fellow's interruption of study is for the purpose of travel that is not supportive of the fellow's academic program, or work, whether supportive of the fellow's academic program or not.
(d) The Secretary makes a pro rata institutional payment to the institution of higher education in which the fellow is enrolled during the period the fellow receives payments as described in paragraph (b) of this section.
After an award is made, a fellow may not make any change in the field of study or institution attended without the prior approval of the Secretary.
Each individual who is awarded a fellowship shall keep such records and submit such reports as are required by the Secretary.
Students enrolled in an otherwise eligible institution of higher education may receive fellowships only if the institution enters into an agreement with the Secretary to comply with the provisions of this part.
(a) With respect to the awards made for the academic year 1993-1994, the Secretary makes a payment of $9,000 to the institution of higher education for each individual awarded a fellowship for pursuing a course of study at the institution. The Secretary adjusts the amount of the institutional payment annually thereafter in accordance with inflation as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index for the previous calendar year.
(b) If the institution of higher education charges and collects amounts from a fellow for tuition or other expenses required by the institution as part of the fellow's instructional program, the Secretary deducts that amount from the institutional payment.
(c) If the fellow is enrolled for less than a full academic year, the Secretary pays the institution a pro rata share of the allowance.
(a) The institution annually shall calculate the amount of a fellow's financial need in the same manner as that in which the institution calculates its students’ financial need under part F of title IV of the HEA.
(b) For a fellowship initially awarded for an academic year prior to the academic year 1993-1994, the institution shall pay the fellow a stipend in the amount of the fellow's financial need or $10,000, whichever is less.
(c) For a fellowship initially awarded for the academic year 1993-1994 or any succeeding academic year, the institution shall pay the fellow a stipend at a level of support equal to that provided by the National Science Foundation graduate fellowships, except that the amount must be adjusted as necessary so as not to exceed the fellow's demonstrated level of financial need.
(a) An institution shall disburse a stipend to a fellow no less frequently than once per academic term. If the fellowship is vacated or discontinued, the institution shall return any unexpended funds to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require.
(b) If a fellow withdraws from an institution before completion of an academic term, the institution shall refund to the Secretary a prorated portion of the institutional payment that it received with respect to that fellow. The institution shall return those funds to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require.
(c) A fellow who withdraws from an institution before completion of an academic term for which the fellow received a stipend installment shall return a prorated portion of the stipend installment to the institution at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require.
(a) An institution shall provide to the Secretary, prior to receiving funds for disbursement to a fellow, a certification from an appropriate official at the institution stating whether that fellow is making satisfactory progress in, and is devoting essentially full time to the program for which the fellowship was awarded.
(b) An institution shall keep such records as are necessary to establish the timing and amount of all disbursements of stipends.
20 U.S.C. 1070d-31 to 1070d-41, unless otherwise noted.
Under the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, the Secretary makes grants to the States to provide scholarships for study at institutions of higher education to outstanding high school graduates who show promise of continued excellence, in an effort to recognize and promote student excellence and achievement.
(a) States are eligible for grants under this program.
(b) Students who meet the eligibility criteria in §§ 654.40 and 654.51 are eligible for scholarships under this program.
A State may use its funds under this program, including funds collected from scholars under § 654.60(a)(3), only to make scholarship payments to scholars.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR 75.60-75.62 (regarding the ineligibility of certain individuals to receive assistance under part 75 (Direct Grant Programs)).
(2) 34 CFR part 76 (State-Administered Programs).
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 80 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments).
(6) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(7) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(8) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 654.
(a)
(b)
(i) A high school diploma;
(ii) A General Education Development (GED) Certificate; or
(iii) Any other evidence recognized by the State as the equivalent of a high school diploma.
(a) To apply for a grant under this program, a State must submit a participation agreement to the Secretary for review and approval by the deadline announced annually by the Secretary in the
(b) On the Secretary's approval of its initial participation agreement for fiscal year 1993 or thereafter, a State need not submit a new participation agreement to be considered for funding under this program in subsequent years, except that any changes in the State's criteria and procedures must be incorporated in a revised participation agreement which must be submitted to the Secretary for review and approval.
A State's participation agreement must include the following:
(a) A description of the criteria and procedures that the State, through its State educational agency (SEA), plans to use to administer this program in accordance with the requirements of this part, including the criteria and procedures it plans to use to—
(1) Publicize the availability of Byrd scholarships to students in the State, with particular emphasis on procedures designed to ensure that students from low- and moderate-income families know about their opportunity for participation in the program;
(2) Select eligible students;
(3) Notify scholars of their selections and scholarship awards;
(4) Monitor the continuing eligibility of scholars;
(5) Disburse scholarship funds in accordance with the requirements of § 654.50; and
(6) Collect scholarship funds improperly disbursed.
(b) Assurances that the SEA will—
(1) Comply with the criteria and procedures in its approved participation agreement;
(2) Submit for the prior written approval of the Secretary any changes in the criteria and procedures in the approved participation agreement; and
(3) Expend the payments it receives under this program only as provided in § 654.3.
The Secretary approves a participation agreement if it contains all of the
(a) From the funds appropriated for this program, the Secretary allots to each participating State a grant equal to $1,500 multiplied by the number of scholarships the Secretary determines to be available to that State on the basis of the formula described in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) The number of scholarships that the Secretary allots to each participating State for any fiscal year bears the same ratio to the number of scholarships allotted to all participating States as each State's population ages 5 through 17 which is derived from the most recently available data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census bears to the population ages 5 through 17 in all participating States, except that—
(1) Not fewer than 10 scholarships are allotted to any participating State; and
(2) The District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau) each are allotted 10 scholarships.
To apply for a scholarship under this program, a student must follow the application procedures established by the SEA in the student's State of legal residence.
A student is eligible to be selected as a scholar if he or she—
(a) Is a legal resident of the State to which he or she is applying for a scholarship;
(b)(1) Is a U.S. citizen or national;
(2) Provides evidence from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service that he or she—
(i) Is a permanent resident of the United States; or
(ii) Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident; or
(3) Is a permanent resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau);
(c) Becomes a high school graduate in the same secondary school year in which he or she submits the scholarship application;
(d) Has applied or been accepted for enrollment as a full-time student at an institution of higher education;
(e) Is not ineligible to receive assistance as a result of default on a Federal student loan or other obligation, as provided under 34 CFR 75.60; and
(f) Files a Statement of Selective Service Registration Status, in accordance with the provisions of 34 CFR 668.33 of the Student Assistance General Provisions regulations, with the institution he or she plans to attend or is attending.
(a) The SEA shall establish criteria and procedures for the selection of scholars, in accordance with the requirements of this part, after consultation with school administrators, school boards, teachers, counselors, and parents.
(b) The SEA shall establish the selection criteria and procedures to ensure that it selects scholars—
(1) Who are eligible students under the criteria provided in § 654.40;
(2) Who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued achievement;
(3) In a manner that ensures an equitable geographic distribution of awards within the State; and
(4) Without regard to—
(i) Whether the secondary school each scholar attends is within or outside the scholar's State of legal residence;
(ii) Whether the institution of higher education each scholar plans to attend is public or private or is within or outside the scholar's State of legal residence;
(iii) Race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, or economic background; and
(iv) The scholar's educational expenses or financial need.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the SEA shall disburse $1,500 for each year of study for a maximum of four years of study to each scholar who—
(1) Is selected in accordance with the criteria established under § 654.41; and
(2) Meets the requirements for continuing eligibility under § 654.51.
(b)(1) The SEA shall ensure that the total amount of financial aid awarded to a scholar for a year of study does not exceed the total cost of attendance.
(2) The SEA shall ensure that loans are reduced prior to reducing a scholarship awarded under this program.
(c) The SEA shall ensure that the selection process is completed, and the awards made, prior to the end of each secondary school academic year.
(a) A scholar continues to be eligible for scholarship funds as long as the scholar continues to—
(1) Meet the eligibility requirements in § 654.40(b), (e), and (f);
(2) Be enrolled as a full-time student at an institution of higher education except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(3) Maintain satisfactory progress as determined by the institution of higher education the scholar is attending, in accordance with the criteria established in 34 CFR 668.14(e) of the Student Assistance General Provisions regulations.
(b) In order to be eligible for scholarship funds, a scholar must be enrolled full time for the first year of study. If after the first year of study, the SEA determines that unusual circumstances justify waiver of the full-time attendance requirement, the scholar may enroll part time and continue to receive a scholarship payment. The SEA shall prorate the payment according to the scholar's enrollment status for the academic period during which he or she continues to be enrolled on a part-time basis but remains otherwise eligible for the award. For example, if a scholar for whom the full-time enrollment requirement is waived by the SEA is enrolled as a half-time student for one semester, he or she is eligible to receive one-quarter of his or her scholarship during that semester.
(a)(1) An SEA may permit a scholar to postpone or interrupt his or her enrollment at an institution of higher education without forfeiting his or her scholarship for up to 12 months, beginning on the date the scholar otherwise would have enrolled in the institution after the SEA awarded his or her scholarship or the date the scholar interrupts enrollment.
(2) A scholar who postpones or interrupts his or her enrollment at an institution of higher education in accordance with standards established by the
(3) A scholar's periods of postponement or interruption, taken in accordance with standards established by the SEA and not in excess of 12 months, are not considered periods of suspension for the purposes of calculating the 12 months provided for suspension prior to termination under paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, if an SEA finds that a scholar fails to meet the requirements of § 654.51 within an award year, it shall suspend the scholar's eligibility to receive scholarship funds until the scholar is able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the SEA that he or she meets these requirements.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, a scholar's eligibility for a scholarship is terminated when the total of his or her suspension periods exceeds 12 months.
(3) In exceptional circumstances, the SEA may extend the 12-month suspension period without terminating a scholar's eligibility under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, in accordance with standards established by the SEA.
(c) A scholar who receives an award for a period for which the SEA subsequently determines the scholar was ineligible under the requirements in § 654.40 or 654.51 shall repay to the SEA the total amount of the scholarship funds received for the period during which he or she was ineligible.
(a) To receive and continue to receive payments under this part, an SEA shall—
(1) Comply with the criteria, procedures, and assurances in its approved participation agreement;
(2) Disburse the scholarship funds in accordance with § 654.50 to the scholar, the institution of higher education in which the scholar enrolls, or copayable to the scholar and the institution of higher education in which the scholar enrolls;
(3) Collect any scholarship funds improperly disbursed under § 654.50;
(4) Make reports to the Secretary that the Secretary deems necessary to carry out the Secretary's functions under this part; and
(5) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, expend all funds received from the Secretary for scholarships during the award period specified by the Secretary for those funds.
(b) After awarding all scholarship funds during an award year, as required by paragraph (a)(5) of this section, an SEA may retain any funds that are subsequently returned or collected for scholarship awards in the following award period.
20 U.S.C 1121-1130b, unless otherwise noted.
The regulations in this part govern the administration of the following programs in international education:
(a) The National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies (section 602 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended);
(b) The Language Resource Centers Program (section 603);
(c) The Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program (section 604);
(d) The International Research and Studies Program (section 606);
(e) The Foreign Periodicals Program (section 607); and
(f) The Business and International Education Program (section 613).
The following regulations apply to the International Education Programs:
(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).
(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities), except that part 79 does not apply to 34 CFR parts 660, 669, and 671.
(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(b) The regulations in this part 655; and
(c) As appropriate, the regulations in—
(1) 34 CFR part 656 (National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies);
(2) 34 CFR part 657 (Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program);
(3) 34 CFR part 658 (Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program);
(4) 34 CFR part 660 (International Research and Studies Program);
(5) 34 CFR part 661 (Business and International Education Program);
(6) 34 CFR part 669 (Language Resource Centers Program); and
(7) 34 CFR part 671 (Foreign Periodicals Program).
(a)
(b)
Subpart B of 34 CFR parts 656, 657, 658, 660, 661, 669, and 671 describes the kinds of projects that the Secretary assists under the International Education Programs.
The Secretary evaluates all applications for International Education Programs on the basis of—
(a) The general criteria in § 655.31; and
(b) The specific criteria in, as applicable, subpart D of 34 CFR parts 656, 657, 658, 660, 661, 669, and 671.
(a)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) High quality in the design of the project;
(ii) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient administration of the project;
(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program;
(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and
(v) A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as—
(A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(B) Women; and
(C) Handicapped persons.
(b)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be used);
(ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project. In the case of faculty, the qualifications of the faculty and the degree to which that faculty is directly involved in the actual teaching and supervision of students; and
(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and
(iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory
(3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the applicant provides.
(c)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project.
(d)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
(e)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) Other than library, facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.); and
(ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate.
Except for 34 CFR parts 656, 657, and 661, to the extent practicable and consistent with the criterion of excellence, the Secretary seeks to achieve an equitable distribution of funds throughout the Nation.
20 U.S.C. 1122, unless otherwise noted.
Under the National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Areas Studies or Foreign Language and
(a) Stimulating the attainment of foreign language acquisition and fluency;
(b) Instruction in fields needed to provide a full understanding of the areas, regions, or countries in which the foreign language is commonly used;
(c) Research and training in international studies and the international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; and
(d) Instruction and research on issues in world affairs which concern one or more countries.
An institution of higher education or a combination of institutions of higher education is eligible to receive a grant under this part.
A comprehensive or undergraduate National Resource Center—
(a) Teaches at least one modern foreign language;
(b) Provides—
(1) Instruction in fields necessary to provide a full understanding of the areas, regions, or countries in which the languages taught are commonly used;
(2) Resources for training and research in international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; or
(3) Opportunities for training and research on issues in world affairs that concern one or more countries;
(c) Provides outreach and consultative services on a national, regional, and local basis;
(d) Maintains linkages with overseas institutions of higher education and other organizations that may contribute to the teaching and research of the Center;
(e) In the case of a comprehensive Center—
(1) Maintains specialized library collections; and
(2) Employs scholars engaged in training and research that relates to the subject area of the Center; and
(f) In the case of an undergraduate Center—
(1) Maintains library holdings, including basic reference works, journals, and works in translation; and
(2) Employs faculty with strong credentials in language, area, and international studies.
The Secretary awards grants to Centers that—
(a) Focus on—
(1) A single country or on a world area (such as East Asia, Africa, or the Middle East) and offer instruction in the principal language or languages of that country or area and those disciplinary fields necessary to provide a full understanding of the country or area; or
(2) International studies or the international aspects of contemporary issues or topics (such as international business or energy) while providing instruction in modern foreign languages; and
(b) Provide training at the—
(1) Graduate, professional, and undergraduate levels, as a comprehensive Center; or
(2) Undergraduate level only, as an undergraduate Center.
(a) A Center may carry out any of the activities described in § 656.3 under a grant received under this part.
(b) The Secretary may make an additional grant to a comprehensive Center for any one or a combination of the following purposes:
(1) Linkage or outreach between foreign language, area studies, and other international fields and professional schools and colleges.
(2) Linkage or outreach with 2- and 4-year colleges and universities.
(3) Linkage or outreach with departments or agencies of Federal and State governments.
(4) Linkage or outreach with the news media, business, professional, or trade associations.
(5) Summer institutes in foreign area and other international fields designed to carry out the activities in paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this section.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in 34 CFR part 655.
(b) The regulations in this part 656.
The following definitions apply to this part:
(a) The definitions in 34 CFR part 655.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Contributes significantly to the national interest in advanced research and scholarship;
(2) Offers intensive language instruction;
(3) Maintains important library collections related to the area of its specialization;
(4) Makes training available to a graduate, professional, and undergraduate clientele; and
(5) Engages in curriculum development and community outreach.
(e) For purposes of this section,
(f)
(1) Contributes significantly to the national interest through the education of students who matriculate into advanced language and area studies programs or professional school programs;
(2) Incorporates substantial international and foreign language content into baccalaureate degree program;
(3) Makes training available predominantly to undergraduate students; and
(4) Engages in research, curriculum development, and community outreach.
An institution that wishes to apply for a grant under this part and for an allocation of fellowships under 34 CFR part 657 may submit one application for both.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a comprehensive Center under the criteria contained in § 656.21, and for an undergraduate Center under the criteria contained in § 656.22.
(b) In general, the Secretary awards up to 155 possible points for these criteria. However, if the criterion in § 656.21(j) or § 656.22(j) is used, the Secretary awards up to 165 possible points. The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the following criteria in evaluating an application for a comprehensive Center:
(a)
(1) The extent to which the activities for which the applicant seeks funding are of high quality and directly related to the purpose of the National Resource Centers Program (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides a development plan or timeline demonstrating how the proposed activities will contribute to a strengthened program and whether the applicant uses its resources and personnel effectively to achieve the proposed objectives (5 points);
(3) The extent to which the costs of the proposed activities are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the program (5 points); and
(4) The long-term impact of the proposed activities on the institution's undergraduate, graduate, and professional training programs (5 points).
(b)
(1) The extent to which teaching faculty and other staff are qualified for the current and proposed Center activities and training programs, are provided professional development opportunities (including overseas experience), and participate in teaching, supervising, and advising students (10 points);
(2) The adequacy of Center staffing and oversight arrangements, including outreach and administration and the extent to which faculty from a variety of departments, professional schools, and the library are involved (5 points); and
(3) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (5 points).
(c)
(1) The extent to which the Center's activities and training programs have a significant impact on the university, community, region, and the Nation as shown through indices such as enrollments, graduate placement data, participation rates for events, and usage of Center resources; and the extent to which the applicant supplies a clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment of eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (10 points); and
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides an evaluation plan that is comprehensive and objective and that will produce quantifiable, outcome-measure-oriented data; and the extent to which recent evaluations have been used to improve the applicant's program (10 points).
(d)
(e)
(1) The strength of the institution's library holdings (both print and non-print, English and foreign language) in the subject area and at the educational levels (graduate, professional, undergraduate) on which the Center focuses; and the extent to which the institution provides financial support for the acquisition of library materials and for library staff in the subject area of the Center (10 points); and
(2) The extent to which research materials at other institutions are available to students through cooperative arrangements with other libraries or on-line databases and the extent to which teachers, students, and faculty
(f)
(1) The quality and extent of the Center's course offerings in a variety of disciplines, including the extent to which courses in the Center's subject matter are available in the institution's professional schools (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the Center offers depth of specialized course coverage in one or more disciplines of the Center's subject area (5 points);
(3) The extent to which the institution employs a sufficient number of teaching faculty to enable the Center to carry out its purposes and the extent to which instructional assistants are provided with pedagogy training (5 points); and
(4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for undergraduate and graduate students (5 points).
(g)
(1) The extent to which the Center provides instruction in the languages of the Center's subject area and the extent to which students enroll in the study of the languages of the subject area through programs or instruction offered by the Center or other providers (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the Center provides three or more levels of language training and the extent to which courses in disciplines other than language, linguistics, and literature are offered in appropriate foreign languages (5 points);
(3) Whether sufficient numbers of language faculty are available to teach the languages and levels of instruction described in the application and the extent to which language teaching staff (including faculty and instructional assistants) have been exposed to current language pedagogy training appropriate for performance-based teaching (5 points); and
(4) The quality of the language program as measured by the performance-based instruction being used or developed, the adequacy of resources for language teaching and practice, and language proficiency requirements (5 points).
(h)
(1) The extent to which the Center's curriculum has incorporated undergraduate instruction in the applicant's area or topic of specialization into baccalaureate degree programs (for example, major, minor, or certificate programs) and the extent to which these programs and their requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for a Center in this subject area and will result in an undergraduate training program of high quality (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the Center's curriculum provides training options for graduate students from a variety of disciplines and professional fields and the extent to which these programs and their requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for a Center in this subject area and result in graduate training programs of high quality (5 points); and
(3) The extent to which the Center provides academic and career advising services for students; the extent to which the Center has established formal arrangements for students to conduct research or study abroad and the extent to which these arrangements are used; and the extent to which the institution facilitates student access to other institutions’ study abroad and summer language programs (5 points).
(i)
(1) Elementary and secondary schools (5 points);
(2) Postsecondary institutions (5 points); and
(3) Business, media, and the general public (5 points).
(j)
The Secretary uses the following criteria in evaluating an application for an undergraduate Center:
(a)
(1) The extent to which the activities for which the applicant seeks funding are of high quality and directly related to the purpose of the National Resource Centers Program (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides a development plan or timeline demonstrating how the proposed activities will contribute to a strengthened program and whether the applicant uses its resources and personnel effectively to achieve the proposed objectives (5 points);
(3) The extent to which the costs of the proposed activities are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the program (5 points); and
(4) The long-term impact of the proposed activities on the institution's undergraduate training program (5 points).
(b)
(1) The extent to which teaching faculty and other staff are qualified for the current and proposed Center activities and training programs, are provided professional development opportunities (including overseas experience), and participate in teaching, supervising, and advising students (10 points);
(2) The adequacy of Center staffing and oversight arrangements, including outreach and administration and the extent to which faculty from a variety of departments, professional schools, and the library are involved (5 points); and
(3) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (5 points).
(c)
(1) The extent to which the Center's activities and training programs have a significant impact on the university, community, region, and the Nation as shown through indices such as enrollments, graduate placement data, participation rates for events, and usage of Center resources; the extent to which students matriculate into advanced language and area or international studies programs or related professional programs; and the extent to which the applicant supplies a clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment of eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (10 points); and
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides an evaluation plan that is comprehensive and objective and that will produce quantifiable, outcome-measure-oriented data; and the extent to which recent evaluations have been used to improve the applicant's program (10 points).
(d)
(e)
(1) The strength of the institution's library holdings (both print and non-print, English and foreign language) in the subject area and at the educational
(2) The extent to which research materials at other institutions are available to students through cooperative arrangements with other libraries or on-line databases and the extent to which teachers, students, and faculty from other institutions are able to access the library's holdings (5 points).
(f)
(1) The quality and extent of the Center's course offerings in a variety of disciplines (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the Center offers depth of specialized course coverage in one or more disciplines of the Center's subject area (5 points);
(3) The extent to which the institution employs a sufficient number of teaching faculty to enable the Center to carry out its purposes and the extent to which instructional assistants are provided with pedagogy training (5 points); and
(4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for undergraduate students (5 points).
(g)
(1) The extent to which the Center provides instruction in the languages of the Center's subject area and the extent to which students enroll in the study of the languages of the subject area through programs offered by the Center or other providers (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the Center provides three or more levels of language training and the extent to which courses in disciplines other than language, linguistics, and literature are offered in appropriate foreign languages (5 points);
(3) Whether sufficient numbers of language faculty are available to teach the languages and levels of instruction described in the application and the extent to which language teaching staff (including faculty and instructional assistants) have been exposed to current language pedagogy training appropriate for performance-based teaching (5 points); and
(4) The quality of the language program as measured by the performance-based instruction being used or developed, the adequacy of resources for language teaching and practice, and language proficiency requirements (5 points).
(h)
(1) The extent to which the Center's curriculum has incorporated undergraduate instruction in the applicant's area or topic of specialization into baccalaureate degree programs (for example, major, minor, or certificate programs) and the extent to which these programs and their requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for a Center in this subject area and will result in an undergraduate training program of high quality (10 points); and
(2) The extent to which the Center provides academic and career advising services for students; the extent to which the Center has established formal arrangements for students to conduct research or study abroad and the extent to which these arrangements are used; and the extent to which the institution facilitates student access to other institutions’ study abroad and summer language programs (5 points).
(i)
(1) Elementary and secondary schools (5 points);
(2) Postsecondary institutions (5 points); and
(3) Business, media and the general public (5 points).
(j)
(a) The Secretary may select one or more of the following funding priorities:
(1) Specific countries or world areas, such as, for example, East Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
(2) Specific focus of a Center, such as, for example, a single world area; international studies; a particular issue or topic, e.g., business, development issues, or energy; or any combination.
(3) Level or intensiveness of language instruction, such as intermediate or advanced language instruction, or instruction at an intensity of 10 contact hours or more per week.
(4) Types of activities to be carried out, for example, cooperative summer intensive language programs, course development, or teacher training activities.
(b) The Secretary may select one or more of the activities listed in § 656.5 as a funding priority.
(c) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the
(a)
(1) Faculty and staff salaries and travel;
(2) Library acquisitions;
(3) Teaching and research materials;
(4) Curriculum planning and development;
(5) Bringing visiting scholars and faculty to the Center to teach, conduct research, or participate in conferences or workshops; and
(6) Training and improvement of staff.
(b)
(1) Equipment costs exceeding 10 percent of the grant are not allowable.
(2) Funds for undergraduate travel are allowable only in conjunction with a formal program of supervised study in the subject area on which the Center focuses.
(3) Grant funds may not be used to supplant funds normally used by applicants for purposes of this part.
20 U.S.C. 1122, unless otherwise noted.
Under the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program, the Secretary awards fellowships, through institutions of higher education, to students who are—
(a) Enrolled for graduate training in a Center or program approved by the Secretary under this part; and
(b) Undergoing performance-based modern foreign language training or training in a program for which performance-based modern foreign language instruction is being developed, in combination with area studies, international studies, or the international aspects of professional studies.
(a) The Secretary awards an allocation of fellowships to an institution of higher education or to a combination of institutions of higher education that—
(1) Operates a Center or program approved by the Secretary under this part;
(2) Teaches modern foreign languages under a program described in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(3) In combination with the teaching described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section—
(i) Provides instruction in the disciplines needed for a full understanding of the area, regions, or countries in which the foreign languages are commonly used; or
(ii) Conducts training and research in international studies, the international aspects of professional and other fields of study, or issues in world affairs that concern one or more countries.
(b) In teaching those modern foreign languages for which an allocation of fellowships is made available, the institution must be either using a program of performance-based training or developing a performance-based training program.
(c) The Secretary uses the criteria in § 657.21 both to approve Centers and programs for the purpose of receiving an allocation of fellowships and to evaluate applications for an allocation of fellowships.
(d) An institution does not need to receive a grant under the National Resource Center Program (34 CFR part 656) to receive an allocation of fellowships under this part.
A student is eligible to receive a fellowship if the student—
(a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States; or
(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States;
(b) Is accepted for enrollment or is enrolled—
(1) In an institution receiving an allocation of fellowships; and
(2) In a program that combines modern foreign language training with—
(i) Area or international studies; or
(ii) Research and training in the international aspects of professional and other fields of study;
(c) Shows potential for high academic achievement based on such indices as grade point average, class ranking, or similar measures that the institution may determine; and
(d) Is enrolled in a program of modern foreign language training in a language for which the institution has developed or is developing performance-based instruction.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in 34 CFR part 655.
(b) The regulations in this part 657.
The following definitions apply to this part:
(a) The definitions in 34 CFR 655.4.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
An institution that wishes to apply for an allocation of fellowships and for a grant to operate a Center under 34 CFR part 656 may submit a combined application for both grants to the Secretary.
(a) A student shall apply for a fellowship directly to an institution of higher education that has received an allocation of fellowships.
(b) The applicant shall provide sufficient information to enable the institution to determine whether he or she is eligible to receive a fellowship and whether he or she should be selected to receive a fellowship.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for an allocation of fellowships on the basis of the quality of the applicant's Center or program. The applicant's Center or program is evaluated and approved under the criteria in § 657.21.
(b) In general, the Secretary awards up to 140 possible points for these criteria. However, if priority criteria are used, the Secretary awards up to 150 possible points. The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in parentheses.
(a)
(b)
(1) The extent to which teaching faculty and other staff are qualified for the current and proposed activities and training programs, are provided professional development opportunities (including overseas experience), and participate in teaching, supervising, and advising students (5 points);
(2) The adequacy of applicant staffing and oversight arrangements and the extent to which faculty from a variety of departments, professional schools, and the library are involved (5 points); and
(3) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons
(c)
(1) The extent to which the applicant's activities and training programs have contributed to an improved supply of specialists on the program's subject as shown through indices such as graduate enrollments and placement data; and the extent to which the applicant supplies a clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment of eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (15 points); and
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides an evaluation plan that is comprehensive and objective and that will produce quantifiable, outcome-measure-oriented data; and the extent to which recent evaluations have been used to improve the applicant's program (5 points).
(d)
(1) The extent to which the institution provides financial and other support to the operation of the applicant, teaching staff for the applicant's subject area, library resources, and linkages with institutions abroad (5 points); and
(2) The extent to which the institution provides financial support to graduate students in fields related to the applicant's teaching program (5 points).
(e)
(1) The strength of the institution's library holdings (both print and non-print, English and foreign language) for graduate students; and the extent to which the institution provides financial support for the acquisition of library materials and for library staff in the subject area of the applicant (10 points); and
(2) The extent to which research materials at other institutions are available to students through cooperative arrangements with other libraries or on-line databases (5 points).
(f)
(1) The quality and extent of the applicant's course offerings in a variety of disciplines, including the extent to which courses in the applicant's subject matter are available in the institution's professional schools (10 points);
(2) The extent to which the applicant offers depth of specialized course coverage in one or more disciplines on the applicant's subject area (5 points);
(3) The extent to which the institution employs a sufficient number of teaching faculty to enable the applicant to carry out its purposes and the extent to which instructional assistants are provided with pedagogy training (5 points); and
(4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for graduate students (5 points).
(g)
(1) The extent to which the applicant provides instruction in the languages of the applicant's subject area and the extent to which students enroll in the study of the languages of the subject area through programs or instruction offered by the applicant or other providers (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides three or more levels of language training and the extent to which courses in disciplines other than language, linguistics, and literature are offered in appropriate foreign languages (5 points);
(3) Whether sufficient numbers of language faculty are available to teach the languages and levels of instruction described in the application and the extent to which language teaching staff (including faculty and instructional assistants) have been exposed to current
(4) The quality of the language program as measured by the performance-based instruction being used or developed, the adequacy of resources for language teaching and practice, and language proficiency requirements (5 points).
(h)
(1) The extent to which the applicant's curriculum provides training options for graduate students from a variety of disciplines and professional fields and the extent to which these programs and their requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for an applicant in this subject area and result in graduate training programs of high quality (10 points);
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides academic and career advising services for students (5 points); and
(3) The extent to which the applicant has established formal arrangements for students to conduct research or study abroad and the extent to which these arrangements are used; and the extent to which the institution facilitates student access to other institutions’ study abroad and summer language programs (5 points).
(i)
(a) The Secretary may establish one or more of the following priorities for the allocation of fellowships:
(1) Specific world areas, or countries, such as East Asia or Mexico.
(2) Languages, such as Chinese.
(3) Levels of language offerings.
(4) Academic disciplines, such as linguistics or sociology.
(5) Professional studies, such as business, law, or education;
(6) Particular subjects, such as population growth and planning, or international trade and business.
(7) A combination of any of these categories.
(b) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the
(a)
(1) One academic year; or
(2) One summer session if the summer session provides the fellow with the equivalent of one academic year of modern foreign language study.
(b)
(1) The student meets the eligibility requirements in § 657.3; and
(2) The remaining fellowship period comprises at least one full academic quarter, semester, trimester, or summer session as described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(a)(1) An institution shall award a stipend to fellowship recipients.
(2) Each fellowship includes an institutional payment and a subsistence allowance to be determined by the Secretary.
(3) If the institutional payment determined by the Secretary is greater than the tuition and fees charged by the institution, the institutional payment portion of the fellowship is limited to actual tuition and fees. The difference between actual tuition and fees
(4) If permitted by the Secretary, the fellowship may include an allowance for travel and an allowance for dependents.
(b) The Secretary announces in an application notice published in the
(1) The amounts of the subsistence allowance and the institutional payment for an academic year and the subsistence allowance and the institutional payment for a summer session;
(2) Whether travel and dependents’ allowances will be permitted; and
(3) The amount of travel and dependents’ allowances.
(a) An institution shall pay a fellow his or her subsistence and any other allowance in installments during the term of the fellowship.
(b) An institution shall make a payment only to a fellow who is in good standing and is making satisfactory progress.
(c) The institution shall make appropriate adjustments of any overpayment or underpayment to a fellow.
(d) Funds not used by one recipient for reasons of withdrawal are to be used for alternate recipients to the extent that funds are available for a full subsistence allowance.
(a) Before awarding a fellowship for use outside the United States, an institution shall obtain the approval of the Secretary.
(b) The Secretary may approve the use of a fellowship outside the United States if the student is—
(1) Enrolled in an overseas foreign language program approved by the institution at which the student is enrolled in the United States for study at an intermediate or advanced level or at the beginning level if appropriate equivalent instruction is not available in the United States; or
(2) Engaged during the academic year in research that cannot be done effectively in the United States and is affiliated with an institution of higher education or other appropriate organization in the host country.
An institution shall terminate a fellowship if—
(a) The fellow is not making satisfactory progress, is no longer enrolled, or is no longer in good standing at the institution; or
(b) The fellow fails to follow the course of study, including modern foreign language study, for which he or she applied, unless a revised course of study is otherwise approvable under this part.
20 U.S.C. 1124, unless otherwise noted.
The Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program is designed to provide Federal financial assistance to institutions of higher education or combinations of such institutions to improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages in the United States.
The following are eligible to apply for assistance under this part:
(a) Institutions of higher education.
(b) Combinations of institutions of higher education.
(c) Public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in 34 CFR part 655.
(b) The regulations in this part 658.
The definitions in 34 CFR 655.4 apply to this program.
(a) The Secretary may provide assistance to an institution of higher education or a combination of institutions to plan, develop, and carry out a program to improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages.
(b) The Secretary gives consideration to an applicant that proposes a program that—
(1) Initiates new or revised courses in international studies;
(2) Makes instruction in foreign languages available to students in the program; and
(3) Takes place primarily in the United States.
(c) The program shall focus on—
(1) International or global studies;
(2) A single world area and its languages; or
(3) Issues or topics, such as environmental studies or international business.
The Secretary awards grants under this part to assist in carrying out projects and activities that are an integral part of a program to improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages. These include projects such as:
(a) Planning for the development and expansion of the undergraudate curriculum in international studies and foreign languages;
(b) Teaching, research, curriculum development, and related activities such as—
(i) Conducting faculty workshops, conferences, and special lectures;
(ii) Developing and testing new curricular materials, including self-instructional materials in foreign languages, or specialized language materials dealing with a particular subject matter (such as business or law);
(iii) Initiating new and revised courses in international studies and foreign languages;
(iv) Developing ways to use the media, or developing projects to improve the effectiveness of sharing resources and materials;
(v) Developing standards to identify successful strategies for incorporating international aspects into the curriculum;
(c) Training faculty members in foreign countries or bringing foreign scholars to U.S. institutions;
(d) Placing U.S. faculty members in internships with international associations or with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in the U.S. or abroad t improve their understanding of international affairs;
(e) Developing international education programs designed to develop or enhance linkages between 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education, or baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate programs or institutions;
(f) Developing undergraduate study-abroad programs in locations abroad in which these study opportunities are not otherwise available or that serve students for whom these opportunities are not otherwise available and that provide courses that are closely related to on-campus foreign language and international studies curricula;
(g) Developing an international dimension in pre- and in-service teacher training; and
(h) Combining the teaching of international studies with professional or pre-professional training.
(i) Integrating new study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students into curricula of specific degree programs.
The Secretary may award grants under this part to public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations including scholarly associations, that propose projects that will make an especially significant contribution to strengthening and improving undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages at institutions of higher education.
(a)(1) The Secretary evaluates an application from an institution of higher education or a combination of such institutions on the basis of the criteria in §§ 658.31 and 658.32. The Secretary awards up to 85 possible points for these criteria.
(2) Under §§ 658.31 and 658.32 the Secretary evaluates applications for funding on a percentage score based upon the number of points an application receives and the maximum number of points possible.
(b)(1) The Secretary evaluates an application from an agency or organization or professional or scholarly association on the basis of the criteria in §§ 658.31 and 658.33. The Secretary
(2) Under §§ 658.31 and 658.33 the Secretary evaluates applications for funding on a percentage score based upon the number of points an application receives and the maximum number of points possible.
(c) The maximum possible points for each criterion are indicated in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the following criteria in evaluating an application for a project under this part.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
In addition to the criteria referred to in § 658.31, the Secretary applies the following criteria to applications submitted by an institution of higher education or a combination of such institutions:
(a)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the applicant's commitment to the international studies program.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The institution's current strength as measured by the number of international studies courses offered;
(ii) The extent to which planning for the implementation of the proposed program has involved the applicant's faculty, as well as administrators;
(iii) The institutional commitment to the establishment, operation, and continuation of the program as demonstrated by optimal use of available personnel and other resources; and
(iv) The institutional commitment to the program as demonstrated by the use of institutional funds in support of the program's objectives.
(b)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the nature of the applicant's proposed international studies program.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The extent to which the proposed activities will contribute to the implementation of a program in international studies and foreign languages at the applicant institution;
(ii) The interdisciplinary aspects of the program;
(iii) The number of new and revised courses with an international perspective that will be added to the institution's programs; and
(iv) The applicant's plans to improve or expand language instruction.
(c)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the need for and the prospective results of the applicant's proposed program.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The extent to which the proposed activities are needed at the applicant institution;
(ii) The extent to which the proposed use of Federal funds will result in the implementation of a program in international studies and foreign languages at the applicant institution;
(iii) The likelihood that the activities initiated with Federal funds will be continued after Federal assistance is terminated; and
(iv) The adequacy of the provisions for sharing the materials and results of the program with other institutions of higher education.
In addition to the criteria referred to in § 658.31, the Secretary applies the following criterion to applications from organizations and associations:
(a) Need for and potential impact of the proposed project in improving international studies and the study of modern foreign language at the undergraduate level. (30)
(b) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the need for and the potential impact of the applicant's proposed projects in improving international studies and the study of modern foreign language at the undergraduate level.
(1) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The extent to which the applicant's proposed apportionment of Federal funds among the various budget categories for the proposed project will contribute to achieving results;
(ii) The international nature and contemporary relevance of the proposed project;
(iii) The extent to which the proposed project will make an especially significant contribution to the improvement of the teaching of international studies or modern foreign languages at the undergraduate level; and
(iv) The adequacy of the applicant's provisions for sharing the materials and results of the proposed project with the higher education community.
In addition to applying the selection criteria in, as appropriate §§ 658.31, 658.32, and 658.33, the Secretary, to the extent practicable and consistent with the criterion of excellence, seeks to encourage diversity by ensuring that a variety of types of projects and institutions receive funding.
(a) The Secretary gives priority to applications from institutions of higher education or combinations of these institutions that require entering students to have successfully completed at least two years of secondary school foreign language instruction or that require each graduating student to earn two years of postsecondary credit in a foreign language (or have demonstrated equivalent competence in the foreign language) or, in the case of a 2-year degree granting institution, offer two years of postsecondary credit in a foreign language.
(b) The Secretary announces the number of points to be awarded under this priority in the application notice published in the
Equipment costs may not exceed five percent of the grant amount.
(a) The Federal share of the total cost of each project selected for funding may not exceed 50 percent.
(b) The grantee's share may be derived from non-Federal cash or in-kind contributions.
(c) In-kind contributions means property or services that benefit a grant-supported project or program and that
20 U.S.C. 1125, unless otherwise noted.
The Secretary may, directly or through grants or contracts, conduct research and studies which contribute to the purposes of the International Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). The research and studies may include, but are not limited to—
(a) Studies and surveys to determine needs for increased or improved instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields, including the demand for foreign language, area, and other international specialists in government, education, and the private sector;
(b) Research on more effective methods of providing instruction and achieving competency in foreign languages;
(c) Research on applying performance tests and standards across all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use;
(d) Developing and publishing specialized materials for use in foreign language, area studies, and other international fields or for training foreign language, area, and other international specialists;
(e) Studies and surveys to assess the use of graduates of programs supported under title VI of the HEA by governmental, educational, and private-sector organizations and other studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of supported programs; and
(f) Comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide international capabilities at institutions of higher education.
Public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions, and individuals are eligible to apply for grants under this part.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in 34 CFR part 655.
(b) The regulations in this part 660.
The definitions in 34 CFR 655.4 apply to this program.
An applicant may apply for funds to carry out any of the following types of activities:
(a) Studies and surveys to determine the need for increased or improved instruction in—
(1) Modern foreign languages; and
(2) Area studies and other international fields needed to provide full understanding of the places in which those languages are commonly used.
(b) Research and studies—
(1) On more effective methods of instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields;
(2) To evaluate competency in those foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields; or
(3) On the application of performance tests and standards across all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use.
(c) The development and publication of specialized materials—
(1) For use by students and teachers of modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields; and
(2) For use in—
(i) Providing such instruction and evaluation; or
(ii) Training individuals to provide such instruction and evaluation.
(d) Research, surveys, studies, or the development of instructional materials that serve to enhance international understanding.
(e) Other research or material development projects that further the purposes of the International Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the HEA.
(f) Studies and surveys to assess the use of graduates of programs supported under title VI of the HEA by governmental, educational, and private-sector organizations, and other studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of supported programs.
(g) Comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide international capabilities at institutions of higher education.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a research project, a study, or a survey on the basis of the criteria in §§ 660.31 and 660.32.
(b) The Secretary evaluates an application for the development of specialized instructional materials on the basis of the criteria in §§ 660.31 and 660.33
(c) The Secretary awards up to 100 possible points for these criteria. The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the following criteria in evaluating applications for research or studies projects:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
In addition to the criteria referred to in § 660.31, the Secretary applies the following criteria to an application for a research project, study, or survey:
(a)
(1) A need for the proposed project in the field of study on which the project focuses; and
(2) That the proposed project will provide information about the present and future needs of the United States for study in foreign language and other international fields.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Are well formulated; and
(2) Reflect adequate knowledge of related research.
(e)
(f)
(1) The adequacy of the proposed teaching, testing, and research methodology; and
(2) The size, scope, and duration of the proposed project.
In addition to the criteria referred to in § 660.31, the Secretary applies the following criteria to an application for assistance to develop specialized instructional materials.
(a)
(1) The proposed materials are needed in the educational field of study on which the project focuses; and
(2) The language or languages, the area, region, or country, or the issues or studies for which the materials are to be developed, are of sufficient priority and significance to the national interest to warrant financial support by the Federal Government.
(b)
(c)
(1) All existing related or similar materials have been accounted for and the critical commentary on their adequacy is appropriate and accurate; and
(2) The proposed materials will not duplicate any existing adequate materials.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(1) Pretesting the proposed materials; and
(2) If necessary, revising the proposed materials before publication.
(a) The Secretary may each year select for funding from among the following priorities:
(1) Categories of eligible projects described in § 660.10.
(2) Specific languages or regions for study or materials development; for example, the Near or Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Inner Asia, the Far East, Africa or Latin America, or the languages of those regions.
(3) Topics of research and studies; for example, language acquisition processes, methodology of foreign language instruction, foreign language performance testing, or assessments of resources and needs.
(4) Levels of education; for example, elementary, secondary, postsecondary or university-level education, or teacher education.
(b) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the
Funds awarded under this part may not be used for the training of students and teachers.
20 U.S.C. 1130-1130b, unless otherwise noted.
The Business and International Education Program is designed to promote
Under this program the Secretary considers applications from institutions of higher education that have entered into agreements with business enterprises, trade organizations or associations engaged in international economic activity—or a combination or consortium of these enterprises, organizations or associations—for the purposes of pursuing the activities authorized under this program.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in 34 CFR part 655.
(b) The regulations in this part 661.
(a)
(b)
Combinations of institutions
Institution of higher education
The activities that the Secretary may assist institutions of higher education to conduct under this program, include but are not limited to—
(a) Innovation and improvement of international education curricula to serve the needs of the business community, including the development of new programs for nontraditional, mid-career, or part-time students;
(b) Development of programs to inform the public of increasing international economic interdependence and the role of American business within the international economic system;
(c) Internationalization of curricula at junior and community colleges, and at undergraduate and graduate schools of business;
(d) Development of area studies programs and interdisciplinary international programs;
(e) Establishment of export education programs through cooperative arrangements with regional and world trade centers and councils, and with bilateral and multilateral trade associations;
(f) Research for and development of teaching materials relating to international education, including language materials, and facilities appropriate to business-oriented students;
(g) Establishment of student and faculty fellowships and internships for training and education in international business activities;
(h) Development of opportunities for business and other professional school junior faculty to acquire or strengthen international skills and perspectives;
(i) Development of research programs on issues of common interest to institutions of higher education and private sector organizations and associations engaged in or promoting international economic activity;
(j) The establishment of internships overseas to enable foreign language
(k) Establishing linkages overseas with institutions of higher education and organizations that contribute to the educational objectives of this program; and
(l) Summer institutes in international business, foreign area, and other international studies designed to carry out the purposes of this program.
An institution that applies for a grant under this program shall include the following in its application:
(a)(1) A copy of the agreement between the applicant and the other party or parties described in § 661.2 for the purpose of carrying out the activities for which the applicant seeks assistance.
(2) The agreement must be signed by all parties and it must describe the manner in which the business enterprise, trade association, or organization will assist in carrying out the activities proposed in the application.
(b) An assurance that the applicant will use the funds to supplement and not to supplant activities conducted by the applicant.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a grant under this program on the basis of the criteria in § 661.31.
(b) The Secretary awards up to 100 possible points for these criteria. The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate applications for a grant under this program.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a) The Secretary may each year establish priorities for funding from the activities described in § 661.10.
(b) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the
A grantee shall pay a minimum of 50 percent of the cost of the project for each fiscal year.
Sec. 102(b)(6) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act), unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program is designed to contribute to the development and improvement of the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in the United States by providing opportunities for scholars to conduct research abroad.
(b) Under the program, the Secretary awards fellowships, through institutions of higher education, to Ph. D. candidates who are proposing to conduct dissertation research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies.
Institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for a grant under this program.
An individual is eligible to receive a fellowship if the individual—
(a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States;
(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States;
(3) Provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service that he or she is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident; or
(4) Is a resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands;
(b) Is a graduate student in good standing at an institution of higher education who, when the fellowship period begins, is admitted to candidacy in a doctoral degree program in modern foreign languages and area studies at that institution;
(c) Is planning a teaching career in the United States upon graduation; and
(d) Possesses adequate skills in the language(s) necessary to carry out the dissertation research project.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in this part 662; and
(b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) (34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, and 78).
(a)
(b)
(1) The participant's spouse;
(2) The participant's or spouse's children who are unmarried and under 21;
(3) The participant's or spouse's mother or father if the mother or father is incapable of self-support.
(1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate;
(2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;
(3) Provides an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a two-year program which is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree;
(4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
(5) Is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency or association.
An eligible institution is responsible for—
(a) Distributing individual application packets to students;
(b) Accepting and screening individual applications in accordance with its own technical and academic criteria; and
(c) Forwarding individual applications to the Secretary through a request for an institutional grant.
(a) An applicant for a fellowship obtains an application from the institution of higher education at which the individual is enrolled in a doctoral program and submits the completed application through that institution to the Secretary.
(b) The applicant shall provide sufficient information concerning his personal and academic background, and proposed research project, to enable the Secretary to determine whether the individual—
(1) Is eligible to receive a fellowship under § 662.3; and
(2) Should be selected for a fellowship under subpart D of this part.
(c) If an applicant plans to conduct research in the U.S.S.R., Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, or Yugoslavia, he or she must simultaneously submit an application to the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) in accordance with the procedures of that Board.
(a) The Secretary makes a preliminary selection of individuals for Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellows with the advice of—
(1) Panels of U.S. academic specialists in modern foreign languages and area studies; and
(2) Binational commissions and/or U.S. diplomatic missions in the proposed country(ies) of research.
(b) All selections by the Secretary are subject to review and final approval by the Board of Foreign Scholarships.
(c) The Secretary does not recommend an individual to the Board of Foreign Scholarships if the individual proposes to carry out research in a country with which the United States has no diplomatic relations.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship based on the criteria in § 662.32 and any pertinent information provided by binational commissions or U.S. diplomatic missions abroad or both.
(b) In general, the Secretary awards up to 90 possible points. However, if priority criteria are used, the Secretary awards up to 100 possible points. The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the criteria in this section and pertinent information provided by U.S. diplomatic missions abroad and binational commissions to evaluate an application of a graduate
(a)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the research project proposed by the student.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows the extent to which—
(i) The project is original; the problems, questions, hypotheses are well formulated;
(ii) The project is well formulated and demonstrates adequate knowledge of related research;
(iii) The methodology is specifically described, sound, and appropriate to the project;
(iv) The applicant demonstrates knowledge and utilization of resources pertinent to the project in the United States;
(v) The project's location in the proposed foreign country(ies) is necessary for the successful completion of the project;
(vi) The applicant has made preparations to establish research contacts and affiliations abroad, and the overseas facilities indicated will afford sufficient and appropriate locations for the proposed research;
(vii) The application reflects the intent to share with scholars and officials of the host country the results of the research in progress and a copy of the dissertation;
(viii) The application reflects guidance and supervision on the part of the dissertation advisor or committee throughout all stages, including the development of the project, understanding of research conditions abroad, and actual research in the field; and
(ix) The project can be completed within the proposed fellowship period.
(b)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the qualifications of the applicant.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows the extent to which—
(i) The applicant's academic record is excellent and relevant to the proposed project;
(ii) The applicant possesses adequate foreign language skills to carry out the proposed project; and
(iii) The applicant has the ability to conduct research in a foreign cultural context, as evidenced by the applicant's references or previous overseas experience.
(c)
(1) The Secretary may establish priorities each year for the selection of fellows. These priorities relate to: certain world areas, countries, academic disciplines, languages, or combinations of any of these categories. For example, the Secretary may establish a priority for: a specific world area or country such as the Caribbean or Poland, an academic discipline such as economics or political science, or certain languages such as Tajiki or Serbo-Croatian.
(2) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the
(a)(1) The Board of Foreign Scholarships selects Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellows on the basis of the preliminary selections by the Secretary and pertinent information supplied by U.S. diplomatic missions and binational commissions.
(2) The Board of Foreign Scholarships does not select fellows to carry out research in the U.S.S.R. unless the applicant has been approved for that purpose by the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX).
(b) Pertinent information used by the Board of Foreign Scholarships and the Secretary in the selection process, which is provided by U.S. diplomatic missions and/or binational commissions may include, but is not necessarily limited to, information concerning the feasibility of the project, and the political sensitivity of the host country.
(a) An institution to which the Secretary awards a grant under this part is responsible for administering the grant subject to the provisions of § 662.4.
(b) The institution is responsible for processing individual applications in accordance with procedures described in § 662.20.
(c) The institution is responsible for disbursing funds in accordance with procedures described in § 662.42.
(d) The Secretary awards the institution an administrative allowance of $100 for each fellowship listed in the grant agreement.
(a) In accordance with sections 104 (b)(1) and (e)(2) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, the Secretary pays—
(1) Travel expenses, including excess baggage to and from the residence of the fellow to the host country of research;
(2) A maintenance allowance for the fellow and his or her dependents;
(3) An allowance for research-related expenses overseas such as books, copying, tuition and affiliation fees, local travel, and other incidental expenses; and
(4) Health and accident insurance premiums.
(b) The Secretary may pay for—
(1) Emergency medical expenses not covered by health and accident insurance; and
(2) The costs of preparing and transporting to his or her former home, participants or dependents who die during the term of the fellowship.
(c) In the application notice published annually in the
The grantee institution is responsible for disbursing funds for allowances authorized by the grant except that the appropriate U.S. diplomatic mission disburses directly to the fellow allowances paid in foreign currencies.
(a) A fellowship is for a period of not fewer than six nor more than twelve months.
(b) The fellowship may not be renewed.
A fellow shall—
(a) Maintain satisfactory progress in the conduct of his or her research;
(b) Devote full time to research on the approved topic;
(c) Not engage in gainful employment during the period of the fellowship; and
(d) Remain a student in good standing with the grantee institution during the entire period of the fellowship.
The Secretary furnishes to each fellow a copy of the Board of Foreign Scholarships statement of the rights and obligations of American grantees and participants abroad. Fellows must adhere to the standards in the statement, and comply with the legal and moral standards of the host country(ies). Failure to do so may result in the revocation or termination of the fellowship by the Board of Foreign Scholarships.
(a) The Board of Foreign Scholarships, upon the recommendation of the Secretary, may revoke or terminate a fellowship because of—
(1) A fellow's failure to maintain eligibility; or
(2) Misconduct by the fellow.
(b) As used in this section misconduct includes, but is not limited to—
(1) A violation of the laws of the United States or the host country; or
(2) An act that gives offense to the host country.
Sec. 102(b)(6) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act), 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Faculty Research Abroad Program is designed to contribute to the development and improvement of modern foreign language training and area studies in the United States by providing opportunities for scholars to conduct research abroad.
(b) Under the program, the Secretary awards fellowships, through institutions of higher education, to faculty members of the institutions who are proposing to conduct research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies to improve their skill in languages and their knowledge of the culture of the people of these countries.
Institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for grants under this program.
An individual is eligible to receive a fellowship if the individual—
(a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States;
(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States;
(3) Provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service that he or she is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident; or
(4) Is a resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands;
(b) Is employed by an institution of higher education;
(c) Has been engaged in teaching relevant to his or her foreign language or area studies specialization for the two years immediately preceding the date of the award;
(d) Proposes research relevant to his or her modern foreign language or area studies specialization which—
(1) Cannot be conducted in the United States, or for which a foreign country or region provides significantly superior research facilities;
(2) Will contribute to the development or improvement of the study of modern foreign languages or area studies in those fields needed for full understanding of the area, regions, or countries in which the modern foreign languages are commonly used; and
(3) Is not dissertation research for a Ph. D; and
(e) Possesses adequate skills in the language or languages necessary to successfully carry out the project.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in this part 663; and
(b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) (34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, and 78).
(a)
(b)
(1) The participant's spouse;
(2) The participant's or spouse's children who are unmarried and under 21;
(3) The participant's or spouse's mother or father if the mother or father is incapable of self-support.
(1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such certificate;
(2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;
(3) Provides an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a two-year program which is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree;
(4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
(5) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.
An eligible institution is responsible for—
(a) Distributing individual application packets to faculty interested in applying for fellowships;
(b) Accepting and screening individual applications in accordance with its own technical and academic criteria; and
(c) Forwarding individual applications to the Secretary through a request for an institutional grant.
(a) An applicant for a fellowship obtains an application from the institution of higher education at which he or she is employed and submits his or her application to the Secretary through that institution.
(b) The applicant shall provide sufficient information concerning his or her personal and academic background and proposed research project to enable the Secretary to determine whether the individual—
(1) Is eligible to receive a fellowship; and
(2) Should be selected for a fellowship under subpart D of this part.
(c) If an applicant plans to conduct research in the U.S.S.R., Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, or Yugoslavia, he or she must simultaneously submit an application to the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) in accordance with the procedures of that Board.
(a) The Secretary makes a preliminary selection of individuals for Faculty Research Abroad Fellows with the advice of—
(1) Panels of U.S. academic specialists in modern foreign languages and area studies; and
(2) Binational commissions or U.S. diplomatic missions in the proposed country(ies) of research.
(b) All selections by the Secretary are subject to a review and final approval by the Board of Foreign Scholarships.
(c) The Secretary does not recommend an individual to the Board of Foreign Scholarhsips if the individual proposes to carry out research in a country with which the United States has no diplomatic relations.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship based on the criteria in
(b) In general, the Secretary awards up to 90 possible points. However, if priority criteria are used, the Secretary awards up to 100 possible points. The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the criteria in this section to evaluate applications of faculty for the purpose of recommending to the Board of Foreign Scholarships candidates for fellowships under this part. The Secretary gives preference to American citizens who have served in the armed services of the United States. The criteria are weighted and may total 100 points.
(a)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the research project proposed by the faculty member.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows the extent to which—
(i) The project is well formulated and demonstrates adequate knowledge of related research;
(ii) The methodology is specifically described, sound, and appropriate to the project;
(iii) The objectives of the project are relevant to the sponsoring institution's plans for developing and/or strengthening programs in modern foreign languages and area studies;
(iv) The applicant demonstrates knowledge and utilization of resources pertinent to the project in the United States;
(v) The project's location in the proposed foreign country(ies) is necessary for the successful completion of the project;
(vi) The applicant has made preparations to establish research contacts and affiliations abroad;
(vii) The application reflects the intent to share the results of the research with scholars and officials of the host country and of the American scholarly community;
(viii) The overseas facilities indicated will afford sufficient and appropriate locations for the proposed research; and
(ix) The project can be completed within the proposed fellowship period.
(b)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the qualifications of the applicant.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows the extent to which—
(i) The applicant's academic record is excellent and relevant to the proposed project;
(ii) The applicant possesses adequate foreign language skills to carry out the proposed project; and
(iii) The applicant's ability to conduct research in a foreign cultural context, as evidenced by the applicant's references or previous overseas experience.
(c)
(1) The Secretary may establish priorities each year for the selection of fellows. These priorities relate to: certain world areas, countries, academic disciplines, languages, or combinations of any of these categories. For example, the Secretary may establish a priority for a specific world area or country such as East Asia or the U.S.S.R., for an academic discipline such as history or political science, or for languages such as Hausa or Telegu.
(2) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the
(a)(1) The Board of Foreign Scholarships selects Faculty Research Abroad Fellows on the basis of the preliminary selections of the Secretary and pertinent information supplied by U.S. diplomatic missions and binational commissions.
(2) The Board of Foreign Scholarships does not select fellows to carry out research in the U.S.S.R. unless the applicant has been approved for that purpose by the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX).
(b) Pertinent information used by the Board of Foreign Scholarships and the Secretary in the selection process, which is provided by U.S. diplomatic missions and binational commissions, may include, but is not necessarily limited to, information concerning the feasibility of the project and the political sensitivity of the host country.
(a) An institution to which the Secretary awards a grant under this part is responsible for administering the grant subject to the provisions of § 663.4
(b) The institution is responsible for processing individual applications in accordance with procedures described in § 663.20.
(c) The institution is responsible for disbursing funds in accordance with procedures described in § 663.42.
(d) The Secretary awards the institution an administrative allowance of $100 for each fellowship listed in the grant agreement.
(a) In accordance with sections 104 (b)(1) and (e)(2) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, the Secretary pays—
(1) Travel expenses, including excess baggage to and from the residence of the fellow to the host country of research;
(2) A maintenance allowance for the fellow; and
(3) An allowance for research related expenses overseas such as books, copying, tuition and affiliation fees, local travel, and other incidental expenses.
(b) The Secretary may pay for—
(1) Emergency medical expenses not covered by the faculty member's health and accident insurance; and
(2) The costs of preparing and transporting to his or her former home, participants or dependents who die during the term of the fellowship.
(c) In the application notice published annually in the
(a) A grantee institution is responsible for disbursing funds for allowances authorized by the grant.
(b) In cases where grants are made in foreign currencies, the appropriate U.S. diplomatic mission disburses directly to the fellow allowances paid in foreign currencies.
(a) A fellowship is for a period of not fewer than three nor more than twelve months.
(b) The fellowship may not be renewed.
A fellow shall—
(a) Maintain satisfactory progress in the conduct of his or her research;
(b) Devote full time to research on the approved topic;
(c) Not engage in gainful employment overseas during the period of the fellowship; and
(d) Remain employed by the grantee institution during the entire period of the fellowship.
The Secretary furnishes to all fellows a copy of the Board of Foreign Scholarships Statement on the rights and obligations of American grantees and participants abroad. Fellows must adhere to the standards in the statement and comply with the legal and moral standards of the host country(ies). Failure
(a) The Board of Foreign Scholarships, upon the recommendation of the Secretary, may revoke or terminate a fellowship because of—
(1) A fellow's failure to maintain eligibility; or
(2) Misconduct by the fellow.
(b) As used in this section misconduct includes, but is not limited to—
(1) A violation of the laws of the United States or the host country; or
(2) An Act that gives offense to the host country.
22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Group Projects Abroad Program is designed to contribute to the development and improvement of the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in the United States by providing opportunities for teachers, students, and faculty to study in foreign countries.
(b) Under the program, the Secretary awards grants to eligible institutions, departments, and organizations to conduct overseas group projects in research, training, and curriculum development.
The following are eligible to apply for assistance under this part:
(a) Institutions of higher education;
(b) State departments of education;
(c) Private non-profit educational organizations; and
(d) A consortium of institutions, departments, and organizations described in paragraphs (a), (b), or (c) of this section.
An individual is eligible to participate in a Group Projects Abroad, if the individual—
(a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States,
(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States,
(3) Provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service that he or she is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident; or
(4) Is a resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; and
(b)(1) Is a faculty member who teaches modern foreign languages or area studies in an institution of higher education;
(2) Is a teacher in an elementary or secondary school;
(3) Is an experienced education administrator responsible for planning, conducting, or supervising programs in modern foreign languages or area studies at the elementary, secondary, or postsecondary level; or
(4) Is a graduate student, or a junior or senior in an institution of higher education, who plans a teaching career in modern foreign languages or area studies.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in this part 664; and
(b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) (34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, and 78).
(a)
(b)
(1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate;
(2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;
(3) Provides an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a two-year program which is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree;
(4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
(5) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.
The Secretary assists projects which are designed to develop or improve programs in modern foreign language or area studies at the elementary, secondary, or postsecondary level by supporting overseas projects in research, training, and curriculum development by groups of individuals engaged in a common endeavor. Projects may include, as described in §§ 664.11 through 664.14, short-term seminars, curriculum development teams, group research or study, and advanced intensive language programs.
A short-term seminar project is—
(a) Designed to help integrate international studies into an institution's or school system's general curriculum.
(b) Normally six weeks in length and focuses on a particular aspect of area study, such as, for example, the culture of the area or a portion of the culture.
(a) A curriculum development project—
(1) Is designed to permit faculty and administrators in institutions of higher education and elementary and secondary schools, and administrators in State Departments of Education the opportunity to spend generally from six to eight weeks in a foreign country acquiring resource materials for curriculum development in modern foreign language and area studies.
(2) Shall provide for the systematic use and dissemination in the United States of the acquired materials.
(b) For the purpose of this section, resource materials include artifacts, books, documents, educational films, museum reproductions, recordings and other instructional material.
(a)(1) A group research or study project is designed to permit a group of faculty of an institution of higher education and graduate and undergraduate students to undertake research or study in a foreign country.
(2) The period of research or study in a foreign country is generally from two to twelve months.
(b) As a prerequisite to participating in a research or training project, participants—
(1) Shall possess the requisite language proficiency to conduct the research or study, and disciplinary competence in their area of research; and
(2) In a project of a semester or longer, shall have completed, at a minimum, one semester of intensive language training and one course in area studies relevant to the projects.
(a)(1) An advanced overseas intensive language project is designed to take advantage of the opportunities present in the foreign country that are not present in the United States when providing intensive advanced foreign language training.
(2) Project activities may be carried out during a full year, an academic year, a semester, trimester, a quarter, or a summer.
(3) Language training shall be given at the advanced level, i.e., at the level equivalent to that provided to students who have successfully completed two academic years of language training.
(4) The language to be studied shall be indigenous to the host country and maximum use shall be made of local institutions and personnel.
(b) Participants in projects under this program shall have successfully
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a Group Project Abroad under the criteria in § 664.31.
(b) In general, the Secretary awards up to 90 possible points for these criteria. However, if priority criteria are used, the Secretary awards up to 105 possible points. The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in parentheses.
(c) All selections by the Secretary are subject to review and final approval by the Board of Foreign Scholarships.
The Secretary uses the criteria in this section to evaluate applications for the purpose of recommending to the Board of Foreign Scholarships projects for funding under this part. The criteria are weighted and may total 105 points:
(a)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) High quality in the design of the project;
(ii) An effective plan of management that insures proper and efficient administration of the project;
(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program;
(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to acheive each objective; and
(v) A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as—
(A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(B) Women;
(C) Handicapped persons; and
(D) The elderly.
(b)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The qualifications of the project director;
(ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project;
(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and
(iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as—
(A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(B) Women;
(C) Handicapped persons; and
(D) The elderly.
(3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training in fields related to the objections of the project as well as other information that the applicant provides.
(c)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project.
(d)
(1) The Secretary reviews each applications for information that shows the quality of the evaluation plans for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the methods of evaluation are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
(e)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the facilities, equipment, and/or supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate.
(f)
(1) In addition to the general selection criteria contained in this section, the Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project meets the specific program criteria.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The potential impact of the project on the development of the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in American education. (Maximum 5 points).
(ii) The project's relevance to the applicant's educational goals and its relationship to its program development in modern foreign languages and area studies. (Maximum 5 points).
(iii) The extent to which direct experience abroad is necessary to achieve the project's objectives and the effectiveness with which relevant host country resources will be utilized. (Maximum 10 points).
(g)
The Secretary looks for information that shows the extent to which the project addresses program priorities in the field of modern foreign languages and area studies for that year.
(a) The Secretary may establish for each funding competition one or more of the following priorities:
(1) Categories of projects described in § 664.10.
(2) Specific languages, countries or geographic regions of the world; for example, Chinese and Arabic, Brazil and Nigeria, Middle East and South Asia.
(3) Levels of education; for example, elementary and secondary, postsecondary or postgraduate.
(b) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the
(a) The Secretary pays only part of the cost of a project funded under this part. Other than travel costs, the Secretary does not pay any of the costs for project-related expenses within the United States.
(b) The Secretary pays the cost of the following—
(1) A maintenance stipend based on 50 percent of the amount established in the U.S. Department of State publication “Maximum Travel Per Diem Allowances For Foreign Areas;”
(2) Round-trip international travel;
(3) A local travel allowance for necessary project-related transportation within the country of study, exclusive of the purchase of transportation equipment;
(4) Purchase of project-related artifacts, books, and other teaching materials in the country of study;
(5) Rent for instructional facilities in the country of study;
(6) Clerical and professional services performed by resident instructional personnel in the country of study; and
(7) Other expenses in the country of study, if necessary for the project's success and approved in advance by the Secretary.
The Secretary furnishes all U.S. participants going abroad under a grant authorized under this part with a statement prepared by the Board of
20 U.S.C. 1085, 1088, 1091, 1092, 1094, 1099c, and 1141, unless otherwise noted.
(a) This part establishes general rules that apply to an institution that participates in any student financial assistance program authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (Title IV, HEA program). To the extent that an institution contracts with a third-party servicer to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, the applicable rules in this part also apply to that servicer. An institution's use of a third-party servicer does not alter the institution's responsibility for compliance with the rules in this part.
(b) As used in this part, an “institution” includes—
(1) An institution of higher education as defined in 34 CFR 600.4;
(2) A proprietary institution of higher education as defined in 34 CFR 600.5; and
(3) A postsecondary vocational institution as defined in 34 CFR 600.6.
(c) The Title IV, HEA programs include—
(1) The Federal Pell Grant Program (20 U.S.C. 1070a
(2) The National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) Program (20 U.S.C. 1070a-21
(3) The Presidential Access Scholarship (PAS) Program (20 U.S.C. 1070a-31
(4) The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program (20 U.S.C. 1070b
(5) The State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG) Program (20 U.S.C. 1070c
(6) The Federal Stafford Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1071
(7) The Federal Supplemental Loans for Students (Federal SLS) Program (20 U.S.C. 1078-1; 34 CFR part 682);
(8) The Federal PLUS Program (20 U.S.C. 1078-2; 34 CFR part 682);
(9) The Federal Consolidation Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1078-3; 34 CFR part 682);
(10) The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program (42 U.S.C. 2751
(11) The Federal Direct Student Loan (FDSL) Program (20 U.S.C. 1087a
(12) The Federal Perkins Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1087aa
(a) The following definitions are contained in the regulations for Institutional Eligibility under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 34 CFR part 600:
(b) The following definitions apply to all Title IV, HEA programs:
(i) Twenty-four semester or trimester hours or 36 quarter hours in an educational program whose length is measured in credit hours; or
(ii) Nine hundred clock hours in an educational program whose length is measured in clock hours.
(2) For purposes of this definition—
(i) A week is a consecutive seven-day period;
(ii)(A) For an educational program using a semester, trimester, or quarter system or an educational program using clock hours, the Secretary considers a week of instructional time to be any week in which at least one day of regularly scheduled instruction, examinations, or preparation for examinations occurs; and
(B) For an educational program using credit hours but not using a semester, trimester, or quarter system, the Secretary considers a week of instructional time to be any week in which at least 12 hours of regularly scheduled instruction, examinations, or preparation for examinations occurs; and
(iii) Instructional time does not include periods of orientation, counseling, vacation, or other activity not related to class preparation or examinations.
(2) The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program (34 CFR parts 673 and 675); and
(3) The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program (34 CFR parts 673 and 676).
(1) Has completed the registration requirements (except for the payment of tuition and fees) at the institution that he or she is attending; or
(2) Has been admitted into an educational program offered predominantly by correspondence and has submitted one lesson, completed by him or her after acceptance for enrollment and without the help of a representative of the institution.
(1) Twelve semester hours or 12 quarter hours per academic term in an educational program using a semester, trimester, or quarter system.
(2) Twenty-four semester hours or 36 quarter hours per academic year for an educational program using credit hours but not using a semester, trimester, or quarter system, or the prorated equivalent for a program of less than one academic year.
(3) Twenty-four clock hours per week for an educational program using clock hours.
(4) In an educational program using both credit and clock hours, any combination of credit and clock hours where the sum of the following fractions is equal to or greater than one:
(i) For a program using a semester, trimester, or quarter system—
(ii) For a program not using a semester, trimester, or quarter system—
(5) A series of courses or seminars that equals 12 semester hours or 12 quarter hours in a maximum of 18 weeks.
(6) The work portion of a cooperative education program in which the amount of work performed is equivalent to the academic workload of a full-time student.
(2) With respect to the campus-based programs, a payment period as defined in 34 CFR 674.2, 675.2, and 676.2.
(i) Include performing any function required by any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA, such as, but not restricted to—
(A) Processing student financial aid applications;
(B) Performing need analysis;
(C) Determining student eligibility and related activities;
(D) Certifying loan applications;
(E) Processing output documents for payment to students;
(F) Receiving, disbursing, or delivering Title IV, HEA program funds, excluding lock-box processing of loan payments and normal bank electronic fund transfers;
(G) Conducting activities required by the provisions governing student consumer information services in subpart D of this part;
(H) Preparing and certifying requests for advance or reimbursement funding;
(I) Loan servicing and collection;
(J) Preparing and submitting notices and applications required under 34 CFR part 600 and subpart B of this part; and
(K) Preparing a Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP);
(ii) Exclude the following functions—
(A) Publishing ability-to-benefit tests;
(B) Performing functions as a Multiple Data Entry Processor (MDE);
(C) Financial and compliance auditing;
(D) Mailing of documents prepared by the institution;
(E) Warehousing of records; and
(F) Providing computer services or software; and
(iii) Notwithstanding the exclusions referred to in paragraph (1)(ii) of this definition, include any activity comprised of any function described in paragraph (1)(i) of this definition.
(2) For purposes of this definition, an employee of an institution is not a third-party servicer. The Secretary considers an individual to be an employee if the individual—
(i) Works on a full-time, part-time, or temporary basis;
(ii) Performs all duties on site at the institution under the supervision of the institution;
(iii) Is paid directly by the institution;
(iv) Is not employed by or associated with a third-party servicer; and
(v) Is not a third-party servicer for any other institution.
(2) A person defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22), who, though not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States.
(a)
(2) The institution must submit its request to the Secretary in writing and must include in the request—
(i) Identification of each educational program for which the institution requests a reduction and the requested length of its academic year, in weeks of instructional time, for that educational program. The requested length for its academic year may not be less than 26 weeks of instructional time;
(ii) Information demonstrating that the institution satisfies the requirements of this section; and
(iii) Any other information that the Secretary may require to determine whether to grant the request.
(b)
(1) Satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Has an academic year of less than 30 weeks of instructional time on the effective date of these regulations;
(3) Demonstrates that the institution awards, disburses, and delivers, and has since July 23, 1992, awarded, disbursed, and delivered, Title IV, HEA program funds in accordance with the definition of academic year in section 481(d) of the HEA; and
(4) Demonstrates that the institution is in the process of changing to a minimum of a 30-week academic year.
(c)
(i) A demonstration to the satisfaction of the Secretary by the institution of unique circumstances that justify granting the request;
(ii) In the case of a participating institution, demonstration that the institution awards, disburses, and delivers, and has since July 23, 1992, awarded, disbursed, and delivered, Title IV, HEA program funds in accordance with the definition of academic year in section 481(d) of the HEA;
(iii) Approval of the institution's nationally recognized accrediting agency or State body that legally authorizes the institution to provide postsecondary education, including specific review and approval of the length of the academic year for each educational program offered at the institution; and
(iv) The number of hours of attendance and other coursework that a full-time student is required to complete in the academic year for each of the institution's educational programs.
(2) An institution that is granted a reduction in the minimum of 30 weeks of instructional time for an academic year in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section and that wishes to continue to use a reduced number of weeks of instructional time must reapply to the Secretary for a reduction whenever the institution is required to apply to continue to participate in a Title IV, HEA program.
(d) An institution may demonstrate compliance with paragraphs (b)(3) and (c)(1)(ii) of this section by making arrangements that are satisfactory to the Secretary to repay any overawards that resulted from the improper awarding, disbursing, or delivering of Title IV, HEA program funds.
(a)
(b)
(i) The first payment period is the period of time in which the student completes the first half of the program as measured in credit or clock hours; and
(ii) The second payment period is the period of time in which the student completes the second half of the program as measured in credit or clock hours.
(2) For a student enrolled in an eligible program that is more than one academic year in length—
(i) For the first academic year and any subsequent full academic year as measured in credit or clock hours—
(A) The first payment period is the period of time in which the student completes the first half of the academic year as measured in credit or clock hours; and
(B) The second payment period is the period of time in which the student completes the second half of that academic year;
(ii) For any remaining portion of an eligible program that is more than one-half an academic year but less than a complete academic year—
(A) The first payment period is the period of time in which a student completes the first half of the remaining portion of the eligible program as measured in credit or clock hours; and
(B) The second payment period is the period of time in which the student completes the remainder of the eligible program; and
(iii) For any remaining portion of an eligible program that is not more than half an academic year as measured in credit or clock hours, the payment period is the remainder of that eligible program.
(3) For purposes of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, if a student is enrolled in an eligible program that measures progress in credit hours and the student cannot earn half the credit hours in the program under paragraph (b)(1) of this section or half of the remaining portion of the eligible program under paragraph (b)(2)(i) and (b)(2)(ii) of this section until after the calendar midpoint between the first and last scheduled days of class, the second payment period begins on the later of—
(i) The calendar midpoint between the first and last scheduled days of class of the program or academic year; or
(ii) The date, as determined by the institution, that the student has completed half of the academic coursework.
(4) If, in an academic year, in a program of less than an academic year, or in the remaining portion of an eligible program under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, an institution chooses to have more than two payment periods, the rules in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3) of this section are modified to reflect the increased number of payment periods. For example, if an institution chooses to have three payment periods in an academic year, each payment period must correspond to one-third of the academic year.
(a)
(1) Is provided by a participating institution; and
(2) Satisfies the other relevant requirements contained in this section.
(b)
(1) The Secretary considers the “equivalent of an associate degree” to be—
(i) An associate degree; or
(ii) The successful completion of at least a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree and qualifies a student for admission into the third year of a bachelor's degree program;
(2) A week is a consecutive seven-day period; and
(3)(i) For an educational program using a semester, trimester, or quarter system or an educational program using clock hours, the Secretary considers a week of instruction to be any week in which at least one day of regularly scheduled instruction, examinations, or preparation for examinations occurs; or
(ii) For an educational program using credit hours but not using a semester, trimester, or quarter system, the Secretary considers a week of instruction to be any week in which at least 12 hours of regularly scheduled instruction, examinations, or preparation for examinations occurs; and
(4) Instruction does not include periods of orientation, counseling, vacation, or other activity not related to class preparation or examinations.
(c)
(1) Lead to an associate, bachelor's, professional, or graduate degree;
(2) Be at least a two-academic-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree; or
(3) Be at least a one-academic-year training program that leads to a certificate, degree, or other recognized educational credential and that prepares a student for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
(d)
(1)(i) Must require a minimum of 15 weeks of instruction, beginning on the first day of classes and ending on the last day of classes or examinations;
(ii) Must be at least 600 clock hours, 16 semester or trimester hours, or 24 quarter hours;
(iii) Must provide undergraduate training that prepares a student for gainful employment in a recognized occupation; and
(iv) May admit as regular students persons who have not completed the equivalent of an associate degree;
(2) Must—
(i) Require a minimum of 10 weeks of instruction, beginning on the first day of classes and ending on the last day of classes or examinations;
(ii) Be at least 300 clock hours, 8 semester or trimester hours, or 12 quarter hours;
(iii) Provide training that prepares a student for gainful employment in a recognized occupation; and
(iv)(A) Be a graduate or professional program; or
(B) Admit as regular students only persons who have completed the equivalent of an associate degree; or
(3) For purposes of the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal SLS programs only, must—
(i) Require a minimum of 10 weeks of instruction, beginning on the first day of classes and ending on the last day of classes or examinations;
(ii) Be at least 300 clock hours but less than 600 clock hours;
(iii) Provide undergraduate training that prepares a student for gainful employment in a recognized occupation;
(iv) Admit as regular students some persons who have not completed the equivalent of an associate degree; and
(v) Satisfy the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section.
(e)
(i) The program has a substantiated completion rate of at least 70 percent, as calculated under paragraph (f) of this section;
(ii) The program has a substantiated placement rate of at least 70 percent, as calculated under paragraph (g) of this section;
(iii) The number of clock hours provided in the program does not exceed by more than 50 percent the minimum number of clock hours required for training in the recognized occupation for which the program prepares students, as established by the State in which the program is offered, if the State has established such a requirement, or as established by any Federal agency; and
(iv) The program has been in existence for at least one year. The Secretary considers an educational program to have been in existence for at least one year only if an institution has been legally authorized to provide, and has continuously provided, the program during the 12 months (except for normal vacation periods and, at the discretion of the Secretary, periods when the institution closes due to a natural disaster that directly affects the institution or the institution's students) preceding the date on which the institution applied for eligibility for that program.
(2) An institution shall substantiate the calculation of its completion and placement rates by having the certified public accountant who prepares its audit report required under § 668.23 report on the institution's calculation based on performing an attestation engagement in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
(f)
(1) Determine the number of regular students who were enrolled in the program during the award year.
(2) Subtract from the number of students determined under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the number of regular students who, during that award year, withdrew from, dropped out of, or were expelled from the program and were entitled to and actually received, in a timely manner in accordance with § 668.22(j)(4), a refund of 100 percent of
(3) Subtract from the total obtained under paragraph (f)(2) of this section the number of students who were enrolled in the program at the end of that award year.
(4) Determine the number of regular students who, during that award year, received within 150 percent of the published length of the educational program the degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential awarded for successfully completing the program.
(5) Divide the number determined under paragraph (f)(4) of this section by the total obtained under paragraph (f)(3) of this section.
(g)
(i) Determine the number of students who, during the award year, received the degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential awarded for successfully completing the program.
(ii) Of the total obtained under paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section, determine the number of students who, within 180 days of the day they received their degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential, obtained gainful employment in the recognized occupation for which they were trained or in a related comparable recognized occupation and, on the date of this calculation, are employed, or have been employed, for at least 13 weeks following receipt of the credential from the institution.
(iii) Divide the number of students determined under paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section by the total obtained under paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section.
(2) An institution shall document that each student described in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section obtained gainful employment in the recognized occupation for which he or she was trained or in a related comparable recognized occupation. Examples of satisfactory documentation of a student's gainful employment include, but are not limited to—
(i) A written statement from the student's employer;
(ii) Signed copies of State or Federal income tax forms; and
(iii) Written evidence of payments of Social Security taxes.
(h)
(i)
(j)
(i) The institution admits to the program only students who the institution determines need the ESL instruction to use already existing knowledge, training, or skills; and
(ii) The program leads to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential.
(2) An institution shall document its determination that ESL instruction is necessary to enable each student enrolled in its ESL program to use already existing knowledge, training, or skills with regard to the students that it admits to its ESL program under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section.
(3) An ESL program that qualifies as an eligible program under this paragraph is eligible for purposes of the Federal Pell Grant Program only.
(k)
(1) The program is at least two academic years in length and provides an associate degree, a bachelor's degree, a professional degree, or an equivalent degree as determined by the Secretary; or
(2) Each course within the program is acceptable for full credit toward that institution's associate degree, bachelor's degree, professional degree, or equivalent degree as determined by the Secretary, provided that the institution's degree requires at least two academic years of study.
(l)
(1) A semester hour must include at least 30 clock hours of instruction;
(2) A trimester hour must include at least 30 clock hours of instruction; and
(3) A quarter hour must include at least 20 hours of instruction.
(a) In determining the amount of Title IV, HEA program assistance that a student who is enrolled in a program described in § 668.8(k) is eligible to receive, the institution shall apply the formula contained in § 668.8(l) to determine the number of semester, trimester, or quarter hours in that program, if the institution measures academic progress in that program in semester, trimester, or quarter hours.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, a public or private nonprofit hospital-based school of nursing that awards a diploma at the completion of the school's program of education is not required to apply the formula contained in § 668.8(l) to determine the number of semester, trimester, or quarter hours in that program for purposes of calculating Title IV, HEA program assistance.
(a) This subpart establishes standards that an institution must meet in order to participate in any Title IV, HEA program.
(b) Noncompliance with these standards by an institution already participating in any Title IV, HEA program or with applicable standards in this subpart by a third-party servicer that contracts with the institution may subject the institution or servicer, or both, to proceedings under subpart G of this part. These proceedings may lead to any of the following actions:
(1) An emergency action.
(2) The imposition of a fine.
(3) The limitation, suspension, or termination of the participation of the institution in a Title IV, HEA program.
(4) The limitation, suspension, or termination of the eligibility of the servicer to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program.
(a)
(b)
(1) Continue to participate in a Title IV, HEA program beyond the scheduled expiration of the institution's current period of participation in the program;
(2) Include in the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program—
(i) A branch campus that is not currently included in the institution's participation in the program; or
(ii) Another location that is not currently included in the institution's participation in the program, if the Secretary requires the institution to apply for certification under paragraph (c) of this section;
(3) Reestablish participation in a Title IV, HEA program following a change in ownership that results in a change in control according to the provisions of 34 CFR part 600.
(c)
(i) Include in its participation in a Title IV, HEA program a location that is not currently included in the institution's participation in the program and that offers at least 50 percent of an educational program; or
(ii) Continue to include in its participation in a Title IV, HEA program a location that—
(A) Offers at least 50 percent, but less than 100 percent, of an educational program; and
(B) Has changed its name, location, or address.
(2) The Secretary considers the submission of the required notification under 34 CFR 600.30 with respect to that location to satisfy the notification requirement of this paragraph.
(3) The Secretary may require the institution to apply for a certification that the institution continues to meet the requirements of this subpart.
(d)
(i) A branch campus that has changed its name, location, or address; or
(ii) Another location that has changed its name, location, or address if that location offers 100 percent of an educational program.
(2) The Secretary considers the submission of the required notification under 34 CFR 600.30 with respect to that location to satisfy the notification requirement of this paragraph.
(e)
(1) Apply on the form prescribed by the Secretary; and
(2) Provide all the information and documentation requested by the Secretary to certify that the institution meets the standards of this subpart.
(a)
(1) The institution is an eligible institution;
(2) The institution meets the standards of this subpart;
(3) Each branch campus to be included in the institution's participation meets the applicable standards of this subpart; and
(4)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section, in the case of an institution seeking to participate for the first time in the Federal Pell Grant Program, the campus-based programs, the FDSL Program, or the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal SLS, or Federal PLUS Program, the institution requires the following individuals to complete Title IV, HEA program training provided or approved by the Secretary:
(A) The individual designated by the institution under § 668.16(b)(1).
(B)(
(
(ii) If either one of the two individuals who is otherwise required to complete training under paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section has previously completed Title IV, HEA program training provided or approved by the Secretary, the institution may elect to request an on-site Title IV, HEA program certification review by the Secretary instead of requiring that individual to complete again the Title IV, HEA program training provided or approved by the Secretary.
(iii) An institution may not begin participation in the applicable Title IV, HEA program or programs—
(A) In the case of an institution that requires individuals to complete training in accordance with paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section, until the individuals complete the required training; or
(B) In the case of an institution that requests an on-site review in accordance with paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section, until the Secretary conducts the review and notifies the institution that it is in compliance with Title IV, HEA program requirements.
(b)
(2) Provided that an institution has submitted an application for a renewal of certification that is materially complete at least 90 days prior to the expiration of its current period of participation, the institution's existing certification will be extended on a month to month basis following the expiration of the institution's period of participation until the end of the month in which the Secretary issues a decision on the application for recertification.
(c)
(i) The institution seeks initial participation in a Title IV, HEA program;
(ii) The institution is an eligible institution that has undergone a change in ownership that results in a change in control according to the provisions of 34 CFR part 600;
(iii) The institution is a participating institution—
(A) That is applying for a certification that the institution meets the standards of this subpart;
(B) That the Secretary determines has jeopardized its ability to perform its financial responsibilities by not meeting the factors of financial responsibility under § 668.15 or the standards of administrative capability under § 668.16; and
(C) Whose participation has been limited or suspended under subpart G of this part, or voluntarily enters into provisional certification;
(iv) The institution seeks a renewal of participation in a Title IV, HEA program after the expiration of a prior period of participation in that program; or
(v) The institution is a participating institution that was accredited or preaccredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency on the day before the Secretary withdrew the Secretary's recognition of that agency according to the provisions contained in 34 CFR part 603.
(2) If the Secretary provisionally certifies an institution, the Secretary also specifies the period for which the institution may participate in a Title IV, HEA program. Except as provided in paragraphs (c) (3) and (4) of this section, a provisionally certified institution's period of participation expires—
(i) Not later than the end of the first complete award year following the date on which the Secretary provisionally certified the institution under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section;
(ii) Not later than the end of the third complete award year following
(iii) If the Secretary provisionally certified the institution under paragraph (c)(1)(v) of this section, not later than 18 months after the date that the Secretary withdrew recognition from the institutions nationally recognized accrediting agency.
(3) Notwithstanding the maximum periods of participation provided for in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, if the Secretary provisionally certifies an institution, the Secretary may specify a shorter period of participation for that institution.
(4) For the purposes of this section, “provisional certification” means that the Secretary certifies that an institution has demonstrated to the Secretary's satisfaction that the institution—
(i) Is capable of meeting the standards of this subpart within a specified period; and
(ii) Is able to meet the institution's responsibilities under its program participation agreement, including compliance with any additional conditions specified in the institution's program participation agreement that the Secretary requires the institution to meet in order for the institution to participate under provisional certification.
(d)
(2)(i) If the Secretary revokes the provisional certification of an institution under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the Secretary sends the institution a notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. The Secretary also may transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means, if practical.
(ii) The revocation takes effect on the date that the Secretary mails the notice to the institution.
(iii) The notice states the basis for the revocation, the consequences of the revocation to the institution, and that the institution may request the Secretary to reconsider the revocation. The consequences of a revocation are described in § 668.26.
(3)(i) An institution may request reconsideration of a revocation under this section by submitting to the Secretary, within 20 days of the institution's receipt of the Secretary's notice, written evidence that the revocation is unwarranted. The institution must file the request with the Secretary by hand-delivery, mail, or facsimile transmission.
(ii) The filing date of the request is the date on which the request is—
(A) Hand-delivered;
(B) Mailed; or
(C) Sent by facsimile transmission.
(iii) Documents filed by facsimile transmission must be transmitted to the Secretary in accordance with instructions provided by the Secretary in the notice of revocation. An institution filing by facsimile transmission is responsible for confirming that a complete and legible copy of the document was received by the Secretary.
(iv) The Secretary discourages the use of facsimile transmission for documents longer than five pages.
(4)(i) The designated department official making the decision concerning an institution's request for reconsideration of a revocation is different from, and not subject to supervision by, the official who initiated the revocation of the institution's provisional certification. The deciding official promptly considers an institution's request for reconsideration of a revocation and notifies the institution, by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the final decision. The Secretary also may transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means, if practical.
(ii) If the Secretary determines that the revocation is warranted, the Secretary's notice informs the institution that the institution may apply for reinstatement of participation only after the later of the expiration of—
(A) Eighteen months after the effective date of the revocation; or
(B) A debarment or suspension of the institution under Executive Order
(iii) If the Secretary determines that the revocation of the institution's provisional certification is unwarranted, the Secretary's notice informs the institution that the institution's provisional certification is reinstated, effective on the date that the Secretary's original revocation notice was mailed, for a specified period of time.
(5)(i) The mailing date of a notice of revocation or a request for reconsideration of a revocation is the date evidenced on the original receipt of mailing from the U.S. Postal Service.
(ii) The date on which a request for reconsideration of a revocation is submitted is—
(A) If the request was sent by a delivery service other than the U.S. Postal Service, the date evidenced on the original receipt by that service; and
(B) If the request was sent by facsimile transmission, the date that the document is recorded as received by facsimile equipment that receives the transmission.
(a)(1) An institution may participate in any Title IV, HEA program, other than the SSIG and NEISP programs, only if the institution enters into a written program participation agreement with the Secretary, on a form approved by the Secretary. A program participation agreement conditions the initial and continued participation of an eligible institution in any Title IV, HEA program upon compliance with the provisions of this part, the individual program regulations, and any additional conditions specified in the program participation agreement that the Secretary requires the institution to meet.
(2) An institution's program participation agreement applies to each branch campus and other location of the institution that meets the applicable requirements of this part unless otherwise specified by the Secretary.
(b) By entering into a program participation agreement, an institution agrees that—
(1) It will comply with all statutory provisions of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, all applicable regulatory provisions prescribed under that statutory authority, and all applicable special arrangements, agreements, and limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA, including the requirement that the institution will use funds it receives under any Title IV, HEA program and any interest or other earnings thereon, solely for the purposes specified in and in accordance with that program;
(2) As a fiduciary responsible for administering Federal funds, if the institution is permitted to request funds under a Title IV, HEA program advance payment method, the institution will time its requests for funds under the program to meet the institution's immediate Title IV, HEA program needs;
(3) It will not request from or charge any student a fee for processing or handling any application, form, or data required to determine a student's eligibility for, and amount of, Title IV, HEA program assistance;
(4) It will establish and maintain such administrative and fiscal procedures and records as may be necessary to ensure proper and efficient administration of funds received from the Secretary or from students under the Title IV, HEA programs, together with assurances that the institution will provide, upon request and in a timely manner, information relating to the administrative capability and financial responsibility of the institution to—
(i) The Secretary;
(ii) The State postsecondary review entity designated under 34 CFR part 667 for the State or States in which the institution or any of the institution's branch campuses or other locations are located if the institution was referred by the Secretary under 34 CFR 667.5;
(iii) A guaranty agency, as defined in 34 CFR part 682, that guarantees loans made under the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal SLS programs for attendance at the institution or any of the institution's branch campuses or other locations;
(iv) The nationally recognized accrediting agency that accredits or preaccredits the institution or any of the institution's branch campuses, other locations, or educational programs;
(v) The State agency that legally authorizes the institution and any branch campus or other location of the institution to provide postsecondary education; and
(vi) In the case of a public postsecondary vocational educational institution that is approved by a State agency recognized for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education, that State agency;
(5) It will comply with the provisions of § 668.15 relating to factors of financial responsibility;
(6) It will comply with the provisions of § 668.16 relating to standards of administrative capability;
(7) It will submit reports to the Secretary and, in the case of an institution participating in the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, Federal SLS, or the Federal Perkins Loan Program, to holders of loans made to the institution's students under that program at such times and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require to carry out the purpose of the Title IV, HEA programs;
(8) It will not provide any statement to any student or certification to any lender under the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, or Federal SLS Program that qualifies the student for a loan or loans in excess of the amount that the student is eligible to borrow in accordance with sections 425(a), 428(a)(2), 428(b)(1) (A) and (B), and 428H of the HEA;
(9) It will comply with the requirements of subpart D of this part concerning institutional and financial assistance information for students and prospective students;
(10) In the case of an institution that advertises job placement rates as a means of attracting students to enroll in the institution, it will make available to prospective students, at or before the time that those students apply for enrollment—
(i) The most recent available data concerning employment statistics, graduation statistics, and any other information necessary to substantiate the truthfulness of the advertisements; and
(ii) Relevant State licensing requirements of the State in which the institution is located for any job for which an educational program offered by the institution is designed to prepare those prospective students;
(11) In the case of an institution participating in the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, or Federal SLS Program, the institution will inform all eligible borrowers, as defined in 34 CFR part 682, enrolled in the institution about the availability and eligibility of those borrowers for State grant assistance from the State in which the institution is located, and will inform borrowers from another State of the source for further information concerning State grant assistance from that State;
(12) It will provide the certifications described in paragraph (c) of this section;
(13) In the case of an institution whose students receive financial assistance pursuant to section 484(d) of the HEA, the institution will make available to those students a program proven successful in assisting students in obtaining the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma;
(14) It will not deny any form of Federal financial aid to any eligible student solely on the grounds that the student is participating in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the institution;
(15) In the case of an institution seeking to participate for the first time in the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal SLS programs, the institution has included a default management plan as part of its application under § 668.12 for participation in those programs and will use the plan for at least two years from the date of that application. The Secretary considers the requirements of this paragraph to be satisfied by a default
(16) In the case of an institution that changes ownership that results in a change of control, or that changes its status as a main campus, branch campus, or an additional location, the institution will, to participate in the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal SLS programs, develop a default management plan for approval by the Secretary and implement the plan for at least two years after the change in control or status. The Secretary considers the requirements of this paragraph to be satisfied by a default management plan developed in accordance with the default reduction measures described in appendix D to this part;
(17) The Secretary, guaranty agencies and lenders as defined in 34 CFR part 682, nationally recognized accrediting agencies, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, State postsecondary review entities designated under 34 CFR part 667, State agencies recognized under 34 CFR part 603 for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education, and State agencies that legally authorize institutions and branch campuses or other locations of institutions to provide postsecondary education, have the authority to share with each other any information pertaining to the institution's eligibility for or participation in the Title IV, HEA programs or any information on fraud and abuse;
(18) It will not knowingly—
(i) Employ in a capacity that involves the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs or the receipt of funds under those programs, an individual who has been convicted of, or has pled
(ii) Contract with an institution or third-party servicer that has been terminated under section 432 of the HEA for a reason involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds, or that has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving Federal, State, or local government funds; or
(iii) Contract with or employ any individual, agency, or organization that has been, or whose officers or employees have been—
(A) Convicted of, or pled
(B) Administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving Federal, State, or local government funds;
(19) It will complete, in a timely manner and to the satisfaction of the Secretary, surveys conducted as a part of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) or any other Federal collection effort, as designated by the Secretary, regarding data on postsecondary institutions;
(20) In the case of an institution that offers athletically related student aid, it will comply with the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section;
(21) It will not impose any penalty, including, but not limited to, the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that the student borrow additional funds for which interest or other charges are assessed, on any student because of the student's inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution as a result of the delayed disbursement of the proceeds of a Title IV, HEA program loan due to compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements of or applicable to the Title IV, HEA programs, or delays attributable to the institution;
(22) It will not provide, nor contract with any entity that provides, any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions regarding the awarding of student financial assistance, except that
(23) It will meet the requirements established pursuant to part H of Title IV of the HEA by the Secretary, State postsecondary review entities designated under 34 CFR part 667, and nationally recognized accrediting agencies;
(24) It will comply with the institutional refund policy established in § 668.22;
(25) It is liable for all—
(i) Improperly spent or unspent funds received under the Title IV, HEA programs, including any funds administered by a third-party servicer; and
(ii) Refunds that the institution or its servicer may be required to make; and
(26) If the stated objectives of an educational program of the institution are to prepare a student for gainful employment in a recognized occupation, the institution will—
(i) Demonstrate a reasonable relationship between the length of the program and entry level requirements for the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student. The Secretary considers the relationship to be reasonable if the number of clock hours provided in the program does not exceed by more than 50 percent the minimum number of clock hours required for training in the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student, as established by the State in which the program is offered, if the State has established such a requirement, or as established by any Federal agency; and
(ii) Establish the need for the training for the student to obtain employment in the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student.
(c) In order to participate in any Title IV, HEA program (other than the SSIG and NEISP programs), the institution must certify that it—
(1) Has in operation a drug abuse prevention program that the institution has determined to be accessible to any officer, employee, or student at the institution; and
(2)(i) Has established a campus security policy in accordance with section 485(f) of the HEA; and
(ii) Has complied with the disclosure requirements of § 668.47 as required by section 485(f) of the HEA.
(d) In order to participate in any Title IV, HEA program (other than the SSIG and NEISP programs), an institution that offers athletically related student aid must—
(1) Cause an annual compilation, independently audited not less often than every 3 years, to be prepared within 6 months after the end of the institution's fiscal year, of—
(i) The revenues derived by the institution from the institution's intercollegiate athletics activities, according to the following categories:
(A) Total revenues.
(B) Revenues from football.
(C) Revenues from men's basketball.
(D) Revenues from women's basketball.
(E) Revenues from all other men's sports combined.
(F) Revenues from all other women's sports combined;
(ii) Expenses made by the institution for the institution's intercollegiate athletics activities, according to the following categories:
(A) Total expenses.
(B) Expenses attributable to football.
(C) Expenses attributable to men's basketball.
(D) Expenses attributable to women's basketball.
(E) Expenses attributable to all other men's sports combined.
(F) Expenses attributable to all other women's sports combined; and
(iii) The total revenues and operating expenses of the institution; and
(2) Make the compilation and, where allowable by State law, the results of the audits required by paragraph (d)(1) of this section available for inspection by the Secretary and the public.
(e) For the purposes of paragraph (d) of this section—
(1) Revenues from intercollegiate athletics activities allocable to a sport shall include without limitation gate receipts, broadcast revenues and other conference distributions, appearance guarantees and options, concessions, and advertising;
(2) Revenues such as student activities fees, alumni contributions, and investment interest income that are not allocable to a sport shall be included in the calculation of total revenues only;
(3) Expenses for intercollegiate athletics activities allocable to a sport shall include without limitation grants-in-aid, salaries, travel, equipment, and supplies; and
(4) Expenses such as general and administrative overhead that are not allocable to a sport shall be included in the calculation of total expenses only.
(f)(1) A program participation agreement becomes effective on the date that the Secretary signs the agreement.
(2) A new program participation agreement supersedes any prior program participation agreement between the Secretary and the institution.
(g)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this section, the Secretary terminates a program participation agreement through the proceedings in subpart G of this part.
(2) An institution may terminate a program participation agreement.
(3) If the Secretary or the institution terminates a program participation agreement under paragraph (g) of this section, the Secretary establishes the termination date.
(h) An institution's program participation agreement automatically expires on the date that—
(1) The institution changes ownership that results in a change in control as determined by the Secretary under 34 CFR part 600; or
(2) The institution's participation ends under the provisions of § 668.26(a) (1), (2), (4), or (7).
(i) An institution's program participation agreement no longer applies to or covers a location of the institution as of the date on which that location ceases to be a part of the participating institution.
(a)
(b)
(1) Is providing the services described in its official publications and statements;
(2) Is providing the administrative resources necessary to comply with the requirements of this subpart;
(3) Is meeting all of its financial obligations, including but not limited to—
(i) Refunds that it is required to make; and
(ii) Repayments to the Secretary for liabilities and debts incurred in programs administered by the Secretary;
(4) Is current in its debt payments. The institution is not considered current in its debt payments if—
(i) The institution is in violation of any existing loan agreement at its fiscal year end, as disclosed in a note to its audited financial statement; or
(ii) the institution fails to make a payment in accordance with existing debt obligations for more than 120 days, and at least one creditor has filed suit to recover those funds;
(5) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, submits to the Secretary an irrevocable letter of credit, acceptable and payable to the Secretary equal to 25 percent of the total dollar amount of Title IV, HEA program refunds paid by the institution in the previous fiscal year;
(6) Has not had, as part of the audit report for the institution's most recently completed fiscal year—
(i) A statement by the accountant expressing substantial doubt about the institution's ability to continue as a going concern; or
(ii) A disclaimed or adverse opinion by the accountant;
(7) For a for-profit institution—
(i)(A) Demonstrates at the end of its latest fiscal year, an acid test ratio of at least 1:1. For purposes of this section, the acid test ratio shall be calculated by adding cash and cash equivalents to current accounts receivable and dividing the sum by total current liabilities. The calculation of the acid test ratio shall exclude all unsecured or uncollateralized related party receivables;
(B) Has not had operating losses in either or both of its two latest fiscal years that in sum result in a decrease in tangible net worth in excess of 10 percent of the institution's tangible net worth at the beginning of the first year of the two-year period. The Secretary may calculate an operating loss for an institution by excluding from net income: extraordinary gains or losses; income or losses from discontinued operations; prior period adjustment; and, the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle. For purposes of this section, the calculation of tangible net worth shall exclude all assets defined as intangible in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and
(C) Had, for its latest fiscal year, a positive tangible net worth. In applying this standard, a positive tangible net worth occurs when the institution's tangible assets exceed its liabilities. The calculation of tangible net worth shall exclude all assets classified as intangible in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles; or
(ii) Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it has currently issued and outstanding debt obligations that are (without insurance, guarantee, or credit enhancement) listed at or above the second highest rating level of credit quality given by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization;
(8) For a nonprofit institution—
(i)(A) Prepares a classified statement of financial position in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or provides the required information in notes to the audited financial statements;
(B) Demonstrates at the end of its latest fiscal year, an acid test ratio of at least 1:1. For purposes of this section, the acid test ratio shall be calculated by adding cash and cash equivalents to current accounts receivable and dividing the sum by total current liabilities. The calculation of the acid test ratio shall exclude all unsecured or uncollateralized related party receivables.
(C)(
(
(ii) Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it has currently
(9) For a public institution—
(i) Has its liabilities backed by the full faith and credit of a State, or by an equivalent governmental entity;
(ii) Has a positive current unrestricted fund balance if reporting under the Single Audit Act;
(iii) Has a positive unrestricted current fund in the State's Higher Education Fund, as presented in the general purpose financial statements;
(iv) Submits to the Secretary, a statement from the State Auditor General that the institution has, during the past year, met all of its financial obligations, and that the institution continues to have sufficient resources to meet all of its financial obligations; or
(v) Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it has currently issued and outstanding debt obligations which are (without insurance, guarantee, or credit enhancement) listed at or above the second highest rating level of credit quality given by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
(c)
(1) A person who exercises substantial control over the institution or any member or members of the person's family alone or together—
(i)(A) Exercises or exercised substantial control over another institution or a third-party servicer that owes a liability for a violation of a Title IV, HEA program requirement; or
(B) Owes a liability for a violation of a Title IV, HEA program requirement; and
(ii) That person, family member, institution, or servicer does not demonstrate that the liability is being repaid in accordance with an agreement with the Secretary; or
(2) The institution has—
(i) Been limited, suspended, terminated, or entered into a settlement agreement to resolve a limitation, suspension, or termination action initiated by the Secretary or a guaranty agency (as defined in 34 CFR part 682) within the preceding five years;
(ii) Had—
(A) An audit finding, during its two most recent audits of its conduct of the Title IV, HEA programs, that resulted in the institution's being required to repay an amount greater than five percent of the funds that the institution received under the Title IV, HEA programs for any award year covered by the audit; or
(B) A program review finding, during its two most recent program reviews, of its conduct of the Title IV, HEA programs that resulted in the institution's being required to repay an amount greater than five percent of the funds that the institution received under the Title IV, HEA programs for any award year covered by the program review;
(iii) Been cited during the preceding five years for failure to submit acceptable audit reports required under this part or individual Title IV, HEA program regulations in a timely fashion; or
(iv) Failed to resolve satisfactorily any compliance problems identified in program review or audit reports based upon a final decision of the Secretary issued pursuant to subpart G or subpart H of this part.
(d)
(A)(
(
(B) Has its liabilities backed by the full faith and credit of the State, or by an equivalent governmental entity; or
(C) As determined under paragraph (g) of this section, demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that for each of the institution's two most recently completed fiscal years, it has
(ii) In evaluating an application to approve a State tuition recovery fund to exempt its participating schools from the Federal cash reserve requirements, the Secretary will consider the extent to which the State tuition recovery fund:
(A) Provides refunds to both in-state and out-of-state students;
(B) Allocates all refunds in accordance with the order delineated in § 668.22(h); and
(C) Provides a reliable mechanism for the State to replenish the fund should any claims arise that deplete the funds assets.
(2) The Secretary considers an institution to be financially responsible, even if the institution is not otherwise financially responsible under paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) and (b)(6) through (9) of this section, if the institution—
(i) Submits to the Secretary an irrevocable letter of credit that is acceptable and payable to the Secretary equal to not less than one-half of the Title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during the last complete award year for which figures are available; or
(ii) Establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary, with the support of a financial statement submitted in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section, that the institution has sufficient resources to ensure against its precipitous closure, including the ability to meet all of its financial obligations (including refunds of institutional charges and repayments to the Secretary for liabilities and debts incurred in programs administered by the Secretary). The Secretary considers the institution to have sufficient resources to ensure against precipitous closure only if—
(A) The institution formerly demonstrated financial responsibility under the standards of financial responsibility in its preceding audited financial statement (or, if no prior audited financial statement was requested by the Secretary, demonstrates in conjunction with its current audit that it would have satisfied this requirement), and that its most recent audited financial statement indicates that—
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(B) There have been no material findings in the institution's latest compliance audit of its administration of the Title IV HEA programs; and
(C) There are no pending administrative or legal actions being taken
(3) An institution is not required to meet the acid test ratio in paragraph (b)(7)(i)(A) or (b)(8)(i)(B) of this section if the institution is an institution that provides a 2-year or 4-year educational program for which the institution awards an associate or baccalaureate degree that demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that—
(i) There is no reasonable doubt as to its continued solvency and ability to deliver quality educational services;
(ii) It is current in its payment of all current liabilities, including student refunds, repayments to the Secretary, payroll, and payment of trade creditors and withholding taxes; and
(iii) It has substantial equity in institution-occupied facilities, the acquisition of which was the direct cause of its failure to meet the acid test ratio requirement.
(4) The Secretary may determine an institution to be financially responsible even if the institution is not otherwise financially responsible under paragraph (c)(1) of this section if—
(i) The institution notifies the Secretary, in accordance with 34 CFR 600.30, that the person referenced in paragraph (c)(1) of this section exercises substantial control over the institution; and
(ii)(A) The person repaid to the Secretary a portion of the applicable liability, and the portion repaid equals or exceeds the greater of—
(
(
(
(B) The applicable liability described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section is currently being repaid in accordance with a written agreement with the Secretary; or
(C) The institution demonstrates why—
(
(
(e) [Reserved]
(f)
(1)(i) An “ownership interest” is a share of the legal or beneficial ownership or control of, or a right to share in the proceeds of the operation of, an institution, institution's parent corporation, a third-party servicer, or a third-party servicer's parent corporation.
(ii) The term “ownership interest” includes, but is not limited to—
(A) An interest as tenant in common, joint tenant, or tenant by the entireties;
(B) A partnership; and
(C) An interest in a trust.
(iii) The term “ownership interest” does not include any share of the ownership or control of, or any right to share in the proceeds of the operation of—
(A) A mutual fund that is regularly and publicly traded;
(B) An institutional investor; or
(C) A profit-sharing plan, provided that all employees are covered by the plan;
(2) The Secretary generally considers a person to exercise substantial control over an institution or third-party servicer, if the person—
(i) Directly or indirectly holds at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer;
(ii) Holds, together with other members of his or her family, at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer;
(iii) Represents, either alone or together with other persons, under a voting trust, power of attorney, proxy, or similar agreement one or more persons who hold, either individually or in combination with the other persons represented or the person representing them, at least a 25 percent ownership in the institution or servicer; or
(iv) Is a member of the board of directors, the chief executive officer, or other executive officer of—
(A) The institution or servicer; or
(B) An entity that holds at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer; and
(3) The Secretary considers a member of a person's family to be a parent, sibling, spouse, child, spouse's parent or sibling, or sibling's or child's spouse.
(g)
(i)(A) For either of those fiscal years, did not find in the sample of student records audited or reviewed that the institution made late refunds to 5 percent or more of the students in that sample. For purposes of determining the percentage of late refunds under this paragraph, the auditor or reviewer must include in the sample only those title IV, HEA program recipients who received or should have received a refund under § 668.22; or
(B) The Secretary considers the institution to have satisfied the conditions in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) of this section if the auditor or reviewer finds in the sample of student records audited or reviewed that the institution made only one late refund to a student in that sample; and
(ii) For either of those fiscal years, did not note a material weakness or a reportable condition in the institution's report on internal controls that is related to refunds.
(2) If the Secretary or a State or guaranty agency finds during a review conducted of the institution that the institution no longer qualifies for an exemption under paragraph (d)(1)(C) of this section, the institution must—
(i) Submit to the Secretary the irrevocable letter of credit required in paragraph (b)(5) of this section no later than 30 days after the Secretary or State or guaranty agency notifies the institution of that finding; and
(ii) Notify the Secretary of the guaranty agency or State that conducted the review.
(3) If the auditor who conducted the institution's compliance audit finds that the institution no longer qualifies for an exemption under paragraph (d)(1)(C) of this section, the institution must submit to the Secretary the irrevocable letter of credit required in paragraph (b)(5) of this section no later than 30 days after the date the institution's compliance audit must be submitted to the Secretary.
(h)
(1) If the institution received less than $500,000 U.S. in title IV, HEA program funds during its most recently completed fiscal year, the institution must submit its audited financial statement for that year. For purposes of this paragraph, the audited financial statements may be prepared under the auditing standards and accounting principles used in the institution's home country; or
(2) If the institution received $500,000 U.S. or more in title IV, HEA program funds during its most recently completed fiscal year, the institution must submit its audited financial statement in accordance with the requirements of § 668.23, and satisfy the general standards of financial responsibility contained in this section, or qualify under
To begin and to continue to participate in any Title IV, HEA program, an institution shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the institution is capable of adequately administering that program under each of the standards established in this section. The Secretary considers an institution to have that administrative capability if the institution—
(a) Administers the Title IV, HEA programs in accordance with all statutory provisions of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, all applicable regulatory provisions prescribed under that statutory authority, and all applicable special arrangements, agreements, and limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA;
(b)(1) Designates a capable individual to be responsible for administering all the Title IV, HEA programs in which it participates and for coordinating those programs with the institution's other Federal and non-Federal programs of student financial assistance. The Secretary considers an individual to be “capable” under this paragraph if the individual is certified by the State in which the institution is located, if the State requires certification of financial aid administrators. The Secretary may consider other factors in determining whether an individual is capable, including, but not limited to, the individual's successful completion of Title IV, HEA program training provided or approved by the Secretary, and previous experience and documented success in administering the Title IV, HEA programs properly;
(2) Uses an adequate number of qualified persons to administer the Title IV, HEA programs in which the institution participates. The Secretary considers the following factors to determine whether an institution uses an adequate number of qualified persons—
(i) The number and types of programs in which the institution participates;
(ii) The number of applications evaluated;
(iii) The number of students who receive any student financial assistance at the institution and the amount of funds administered;
(iv) The financial aid delivery system used by the institution;
(v) The degree of office automation used by the institution in the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs;
(vi) The number and distribution of financial aid staff; and
(vii) The use of third-party servicers to aid in the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs;
(3) Communicates to the individual designated to be responsible for administering Title IV, HEA programs, all the information received by any institutional office that bears on a student's eligibility for Title IV, HEA program assistance; and
(4) Has written procedures for or written information indicating the responsibilities of the various offices with respect to the approval, disbursement, and delivery of Title IV, HEA program assistance and the preparation and submission of reports to the Secretary;
(c)(1) Administers Title IV, HEA programs with adequate checks and balances in its system of internal controls; and
(2) Divides the functions of authorizing payments and disbursing or delivering funds so that no office has responsibility for both functions with respect to any particular student aided under the programs. For example, the functions of authorizing payments and disbursing or delivering funds must be divided so that for any particular student aided under the programs, the two functions are carried out by at least two organizationally independent individuals who are not members of the same family, as defined in § 668.15, or who do not together exercise substantial control, as defined in § 668.15, over the institution;
(d) Establishes and maintains records required under this part and the individual Title IV, HEA program regulations;
(e) For purposes of determining student eligibility for assistance under a Title IV, HEA program, establishes, publishes, and applies reasonable standards for measuring whether an otherwise eligible student is maintaining satisfactory progress in his or her educational program. The Secretary considers an institution's standards to be reasonable if the standards—
(1) Are the same as or stricter than the institution's standards for a student enrolled in the same educational program who is not receiving assistance under a Title IV, HEA program;
(2) Include the following elements:
(i) A qualitative component which consists of grades (provided that the standards meet or exceed the requirements of § 668.7(c)), work projects completed, or comparable factors that are measurable against a norm.
(ii) A quantitative component that consists of a maximum timeframe in which a student must complete his or her educational program. The timeframe must—
(A) For an undergraduate program, be no longer than 150 percent of the published length of the educational program measured in academic years, terms, credit hours attempted, clock hours completed, etc. as appropriate;
(B) Be divided into increments, not to exceed the lesser of one academic year or one-half the published length of the educational program;
(C) Include a schedule established by the institution designating the minimum percentage or amount of work that a student must successfully complete at the end of each increment to complete his or her educational program within the maximum timeframe; and
(D) Include specific policies defining the effect of course incompletes, withdrawals, repetitions, and noncredit remedial courses on satisfactory progress;
(3) Provide for consistent application of standards to all students within categories of students, e.g., full-time, part-time, undergraduate, and graduate students, and educational programs established by the institution;
(4) Provide for a determination at the end of each increment by the institution as to whether the student has met the qualitative and quantitative components of the standards (as provided for in paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section);
(5) Provide specific procedures under which a student may appeal a determination that the student is not making satisfactory progress; and
(6) Provide specific procedures for a student to re-establish that he or she is maintaining satisfactory progress.
(f) Develops and applies an adequate system to identify and resolve discrepancies in the information that the institution receives from different sources with respect to a student's application for financial aid under Title IV, HEA programs. In determining whether the institution's system is adequate, the Secretary considers whether the institution obtains and reviews—
(1) All student aid applications, need analysis documents, Statements of Educational Purpose, Statements of Registration Status, and eligibility notification documents presented by or on behalf of each applicant;
(2) Any documents, including any copies of State and Federal income tax returns, that are normally collected by the institution to verify information received from the student or other sources; and
(3) Any other information normally available to the institution regarding a student's citizenship, previous educational experience, documentation of the student's social security number, or other factors relating to the student's eligibility for funds under the Title IV, HEA programs;
(g) Refers to the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Education for investigation—
(1) After conducting the review of an application provided for under paragraph (f) of this section, any credible information indicating that an applicant for Title IV, HEA program assistance may have engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with his or her application. The type of information that an institution
(i) False claims of independent student status;
(ii) False claims of citizenship;
(iii) Use of false identities;
(iv) Forgery of signatures or certifications; and
(v) False statements of income; and
(2) Any credible information indicating that any employee, third-party servicer, or other agent of the institution that acts in a capacity that involves the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs, or the receipt of funds under those programs, may have engaged in fraud, misrepresentation, conversion or breach of fiduciary responsibility, or other illegal conduct involving the Title IV, HEA programs. The type of information that an institution must refer is that which is relevant to the eligibility and funding of the institution and its students through the Title IV, HEA programs;
(h) Provides adequate financial aid counseling to eligible students who apply for Title IV, HEA program assistance. In determining whether an institution provides adequate counseling, the Secretary considers whether its counseling includes information regarding—
(1) The source and amount of each type of aid offered;
(2) The method by which aid is determined and disbursed, delivered, or applied to a student's account; and
(3) The rights and responsibilities of the student with respect to enrollment at the institution and receipt of financial aid. This information includes the institution's refund policy, its standards of satisfactory progress, and other conditions that may alter the student's aid package;
(i) Has provided all program and fiscal reports and financial statements required for compliance with the provisions of this part and the individual program regulations in a timely manner;
(j) Shows no evidence of significant problems that affect, as determined by the Secretary, the institution's ability to administer a Title IV, HEA program and that are identified in—
(1) Reviews of the institution conducted by the Secretary, the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General, nationally recognized accrediting agencies, guaranty agencies as defined in 34 CFR part 682, State postsecondary review entities designated under 34 CFR part 667, the State agency or official by whose authority the institution is legally authorized to provide postsecondary education, or any other law enforcement agency; or
(2) Any findings made in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding;
(k) Is not, and does not have any principal or affiliate of the institution (as those terms are defined in 34 CFR part 85) that is—
(1) Debarred or suspended under Executive Order (E.O.) 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; or
(2) Engaging in any activity that is a cause under 34 CFR 85.305 or 85.405 for debarment or suspension under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4;
(l) For an institution that seeks initial participation in a Title IV, HEA program, does not have more than 33 percent of its undergraduate regular students withdraw from the institution during the institution's latest completed award year. The institution must count all regular students who are enrolled during the latest completed award year, except those students who, during that period—
(1) Withdrew from, dropped out of, or were expelled from the institution; and
(2) Were entitled to and actually received in a timely manner, a refund of 100 percent of their tuition and fees (less any permitted administrative fee) under the institution's refund policy;
(m)(1) Has a cohort default rate—
(i) As defined in § 668.17, on loans made under the Federal Stafford Loan and Federal SLS programs to students for attendance at that institution of less than 25 percent for each of the three most recent fiscal years for which the Secretary has determined the institution's rate; and
(ii) As defined in 34 CFR 674.5, on loans made under the Federal Perkins Loan Program to students for attendance at that institution that does not exceed 15 percent;
(2)(i) Except that, if the Secretary determines that the institution is not administratively capable solely because the institution fails to comply with paragraph (m)(1) of this section, the Secretary will provisionally certify the institution in accordance with § 668.13(c); and
(ii) The institution may appeal the loss of full participation in a Title IV, HEA program under paragraph (m)(1) of this section by submitting an appeal in writing to the Secretary in accordance with and on the grounds specified in § 668.17;
(n) Does not otherwise appear to lack the ability to administer the Title IV, HEA programs competently; and
(o) Participates in the electronic processes that the Secretary—
(1) Provides at no substantial charge to the institution; and
(2) Identifies through a notice published in the
(a)
(2) The Secretary may initiate a proceeding under subpart G of this part to limit, suspend, or terminate the participation of an institution in the Title IV, HEA programs, if the institution has an FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or a weighted average cohort rate that exceeds 40 percent for any fiscal year.
(3) Unless an institution is subject to loss of eligibility to participate in the FFEL Program under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Secretary initiates a proceeding under subpart G of this part to limit, suspend, or terminate an institution's participation in the FFEL Program if the institution, for each of the three most recent consecutive fiscal years, has any combination of an FFEL Program cohort default rate, a Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate that is equal to or greater than 25 percent.
(4) The Secretary may require an institution that meets the criteria under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to submit to the Secretary, within a timeframe determined by the Secretary, any reasonable information to help the Secretary make a preliminary determination as to what action should be taken against the institution.
(5) The Secretary ceases any limitation, suspension, or termination action against an institution under this paragraph if the institution satisfactorily demonstrates to the Secretary that, pursuant to an appeal that is complete and timely submitted under paragraph (c) of this section, the institution meets one of the exceptional mitigating circumstances under paragraph (c)(1)(ii)(B) of this section.
(b)
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(6) of this section, an institution's participation in the Direct Loan Program ends 30 calendar days after the date the institution receives notification from the Secretary that for each of the three most recent fiscal years the institution has any combination of an FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate that is equal to or greater than 25 percent.
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(6) of this section, an institution's participation in the FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program ends under paragraph (b) (1) or (2) of this section respectively may not participate in that program on or after the 30th calendar day after the date it receives notification from the Secretary that its FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or, if applicable, weighted average cohort rate exceeds the thresholds specified in paragraph (b) (1) or (2) of this section and continuing—
(i) For the remainder of the fiscal year in which the Secretary determines that the institution's participation has ended under paragraph (b) (1) or (2) of this section; and
(ii) For the two subsequent fiscal years.
(4) An institution whose participation in the FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program ends under paragraph (b) (1) or (2) of this section may not participate in that program until the institution satisfies the Secretary that the institution meets all requirements for participation in the FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program and executes a new agreement with the Secretary for participation in that program following the period described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
(5) Until July 1, 1998, the provisions of paragraph (b) (1) or (2) of this section and the provisions of 34 CFR 668.16(m) do not apply to a historically black college or university within the meaning of section 322(2) of the HEA, a tribally controlled community college within the meaning of section 2(a)(4) of the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, or a Navajo community college under the Navajo Community College Act.
(6) An institution may, notwithstanding 34 CFR 668.26, continue to participate in the FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program until the Secretary issues a decision on the institution's appeal if the Secretary receives an appeal that is complete, accurate, and timely in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(c)
(i)(A) The calculation of the institution's FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or, if applicable, weighted average cohort rate, for any of the three fiscal years relevant to the end of participation is not accurate; and
(B) A recalculation of the institution's FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate, with corrected data verified by the cognizant guaranty agency or agencies for the FFEL Program loans, or the Secretary for Direct Loan Program loans would produce an FFEL Program cohort default rate, a Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate for any of those fiscal years that is below the threshold percentage
(ii) The institution meets one of the following exceptional mitigating circumstances:
(A) The institution has a participation rate index of 0.0375 or less. The participation rate index is determined by multiplying the institution's FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate or weighted average cohort rate, by the percentage of the institution's regular students, as defined in 34 CFR 600.2, enrolled on at least a half-time basis who received a loan made under either the FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program for a 12-month period that has ended during the six months immediately preceding the fiscal year for which the cohort of borrowers used to calculate the institution's rate is determined. An institution that has an FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate that exceeds 40 percent may not appeal its loss of eligibility under paragraphs (b) (1) or (2) of this section on the basis of its participation rate index.
(B) For a 12-month period that has ended during the six months immediately preceding the fiscal year for which the cohort of borrowers used to calculate the institution's rate is determined, 70 percent or more of the institution's regular students, as defined in 34 CFR 600.2, are individuals from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, as established by documentary evidence submitted by the institution. Such evidence must relate to either qualification by those students for an expected family contribution (EFC) of zero for any award year that generally coincides with the 12-month period, or attribution to those students of an adjusted gross income of the student and his or her parents or spouse, if applicable, reported for any award year that generally coincides with the 12-month period, of less than the poverty level, as determined under criteria established by the Department of Health and Human Services; and,
(
(
(
(
(2) For purposes of the completion rate and placement rate described in paragraph (c)(1)(ii)(B) (
(3) The Secretary issues a decision on the institution's appeal within 45 calendar days after the institution submits a complete appeal that addresses the applicable criteria in paragraph (c)(1) (i) or (ii) of this section to the Secretary.
(4) The Secretary's decision is based on the consideration of written material submitted by the institution. No oral hearing is provided.
(5) The Secretary withdraws the notification of loss of participation in the FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program sent to an institution under paragraph (b) (1) or (2) of this section, if he determines that the institution's appeal satisfies one of the exceptional mitigating circumstances specified in paragraph (c)(1) (i) or (ii) of this section.
(6) An institution must include in its appeal a certification, under penalty of perjury, by the institution's chief executive officer that all information provided by the institution in support of its appeal is true and correct.
(7) An institution that appeals on the grounds that it meets the exceptional mitigating circumstances criteria contained in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section must include in its appeal an opinion from an independent auditor on management's assertions that the information contained in the appeal is complete, accurate, and determined in accordance with the requirements of this section. The examination level engagement will be performed in accordance with Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements
(8) An institution that appeals under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section will not lose its eligibility to continue to participate during the appeal process due to a guaranty agency's failure to comply with 34 CFR 682.401(b)(14) which requires the agency to respond to an institution's request for verification of data within 15 working days, provided the institution:
(i) Requested such verification within 10 working days from the date it received notification of its loss of eligibility under paragraph (b) of this section; and
(ii) Provided a copy of the request for verification of data to the Secretary at the same time it requested such verification by the relevant guaranty agency(ies).
(d)
(A) For any fiscal year in which 30 or more current and former students at the institution enter repayment on Federal Stafford loans or Federal SLS loans (or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program or Direct Consolidation Loan Program that is used to repay such loans) received for attendance at the institution, the percentage of those current and former students who enter
(B) For any fiscal year in which fewer than 30 of the institution's current and former students enter repayment on Federal Stafford loans or Federal SLS loans (or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program or Direct Consolidation Loan Program that is used to repay such loans) received for attendance at the institution, the percentage of those current and former students who entered repayment on such loans in any of the three most recent fiscal years, who default before the end of the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which they entered repayment.
(C) In determining the number of students who default before the end of that following fiscal year, the Secretary includes only loans for which the Secretary or a guaranty agency has paid claims for insurance, and Direct Consolidation Loan Program loans that repaid FFEL Program loans that entered default.
(ii)(A) In the case of a student who has attended and borrowed at more than one institution, the student (and his or her subsequent repayment or default) is attributed to each institution for attendance at which the student received a loan that entered repayment in the fiscal year.
(B) A loan on which a payment is made by the institution, its owner, agent, contractor, employee, or any other affiliated entity or individual, in order to avoid default by the borrower, is considered as in default for purposes of this definition.
(C) Any loan that has been rehabilitated under section 428F of the HEA before the end of that following fiscal year is not considered as in default for purposes of this definition.
(D) For the purposes of this definition, an SLS loan made in accordance with section 428A of the HEA (or a loan made under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program or Direct Consolidation Loan Program, a portion of which is used to repay a Federal SLS loan) shall not be considered to enter repayment until after the borrower has ceased to be enrolled in an educational program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential at the participating institution on at least a half-time basis (as determined by the institution) and ceased to be in a period of forbearance or deferment based on such enrollment. Each eligible lender of a loan made under section 428A (or a loan made under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program, a portion of which is used to repay a Federal SLS loan) of the HEA shall provide the guaranty agency with the information necessary to determine when the loan entered repayment for purposes of this definition, and the guaranty agency shall provide that information to the Secretary.
(2) Fiscal year means the period from and including October 1 of a calendar year through and including September 30 of the following calendar year.
(e)
(i) For public institutions, private nonprofit institutions, or proprietary degree-granting institutions—
(A) For any fiscal year in which 30 or more current and former students at the institution enter repayment on a Direct Loan Program loan (or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program that is used to repay those loans) received for attendance at the institution, the percentage of those current and former students who enter repayment in that fiscal year on those loans who are in default before the end of the following fiscal year; or
(B) For any fiscal year in which fewer than 30 of the institution's current and former students enter repayment on a Direct Loan Program loan (or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program that is used to repay those loans) received for attendance at the institution, the percentage of those current and former students who entered repayment on those loans in any of the three most recent fiscal years, who are in default before the end of the fiscal year immediately following the year in which they entered repayment.
(ii) For proprietary non-degree-granting institutions—
(A) For any fiscal year in which 30 or more current and former students at the institution enter repayment on a Direct Loan Program loan (or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program that is used to repay those loans) received for attendance at the institution, the percentage of those current and former students who enter repayment in that fiscal year on those loans who are in default before the end of the following fiscal year, or who, before the end of that following fiscal year, have, for 270 days, been in repayment under the income-contingent repayment plan with scheduled payments that are less than 15 dollars per month and those payments result in negative amortization; or
(B) For any fiscal year in which fewer than 30 of the institution's current and former students enter repayment on a Direct Loan Program loan (or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program that is used to repay those loans) received for attendance at the institution, the percentage of those current and former students who entered repayment on those loans in the three most recent fiscal years, who are in default before the end of the fiscal year immediately following the year in which they entered repayment, or who, before the end of that following fiscal year, have for 270 days, been in repayment under the income-contingent repayment plan with scheduled payments that are less than 15 dollars per month and those payments result in negative amortization.
(2)(i) In the case of a student who has attended and borrowed at more than one institution, the student (and his or her subsequent repayment or default) is attributed to each institution for attendance at which the student received a loan that entered repayment in the fiscal year.
(ii) A loan on which a payment is made by the institution, its owner, agent, contractor, employee, or any other affiliated entity or individual, in order to avoid default by the borrower, is considered as in default for purposes of this definition.
(iii) Any loan on which the borrower has made 12 consecutive monthly on-time payments under 34 CFR 685.211(e) before the end of that following fiscal year is not considered as in default for purposes of this definition.
(3) For purposes of an institution's Direct Loan cohort rate, a Direct Loan Program loan is considered in default when the borrower's or endorser's failure to make an installment payment when due has persisted for 270 days.
(f)(1)
(i) For public institutions, private nonprofit institutions, or proprietary degree-granting institutions—
(A) For any fiscal year in which 30 or more current and former students at the institution enter repayment on an FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program loan (or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program or Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program that is used to repay those loans) received for attendance at the institution, the percentage of those current and former students who enter repayment in that fiscal year on those loans who are in default before the end of the following fiscal year; and
(B) For any fiscal year in which fewer than 30 of the institution's current and former students enter repayment on an FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program loan (or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program or Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program that is used to repay such loans) received for attendance at the institution, the percentage of those current and former students who entered repayment on such loans in the three most recent fiscal years, who are in default before the end of the fiscal year immediately following the year in which they entered repayment.
(ii) For proprietary non-degree-granting institutions—
(A) For any fiscal year in which 30 or more current and former students at the institution enter repayment on an FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program loan (or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Consolidation Loan or Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program that is used to repay those loans) received for attendance at the institution, the percentage of those current and former students who enter repayment in that fiscal year on such loans who are in default before the end of the following fiscal year, or who, before the end of that following fiscal year, have for 270 days: been in repayment under the income-contingent repayment plan with scheduled payments that are less than 15 dollars per month and those payments result in negative amortization; or
(B) For any fiscal year in which fewer than 30 of the institution's current and former students enter repayment on an FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program loan (or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program or Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program that is used to repay those loans) received for attendance at the institution, the percentage of those current and former students who entered repayment on those loans in any of the three most recent fiscal years, who are in default before the end of the fiscal year immediately following the year in which they entered repayment, or who, before the end of that following fiscal year, have for 270 days: been in repayment under the income-contingent repayment plan with scheduled payments that are less than 15 dollars per month and those payments result in negative amortization.
(2)(i) In the case of a student who has attended and borrowed at more than one institution, the student (and his or her subsequent repayment or default) is attributed to each institution for attendance at which the student received a loan that entered repayment in the fiscal year.
(ii) A loan on which a payment is made by the institution, its owner, agent, contractor, employee, or any other affiliated entity or individual, in order to avoid default by the borrower, is considered as in default for purposes of this definition.
(iii) Any Direct Loan Program loan on which the borrower has made 12 consecutive monthly on-time payments under 34 CFR 685.211(e) or has an FFEL Program loan that has been rehabilitated under section 428F of the HEA before the end of that following fiscal year is not considered as in default for purposes of this definition.
(3) For purposes of an institution's weighted average cohort rate, a Direct Loan Program loan is considered in default when a borrower's or endorser's failure to make an installment payment when due has persisted for 270 days.
(g)
(ii) An FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate of an institution applies to all locations of the institution from the date the institution is notified of that rate until the institution is notified by the Secretary that the rate no longer applies.
(2)(i) For an institution that changes its status from that of a location of one institution to that of a free-standing institution, the Secretary determines the FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate, based on the institution's status as of October 1 of the fiscal year for which the rate is being calculated.
(ii) For an institution that changes its status from that of a free-standing institution to that of a location of another institution, the Secretary determines the FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate, based on the combined number of students who enter repayment during the applicable fiscal year and the combined number of students who default during the applicable fiscal years from both the former free-standing institution
(iii) For free-standing institutions that merge to form a new, consolidated institution, the Secretary determines the FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate based on the combined number of students who enter repayment during the applicable fiscal year and the combined number of students who default during the applicable fiscal years from all of the institutions that are merging. This rate applies to the new consolidated institution.
(iv) For a location of one institution that becomes a location of another institution, the Secretary determines the FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate based on the combined number of students who enter repayment during the applicable fiscal year and the number of students who default during the applicable fiscal years from both of the institutions in their entirety, not limited solely to the respective locations.
(h)
(2)
(3)
(ii) To initiate an appeal under this paragraph, the institution must notify, in writing, the Secretary and each guaranty agency that guaranteed loans included in the institution's cohort default rate that it is appealing the calculation of the cohort default rate. The notification must be received by the guaranty agency and the Secretary within 10 working days of the date the institution received the Secretary's notification. The institution's notification to the guaranty agency must include a copy of the list of students provided by the Secretary to the institution.
(iii) Within 15 working days of receiving the notification from an institution subject to loss of participation in the FFEL programs under paragraph (a)(1), or within 30 calendar days of receiving such notification from any other institution that may file a challenge to its default rate under this paragraph, the guaranty agency must provide the institution with a representative sample of the loan servicing and collection records relating to borrowers whose loans were guaranteed by the guaranty agency and that were included as defaulted loans in the calculation of the institution's cohort default rate. For purposes of this section, the term “loan servicing and collection records” refers only to the records submitted by the lender to the guaranty agency to support the lender's submission of a default claim and included in the claim file. In selecting the representative sample of records, the guaranty agency must use the following procedures:
(A) The guaranty agency shall list in social security number order all loans made to borrowers for attendance at the institution and guaranteed by the guaranty agency and included as defaulted loans in the calculation of the cohort default rate which is being challenged by the institution.
(B) From the population of loans identified by the guaranty agency, the guaranty agency shall identify a sample of the loans. The sample must be of a size such that the universe estimate derived from the sample is acceptable at a 95 percent confidence level with a plus or minus 5 percent confidence interval. The sampling procedure must result in a determination of the number of loans that should be excluded from the calculation of the cohort default rate under this paragraph.
(C) Once the sample of loans has been established, the guaranty agency shall provide a copy of all servicing and collection records relating to each loan in the sample to the institution in hard copy format unless the guaranty agency and institution agree that all or some of the records can be provided in another format.
(D) The guaranty agency may charge the institution a reasonable fee for copying and providing the documents, not to exceed $10 per borrower file.
(E) After compiling the servicing and collection records for the loans in the sample, the guaranty agency shall send the records, a list of the loans included in the sample, and a description of how the sample was chosen to the institution. The guaranty agency shall also send a copy of the list of the loans included in the sample, listed in order by social security number, and the description of how the sample was chosen to the Secretary at the same time the material is sent to the institution.
(F) If the guaranty agency charges the institution a fee for copying and providing the documents under paragraph (f)(iii)(D) of this section, the guaranty agency is not required to provide the documents to the institution until payment is received by the agency. If payment of a fee is required, the guaranty agency shall notify the institution, in writing, within 15 working days of receipt of the institution's request, of the amount of the fee. If the guaranty agency does not receive payment of the fee from the institution within 15 working days of the date the institution received notice of the fee, the institution shall be considered to have waived its right to challenge the calculation of its cohort default rate based on allegations of improper loan servicing or collection in regard to loans guaranteed by that guaranty agency. The guaranty agency shall notify the institution and the Secretary, in writing, that the institution has failed to pay the fee and has apparently waived its right to challenge the calculation of the cohort default rate. The Secretary will determine that an institution which does not pay the required fee to the guaranty agency has not met its burden of proof in regard to the loans insured by that guaranty agency unless the institution proves that the agency's conclusion that the institution waived its appeal was incorrect.
(iv) After receiving the relevant loan servicing and collection records from all of the guaranty agencies that insured loans which are included in the cohort default rate calculation, the institution has 30 calendar days to file its appeal with the Secretary. An appeal is considered filed when it is received by the Secretary. If the institution is also filing an appeal under paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, the institution may delay submitting its appeal under this paragraph until the appeal under paragraph (d)(1)(i) is submitted to the Secretary. As part of the appeal, the institution must submit the following information to the Secretary:
(A) A list of the loans which the institution alleges would, due to improper loan servicing or collection, result in an inaccurate or incomplete calculation of the cohort default rate.
(B) Copies of all of the loan servicing or collection records and any other evidence relating to a loan that the institution believes has been subject to improper servicing or collection. The records must be in hard copy or microfiche format.
(C) A copy of the lists provided by the guaranty agencies under paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
(D) An explanation of how the alleged improper servicing or collection resulted in an inaccurate or incomplete calculation of the cohort default rate.
(E) A summary of the institution's appeal listing the number of loans insured by each guaranty agency that were included in the calculation of the institution's cohort default rate and the number of loans that would be excluded from the calculation of that rate by application of the results of the review of the sample of loans provided to the institution to the population of loans for each guaranty agency.
(F) A certification by an authorized official of the institution that all information provided by the institution in the appeal is true and correct.
(v) The Secretary or his designee reviews the information submitted by the institution and issues a decision.
(A) In making a decision under this paragraph the Secretary presumes that the information provided by the guaranty agency is correct unless the institution provides substantial evidence showing that the information maintained by the guaranty agency is not correct.
(B) If the Secretary finds that the evidence presented by the institution shows that some of the loans included in the sample of loan records reviewed by the institution should be excluded from calculation of the cohort default rate under paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the Secretary reduces the institution's cohort default rate, in accordance with a statistically valid methodology, to reflect the percentage of defaulted loans in the sample that should be excluded.
(vi) The Secretary notifies the institution, in writing, of the decision.
(vii) An institution may not seek judicial review of the Secretary's determination of the institution's cohort default rates until the Secretary or his designee issues the decision under paragraph (f)(3)(v) of this section.
(viii) For purposes of this paragraph, a default is considered to have been due to improper servicing or collection only if the borrower did not make a payment on the loan and the institution proves that the lender failed to perform one or more of the following activities:
(A) Send at least one letter (other than the final demand letter) urging the borrower or endorser to make payments on the loan if the lender was required to send such letters;
(B) Attempt at least one phone call to the borrower or endorser, if such attempts were required;
(C) Submit a request for preclaims assistance to the guaranty agency, if such a request was required;
(D) Send a final demand letter to the borrower, if required; and
(E) If required, the lender did not submit a certification (or other evidence) that skip tracing was performed.
(i)
(j)
(1)(i) Once the Secretary has received the information used in calculating the cohort default rates from the guaranty agencies, the Secretary calculates draft cohort default rates for each institution.
(ii) The Secretary sends all institutions with draft cohort default rates equal to or in excess of 20 percent, a copy of the information provided by the guaranty agencies in regard to loans included in the institution's cohort default rate.
(iii) An institution with a draft cohort default rate less than 20 percent will receive a notice of the draft default rate and may request a copy of
(2) Within 30 calendar days of receiving the default rate information from the Secretary, the institution must notify the guaranty agency of any information included in the default rate data that it believes is incorrect. The institution must also provide the guaranty agency with evidence that it believes supports its contention that the default rate data are incorrect.
(3) Within 30 days of receiving the institution's challenge under paragraph (h)(2) of this section, the guaranty agency shall respond to the institution's challenge. The guaranty agency's response must include a response to each allegation of error made by the institution and any evidence supporting the agency's position.
(4) The guaranty agency shall provide a copy of its response to the institution to the Secretary and identify any errors in the information previously submitted to the Secretary.
(5) The information used to calculate cohort default rates will be changed to reflect allegations of error made by an institution, confirmed by the guaranty agency and accepted by the Secretary prior to releasing final cohort default rates.
(6) The draft default rate issued by the Secretary under paragraph (h)(1) of this section may not be considered public information and may not be otherwise voluntarily released by the Secretary or the guaranty agency.
(7) An institution may not appeal a cohort default rate under paragraph (d)(1) of this section on the basis of any alleged errors in the default rate information unless errors were identified by the institution in a challenge to its preliminary default rate under paragraph (h) of this section.
(a) (1) An institution shall determine whether a student who is applying for assistance under any title IV, HEA program has previously attended another eligible institution.
(2) Before a student who previously attended another eligible institution may receive any title IV, HEA program assistance the institution the student is, or will be, attending—
(i) Must request each eligible institution the student previously attended to provide to it a financial aid transcript; or
(ii) May use information it obtains from the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2)(i) of this section, after the Secretary informs institutions through a Notice in the
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of this section, if an institution requests a financial aid transcript from any institution a student previously attended, until the institution receives each requested financial aid transcript; the institution—
(i) May withhold payment of Federal Pell Grant and campus-based funds to the student;
(ii) May disburse Federal Pell Grant and campus-based funds to the student for one payment period only;
(iii) May decline to certify the student's Federal Stafford Loan application or the parent's Federal PLUS application under the FFEL Program;
(iv) May decline to originate the student's Federal Direct Stafford Loan or
(v) May not deliver Federal Stafford or disburse Federal Direct Stafford Loan proceeds to a student; and
(vi) May not deliver Federal PLUS or disburse Federal Direct PLUS proceeds to a parent or student.
(4) (i) An institution may not hold Federal Stafford or Federal PLUS loan proceeds under paragraph (b)(3) of this section for more than 45 days. If an institution does not receive all required financial aid transcripts for a student within 45 days of the receipt of such proceeds, the institution shall return the loan proceeds to the appropriate lender.
(ii) An institution that certifies a Federal Stafford or Federal PLUS loan application before receiving all required financial aid transcripts shall return to the lender the appropriate amount of any Federal Stafford or Federal PLUS proceeds if it receives a financial aid transcript indicating that the student is not eligible for all, or a part, of the loan proceeds.
(5) An institution may disburse title IV, HEA program funds to a student without receiving a financial aid transcript from an eligible institution the student previously attended if the institution the student previously attended—
(i) Has closed, and information concerning the student's receipt of title IV, HEA program assistance for attendance at that institution is not available;
(ii) Is not located in a State; or
(iii) Provides the disbursing institution with the written certification described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section.
(b) Upon request, each institution located in a State shall promptly provide to the institution that requested a financial aid transcript—
(1) All information in its possession concerning whether the student in question attended institutions other than itself and the requesting institution; and
(2) (i) A financial aid transcript for that student, if the student received or benefitted from any title IV, HEA program assistance while attending the institution; or
(ii) A written certification that—
(A) The student did not receive or benefit from any title IV, HEA program assistance while attending the institution; or
(B) The transcript would cover only years for which the institution no longer has records and is no longer required to keep records under the applicable title IV, HEA program recordkeeping requirements.
(c) An institution must disclose on a financial aid transcript for a student—
(1) The student's name and social security number;
(2) To the extent the institution is aware, whether the student is in default on any title IV, HEA program loan;
(3) To the extent the institution is aware, whether the student owes an overpayment on any title IV, HEA program grant or Federal Perkins Loan;
(4) For the award year for which a financial aid transcript is requested, the student's Scheduled Federal Pell Grant and the amount of Pell Grant funds disbursed to the student;
(5) The aggregate amount of loans made to the student under each of the title IV, HEA loan programs for attendance at the institution;
(6) For the award year in which a financial aid transcript is requested, the total amount of Federal Perkins loan funds disbursed to the student;
(7) Whether the student owed an outstanding balance on July 1, 1987 on either a National Direct Student Loan made for attendance at the institution;
(8) Whether the student owed an outstanding balance on October 1, 1992 on either a Federal Perkins loan or a National Direct Student Loan made for attendance at the institution; and
(9) The amount of, and period of enrollment for, the most current loan made to the student under the FFEL, and Direct Loan programs for attendance at the institution.
(d) (1) A financial aid transcript must be signed by an official authorized by the institution to disclose information in connection with title IV, HEA programs.
(2) An institution must base the information it includes on financial aid transcripts on records it maintains
(a) A noncredit or reduced credit remedial course is a course of study designed to increase the ability of a student to pursue a course of study leading to a certificate or degree.
(1) A noncredit remedial course is one for which no credit is given toward a certificate or degree; and
(2) A reduced credit remedial course is one for which reduced credit is given toward a certificate or degree.
(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, in determining a student's enrollment status and cost of attendance, an institution shall include any noncredit or reduced credit remedial course in which the student is enrolled. The institution shall attribute the number of credit or clock hours to a noncredit or reduced credit remedial course by—
(1) Calculating the number of classroom and homework hours required for that course;
(2) Comparing those hours with the hours required for nonremedial courses in a similar subject; and
(3) Giving the remedial course the same number of credit or clock hours it gives the nonremedial course with the most comparable classroom and homework requirements.
(c) In determining a student's enrollment status under the title IV, HEA programs or a student's cost of attendance under the campus-based, Stafford Loan, PLUS, and SLS programs, an institution may not take into account any noncredit or reduced credit remedial course if—
(1) That course is part of a program of instruction leading to a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, even if the course is necessary to enable the student to complete a degree or certificate program;
(2) The educational level of instruction provided in the noncredit or reduced credit remedial course is below the level needed to pursue successfully the degree or certificate program offered by that institution after one year in that remedial course; or
(3) Except for a course in English as a second language, the educational level of instruction provided in that course is below the secondary level. For purposes of this section, the Secretary considers a course to be below the secondary level if any of the following entities determine that course to be below the secondary level:
(i) The State agency that legally authorized the institution to provide postsecondary education.
(ii) In the case of an accredited or preaccredited institution, the nationally recognized accrediting agency or association that accredits or preaccredits the institution.
(iii) In the case of a public postsecondary vocational institution that is approved by a State agency recognized for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education, the State agency recognized for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education that approves the institution.
(iv) The institution.
(d) Except as set forth in paragraph (f) of this section, an institution may not take into account more than one academic year's worth of noncredit or reduced credit remedial coursework in determining—
(1) A student's enrollment status under the title IV, HEA programs; and
(2) A student's cost of attendance under the campus-based, Stafford Loan, PLUS, and SLS programs.
(e) One academic year's worth of noncredit or reduced credit remedial coursework is equivalent to—
(1) Thirty semester or 45 quarter hours; or
(2) Nine hundred clock hours.
(f) Courses in English as a second language do not count against the one-year academic limitation contained in paragraph (d) of this section.
(a)(1) If a student officially withdraws, drops out, or is expelled before his or her first day of class of a payment period, all funds paid to the student for that payment period for institutional or noninstitutional costs under the Pell Grant, SEOG, ICL, and Perkins Loan programs are an overpayment.
(2) The institution shall return that overpayment to the respective title IV, HEA programs in the amount that the student received from each program.
(b) For purposes of this section, the Secretary considers that a student drops out before his or her first day of class of a payment period if the institution is unable to document the student's attendance at any class during the payment period.
(a)
(i) Does not register for the period of enrollment for which the student was charged; or
(ii) Withdraws, drops out, is expelled from the institution, or otherwise fails to complete the program on or after his or her first day of class of the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(2) The institution shall provide a clear and conspicuous written statement containing its refund policy, including the allocation of refunds and repayments to sources of aid to a prospective student prior to the earlier of the student's enrollment or the execution of the student's enrollment agreement. The institution must make available to students upon request examples of the application of this policy and inform students of the availability of these examples in the written statement. The institution shall make its policy known to currently enrolled students. The institution shall include in its statement the procedures that a student must follow to obtain a refund, but the institution shall return the portion of a refund allocable to the Title IV, HEA programs in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section whether the student follows those procedures or not. If the institution changes its refund policy, the institution shall ensure that all students are made aware of the new policy.
(3) The institution shall publish the costs of required supplies and equipment and shall substantiate to the Secretary upon request that the costs are reasonably related to the cost of providing the supplies and equipment to students.
(b)
(i) The requirements of applicable State law;
(ii) The specific refund standards established by the institution's nationally recognized accrediting agency if those standards are approved by the Secretary;
(iii) The
(iv) For purposes of determining a refund when the
(A) The Federal refund calculation contained in paragraph (d) of this section; or
(B) The institution's refund policy.
(2) For purposes of the calculation of a
(i) In the case of an educational program that is measured in credit hours, the point in calendar time when 60 percent of the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged, as defined in paragraph (e) of this section, has elapsed; and
(ii) In the case of an educational program that is measured in clock hours, the point in time when the student completes 60 percent of the clock hours scheduled for the period of enrollment for which the student is charged, as defined in paragraph (e) of this section.
(3) The institution must determine which policy under paragraph (b)(1) of this section provides for the largest refund to that student.
(4) For all refund calculations other than the pro rata refund calculation under paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, an institution must subtract the unpaid amount of a scheduled cash payment from the amount the institution may retain in accordance with paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
(c)
(2) A “scheduled cash payment” is the amount of institutional charges that is not paid for by financial aid for the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged exclusive of—
(i) Any amount scheduled to be paid by Title IV, HEA program assistance that the student has been awarded that is payable to the student even though the student has withdrawn;
(ii) Late disbursements of loans made under the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal SLS, and Federal PLUS programs in accordance with 34 CFR 682.207(d), and allowable late disbursements of unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans and loans made under the Federal Direct Student Loan Program in accordance with 34 CFR 685.303(d); and
(iii) Late disbursements of State student financial assistance, for which the student is still eligible in spite of having withdrawn, made in accordance with the applicable State's written late disbursement policies. The late disbursement must be made within 60 days after the student's date of withdrawal, as defined in paragraph (j)(1) of this section, or the institution must—
(A) Recalculate the refund in accordance with this section, including recalculating the student's unpaid charges in accordance with this paragraph without consideration of the State's late disbursement amount; and
(B) Return any additional refund amounts due as a result of the recalculation in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section.
(3) The “unpaid amount of a scheduled cash payment” is computed by subtracting the amount paid by the student for the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged from the scheduled cash payment for the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged.
(4) An institution may exclude from the calculation of a
(i) Five percent of the tuition, fees, room and board, and other charges assessed the student; or
(ii) One hundred dollars.
(5)(i) For purposes of this section, “other charges assessed the student by the institution” include, but are not limited to, charges for any equipment (including books and supplies) issued by an institution to the student if the institution specifies in the enrollment agreement a separate charge for equipment that the student actually obtains or if the institution refers the student to a vendor operated by the institution or an entity affiliated or related to the institution.
(ii) The institution may exclude from the calculation of a
(iii) An institution may not delay its payment of the portion of a refund allocable under this section to a Title IV, HEA program or a lender under 34 CFR 682.607 by reason of the process for return of equipment prescribed in paragraph (c)(5) of this section.
(6) For purposes of this section—
(i) “Room” charges do not include charges that are passed through the institution from an entity that is not under the control of, related to, or affiliated with the institution; and
(ii) “Other charges assessed the student by the institution” do not include fees for group health insurance, if this insurance is required for all students and the purchased coverage remains in effect for the student throughout the period for which the student was charged.
(7)(i) For purposes of this section, a student attending an institution for the first time is a student who—
(A) Has not previously attended at least one class at the institution; or
(B) Received a refund of 100 percent of his or her tuition and fees (less any permitted administrative fee) under the institution's refund policy for previous attendance at the institution.
(ii) A student remains a first-time student until the student either—
(A) Withdraws, drops out, or is expelled from the institution after attending at least one class; or
(B) Completes the period of enrollment for which he or she has been charged.
(8) For purposes of this paragraph, “the portion of the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged that remains” is determined—
(i) In the case of an educational program that is measured in credit hours, by dividing the total number of weeks comprising the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged into the number of weeks remaining in that period as of the student's withdrawal date;
(ii) In the case of an educational program that is measured in clock hours, by dividing the total number of clock hours comprising the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged into the number of scheduled clock hours remaining to be completed by the student in that period as of the student's withdrawal date; and
(iii) In the case of an educational program that consists predominantly of correspondence courses, by dividing the total number of lessons comprising the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged into the number of lessons not submitted by the student.
(d)
(i) If a student withdraws, drops out, or is expelled from the institution before the first day of classes for the period of enrollment for which the student was charged, the institution must follow the provisions under § 668.21 for the treatment of Federal Perkins Loan, FSEOG, and Federal Pell Grant Program funds, the provisions under § 682.604(d)(3) or (4) for the treatment of
(ii) The institution must refund 100 percent of institutional charges, less an administrative fee, if any, as described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, if a student withdraws on the first day of classes for the period of enrollment for which the student was charged;
(iii) The institution must refund at least 90 percent of institutional charges, less an administrative fee, if any, as described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, if a student withdraws at any time after the first day of classes for the period of enrollment for which the student was charged up to and including the end of the first 10 percent (in time) of that period of enrollment;
(iv) The institution must refund at least 50 percent of institutional charges, less an administrative fee, if any, as described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, if the student withdraws at any time after the end of the first 10 percent (in time) of the period of enrollment for which the student was charged up to and including the end of the first 25 percent (in time) of that period of enrollment; and
(v) The institution must refund at least 25 percent of institutional charges, less an administrative fee, if any, as described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, if the student withdraws at any time after the end of the first 25 percent (in time) of the period of enrollment for which the student was charged up to and including the end of the first 50 percent (in time) of that period of enrollment.
(2) An institution may exclude from the calculation of a Federal refund under this paragraph a reasonable administrative fee not to exceed the lesser of—
(i) Five percent of the tuition, fees, room and board, and other charges assessed the student; or
(ii) One hundred dollars.
(3)(i) For purposes of this section, “other charges assessed the student by the institution” include, but are not limited to, charges for any equipment (including books and supplies) issued by an institution to the student if the institution specifies in the enrollment agreement a separate charge for equipment that the student actually obtains or if the institution refers the student to a vendor operated by the institution or an entity affiliated or related to the institution.
(ii) The institution may exclude from the calculation of a Federal refund under this paragraph the documented cost to the institution of unreturnable equipment issued to the student in accordance with paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section or of returnable equipment issued to the student in accordance with paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section if the student does not return the equipment in good condition, allowing for reasonable wear and tear, within 20 days following the date of the student's withdrawal. For example, equipment is not considered to be returned in good condition and, therefore, is unreturnable, if the equipment cannot be reused because of clearly recognized health and sanitary reasons. The institution must clearly and conspicuously disclose in the enrollment agreement any restrictions on the return of equipment, including equipment that is unreturnable. The institution must notify the student in writing prior to enrollment that return of the specific equipment involved will be required within 20 days of the student's withdrawal.
(iii) An institution may not delay its payment of the portion of a refund allocable under this section to a Title IV, HEA program or a lender under 34 CFR 682.607 by reason of the process for return of equipment prescribed in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.
(4) For purposes of this section—
(i) “Room” charges do not include charges that are passed through the institution from an entity that is not under the control of, related to, or affiliated with the institution; and
(ii) “Other charges assessed the student by the institution” do not include fees for group health insurance, if this insurance is required for all students and the purchased coverage remains in effect for the student throughout the period for which the student was charged.
(e)
(i) In the case of an educational program that is measured in credit hours or clock hours and uses semesters, trimesters, quarters, or other academic terms, the semester, trimester, quarter or other academic term; or
(ii) In the case of an educational program that is measured in credit hours or clock hours and does not use semesters, trimesters, quarters, or other academic terms and is—
(A) Longer than or equal to the academic year in length, the greater of the payment period or one-half of the academic year;
(B) Shorter than the academic year in length, the length of the educational program.
(2) If an institution charges by different periods for different charges, the “period of enrollment for which the student has been charged” for purposes of this section is the longest period for which the student is charged. The institution must include any charges assessed the student for the period of enrollment or any portion of that period of enrollment when calculating the refund.
(f)
(i) The student officially withdraws, drops out, or is expelled, on or after his or her first day of class of that period; and
(ii) The student received Title IV, HEA program assistance other than from the FWS, Federal Stafford loan, Federal PLUS, Federal SLS, Federal Direct Stafford, or Federal Direct PLUS Program for that period.
(2)(i) To determine if the student owes an overpayment, the institution shall subtract the noninstitutional costs that the student incurred for that portion of the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged from the amount of all assistance (other than from the FWS, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, Federal SLS Program, Federal Direct Stafford, or Federal Direct PLUS) that the institution disbursed to the student.
(ii) Noninstitutional costs may include, but are not limited to, room and board for which the student does not contract with the institution, books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.
(g)
(ii) The portion of the refund that an institution shall return to the Title IV, HEA programs may not exceed the amount of assistance that the student received under the Title IV, HEA programs other than under the FWS Program for the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged.
(2) For purposes of this section, for all refund calculations other than the pro rata refund calculation required under paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section—
(i) An institutional refund means the amount paid for institutional charges for the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged minus the amount that the institution may retain under paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this section for the portion of the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged that the student was actually enrolled at the institution;
(ii) An institution may not include any unpaid amount of a scheduled cash payment in determining the amount that the institution may retain for institutional charges. A scheduled cash payment is the amount of institutional charges that has not been paid by financial aid for the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged, exclusive of—
(A) Any amount scheduled to be paid by Title IV, HEA program assistance that the student has been awarded that
(B) Late disbursements of loans made under the Federal Stafford, Federal SLS, and Federal PLUS programs in accordance with 34 CFR 682.207(d), and allowable late disbursements of unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans and loans made under the Federal Direct Student Loan Program in accordance with 34 CFR 685.303(d); and
(C) Late disbursements of State student financial assistance, for which the student is still eligible in spite of having withdrawn, made in accordance with the applicable State's written late disbursement policies. The late disbursement must be made within 60 days after the student's date of withdrawal, as defined in paragraph (j)(1) of this section, or the institution must—
(
(
(iii) In determining the amount that the institution may retain for the portion of the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged during which the student was actually enrolled, an institution shall—
(A) Compute the unpaid amount of a scheduled cash payment by subtracting the amount paid by the student for that period of enrollment for which the student has been charged from the scheduled cash payment for the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged; and
(B) Subtract the unpaid amount of the scheduled cash payment from the amount that may be retained by the institution according to the institution's refund policy; and
(iv) An institution shall return the total amount of Title IV, HEA program assistance (other than amounts received from the FWS Program) paid for institutional charges for the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged if the unpaid amount of the student's scheduled cash payment is greater than or equal to the amount that may be retained by the institution under the institution's refund policy.
(3)(i) A student must repay to the institution or to the Title IV, HEA programs a portion of the overpayment as determined according to paragraph (f) of this section. The institution shall make every reasonable effort to contact the student and recover the overpayment in accordance with program regulations (34 CFR parts 673, 690, and 691).
(ii) The portion of the overpayment that the student or the institution (if the institution recovers the overpayment) shall return to the Title IV, HEA programs may not exceed the amount of assistance received under the Title IV, HEA programs other than the FWS, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, Federal SLS, Federal Direct Stafford, or Federal Direct PLUS Program for the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged.
(iii) Unless otherwise provided for in applicable program regulations—
(A) If the amount of the overpayment is less than $100, the student is considered not to owe an overpayment, and the institution is not required to contact the student or recover the overpayment; and
(B) If an institution demonstrates that the total amount of a refund would be $25 or less, the institution is not required to pay the refund, provided that the institution has obtained written authorization from the student in the enrollment agreement to retain any amount of the refund that would be allocated to the Title IV, HEA loan programs.
(h)
(i) To eliminate outstanding balances on unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans received by the student for the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(ii) To eliminate outstanding balances on subsidized Federal Stafford loans received by the student for the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(iii) To eliminate outstanding balances on Federal PLUS loans received on behalf of the student for the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(iv) To eliminate outstanding balances on unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford loans received by the student for the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(v) To eliminate outstanding balances on subsidized Federal Direct Stafford loans received by the student for the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(vi) To eliminate outstanding balances on Federal Direct PLUS loans received on behalf of the student for the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(vii) To eliminate outstanding balances on Federal Perkins loans received by the student for the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(viii) To eliminate any amount of Federal Pell Grants awarded to the student for the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(ix) To eliminate any amount of Federal SEOG Program aid awarded to the student for the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(x) To eliminate any amount of other assistance awarded to the student under programs authorized by Title IV of the HEA for the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged.
(xi) To repay required refunds of other Federal, State, private, or institutional student financial assistance received by the student.
(xii) To the student.
(2) The institution must apply the allocation policy described in paragraph (h)(1) of this section consistently to all students who have received Title IV, HEA program assistance and must conform that policy to the following:
(i) No amount of the refund or of the overpayment may be allocated to the FWS Program.
(ii) No amount of overpayment may be allocated to the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, Federal SLS, Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct PLUS Program.
(iii) The amount of the Title IV, HEA program portion of the refund allocated to the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, Federal SLS programs must be returned to the appropriate borrower's lender by the institution in accordance with program regulations (34 CFR part 682).
(iv) The amount of the Title IV, HEA program portion of the refund allocated to the Title IV, HEA programs other than the FWS, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal SLS programs must be returned to the appropriate program account or accounts by the institution within 30 days of the date that the student officially withdraws, is expelled, or the institution determines that a student has unofficially withdrawn.
(v) The amount of the Title IV, HEA program portion of the overpayment allocated to the Title IV, HEA programs other than the FWS, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, Federal SLS, Federal Direct Stafford, and Federal Direct PLUS programs must be returned to the appropriate program account or accounts within 30 days of the date that the student repays the overpayment.
(i)
(j)
(A) The date that the student notifies an institution of the student's withdrawal, or the date of withdrawal specified by the student, whichever is later; or
(B) If the student drops out of the institution without notifying the institution (does not withdraw officially), the last recorded date of class attendance by the student, as documented by the institution.
(ii) If the student does not return to the institution at the expiration of an approved leave of absence under paragraph (j)(2) of this section, or takes a leave of absence that is not approved under paragraph (j)(2) of this section, the student's withdrawal date is the last recorded date of class attendance by the student, as documented by the institution.
(iii) If the student is enrolled in an educational program that consists predominantly of correspondence courses, the student's withdrawal date is normally the date of the last lesson submitted by the student, if the student failed to submit the subsequent lesson in accordance with the schedule for lessons established by the institution. However, if the student establishes in writing, within 60 days of the date of the last lesson that he or she submitted, a desire to continue in the program and an understanding that the required lessons must be submitted on time, the institution may restore that student to “in school” status for purposes of funds received under the Title IV, HEA programs. The institution may not grant the student more than one restoration to “in school” status on this basis.
(2)
(i) In any twelve-month period, the institution may grant a single leave of absence to a student, not to exceed 60 days;
(ii) The student must make a written request to be granted a leave of absence; and
(iii) The leave of absence may not involve additional charges by the institution to the student.
(3)
(i) Period of enrollment for which the student has been charged;
(ii) Academic year in which the student withdrew;
(iii) Educational program from which the student withdrew
(4)
(i) If a student officially withdraws or is expelled, within 30 days after the student's withdrawal date;
(ii) If a student drops out, within 30 days of the earliest of the—
(A) Date on which the institution determines that the student dropped out;
(B) Expiration of the academic term in which the student withdrew; or
(C) Expiration of the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged;
(iii) If a student—
(A) Does not return to the institution at the expiration of an approved leave of absence under paragraph (j)(2) of this section, within 30 days of the earlier of the date of expiration of the leave of absence or the date the student notifies the institution that the student will not be returning to the institution after the expiration of an approved leave of absence;
(B) Is taking a leave of absence that is not approved under paragraph (j)(2) of this section, within 30 days after the last recorded date of class attendance by the student, as documented by the institution.
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(b)
(2) The compliance audit required under this section must be conducted in accordance with—
(i) The general standards and the standards for compliance audits contained in the U.S. General Accounting Office's (GAO's) Government Auditing Standards. (This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402); and
(ii) Procedures for audits contained in audit guides developed by, and available from, the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General.
(3) The Secretary may require an institution to provide a copy of its compliance audit report to guaranty agencies or eligible lenders under the FFEL programs, State agencies, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or nationally recognized accrediting agencies.
(c)
(i) The servicer contracts with only one institution; and
(ii) The audit of that institution's administration of the title IV, HEA programs involves every aspect of the servicer's administration of that program for that institution.
(2) A third-party servicer that contracts with more than one participating institution may submit a compliance audit report that covers the servicer's administration of the title IV, HEA programs for all institutions with which the servicer contracts.
(3) A third-party servicer must submit annually to the Secretary its compliance audit no later than six months after the last day of the servicer's fiscal year.
(4) The Secretary may require a third-party servicer to provide a copy of its compliance audit report to guaranty agencies or eligible lenders under the FFEL programs, State agencies,
(d)
(2)
(3)
(i) Audited financial statements prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles of the institution's home country, if the institution received less than $500,000 U.S. in title IV, HEA program funds during its most recently completed fiscal year; or
(ii) Audited financial statements translated to meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section, if the institution received $500,000 U.S. or more in title IV, HEA program funds during its most recently completed fiscal year.
(4)
(5)
(e)
(i) Give the Secretary and the Inspector General access to records or other
(ii) Require an individual or firm conducting the audit to give the Secretary and the Inspector General access to records, audit work papers, or other documents necessary to review that audit, including the right to obtain copies of those records, work papers, or documents.
(2) An institution must give the Secretary and the Inspector General access to records or other documents necessary to review a third-party servicer's compliance or financial statement audit, including the right to obtain copies of those records or documents.
(f)
(2) If the Secretary determines that a third-party servicer owes a liability for its administration of an institution's title IV, HEA programs, the servicer must notify each institution under whose contract the servicer owes a liability of that determination. The servicer must also notify every institution that contracts with the servicer for the same service that the Secretary determined that a liability was owed.
(g)
(i) The institution or servicer files an appeal under the procedures established in subpart H of this part; or
(ii) The Secretary permits a longer repayment period.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraphs (f) and (g)(1) of this section—
(i) If an institution or third-party servicer has posted surety or has provided a third-party guarantee and the Secretary questions expenditures or compliance with applicable requirements and identifies liabilities, then the Secretary may determine that deferring recourse to the surety or guarantee is not appropriate because—
(A) The need to provide relief to students or borrowers affected by the act or omission giving rise to the liability outweighs the importance of deferring collection action until completion of available appeal proceedings; or
(B) The terms of the surety or guarantee do not provide complete assurance that recourse to that protection will be fully available through the completion of available appeal proceedings; or
(ii) The Secretary may use administrative offset pursuant to 34 CFR part 30 to collect the funds owed under the procedures of this section.
(3) If, under the proceedings in subpart H, liabilities asserted in the Secretary's notification, under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, to the institution or third-party servicer are upheld, the institution or third-party servicer must repay those funds at the direction of the Secretary within 30 days of the final decision under subpart H of this part unless—
(i) The Secretary permits a longer repayment period; or
(ii) The Secretary determines that earlier collection action is appropriate pursuant to paragraph (g)(2) of this section.
(4) An institution is held responsible for any liability owed by the institution's third-party servicer for a violation incurred in servicing any aspect of that institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs and remains responsible for that amount until that amount is repaid in full.
(a)
(1) Its eligibility to participate in the title IV, HEA programs;
(2) The eligibility of its educational programs for title IV, HEA program funds;
(3) Its administration of the title IV, HEA programs in accordance with all applicable requirements;
(4) Its financial responsibility, as specified in this part;
(5) Information included in any application for title IV, HEA program funds; and
(6) Its disbursement and delivery of title IV, HEA program funds.
(b)
(2) An institution shall establish and maintain on a current basis—
(i) Financial records that reflect each HEA, title IV program transaction; and
(ii) General ledger control accounts and related subsidiary accounts that identify each title IV, HEA program transaction and separate those transactions from all other institutional financial activity.
(c)
(i) The Student Aid Report (SAR) or Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) used to determine eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds;
(ii) Application data submitted to the Secretary, lender, or guaranty agency by the institution on behalf of the student or parent;
(iii) Documentation of each student's or parent borrower's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds;
(iv) Documentation relating to each student's or parent borrower's receipt of title IV, HEA program funds, including but not limited to documentation of—
(A) The amount of the grant, loan, or FWS award; its payment period; its loan period, if appropriate; and the calculations used to determine the amount of the grant, loan, or FWS award;
(B) The date and amount of each disbursement or delivery of grant or loan funds, and the date and amount of each payment of FWS wages;
(C) The amount, date, and basis of the institution's calculation of any refunds or overpayments due to or on behalf of the student; and
(D) The payment of any refund or overpayment to the title IV, HEA program fund, a lender, or the Secretary, as appropriate;
(v) Documentation of and information collected at any initial or exit loan counseling required by applicable program regulations;
(vi) Reports and forms used by the institution in its participation in a title IV, HEA program, and any records needed to verify data that appear in those reports and forms; and
(vii) Documentation supporting the institution's calculations of its completion or graduation rates under §§ 668.46 and 668.49.
(2) In addition to the records required under this part—
(i) Participants in the Federal Perkins Loan Program shall follow procedures established in 34 CFR 674.19 for documentation of repayment history for that program;
(ii) Participants in the FWS Program shall follow procedures established in 34 CFR 675.19 for documentation of work, earnings, and payroll transactions for that program; and
(iii) Participants in the FFEL Program shall follow procedures established in 34 CFR 682.610 for documentation of additional loan record requirements for that program.
(d)
(2) An institution shall make its records readily available for review by the Secretary or the Secretary's authorized representative at an institutional location designated by the Secretary or the Secretary's authorized representative.
(3) An institution may keep required records in hard copy or in microform, computer file, optical disk, CD-ROM, or other media formats, provided that—
(i) Except for the records described in paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of this section, all
(ii) An institution shall maintain the Student Aid Report (SAR) or Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) used to determine eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds in the format in which it was received by the institution, except that the SAR may be maintained in an imaged media format;
(iii) Any imaged media format used to maintain required records must be capable of reproducing an accurate, legible, and complete copy of the original document, and, when printed, this copy must be approximately the same size as the original document;
(iv) Any document that contains a signature, seal, certification, or any other image or mark required to validate the authenticity of its information must be maintained in its original hard copy or in an imaged media format; and
(v) Participants in the Federal Perkins Loan Program shall follow procedures established in 34 CFR 674.19 for maintaining the original promissory notes and repayment schedules for that program.
(4) If an institution closes, stops providing educational programs, is terminated or suspended from the title IV, HEA programs, or undergoes a change of ownership that results in a change of control as described in 34 CFR 600.31, it shall provide for—
(i) The retention of required records; and
(ii) Access to those records, for inspection and copying, by the Secretary or the Secretary's authorized representative, and, for a school participating in the FFEL Program, the appropriate guaranty agency.
(e)
(i) The Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate in the Federal Perkins Loan, FSEOG, and FWS Programs (FISAP), and any records necessary to support the data contained in the FISAP, including “income grid information,” for three years after the end of the award year in which the FISAP is submitted; and
(ii) Repayment records for a Federal Perkins loan, including records relating to cancellation and deferment requests, in accordance with the provisions of 34 CFR 674.19;
(2)(i) An institution shall keep records relating to a student or parent borrower's eligibility and participation in the FFEL or Direct Loan Program for three years after the end of the award year in which the student last attended the institution; and
(ii) An institution shall keep all other records relating to its participation in the FFEL or Direct Loan Program, including records of any other reports or forms, for three years after the end of the award year in which the records are submitted; and
(3) An institution shall keep all records involved in any loan, claim, or expenditure questioned by a title IV, HEA program audit, program review, investigation, or other review until the later of—
(i) The resolution of that questioned loan, claim, or expenditure; or
(ii) The end of the retention period applicable to the record.
(f)
(2) The institution and servicer must cooperate by—
(i) Providing timely access, for examination and copying, to requested records, including but not limited to
(ii) Providing reasonable access to personnel associated with the institution's or servicer's administration of the title IV, HEA programs for the purpose of obtaining relevant information.
(3) The Secretary considers that an institution or servicer has failed to provide reasonable access to personnel under paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section if the institution or servicer—
(i) Refuses to allow those personnel to supply all relevant information;
(ii) Permits interviews with those personnel only if the institution's or servicer's management is present; or
(iii) Permits interviews with those personnel only if the interviews are tape recorded by the institution or servicer.
(4) Upon request of the Secretary, or a lender or guaranty agency in the case of a borrower under the FFEL Program, an institution or servicer promptly shall provide the requester with any information the institution or servicer has respecting the last known address, full name, telephone number, enrollment information, employer, and employer address of a recipient of title IV funds who attends or attended the institution.
(a) An institution may enter into a written contract with a third-party servicer for the administration of any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program only to the extent that the servicer's eligibility to contract with the institution has not been limited, suspended, or terminated under the proceedings of subpart G of this part.
(b) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section, a third-party servicer is eligible to enter into a written contract with an institution for the administration of any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program only to the extent that the servicer's eligibility to contract with the institution has not been limited, suspended, or terminated under the proceedings of subpart G of this part.
(c) In a contract with an institution, a third-party servicer shall agree to—
(1) Comply with all statutory provisions of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, all regulatory provisions prescribed under that statutory authority, and all special arrangements, agreements, limitations, suspensions, and terminations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA, including the requirement to use any funds that the servicer administers under any Title IV, HEA program and any interest or other earnings thereon solely for the purposes specified in and in accordance with that program;
(2) Refer to the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Education for investigation any information indicating there is reasonable cause to believe that the institution might have engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with the institution's administration of any Title IV, HEA program or an applicant for Title IV, HEA program assistance might have engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with his or her application. Examples of the type of information that must be referred are—
(i) False claims by the institution for Title IV, HEA program assistance;
(ii) False claims of independent student status;
(iii) False claims of citizenship;
(iv) Use of false identities;
(v) Forgery of signatures or certifications; and
(vi) False statements of income;
(3) Be jointly and severally liable with the institution to the Secretary for any violation by the servicer of any
(4) In the case of a third-party servicer that disburses funds (including funds received under the Title IV, HEA programs) or delivers Federal Stafford Loan or Federal SLS Program proceeds to a student—
(i) Confirm the eligibility of the student before making that disbursement or delivering those proceeds. This confirmation must include, but is not limited to, any applicable information contained in the records required under § 668.24; and
(ii) Calculate and pay refunds and repayments due a student, the Title IV, HEA program accounts, and the student's lender under the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal SLS programs in accordance with the institution's refund policy, the provisions of §§ 668.21 and 668.22, and applicable program regulations; and
(5) If the servicer or institution terminates the contract, or if the servicer stops providing services for the administration of a Title IV, HEA program, goes out of business, or files a petition under the Bankruptcy Code, return to the institution all—
(i) Records in the servicer's possession pertaining to the institution's participation in the program or programs for which services are no longer provided; and
(ii) Funds, including Title IV, HEA program funds, received from or on behalf of the institution or the institution's students, for the purposes of the program or programs for which services are no longer provided.
(d) A third-party servicer may not enter into a written contract with an institution for the administration of any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, if—
(1)(i) The servicer has been limited, suspended, or terminated by the Secretary within the preceding five years;
(ii) The servicer has had, during the servicer's two most recent audits of the servicer's administration of the Title IV, HEA programs, an audit finding that resulted in the servicer's being required to repay an amount greater than five percent of the funds that the servicer administered under the Title IV, HEA programs for any award year; or
(iii) The servicer has been cited during the preceding five years for failure to submit audit reports required under Title IV of the HEA in a timely fashion; and
(2)(i) In the case of a third-party servicer that has been subjected to a termination action by the Secretary, either the servicer, or one or more persons or entities that the Secretary determines (under the provisions of § 668.15) exercise substantial control over the servicer, or both, have not submitted to the Secretary financial guarantees in an amount determined by the Secretary to be sufficient to satisfy the servicer's potential liabilities arising from the servicer's administration of the Title IV, HEA programs; and
(ii) One or more persons or entities that the Secretary determines (under the provisions of § 668.15) exercise substantial control over the servicer have not agreed to be jointly or severally liable for any liabilities arising from the servicer's administration of the Title IV, HEA programs and civil and criminal monetary penalties authorized under Title IV of the HEA.
(e)(1)(i) An institution that participates in a Title IV, HEA program shall notify the Secretary within 10 days of the date that—
(A) The institution enters into a new contract or significantly modifies an existing contract with a third-party servicer to administer any aspect of that program;
(B) The institution or a third-party servicer terminates a contract for the servicer to administer any aspect of that program; or
(C) A third-party servicer that administers any aspect of the institution's participation in that program stops providing services for the administration of that program, goes out of business, or files a petition under the Bankruptcy Code.
(ii) The institution's notification must include the name and address of the servicer.
(2) An institution that contracts with a third-party servicer to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program shall provide to the Secretary, upon request, a copy of the contract, including any modifications, and provide information pertaining to the contract or to the servicer's administration of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.
(a) An institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program ends on the date that—
(1) The institution closes or stops providing educational programs for a reason other than a normal vacation period or a natural disaster that directly affects the institution or the institution's students;
(2) The institution loses its institutional eligibility under 34 CFR part 600;
(3) The institution's participation is terminated under the proceedings in subpart G of this part;
(4) The institution's period of participation, as specified under § 668.13, expires, or the institution's provisional certification is revoked under § 668.13;
(5) The institution's program participation agreement is terminated or expires under § 668.14;
(6) The institution's participation ends under § 668.17(c); or
(7) The Secretary receives a notice from the appropriate State postsecondary review entity designated under 34 CFR part 667 that the institution's participation should be withdrawn.
(b) If an institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program ends, the institution shall—
(1) Immediately notify the Secretary of that fact;
(2) Submit to the Secretary within 45 days after the date that the participation ends—
(i) All financial, performance, and other reports required by appropriate Title IV, HEA program regulations; and
(ii) A letter of engagement for an independent audit of all funds that the institution received under that program, the report of which shall be submitted to the Secretary within 45 days after the date of the engagement letter;
(3) Inform the Secretary of the arrangements that the institution has made for the proper retention and storage for a minimum of three years of all records concerning the administration of that program;
(4) If the institution's participation in the Federal Perkins Loan or FDSL Program ended, inform the Secretary of how the institution will provide for the collection of any outstanding loans made under that program;
(5) If the institution's participation in the NEISP or SSIG Program ended—
(i) Inform immediately the State in which the institution is located of that fact; and
(ii) Notwithstanding paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section, follow the instructions of that State concerning the end of that participation;
(6) If the institution's participation in all the Title IV, HEA programs ended, inform the Secretary of how the institution will provide for the collection of any outstanding loans made under the National Defense/Direct Student Loan and ICL programs; and
(7) Continue to distribute refunds according to § 668.22.
(c) If an institution closes or stops providing educational programs for a reason other than a normal vacation period or a natural disaster that directly affects the institution or the institution's students, the institution shall—
(1) Return to the Secretary, or otherwise dispose of under instructions from the Secretary, any unexpended funds that the institution has received under the Title IV, HEA programs for attendance at the institution, less the institution's administrative allowance, if applicable; and
(2) Return to the appropriate lenders any Federal Stafford Loan and Federal SLS program proceeds that the institution has received but not delivered to, or credited to the accounts of, students attending the institution.
(d)(1) An institution may use funds that it has received under the Federal Pell Grant or PAS Program or a campus-based program or request additional funds from the Secretary, under conditions specified by the Secretary, if the institution does not possess sufficient funds, to satisfy any unpaid commitment made to a student under that Title IV, HEA program only if—
(i) The institution's participation in that Title IV, HEA program ends during a payment period;
(ii) The institution continues to provide, from the date that the participation ends until the scheduled completion date of that payment period, educational programs to otherwise eligible students enrolled in the formerly eligible programs of the institution;
(iii) The commitment was made prior to the end of the participation; and
(iv) The commitment was made for attendance during that payment period or a previously completed payment period.
(2) An institution may credit to a student's account or deliver to the student the proceeds of a disbursement of a Federal Stafford or Federal SLS loan to satisfy any unpaid commitment made to the student under the Federal Stafford Loan or Federal SLS Program only if—
(i) The institution's participation in that Title IV, HEA program ends during a period of enrollment;
(ii) The institution continues to provide, from the date that the participation ends until the scheduled completion date of that period of enrollment, educational programs to otherwise eligible students enrolled in the formerly eligible programs of the institution;
(iii) The commitment was made prior to the end of the participation;
(iv) The commitment was made for attendance during that period of enrollment; and
(v) The proceeds of the first disbursement of the loan were delivered to the student or credited to the student's account prior to the end of the participation.
(3) An institution may use funds that it has received under the FDSL Program or request additional funds from the Secretary, under conditions specified by the Secretary, if the institution does not possess sufficient funds, to credit to a student's account or deliver to the student the proceeds of a disbursement of a Federal Direct Student loan only if—
(i) The institution's participation in the FDSL Program ends during a period of enrollment;
(ii) The institution continues to provide, from the date that the participation ends until the scheduled completion date of that period of enrollment, educational programs to otherwise eligible students enrolled in the formerly eligible programs of the institution;
(iii) The loan was made for attendance during that period of enrollment; and
(iv) The proceeds of the first disbursement of the loan were delivered to the student or credited to the student's account prior to the end of the participation.
(e) For the purposes of this section—
(1) A commitment under the Federal Pell Grant and PAS programs occurs when a student is enrolled and attending the institution and has submitted a valid Student Aid Report to the institution or when an institution has received a valid institutional student information report;
(2) A commitment under the campus-based programs occurs when a student is enrolled and attending the institution and has received a notice from the institution of the amount that he or she can expect to receive and how and when that amount will be paid; and
(3) A commitment under the Federal Stafford and Federal SLS programs occurs when the Secretary or a guaranty agency notifies the lender that the loan is guaranteed.
This subpart contains rules by which a student establishes eligibility for assistance under the title IV, HEA programs. In order to qualify as an eligible student, a student must meet all applicable requirements in this subpart.
A student is eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if the student—
(a)(1) (i) Is a regular student enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, in an eligible program at an eligible institution;
(ii) For purposes of the FFEL and Direct Loan programs, is enrolled for no longer than one twelve-month period in a course of study necessary for enrollment in an eligible program; or
(iii) For purposes of the Federal Perkins Loan, FWS, FFEL, and Direct Loan programs, is enrolled or accepted for enrollment as at least a half-time student at an eligible institution in a program necessary for a professional credential or certification from a State that is required for employment as a teacher in an elementary or secondary school in that State;
(2) For purposes of the FFEL and Direct Loan programs, is at least a half-time student;
(b) Is not enrolled in either an elementary or secondary school;
(c)(1) For purposes of the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, and SSIG programs, does not have a baccalaureate or first professional degree; and
(2)(i) For purposes of the Federal Perkins Loan, FFEL, and Direct Loan programs, is not incarcerated; and
(ii) For purposes of the Federal Pell Grant program, is not incarcerated in a Federal or State penal institution;
(d) Satisfies the citizenship and residency requirements contained in § 668.33 and subpart I of this part;
(e)(1) Has a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent;
(2) Has obtained within 12 months before the date the student initially receives title IV, HEA program assistance, a passing score specified by the Secretary on an independently administered test in accordance with subpart J of this part; or
(3) Is enrolled in an eligible institution that participates in a State “process” approved by the Secretary under subpart J of this part;
(f) Maintains satisfactory progress in his or her course of study according to the institution's published standards of satisfactory progress that satisfy the provisions of § 668.16(e), and, if applicable, the provisions of § 668.34;
(g) Except as provided in § 668.35—
(1) Is not in default, and certifies that he or she is not in default, on a loan made under any title IV, HEA loan program;
(2) Has not obtained loan amounts that exceed annual or aggregate loan limits made under any title IV, HEA loan program;
(3) Does not have property subject to a judgment lien for a debt owed to the United States; and
(4) Is not liable for a grant or Federal Perkins loan overpayment. A student receives a grant or Federal Perkins loan overpayment if the student received grant or Federal Perkins loan payments that exceeded the amount he or she was eligible to receive; or if the student withdraws, that exceeded the amount he or she was entitled to receive for non-institutional charges;
(h) Files a Statement of Educational Purpose in accordance with the instructions of the Secretary, or in the case of a loan made under the FFEL Program, with the lender;
(i) Has a correct social security number as determined under § 668.36, except that this requirement does not apply to students who are residents of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau;
(j) Satisfies the Selective Service registration requirements contained in § 668.37, and, if applicable, satisfies the requirements of § 668.38 and § 668.39 involving enrollment in telecommunication and correspondence courses and a study abroad program, respectively; and
(k) Satisfies the program specific requirements contained in—
(1) 34 CFR 674.9 for the Federal Perkins Loan program;
(2) 34 CFR 675.9 for the FWS program;
(3) 34 CFR 676.9 for the FSEOG program;
(4) 34 CFR 682.201 for the FFEL programs;
(5) 34 CFR 685.200 for the Federal Direct Student Loan programs;
(6) 34 CFR 690.75 for the Federal Pell Grant program; and
(7) 34 CFR 692.40 for the SSIG program.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, to be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance, a student must—
(1) Be a citizen or national of the United States; or
(2) Provide evidence from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service that he or she—
(i) Is a permanent resident of the United States; or
(ii) Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident;
(b) (1) A citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau is eligible to receive funds under the FWS, FSEOG, and Federal Pell Grant programs if the student attends an eligible institution in a State, or a public or nonprofit private eligible institution of higher education in those jurisdictions.
(2) A student who satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section is eligible to receive funds under the FWS, FSEOG, and Federal Pell Grant programs if the student attends a public or nonprofit private eligible institution of higher education in the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.
(c) (1) If a student asserts that he or she is a citizen of the United States on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Secretary attempts to confirm that assertion under a data match with the Social Security Administration. If the Social Security Administration confirms the student's citizenship, the Secretary reports that confirmation to the institution and the student.
(2) If the Social Security Administration does not confirm the student's citizenship assertion under the data match with the Secretary, the student can establish U.S. citizenship by submitting documentary evidence of that status to the institution. Before denying title IV, HEA assistance to a student for failing to establish citizenship, an institution must give a student at least 30 days notice to produce evidence of U.S. citizenship.
(a) If a student is enrolled in an program of study of more than two academic years, to be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance after the second year, in addition to satisfying the requirements contained in § 668.32(f), the student must be making satisfactory under the provisions of paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this section.
(b) A student is making satisfactory progress if, at the end of the second year, the student has a grade point average of at least a “C” or its equivalent, or has academic standing consistent with the institution's requirements for graduation.
(c) An institution may find that a student is making satisfactory progress even though the student does not satisfy the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section, if the institution determines that the student's failure to meet those requirements is based upon—
(1) The death of a relative of the student;
(2) An injury or illness of the student; or
(3) Other special circumstances.
(d) If a student is not making satisfactory progress at the end of the second year, but at the end of a subsequent grading period comes into compliance with the institution's requirements for graduation, the institution may consider the student as making satisfactory progress beginning with the next grading period.
(e) At a minimum, an institution must review a student's academic progress at the end of each year.
(a) A student who is in default on a loan made under a title IV, HEA loan program may nevertheless be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if the student—
(1) Repays the loan in full; or
(2) (i) Makes arrangements, that are satisfactory to the holder of the loan and in accordance with the individual title IV, HEA loan program regulations, to repay the loan balance; and
(ii) Makes at least six consecutive monthly payments under those arrangements.
(b) A student who is not in default on a loan made under a title IV, HEA loan program, but has inadvertently obtained loan funds under a title IV, HEA loan program in an amount that exceeds the annual or aggregate loan limits under that program, may nevertheless be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if the student—
(1) Repays in full the excess loan amount; or
(2) Makes arrangements, satisfactory to the holder of the loan, to repay that excess loan amount.
(c) A student who receives an overpayment under the Federal Perkins Loan Program, or under a title IV, HEA grant program may nevertheless be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if the student—
(1) Pays the overpayment in full; or
(2) Makes arrangements, satisfactory to the holder of the overpayment debt, to pay the overpayment.
(d) A student who has property subject to a judgement lien for a debt owed to the United States may nevertheless be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if the student-
(1) Pays the debt in full; or
(2) Makes arrangements, satisfactory to the United States, to pay the debt.
(e) (1) A student is not liable for a Federal Pell Grant overpayment received in an award year if the institution can eliminate that overpayment by adjusting subsequent Federal Pell Grant payments in that same award year.
(2) A student is not liable for a FSEOG or SSIG overpayment or Federal Perkins loan overpayment received in an award year if the institution can eliminate that overpayment by adjusting subsequent title IV, HEA program (other than Federal Pell Grant) payments in that same award year.
(f) A student who otherwise is in default on a loan made under a title IV, HEA loan program, or who otherwise owes an overpayment on a title IV, HEA program grant or Federal Perkins loan, is not considered to be in default or owe an overpayment if the student—
(1) Obtains a judicial determination that the debt has been discharged or is dischargeable in bankruptcy; or
(2) Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the holder of the debt that—
(i) When the student filed the petition for bankruptcy relief, the loan, or demand for the payment of the overpayment, had been outstanding for the period required under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8)(A), exclusive of applicable suspensions of the repayment period for either debt of the kind defined in 34 CFR 682.402(m); and
(ii) The debt otherwise qualifies for discharge under applicable bankruptcy law.
(a) (1) Except for residents of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, the Secretary attempts to confirm the social security number a student provides on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) under a data match with the Social Security Administration. If the Social Security Administration confirms that number, the Secretary notifies the institution and the student of that confirmation.
(2) If the student's verified social security number is the same number as the one he or she provided on the FAFSA, and the institution has no reason to believe that the verified social
(3) If the Social Security Administration does not verify the student's social security number on the FAFSA, or the institution has reason to believe that the verified social security number is inaccurate, the student can provide evidence to the institution, such as the student's social security card, indicating the accuracy of the student's social security number. An institution must give a student at least 30 days, or until the end of the award year, whichever is later, to produce that evidence.
(4) An institution may not deny, reduce, delay, or terminate a student's eligibility for assistance under the title IV, HEA programs because verification of that student's social security number is pending.
(b) (1) An institution may not disburse any title IV, HEA program funds to a student until the institution is satisfied that the student's reported social security number is accurate.
(2) The institution shall ensure that the Secretary is notified of the student's accurate social security number if the student demonstrates the accuracy of a social security number that is not the number the student included on the FAFSA.
(c) If the Secretary determines that the social security number provided to an institution by a student is incorrect, and that student has not provided evidence under paragraph (a)(3) of this section indicating the accuracy of the social security number, and a loan has been guaranteed for the student under the FFEL program, the institution shall notify and instruct the lender and guaranty agency making and guaranteeing the loan, respectively, to cease further disbursements of the loan, until the Secretary or the institution determines that the social security number provided by the student is correct, but the guaranty may not be voided or otherwise nullified before the date that the lender and the guaranty agency receive the notice.
(d) Nothing in this section permits the Secretary to take any compliance, disallowance, penalty or other regulatory action against—
(1) Any institution of higher education with respect to any error in a social security number, unless the error was the result of fraud on the part of the institution; or
(2) Any student with respect to any error in a social security number, unless the error was the result of fraud on the part of the student.
(a) (1) To be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program funds, a male student who is subject to registration with the Selective Service must register with the Selective Service.
(2) A male student does not have to register with the Selective Service if the student—
(i) Is below the age of 18, or was born before January 1, 1960;
(ii) Is enrolled in an officer procurement program the curriculum of which has been approved by the Secretary of Defense at the following institutions:
(A) The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina;
(B) North Georgia College, Dahlonega, Georgia;
(C) Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont; or
(D) Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia; or
(iii) Is a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service or a member of the Reserve of the Public Health Service who is on active duty as provided in section 6(a)(2) of the Military Selective Service Act.
(b) (1) When the Secretary processes a male student's FAFSA, the Secretary determines whether the student is registered with the Selective Service under a data match with the Selective Service.
(2) Under the data match, Selective Service reports to the Secretary whether its records indicate that the student is registered, and the Secretary reports the results of the data match to the student and the institution the student is attending.
(c) (1) If the Selective Service does not confirm through the data match, that the student is registered, the student can establish that he—
(i) Is registered;
(ii) Is not, or was not required to be, registered;
(iii) Has registered since the submission of the FAFSA; or
(iv) Meets the conditions of paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) An institution must give a student at least 30 days, or until the end of the award year, whichever is later, to provide evidence to establish the condition described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
(d) An institution may determine that a student, who was required to, but did not register with the Selective Service, is not ineligible to receive title IV, HEA assistance for that reason, if the student can demonstrate by submitting clear and unambiguous evidence to the institution that—
(1) He was unable to present himself for registration for reasons beyond his control such as hospitalization, incarceration, or institutionalization; or
(2) He is over 26 and when he was between 18 and 26 and required to register—
(i) He did not knowingly and willfully fail to register with the Selective Service; or
(ii) He served as a member of one of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty and received a DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,” showing military service with other than the reserve forces and National Guard.
(e) For purposes of paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, an institution may consider that a student did not knowingly and willfully fail to register with the Selective Service only if—
(1) The student submits to the institution an advisory opinion from the Selective Service System that does not dispute the student's claim that he did not knowingly and willfully fail to register; and
(2) The institution does not have uncontroverted evidence that the student knowingly and willfully failed to register.
(f) (1) A student who is required to register with the Selective Service and has been denied title IV, HEA program assistance because he has not proven to the institution that he has registered with Selective Service may seek a hearing from the Secretary by filing a request in writing with the Secretary. The student must submit with that request—
(i) A statement that he is in compliance with registration requirements;
(ii) A concise statement of the reasons why he has not been able to prove that he is in compliance with those requirements; and
(iii) Copies of all material that he has already supplied to the institution to verify his compliance.
(2) The Secretary provides an opportunity for a hearing to a student who—
(i) Asserts that he is in compliance with registration requirements; and
(ii) Files a written request for a hearing in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this section within the award year for which he was denied title IV, HEA program assistance or within 30 days following the end of the payment period, whichever is later.
(3) An official designated by the Secretary shall conduct any hearing held under paragraph (f)(2) of this section. The sole purpose of this hearing is the determination of compliance with registration requirements. At this hearing, the student retains the burden of proving compliance, by credible evidence, with the requirements of the Military Selective Service Act. The designated official shall not consider challenges based on constitutional or other grounds to the requirements that a student state and verify, if required, compliance with registration requirements, or to those registration requirements themselves.
(g) Any determination of compliance made under this section is final unless reopened by the Secretary and revised on the basis of additional evidence.
(h) Any determination of compliance made under this section is binding only for purposes of determining eligibility for title IV, HEA program assistance.
(a) If a student is enrolled in correspondence courses, the student is eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance only if the correspondence
(b) (1) For purposes of this provision, the Secretary considers that a student enrolled in a “telecommunications course” is enrolled in a correspondence course unless the total number of telecommunication and correspondence courses the institution provides is fewer than 50 percent of the courses the institution provides during an award year and the student is enrolled in a program that leads to an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree.
(2) In making the determination required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the institution shall use its latest complete award year, and shall calculate the number of courses using the provisions contained in 34 CFR 600.7(b)(2).
A student enrolled in a program of study abroad is eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if—
(a) The student remains enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program at an eligible institution during his or her program of study abroad; and
(b) The eligible institution approves the program of study abroad for academic credit. However, the study abroad program need not be required as part of the student's eligible degree program.
(a) Each institution participating in any title IV, HEA program shall disseminate to all enrolled students, and to prospective students upon request, through appropriate publications and mailing, information concerning—
(1) The institution (see § 668.44); and
(2) Any student financial assistance available to students enrolled in the institution (see § 668.43).
(3) The institution's completion or graduation rate and its transfer-out rate, produced in accordance with § 668.46.
(b)(1) Each institution participating in any title IV, HEA program, when it offers a potential student-athlete athletically-related student aid, shall provide to the potential student-athlete, and his or her parents, high school coach, and guidance counselor, the information on completion and graduation rates, transfer-out rates, and other data produced in accordance with § 668.49.
(2) The institution shall also submit to the Secretary the report produced in accordance with § 668.49 by July 1, 1997 and by every July 1 every year thereafter.
(c) The following definitions apply to this subpart:
(d) [Reserved]
(e)(1)(i) An institution of higher education subject to § 668.48 shall make available to students, prospective students, and the public upon request the information contained in the report described in § 668.48(c). The institution shall make the information easily accessible to students, prospective students, and the public and shall provide the information promptly to anyone who requests the information.
(ii) The institution shall inform all students and prospective students of their right to request that information.
(2) Each institution shall make available its first report under § 668.48 not later than October 1, 1996, and make available each subsequent report no later than October 15 each year thereafter.
For each award year in which it participates in any title IV, HEA program, an institution shall—
(a) If necessary, prepare and publish materials covering the topics set forth in § 668.43 and § 668.44; and
(b) Make those materials available through appropriate publications and mailings to—
(1) All currently enrolled students; and
(2) Any prospective student, upon request of that student.
(a)(1) Information on financial assistance that the institution must publish and make readily available to current and prospective student's under this subpart includes, but is not limited to, a description of all the Federal, State, local, private and institutional student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at that institution.
(2) These programs include both need-based and non-need-based programs.
(3) The institution may describe its own financial assistance programs by listing them in general categories.
(b) For each program referred to in paragraph (a) of this section, the information provided by the institution must describe—
(1) The procedures and forms by which students apply for assistance;
(2) The student eligibility requirements;
(3) The criteria for selecting recipients from the group of eligible applicants; and
(4) The criteria for determining the amount of a student's award.
(c) The institution shall describe the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance and, specifically, assistance under the title IV, HEA programs. This description must include specific information regarding—
(1) Criteria for continued student eligibility under each program;
(2)(i) Standards which the student must maintain in order to be considered to be making satisfactory progress in his or her course of study for the purpose of receiving financial assistance; and
(ii) Criteria by which the student who has failed to maintain satisfactory progress may re-establish his or her eligibility for financial assistance;
(3) The method by which financial assistance disbursements will be made to the students and the frequency of those disbursements;
(4) The terms of any loan received by a student as part of the student's financial assistance package, a sample loan repayment schedule for sample loans and the necessity for repaying loans;
(5) The general conditions and terms applicable to any employment provided to a student as part of the student's financial assistance package; and
(6) The institution shall provide and collect exit counseling information as required by 34 CFR 674.42 for borrowers under the Federal Perkins Loan Program, by 34 CFR 685.303 for borrowers under the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, and by 34 CFR 682.604 for borrowers under the Federal Stafford Loan and Federal SLS programs.
(a) Institutional information that the institution must publish and make readily available to current and prospective students under this subpart includes, but is not limited to—
(1) The cost of attending the institution, including—
(i) Tuition and fees charged to full-time and part-time students;
(ii) Estimates of necessary books and supplies;
(iii) Estimates of typical charges for room and board;
(iv) Transportation costs for commuting students or for students living on or off-campus; and
(v) Any additional cost of a program in which the student is enrolled or expresses a specific interest;
(2) A statement of the refund policy of the institution for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portion of costs paid to the institution;
(3) A statement of the institution's policies regarding the distribution of any refund due to the Title IV, HEA programs as required by § 668.22;
(4) The academic program of the institution, including—
(i) The current degree programs and other educational and training programs;
(ii) The instructional, laboratory, and other physical facilities which relate to the academic program; and
(iii) The institution's faculty and other instructional personnel;
(5) The names of associations, agencies or governmental bodies which accredit, approve or license the institution and its programs and the procedures by which documents describing that activity may be reviewed under paragraph (b) of this section;
(6) A description of any special facilities and services available to handicapped students;
(7) The titles of persons designated under § 668.45 and information regarding how and where those persons may be contacted; and
(8) A statement that a student's enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the home institution may be considered enrollment at the home institution for the purpose of applying for assistance under the Title IV, HEA programs.
(b) The institution shall make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student, upon request, a copy of the documents describing the institution's accreditation, approval or licensing.
(a)
(2) If the institution designates one person, that person shall be available, upon reasonable notice, to any enrolled or prospective student throughout the normal administrative working hours of that institution.
(3) If more than one person is designated, their combined work schedules must be arranged so that at least one of them is available, upon reasonable notice, throughout the normal administrative working hours of that institution.
(b)
(2) In determining whether an institution's total enrollment or the number of title IV, HEA program recipients is too small, the Secretary considers whether there will be an insufficient demand for information dissemination services among its enrolled or prospective students to necessitate the full-time availability of an employee or group of employees.
(3) To receive a waiver, the institution shall apply to the Secretary at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Secretary.
(c) The granting of a waiver under paragraph (b) of this section does not exempt an institution from designating a specific employee or group of employees to carry out on a part-time basis the information dissemination requirements.
(a)(1) An institution shall prepare annually information regarding the completion or graduation rate and the transfer-out rate of the certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time undergraduate students entering that institution on or after July 1, 1996.
(2)(i) An institution that offers a predominant number of programs based on semesters, trimesters, or quarters shall base its completion or graduation rate and transfer-out rate calculations on the group of certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time undergraduate students who enter the institution during the fall term.
(ii) An institution not covered by the provisions of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section shall base its completion or graduation rate and transfer-out rate calculations on the group of certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time undergraduate students who enter the institution between every July 1st of one year and June 30th of the following year.
(3)(i) For purposes of the completion or graduation rate and transfer-out rate calculations required in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, an institution shall count as entering students only first-time freshman students, as defined in § 668.41(c).
(ii) An institution may also calculate the completion or graduation rate of students who transfer into the institution as a separate, supplemental rate.
(4)(i) An institution covered by the provisions of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section shall count as an entering student a first-time freshman student who is enrolled as of October 15, or the end of the institution's drop-add period.
(ii) An institution covered by the provisions of paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section shall count as an entering student a first-time freshman student who has attended at least one day of class.
(5)(i) Beginning with the group of students who enter the institution between July 1, 1996 and June 30, 1997, an institution shall disclose its completion or graduation rate and transfer-out rate information no later than the January 1 immediately following the point in time that 150% of the normal time for completion or graduation has elapsed for all of the students in the group on which the institution bases its completion or graduation rate and transfer-out rate calculations.
(ii) An institution shall disclose no later than January 1 each year thereafter its completion or graduation rate information for each succeeding group of students who completed or graduated within 150% of the normal time for completion or graduation from their programs as of June 30 of the preceding year.
(b) In calculating the completion or graduation rate under paragraph (a) of this section, an institution shall count as completed or graduated—
(1) Students who have completed or graduated within 150% of the normal time for completion or graduation from their program;
(2) Students who have completed a transfer program as described in § 668.8(b)(1)(ii) within 150% of normal
(c)(1) In calculating the transfer-out rate under section paragraph (a) of this section, an institution shall count as students who have transferred out those students who, within 150% of the normal time for completion or graduation from the program in which the student was enrolled, subsequently enroll in any program of an eligible institution for which the prior program provides substantial preparation;
(2) An institution shall document that its program provided substantial preparation to a student by obtaining a copy of any of the following:
(i) Certification letter from the receiving institution stating that a student is enrolled in that institution;
(ii) Electronic certification from the receiving institution stating that a student is enrolled in that institution;
(iii) Confirmation of enrollment data from a legally-authorized statewide or regional tracking system (or shared information from those systems) confirming that a student has enrolled in another institution;
(iv) Institutional data exchange information confirming that a student as enrolled in another institution; or
(v) An equivalent level of documentation.
(d) For the purpose of calculating a completion or graduation rate and a transfer-out rate, an institution may exclude from the calculation of its completion or graduation rate and its transfer-out rate students who—
(1) Have left school to serve in the Armed Forces;
(2) Have left school to serve on official church missions;
(3) Have left school to serve with a foreign aid service of the Federal Government, such as the Peace Corps; or
(4) Are deceased, or totally and permanently disabled.
(e)(1) The Secretary grants a waiver of the requirements of this section to any institution that is a member of an athletic association or conference that has voluntarily published completion or graduation rate data, or has agreed to publish data, that the Secretary determines are substantially comparable to the data required by this section.
(2) An institution that receives a waiver of the requirements of this section must still comply with the requirements of §§ 668.41(a)(3) and 668.41(b) of this subpart.
(3) An institution, or athletic association or conference applying on behalf of an institution that seeks a waiver under paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall submit a written application to the Secretary that explains why it believes the data the athletic association or conference publishes are accurate and substantially comparable to the information required by this section.
(a) An institution shall, by September 1, 1992, and by September 1 of each year thereafter, publish and distribute, through appropriate publications and mailings, an annual security report that contains, at a minimum, the following information:
(1) A statement of current campus policies regarding procedures and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus and policies concerning the institution's response to those reports, including policies for making timely reports to members of the campus community regarding the occurrence of crimes described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section. This statement shall include a list of the titles of each person or organization to whom students and employees should report the criminal offenses described in paragraph (a)(6) for the purpose of making timely reports.
(2) A statement of current policies concerning security of and access to campus facilities, including campus residences, and security considerations used in the maintenance of campus facilities.
(3) A statement of current policies concerning campus law enforcement, including—
(i) The enforcement authority of security personnel, including their working relationship with State and local police agencies and whether those security personnel have the authority to arrest individuals; and
(ii) Policies that encourage accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the campus police and the appropriate police agencies.
(4) A description of the type and frequency of programs designed to inform students and employees about campus security procedures and practices and to encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others.
(5) A description of programs designed to inform students and employees about the prevention of crimes.
(6)(i) Statistics concerning the occurrence on campus of the following criminal offenses reported to local police agencies or to any official of the institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities:
(A) Murder.
(B) Rape (prior to August 1, 1992) or sex offenses, forcible or nonforcible (on or after August 1, 1992).
(C) Robbery.
(D) Aggravated assault.
(E) Burglary.
(F) Motor-vehicle theft; and
(ii) Statistics concerning the criminal offenses of murder, forcible rape, and aggravated assault, as listed in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section, that manifest evidence of prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, as prescribed by the Hate Crimes Statistics Act (28 U.S.C. 534).
(7) A statement of policy concerning the monitoring and recording through local police agencies of criminal activity in which students engaged at off-campus locations of student organizations recognized by the institution, including student organizations with off-campus housing facilities.
(8) Statistics concerning the number of arrests for the following crimes occurring on campus:
(i) Liquor-law violations.
(ii) Drug-abuse violations.
(iii) Weapons possessions.
(9) A statement of policy regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and enforcement of State underage drinking laws.
(10) A statement of policy regarding the possession, use and sale of illegal drugs and enforcement of Federal and State drug laws.
(11) A description of any drug or alcohol-abuse education programs, as required under section 1213 of the HEA. For the purpose of meeting this requirement, an institution may cross-reference the materials the institution uses to comply with section 1213 of the HEA.
(12) A statement of policy regarding the institution's campus sexual assault programs to prevent sex offenses, and procedures to follow when a sex offense occurs. The statement must include—
(i) A description of educational programs to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, and other forcible and nonforcible sex offenses;
(ii) Procedures students should follow if a sex offense occurs, including procedures concerning who should be contacted, the importance of preserving evidence for the proof of a criminal offense, and to whom the alleged offense should be reported;
(iii) Information on a student's option to notify proper law enforcement authorities, including on-campus and local police, and a statement that institutional personnel will assist the student in notifying these authorities, if the student requests the assistance of these personnel;
(iv) Notification to students of existing on- and off-campus counseling, mental health, or other student services for victims of sex offenses;
(v) Notification to students that the institution will change a victim's academic and living situations after an alleged sex offense and of the options for those changes, if those changes are requested by the victim and are reasonably available;
(vi) Procedures for campus disciplinary action in cases of an alleged sex offense, including a clear statement that—
(A) The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding; and
(B) Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of
(vii) Sanctions the institution may impose following a final determination of an institutional disciplinary proceeding regarding rape, acquaintance rape, or other forcible or nonforcible sex offenses.
(b) An institution shall distribute the security report required by paragraph (a) of this section annually to all—
(1) Current students and employees by appropriate publications and mailings, through—
(i) Direct mailing to each individual through the U.S. Postal Service, campus mail, or computer network; or
(ii) Publications provided directly to each individual; and
(2) Prospective students as defined in § 668.41(b) and prospective employees as defined in paragraph (f) of this section, upon request, provided that such individuals are informed of the availability of the security report, given a summary of its contents, and given the opportunity to request a copy.
(c) An institution shall comply separately with the requirements of this section for each campus. A branch, school, or administrative division within an institution that is not within a reasonably contiguous geographic area with the institution's main campus is considered to be a separate campus.
(d)(1)(i) An institution's first annual security report (due September 1, 1992) must contain the statistics described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section covering the period January 1, 1991, through December 31, 1991, and the two preceding calendar years, or the portion thereof for which data are reasonably available. The first annual security report must contain those statistics covering at least the period from August 1, 1991, through July 31, 1992.
(ii) An institution's second and third annual security reports (due September 1, 1993 and September 1, 1994, respectively) must contain the statistics described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section covering the most recent calendar year and the two preceding calendar years, or the portion thereof for which data are reasonably available. The second annual security report must contain those statistics covering at least the period from August 1, 1991, through December 31, 1991, and calendar year 1992. The third annual security report must contain those statistics covering at least the period from August 1, 1991, through December 31, 1991, and calendar years 1992 and 1993.
(iii) An institution's annual security report due September 1, 1995, and each subsequent report, must contain the statistics described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section covering the three calendar years preceding the year in which the report is disclosed.
(iv) In each annual security report due on or after September 1, 1993, September 1, 1994, September 1, 1995, an institution must, in accordance with paragraphs (d)(1) (ii) and (iii) of this section, report statistics covering rape for periods of time prior to August 1, 1992, and statistics concerning sex offenses, forcible or nonforcible, for periods of time on or after August 1, 1992.
(v) In all subsequent annual security reports, an institution shall report statistics for sex offenses, forcible and nonforcible.
(2)(i) An institution's first annual security report (due September 1, 1992) must contain the statistics described in paragraph (a)(8) of this section covering the period January 1, 1991, through December 31, 1991, or the portion thereof for which those statistics are available. The first annual security report must contain that data covering at least the period August 1, 1991, through December 31, 1991.
(ii) An institution's second annual security report (due September 1, 1993) and each subsequent report must contain the statistics described in paragraph (a)(8) of this section, covering the calendar year preceding the year during which the report is to be disclosed.
(3) An institution shall compile crime statistics required under paragraph (a) (6) and (8) of this section in
(4) Upon the request of the Secretary, an institution must submit to the Secretary the statistics required by paragraphs (a)(6) and (a)(8) of this section.
(e) An institution shall, in a manner that is timely and will aid in the prevention of similar crimes, report to the campus community on crimes that are—
(1) Described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section;
(2) Reported to campus security authorities as identified under the institution's statement of current campus policies pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section or local police agencies; and
(3) Considered by the institution to represent a threat to students and employees.
(f) The following definitions apply to this section:
(2) Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization recognized by the institution.
(3) Any building or property controlled by the institution, but owned by a third-party.
(2) An individual or organization specified in an institution's statement of campus security policy as the individual or organization to whom students and employees should report criminal offenses.
(3) An official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, but does not have significant counseling responsibilities.
(a)
(1) Participates in any title IV, HEA program; and
(2) Has an intercollegiate athletic program.
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(i) Is designated or defined by its institution or an athletic association as a varsity team; or
(ii) Primarily competes against other teams that are designated or defined as varsity teams.
(c)
(1) The number of male and female full-time undergraduate students that attended the institution.
(2) A listing of the varsity teams that competed in intercollegiate athletic competition and for each team the following data:
(i) The total number of participants, by team, as of the day of the first scheduled contest of the reporting year for the team.
(ii) Total operating expenses attributable to those teams. For the purposes of this section, the term “operating expenses” means expenditures on lodging and meals, transportation, officials, uniforms and equipment. An institution—
(A) Also may report those expenses on a per capita basis for each team; and
(B) May report combined expenditures attributable to closely-related teams—such as track and field or swimming and diving. Those combinations must be reported separately for men's and women's teams.
(iii)(A) Whether the head coach was male or female and whether the head coach was assigned to that team on a full-time or part-time basis.
(B) The institution shall consider graduate assistants and volunteers who served as head coaches to be head coaches for the purposes of this report.
(iv)(A) The number of assistant coaches who were male and the number of assistant coaches who were female for each team and whether a particular coach was assigned to that team on a full-time or part-time basis.
(B) The institution shall consider graduate assistants and volunteers who served as assistant coaches to be assistant coaches for purposes of this report.
(3) The total amount of money spent on athletically-related student aid, including the value of waivers of educational expenses, aggregately for men's teams, and aggregately for women's teams.
(4) The ratio of-(i) Athletically-related student aid awarded male athletes; and
(ii) Athletically-related student aid awarded female athletes.
(5) The total amount of expenditures on recruiting aggregately for all men's teams, and aggregately for all women's teams.
(6) The total annual revenues generated across all men's teams, and the total annual revenues generated across all women's teams. An institution may also report those revenues by individual team.
(7)(i) The average annual institutional salary of the head coaches of all men's teams, across all offered sports, and the average annual institutional salary of the head coaches of all women's teams, across all offered sports.
(ii) If a head coach had responsibilities for more than one team and the institution does not allocate that coach's salary by team, the institution shall divide the salary by the number of teams for which the coach had responsibility and allocate the salary among the teams on a basis consistent with the coach's responsibilities for the different teams.
(8) The average annual institutional salary of the assistant coaches of men's teams, across all offered sports, and the average annual institutional salary of the assistant coaches of women's teams, across all offered sports.
The Secretary interprets the statute to require an institution to count all varsity team members as participants, and not merely those athletes who take part in a scheduled contest. “Participants” include all students who practice with the varsity team and receive coaching as of the day of the first scheduled intercollegiate contest of the designated reporting year, including junior varsity team and freshman team players if they are part of the overall varsity program. The Secretary believes that a reasonable count of participants would also cover all students who receive athletically-related student aid, including redshirts, injured student athletes,
(a)(1) By July 1, 1997, and by every July 1 every year thereafter, each institution that is attended by students receiving athletically-related student aid shall produce an annual report containing the following information:
(i) The number of students, categorized by race and gender, who attended that institution during the year prior to the submission of the report.
(ii) The number of students described in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section who received athletically-related student aid, categorized by race and gender within each sport.
(iii) The completion or graduation rate and transfer-out rate of all the entering, certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time, undergraduate students described in § 668.46(a) (1), (2), (3) and (4).
(iv) The completion or graduation rate and transfer-out rate of the entering students described in § 668.46(a) (1), (2), (3)and (4) who received athletically-related student aid, categorized by race and gender within each sport.
(v) The average completion or graduation rate and transfer-out rate for the four most recent completing or graduating classes of entering students described in § 668.46(a) (2), (3), and (4) categorized by race and gender. If an institution has completion or graduation rates and transfer-out rates for fewer than four of those classes, it shall disclose the average rate of those classes for which it has rates.
(2) For purposes of this section,
(i) Basketball;
(ii) Football;
(iii) Baseball;
(iv) Cross-country and track combined; and
(v) All other sports combined.
(3) If a category of students identified in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) above contains five or fewer students, the institution need not disclose information on that category of students.
(b) The provisions of § 668.46 (a), (b) and (c) apply for purposes of calculating the completion or graduation rates and transfer-out rates required under paragraphs (a)(1)(iii), (a)(1)(iv), and (a)(1)(v) of this section.
(c) Each institution of higher education described in paragraph (a) of this section may also provide to students and the Secretary supplemental information containing—
(1) The graduation or completion rate of the students who transferred into the institution; and
(2) The number of students who transferred out of the institution.
(d) Section 668.46(d) applies for purposes of this section.
(a)
(b)
(c)
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
(a) Student aid applications that may contain incorrect, missing, illogical, or inconsistent information; and
(b) Randomly selected student aid applications.
(a) An institution shall establish and use written policies and procedures for verifying information contained in a student aid application in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. These policies and procedures must include—
(1) The time period within which an applicant shall provide the documentation;
(2) The consequences of an applicant's failure to provide required documentation within the specified time period;
(3) The method by which the institution notifies an applicant of the results of verification if, as a result of verification, the applicant's EFC changes and results in a change in the applicant's award or loan;
(4) The procedures the institution requires an applicant to follow to correct application information determined to be in error; and
(5) The procedures for making referrals under § 668.16.
(b) The institution's procedures must provide that it shall furnish, in a timely manner, to each applicant selected for verification a clear explanation of—
(1) The documentation needed to satisfy the verification requirements; and
(2) The applicant's responsibilities with respect to the verification of application information, including the deadlines for completing any actions required under this subpart and the consequences of failing to complete any required action.
(a)
(2)(i) An institution shall require each applicant whose application is selected for verification on the basis of edits specified by the Secretary, to verify all of the applicable items specified in § 668.56, except that no institution is required to verify the applications of more than 30 percent of its total number of applicants for assistance under the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Student Loan, campus-based, and Federal Stafford Loan programs in an award year.
(ii) An institution may only include those applicants selected for verification by the Secretary in its calculation of 30 percent of total applicants.
(3) If an institution has reason to believe that any information on an application used to calculate an EFC is inaccurate, it shall require the applicant to verify the information that it has reason to believe is inaccurate.
(4) If an applicant is selected to verify the information on his or her application under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the institution shall require the applicant to verify the information as specified in § 668.56 on each additional application he or she submits for that award year, except for information already verified under a previous application submitted for the applicable award year.
(5) An institution or the Secretary may require an applicant to verify any data elements that the institution or the Secretary specifies.
(b)
(2) Unless the institution has reason to believe that the information reported by the applicant is incorrect, it need not verify applications of the following applicants:
(i) An applicant who is—
(A) A legal resident of and, in the case of a dependent student, whose parents are also legal residents of, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, or American Samoa; or
(B) A citizen of and, in the case of a dependent student, whose parents are also citizens of, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau.
(ii) An applicant who is incarcerated at the time at which verification would occur.
(iii) An applicant who is a dependent student, whose parents are residing in a country other than the United States and cannot be contacted by normal means of communication.
(iv) An applicant who is an immigrant and who arrived in the United States during either calendar year of the award year.
(v) An applicant whose parents’ address is unknown and cannot be obtained by the applicant.
(vi) An applicant who is a dependent student, both of whose parents are deceased or are physically or mentally incapacitated.
(vii) An applicant who does not receive assistance for reasons other than his or her failure to verify the information on the application.
(viii) An applicant who transfers to the institution, had previously completed the verification process at the institution from which he or she transferred, and applies for assistance on the same application used at the previous institution, if the current institution obtains a letter from the previous institution stating that it has verified the applicant's information, the transaction number of the verified application, and, if relevant, the provision used in § 668.59 for not recalculating the applicant's EFC.
(3) An institution need not require an applicant to document a spouse's information or provide a spouse's signature if—
(i) The spouse is deceased;
(ii) The spouse is mentally or physically incapacitated;
(iii) The spouse is residing in a country other than the United States and cannot be contacted by normal means of communication; or
(iv) The spouse cannot be located because his or her address is unknown and cannot be obtained by the applicant.
(a)(1) Unless the provisions of paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this section apply, an applicant is required to update—
(i) The number of family members in the applicant's household and the number of those household members attending postsecondary educational institutions, in accordance with provisions of paragraph (b) of this section; and
(ii) His or her dependency status in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) An institution need not require an applicant to verify the information contained in his or her application for assistance in an award year if—
(i) The applicant previously submitted an application for assistance for that award year;
(ii) The applicant updated and verified the information contained in that application; and
(iii) No change in the information to be updated has taken place since the last update.
(3) If, as a result of a change in the applicant's marital status, the number of family members in the applicant's household, the number of those household members attending postsecondary education institutions, or the applicant's dependency status changes, the applicant shall not update those factors or that status.
(b) If the number of family members in the applicant's household or the number of those household members attending postsecondary educational institutions changes for a reason other than a change in the applicant's marital status, an applicant who is selected for verification shall update the information contained in his or her application regarding those factors so that the information is correct as of the day the applicant verifies the information.
(c) If an applicant has received Federal Pell Grant, campus-based, Federal Stafford Loan, FDSL, or program assistance for an award year, and the applicant subsequently submits another application for assistance under any of those programs for that award year, and the applicant is required to update household size and number attending postsecondary educational institutions on the subsequent application, the institution—
(1) Is required to take that newly updated information into account when awarding for that award year further Federal Pell Grant, campus-based, FDSL or program assistance or certifying a Federal Stafford Loan application; and
(2) Is not required to adjust the Federal Pell Grant, campus-based, FDSL, or program assistance previously awarded to the applicant for that award year, or any previously certified Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal District Loan application for that award year, to reflect the newly updated information unless the applicant would otherwise receive an overaward.
(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(3) and (d)(2) of this section, if an applicant's dependency status changes after the applicant applies to have his or her EFC calculated for an award year, the applicant must file a new application for that award year reflecting the applicant's new dependency status regardless of whether ther applicant is selected for verification.
(2) If the institution has previously certified a Federal Stafford Loan application for an applicant, the applicant shall not update his or her dependency status on the Federal Stafford Loan application.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section, an institution shall require an applicant selected for verification under § 668.54(a)(2) or (3) to submit acceptable documentation described in § 668.57 that will verify or update the following information used to determine the applicant's EFC:
(1) Adjusted gross income (AGI) for the base year if base year data was used in determining eligibility, or income earned from work, for a non-tax filer.
(2) U.S. income tax paid for the base year if base year data was used in determining eligibility.
(3)(i) For an applicant who is a dependent student, the aggregate number of family members in the household or households of the applicant's parents if—
(A) The applicant's parent is single, divorced, separated or widowed and the aggregate number of family members is greater than two; or
(B) The applicant's parents are married to each other and not separated and the aggregate number of family members is greater than three.
(ii) For an applicant who is an independent student, the number of family members in the household of the applicant if—
(A) The applicant is single, divorced, separated, or widowed and the number of family members is greater than one; or
(B) The applicant is married and not separated and the number of family members is greater than two.
(4) The number of family members in the household who are enrolled as at least half-time students in postsecondary educational institutions if that number is greater than one.
(5) The following untaxed income and benefits for the base year if base year data was used in determining eligibility—
(i) Social Security benefits if the institution has reason to believe that those benefits were received and were not reported or were incorrectly reported;
(ii) Child support if the institution has reason to believe that child support was received;
(iii) U.S. income tax deduction for a payment made to an individual retirement account (IRA) or Keogh account;
(iv) Interest on tax-free bond;
(v) Foreign income excluded from U.S. income taxation if the institution has reason to believe that foreign income was received;
(vi) The earned income credit taken on the applicant's tax return; and
(vii) All other untaxed income subject to U.S. income tax reporting requirements in the base year which is included on the tax return form, excluding information contained on schedules appended to such forms.
(b) If an applicant selected for verification submits an SAR or output document to the institution or the institution receives the applicant's ISIR, within 90 days of the date the applicant signed his or her application, or if an applicant is selected for verification under § 668.54(a)(2), the institution need not require the applicant to verify—
(1) The number of family members in the household; or
(2) The number of family members in the household, who are enrolled as at least half-time students in postsecondary educational institutions.
(c) If the number of family members in the household or the amount of child support reported by an applicant selected for verification is the same as that verified by the institution in the previous award year, the institution need not require the applicant to verify that information.
(d) If the family members who are enrolled as at least half-time students in postsecondary educational institutions are enrolled at the same institution as the applicant, and the institution verifies their enrollment status from its own records, the institution need not require the applicant to verify that information.
(e) If the applicant or the applicant's spouse or, in the case of a dependent student, the applicant's parents receive untaxed income or benefits from a Federal, State, or local government agency determining their eligibility for that income or those benefits by means of a financial needs test, the institution need not require the untaxed income and benefits to be verified.
(a)
(i) A copy of the income tax return of the applicant, his or her spouse, and his or her parents. The copy of the return must be signed by the filer of the return or by one of the filers of a joint return;
(ii) For a dependent student, a copy of each Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-2 received by the parent whose income is being taken into account if—
(A) The parents filed a joint return; and
(B) The parents are divorced or separated or one of the parents has died; and
(iii) For an independent student, a copy of each IRS Form W-2 he or she received if the independent student—
(A) Filed a joint return; and
(B) Is a widow or widower, or is divorced or separated.
(2) If an individual who filed a U.S. tax return and who is required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section to provide a copy of his or her tax return does not have a copy of that return, the institution may require that individual to submit, in lieu of a copy of the tax return, a copy of an IRS form which lists tax account information.
(3) An institution shall accept, in lieu of an income tax return or an IRS listing of tax account information of an individual whose income was used in calculating the EFC of an applicant, the documentation set forth in paragraph (a)(4) of this section if the individual for the base year—
(i) Has not filed and is not required to file an income tax return;
(ii) Is required to file a U.S. tax return and has been granted a filing extension by the IRS; or
(iii) Has requested a copy of the tax return or a Listing of Tax Account Information, and the IRS or a government of a U.S. territory or commonwealth or a foreign central government cannot locate the return or provide a Listing of Tax Account Information.
(4) An institution shall accept—
(i) For an individual described in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, a statement signed by that individual certifying that he or she has not filed nor is required to file an income tax return for the base year and certifying for that year that individual's—
(A) Sources of income earned from work as stated on the application; and
(B) Amounts of income from each source;
(ii) For an individual described in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section—
(A) A copy of the IRS Form 4868, “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,” that the individual filed with the IRS for the base year, or a copy of the IRS's approval of an extension beyond the automatic four-month extension if the individual requested an additional extension of the filing time; and
(B) A copy of each IRS Form W-2 that the individual received for the base year, or for a self-employed individual, a statement signed by the individual certifying the amount of adjusted gross income for the base year; and
(iii) For an individual described in paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this section—
(A) A copy of each IRS Form W-2 that the individual received for the base year; or
(B) For an individual who is self-employed or has filed an income tax return with a government of a U. S. territory or commonwealth, or a foreign central government, a statement signed by the individual certifying the amount of adjusted gross income for the base year.
(5) An institution shall require an individual described in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section to provide to it a copy of his or her completed income tax return when filed. When an institution receives the copy of the return, it may re-verify the adjusted gross income and taxes paid by the applicant and his or her spouse or parents.
(6) If an individual who is required to submit an IRS Form W-2 under this paragraph is unable to obtain one in a timely manner, the institution may permit that individual to set forth, in a statement signed by the individual, the amount of income earned from work, the source of that income, and the reason that the IRS Form W-2 is not available in a timely manner.
(7) For the purpose of this section, an institution may accept in lieu of a copy of an income tax return signed by the filer of the return or one of the filers of a joint return, a copy of the filer's return that has been signed by the preparer of the return or stamped with the name and address of the preparer of the return.
(b)
(c)
(i) The name of each family member who is or will be attending a postsecondary educational institution as at least a half-time student in the award year;
(ii) The age of each student; and
(iii) The name of the institution attended by each student.
(2) If the institution has reason to believe that the information included on the application regarding the number of family household members enrolled in postsecondary institutions is inaccurate, the institution shall require—
(i) The statement required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section from the individuals described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section; and
(ii) A statement from each institution named by the applicant in response to the requirement of paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section that the household member in question is or will be attending the institution on at least a half-time basis, unless the institution the student is attending determines that such a statement is not available because the household member in question has not yet registered at the institution he or she plans to attend or the institution has information itself that the student will be attending the same school as the applicant.
(d)
(1) Untaxed income and benefits described in § 668.56(a)(5)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), and (vii) by submitting to it—
(i) A copy of the U.S. income tax return signed by the filer or one of the filers if a joint return, if collected under paragraph (a) of this section, or the IRS listing of tax account information if collected by the institution to verify adjusted gross income; or
(ii) If no tax return was filed or is required to be filed, a statement signed by the relevant individuals certifying that no tax return was filed or is required to be filed and providing the sources and amount of untaxed income and benefits specified in § 668.56(a)(5) (iii), (iv), (v), and (vi);
(2) Social Security benefits if the institution has reason to believe that those benefits were received and were not reported, or that the applicant has incorrectly reported Social Security benefits received by the applicant, the applicant's parents, or any other children of the applicant's parents who are members of the applicant's household, in the case of a dependent student, or by the applicant, the applicant's spouse, or the applicant's children in the case of an independent student. The applicant shall verify Social Security benefits by submitting a document from the Social Security Administration showing the amount of benefits received in the appropriate calendar year for the appropriate individuals listed above or, at the institution's option, a statement signed by both the applicant and the applicant's parent, in the case of a dependent student, or by the applicant, in the case of an independent student, certifying that the amount listed on the applicant's aid application is correct; and
(3) Child support received by submitting to it—
(i) A statement signed by the applicant and one of the applicant's parents in the case of a dependent student, or by the applicant in the case of an independent student, certifying the amount of child support received; and
(ii) If the institution has reason to believe that the information provided
(A) a copy of the separation agreement or divorce decree showing the amount of child support to be provided;
(B) A statement from the parent providing the child support showing the amount provided; or
(C) Copies of the child support checks or money order receipts.
(a)(1) If an institution has reason to believe that the information included on the application is inaccurate, until the applicant verifies or corrects the information included on his or her application, the institution may not—
(i) Disburse any Federal Pell Grant, Campus-based, or need-based ICL program funds to the applicant;
(ii) Employ the applicant in its Federal Work-Study Program; or
(iii) Certify the applicant's Federal Stafford Loan application or process Federal Stafford Loan proceeds for any previously certified Federal Stafford Loan application.
(2) If an institution does not have reason to believe that the information included on an application is inaccurate prior to verification, the institution—
(i) May withhold payment of Federal Pell Grant, campus-based funds; or
(ii)(A) May make one disbursement of any combination of Pell Grant, Perkins Loan, NDSL, SEOG funds for the applicant's first payment period; and
(B) May employ or allow an employer to employ an eligible student under the Federal Work-Study Program for the first 60 consecutive days after the student's enrollment in that award year; and
(iii)(A) May withhold certification of the applicant's Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan application; or
(B) May certify the Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan application provided that the institution does not process Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan proceeds.
(b) If an institution chooses to make disbursement under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) (A) or (B) of this section, it is liable for any overpayment discovered as a result of the verification process to the extent that the overpayment is not recovered from the student.
(c) An institution may not withhold any Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan proceeds from a student under paragraph (a)(2) of this section for more than 45 days. If the applicant does not complete the verification process within the 45 day period, the institution shall return the proceeds to the lender.
(d)(1) If the institution receives Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan proceeds in an amount which exceeds the student's need for the loan based upon the verified information and the excess funds can be eliminated by reducing subsequent disbursements for the applicable loan period, the institution shall process the proceeds and advise the lender to reduce the subsequent disbursements.
(2) If the institution receives Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan proceeds in an amount which exceed the student's need for the loan based upon the verified information and the excess funds cannot be eliminated in subsequent disbursements for the applicable loan period, the institution shall return the excess proceeds to the lender.
(a) For the Federal Pell Grant Program—
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, if the information on an application changes as a result of the verification process, the institution shall require the applicant to resubmit
(i) The institution recalculates the applicant's EFC, determines that the applicant's EFC changes, and determines that the change in the EFC changes the applicant's Federal Pell Grant award; or
(ii) The institution does not recalculate the applicant's EFC.
(2) An institution need not require an applicant to resubmit his or her application information to the Secretary, recalculate an applicant's EFC, or adjust an applicant's Federal Pell Grant award if, as a result of the verification process, the institution finds—
(i) No errors in nondollar items used to calculate the applicant's EFC;
(ii) No dollar amount in excess of $400 as calculated by the net difference between the corrected sum of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) plus untaxed income minus U.S. taxes paid and the uncorrected sum of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) plus untaxed income minus U.S. taxes paid. If no Federal Income Tax Return was filed, income earned from work may be used in lieu of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
(b) For the Federal Pell Grant Program—
(1) If an institution does not recalculate an applicant's EFC under the provisions of paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the institution shall calculate and disburse the applicant's Pell Grant award on the basis of the applicant's original EFC.
(2)(i) Except as provided under paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, if an institution recalculates an applicant's EFC because of a change in application information resulting from the verification process, the institution shall—
(A) Require the applicant to resubmit his or her application to the Secretary;
(B) Recalculate the applicant's Federal Pell Grant award on the basis of the EFC on the corrected SAR or ISIR; and
(C) Disburse any additional funds under that award only if the applicant provides the institution with the corrected SAR or ISIR and only to the extent that additional funds are payable based on the recalculation.
(ii) If an institution recalculates an applicant's EFC because of a change in application information resulting from the verification process and determines that the change in the EFC increases the applicant's award, the institution—
(A) May disburse the applicant's Federal Pell Grant award on the basis of the original EFC without requiring the applicant to resubmit his or her application information to the Secretary; and
(B) Except as provided in § 668.60(b), shall disburse any additional funds under the increased award reflecting the new EFC if the institution receives the corrected SAR or ISIR.
(c) For the campus-based, and Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan programs—
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, if the information on an application changes as a result of the verification process, the institution shall—
(i) Recalculate the applicant's EFC; and
(ii) Adjust the applicant's financial aid package for the campus-based, and Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan programs to reflect the new EFC if the new EFC results in an overaward of campus-based funds or decreases the applicant's recommended loan amount.
(2) An institution need not recalculate an applicant's EFC or adjust his or her aid package if, as a result of the verification process, the institution finds—
(i) No errors in nondollar items used to calculate the applicant's EFC;
(ii) No dollar amount in excess of $400 as calculated by the net difference between the corrected sum of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) plus untaxed income minus U.S. taxes paid and the uncorrected sum of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) plus untaxed income minus U.S. taxes paid. If no Federal Income Tax Return was filed, income earned from work may be used in lieu of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
(d)(1) If the institution selects an applicant for verification for an award year who previously received a loan under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program for that award year, and as a result of verification the
(2) If the institution selects an applicant for verification for an award year who previously received a loan under the Federal Stafford Loan Program for that award year, and as a result of verification the loan amount is reduced, the institution shall comply with the procedures for notifying the borrower and lender specified in § 668.61(b) and § 682.604(h).
(e) If the applicant has received funds based on information which may be incorrect and the institution has made a reasonable effort to resolve the alleged discrepancy, but cannot do so, the institution shall forward the applicant's name, social security number, and other relevant information to the Secretary.
(a) An institution shall require an applicant selected for verification to submit to it, within the period of time it or the Secretary specifies, the documents set forth in § 668.57 that are requested by the institution or the Secretary.
(b) For purposes of the campus-based, Federal Stafford Loan, FDSL and PAS programs—
(1) If an applicant fails to provide the requested documentation within a reasonable time period established by the institution or by the Secretary—
(i) The institution may not—
(A) Disburse any additional Federal Perkins Loan, FDSL, FSEOG or funds to the applicant;
(B) Continue to employ or allow an employer to employ the applicant under CWS;
(C) Certify the applicant's Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan application; or
(D) Process Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan proceeds for the applicant;
(ii) The institution shall return to the lender any Federal Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan proceeds that otherwise would be payable to the applicant; and
(iii) The applicant shall repay to the institution any Federal Perkins Loan, FDSL, FSEOG, or payments received for that award year;
(2) If the applicant provides the requested documentation after the time period established by the institution, the institution may, at its option, award aid to the applicant notwithstanding paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section; and
(3) An institution may not withhold any Federal Stafford Loan proceeds from an applicant under paragraph (b)(1)(i)(D) of this section for more than 45 days. If the applicant does not complete verification within the 45-day period, the institution shall return the Federal Stafford Loan proceeds to the lender.
(c) For purposes of the Federal Pell Grant Program—
(1) An applicant may submit a verified SAR to the institution or the institution may receive a verified ISIR after the applicable deadline specified in 34 CFR 690.61 but within an established additional time period set by the Secretary through publication of a notice in the
(2) If the applicant does not provide to the institution the requested documentation and, if necessary, a verified SAR or the institution does not receive a verified ISIR, within the additional time period referenced in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the applicant—
(i) Forfeits the Federal Pell Grant for the award year; and
(ii) Shall return any Federal Pell Grant payments previously received for that award year to the Secretary.
(d) The Secretary may determine not to process any subsequent application
(e) If an applicant selected for verification for an award year dies before the deadline for completing the verification process without completing that process, and the deadline is in the subsequent award year, the institution may not—
(1) Make any further disbursements on behalf of that applicant;
(2) Certify that applicant's Federal Stafford Loan application or process that applicant's Federal Stafford Loan proceeds; or
(3) Consider any funds it disbursed to that applicant under § 668.58(a)(2) as an overpayment.
(a) If an institution discovers, as a result of the verification process, that an applicant received under § 668.58(a)(2)(ii)(A) more financial aid than the applicant was eligible to receive, the institution shall eliminate the overpayment by—
(1) Adjusting subsequent financial aid payments in the award year in which the overpayment occurred; or
(2) Reimbursing the appropriate program account by—
(i) Requiring the applicant to return the overpayment to the institution if the institution cannot correct the overpayment under paragraph (a)(1) of this section; or
(ii) Making restitution from its own funds, by the earlier of the following dates, if the applicant does not return the overpayment:
(A) Sixty days after the applicant's last day of attendance.
(B) The last day of the award year in which the institution disbursed Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, FDSL, FSEOG or funds to the applicant.
(b) If the institution determines as a result of the verification process that an applicant received Stafford Loan or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan proceeds for an award year in excess of the student's financial need for the loan, the institution shall withhold and promptly return to the lender or escrow agent any disbursement not yet delivered to the student that exceeds the amount of assistance for which the student is eligible, taking into account other financial aid received by the student. However, instead of returning the entire undelivered disbursement, the school may choose to return promptly to the lender only the portion of the disbursement for which the student is ineligible. In either case, the institution shall provide the lender with a written statement describing the reason for the returned loan funds.
(a) This subpart establishes the standards and rules by which the Secretary may initiate a proceeding under subpart G against an otherwise eligible institution for any substantial misrepresentation made by that institution regarding the nature of its educational program, its financial charges or the employability of its graduates.
(b) The following definitions apply to this subpart:
Misrepresentation by an institution of the nature of its educational program includes, but is not limited to, false, erroneous or misleading statements concerning—
(a) The particular type(s), specific source(s), nature and extent of its accreditation;
(b) Whether a student may transfer course credits earned at the institution to any other institution;
(c) Whether successful completion of a course of instruction qualifies a student for—
(1) Acceptance into a labor union or similar organization; or
(2) Receipt of a local, State or Federal license or a non-governmental certification required as a precondition for employment or to perform certain functions;
(d) Whether its courses are recommended by—
(1) Vocational counselors, high schools or employment agencies; or
(2) Governmental officials for governmental employment;
(e) Its size, location, facilities or equipment;
(f) The availability, frequency and appropriateness of its courses and programs to the employment objectives that it states its programs are designed to meet;
(g) The nature, age and availability of its training devices or equipment and their appropriateness to the employment objectives that it states its programs and courses are designed to meet;
(h) The number, availability and qualifications, including the training and experience, of its faculty and other personnel;
(i) The availability of part-time employment or other forms of financial assistance;
(j) The nature and availability of any tutorial or specialized instruction, guidance and counseling, or other supplementary assistance it will provide its students before, during or after the completion of a course;
(k) The nature of extent of any prerequisites established for enrollment in any course; or
(l) Any matters required to be disclosed to prospective students under §§ 668.44 and 668.47 of this part.
Misrepresentation by an institution of the nature of its financial charges includes, but is not limited to, false, erroneous or misleading statements concerning—
(a) Offers of scholarships to pay all or part of a course charge, unless a scholarship is actually used to reduce tuition charges made known to the student in advance. The charges made known to the student in advance are the charges applied to all students not receiving a scholarship; or
(b) Whether a particular charge is the customary charge at the institution for a course.
Misrepresentation by an institution regarding the employability of its graduates includes, but is not limited to, false, erroneous or misleading statements—
(a) That the institution is connected with any organization or is an employment agency or other agency providing authorized training leading directly to employment.
(b) That the institution maintains a placement service for graduates or will
(c) Concerning government job market statistics in relation to the potential placement of its graduates.
(a) On receipt of a written allegation or compliant from a student enrolled at the institution, a prospective student, the family of a student or prospective student, or a governmental official, the designated department official as defined in § 688.81 reviews the allegation or compliant to determine its factual base and seriousness.
(b) If the misrepresentation is minor and can be readily corrected, the designated department official informs the institution and endeavors to obtain an informal, voluntary correction.
(c) If the designated department official finds that the complaint or allegation is a substantial misrepresentation as to the nature of the educational programs, the financial charges of the institution or the employability of its graduates, the official—
(1) Initiates action to fine or to limit, suspend or terminate the institution's eligibility to participate in the Title IV, HEA programs according to the procedures set forth in subpart G, or
(2) Take other appropriate action.
(a) This subpart establishes regulations for the following actions with respect to a participating institution or third-party servicer:
(1) An emergency action.
(2) The imposition of a fine.
(3) The limitation, suspension, or termination of the participation of the institution in a title IV, HEA program.
(4) The limitation, suspension, or termination of the eligibility of the servicer to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program.
(b) This subpart applies to an institution or a third-party servicer that violates any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA.
(c) This subpart does not apply to a determination that—
(1) An institution or any of its locations or educational programs fails to qualify for initial designation as an eligible institution, location, or educational program because the institution, location, or educational program fails to satisfy the statutory and regulatory provisions that define an eligible institution or educational program with respect to the Title IV, HEA program for which a designation of eligibility is sought;
(2) An institution fails to qualify for initial certification or provisional certification to participate in any Title IV, HEA program because the institution does not meet the factors of financial responsibility and standards of administrative capability contained in subpart B of this part;
(3) A participating institution's or a provisionally certified participating institution's period of participation, as specified under § 668.13, has expired; or
(4) A participating institution's provisional certification is revoked under the procedures in § 668.13.
(d) This subpart does not apply to a determination by the Secretary of the system to be used to disburse Title IV, HEA program funds to a participating institution (i.e., advance payments and payments by way of reimbursements).
(e) This subpart does not apply to the termination of the eligibility of an institution to participate in the Title IV, HEA programs if that termination results from the Secretary's receipt of a notice from a State postsecondary review entity under 34 CFR part 667 that indicates the SPRE has determined
(a) A participating institution or a third-party servicer that contracts with that institution acts in the nature of a fiduciary in the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs. To participate in any Title IV, HEA program, the institution or servicer must at all times act with the competency and integrity necessary to qualify as a fiduciary.
(b) In the capacity of a fiduciary—
(1) A participating institution is subject to the highest standard of care and diligence in administering the programs and in accounting to the Secretary for the funds received under those programs; and
(2) A third-party servicer is subject to the highest standard of care and diligence in administering any aspect of the programs on behalf of the institutions with which the servicer contracts and in accounting to the Secretary and those institutions for any funds administered by the servicer under those programs.
(c) The failure of a participating institution or any of the institution's third-party servicers to administer a Title IV, HEA program, or to account for the funds that the institution or servicer receives under that program, in accordance with the highest standard of care and diligence required of a fiduciary, constitutes grounds for—
(1) An emergency action against the institution, a fine on the institution, or the limitation, suspension, or termination of the institution's participation in that program; or
(2) An emergency action against the servicer, a fine on the servicer, or the limitation, suspension, or termination of the servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in that program.
(d)(1) A participating institution or a third-party servicer with which the institution contracts violates its fiduciary duty if—
(i)(A) The servicer has been convicted of, or has pled
(B) A person who exercises substantial control over the servicer, as determined according to § 668.15, has been convicted of, or has pled
(C) The servicer employs a person in a capacity that involves the administration of Title IV, HEA programs or the receipt of Title IV, HEA program funds who has been convicted of, or has pled
(D) The servicer uses or contracts in a capacity that involves any aspect of the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs with any other person, agency, or organization that has been or whose officers or employees have been—
(
(
(ii) Upon learning of a conviction, plea, or administrative or judicial determination described in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, the institution or servicer, as applicable, does not promptly remove the person, agency, or organization from any involvement
(2) A violation for a reason contained in paragraph (d)(1) of this section is grounds for terminating—
(i) The servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program; and
(ii) The participation in any Title IV, HEA program of any institution under whose contract the servicer committed the violation, if that institution had been aware of the violation and had failed to take the appropriate action described in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section.
(e)(1) A participating institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, violates its fiduciary duty if—
(i)(A) The institution or servicer, as applicable, is debarred or suspended under Executive Order (E.O.) 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; or
(B) Cause exists under 34 CFR 85.305 or 85.405 for debarring or suspending the institution, servicer, or any principal or affiliate of the institution or servicer under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; and
(ii) Upon learning of the debarment, suspension, or cause for debarment or suspension, the institution or servicer, as applicable, does not promptly—
(A) Discontinue the affiliation; or
(B) Remove the principal from responsibility for any aspect of the administration of an institution's or servicer's participation in the Title IV, HEA programs.
(2) A violation for a reason contained in paragraph (e)(1) of this section is grounds for terminating—
(i) The institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program; and
(ii) The servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program. The violation is also grounds for terminating, under this subpart, the participation in any Title IV, HEA program of any institution under whose contract the servicer committed the violation, if that institution knew or should have known of the violation.
(f)(1) The debarment of a participating institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, or another Federal agency from participation in Federal programs, under procedures described in 34 CFR 85.201(c) terminates, for the duration of the debarment—
(i) The institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program; and
(ii) The servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.
(2)(i) The suspension of a participating institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, or another Federal agency from participation in Federal programs, under procedures described in 34 CFR 85.201(c), suspends—
(A) The institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program; and
(B) The servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.
(ii) A suspension described in paragraph (f)(2) of this section lasts for a period of 60 days, beginning on the effective date specified in the notice by the Secretary under 34 CFR 85.201(b), unless—
(A) The institution or servicer, as applicable, and the Secretary, agree to an extension of the suspension; or
(B) The Secretary begins a limitation or termination proceeding against the institution or servicer, as applicable, under this subpart before the 60th day of the suspension.
(3) A debarment or suspension not described in (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this section of a participating institution or third-party servicer by another Federal
(a) Under an emergency action, the Secretary may—
(1) Withhold Title IV, HEA program funds from a participating institution or its students, or from a third-party servicer, as applicable;
(2)(i) Withdraw the authority of the institution or servicer, as applicable, to commit, disburse, deliver, or cause the commitment, disbursement, or delivery of Title IV, HEA program funds; or
(ii) Withdraw the authority of the institution or servicer, as applicable, to commit, disburse, deliver, or cause the commitment, disbursement, or delivery of Title IV, HEA program funds except in accordance with a particular procedure; and
(3)(i) Withdraw the authority of the servicer to administer any aspect of any institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program; or
(ii) Withdraw the authority of the servicer to administer any aspect of any institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program except in accordance with a particular procedure.
(b)(1) An initiating official begins an emergency action against an institution or third-party servicer by sending the institution or servicer a notice by registered mail, return receipt requested. In an emergency action against a third-party servicer, the official also sends the notice to each institution that contracts with the servicer. The official also may transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means if practical.
(2) The emergency action takes effect on the date the initiating official mails the notice to the institution or servicer, as applicable.
(3) The notice states the grounds on which the emergency action is based, the consequences of the emergency action, and that the institution or servicer, as applicable, may request an opportunity to show cause why the emergency action is unwarranted.
(c)(1) An initiating official takes emergency action against an institution or third-party servicer only if that official—
(i) Receives information, determined by the official to be reliable, that the institution or servicer, as applicable, is violating any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA;
(ii) Determines that immediate action is necessary to prevent misuse of Title IV, HEA program funds; and
(iii) Determines that the likelihood of loss from that misuse outweighs the importance of awaiting completion of any proceeding that may be initiated to limit, suspend, or terminate, as applicable—
(A) The participation of the institution in one or more Title IV, HEA programs; or
(B) The eligibility of the servicer to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program.
(2) Examples of violations of a Title IV, HEA program requirement that cause misuse and the likely loss of Title IV, HEA program funds include—
(i) Causing the commitment, disbursement, or delivery by any party of Title IV, HEA program funds in an amount that exceeds—
(A) The amount for which students are eligible; or
(B) The amount of principal, interest, or special allowance payments that would have been payable to the holder of a Federal Stafford, Federal PLUS, or Federal SLS loan if a refund allocable to that loan had been made in the amount and at the time required;
(ii) Using, offering to make available, or causing the use or availability of Title IV, HEA program funds for educational services if—
(A) The institution, servicer, or agents of the institution or servicer have made a substantial misrepresentation as described in §§ 668.72, 668.73, or 668.74 related to those services;
(B) The institution lacks the administrative or financial ability to provide those services in full; or
(C) The institution, or servicer, as applicable, lacks the administrative or financial ability to compensate by appropriate refund for any portion of an educational program not completed by a student; and
(iii) Engaging in fraud involving the administration of a Title IV, HEA program. Examples of fraud include—
(A) Falsification of any document received from a student or pertaining to a student's eligibility for assistance under a Title IV, HEA program;
(B) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document submitted by the institution or servicer to the Secretary;
(C) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document used for or pertaining to—
(
(
(D) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document submitted to a guaranty agency under the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal SLS programs or an independent auditor;
(E) Falsification of any document submitted to a third-party servicer by an institution or to an institution by a third-party servicer pertaining to the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program; and
(F) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document pertaining to the performance of any loan collection activity, including activity that is not required by the HEA or applicable program regulations.
(3) If the Secretary begins an emergency action against a third-party servicer, the Secretary may also begin an emergency action against any institution under whose contract a third-party servicer commits the violation.
(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, after an emergency action becomes effective, an institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, may not—
(i) Make or increase awards or make other commitments of aid to a student under the applicable Title IV, HEA program;
(ii) Disburse either program funds, institutional funds, or other funds as assistance to a student under that Title IV, HEA program;
(iii) In the case of an emergency action pertaining to participation in the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, or Federal SLS Program—
(A) Certify an application for a loan under that program;
(B) Deliver loan proceeds to a student under that program; or
(C) Retain the proceeds of a loan made under that program that are received after the emergency action takes effect; or
(iv) In the case of an emergency action against a third-party servicer, administer any aspect of any institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.
(2) If the initiating official withdraws, by an emergency action, the authority of the institution or servicer to commit, disburse, deliver, or cause the commitment, disbursement, or delivery of Title IV, HEA program funds, or the authority of the servicer to administer any aspect of any institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, except in accordance with a particular procedure specified in the notice of emergency action, the institution or servicer, as applicable, may not take any action described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section except in accordance with the procedure specified in the notice.
(e)(1) Upon request by the institution or servicer, as applicable, the Secretary provides the institution or servicer, as soon as practicable, with an opportunity to show cause that the emergency action is unwarranted or should be modified.
(2) An opportunity to show cause consists of an opportunity to present evidence and argument to a show-cause
(3) The show-cause official may limit the time and manner in which argument and evidence may be presented in order to avoid unnecessary delay or the presentation of immaterial, irrelevant, or repetitious matter.
(4) The institution or servicer, as applicable, has the burden of persuading the show-cause official that the emergency action imposed by the notice is unwarranted or should be modified because—
(i) The grounds stated in the notice did not, or no longer, exist;
(ii) The grounds stated in the notice will not cause loss or misuse of Title IV, HEA program funds; or
(iii) The institution or servicer, as applicable, will use procedures that will reliably eliminate the risk of loss from the misuse described in the notice.
(5) The show-cause official continues, modifies, or revokes the emergency action promptly after consideration of any argument and evidence presented by the institution or servicer, as applicable, and the initiating official.
(6) The show-cause official notifies the institution or servicer, as applicable, of that official's determination promptly after the completion of the show-cause meeting or, if no meeting is requested, after the official receives all the material submitted by the institution in opposition to the emergency action. In the case of a notice to a third-party servicer, the official also notifies each institution that contracts with the servicer of that determination. The show-cause official may explain that determination by adopting or modifying the statement of reasons provided in the notice of emergency action.
(f)(1) An emergency action does not extend more than 30 days after initiated unless the Secretary initiates a limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding under this part or under 34 CFR part 600 against the institution or servicer, as applicable, within that 30-day period, in which case the emergency action continues until a final decision is issued in that proceeding, as provided in § 668.90(c), as applicable.
(2) Until a final decision is issued by the Secretary in a proceeding described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, any action affecting the emergency action is at the sole discretion of the initiating official, or, if a show- cause proceeding is conducted, the show-cause official.
(3) If an emergency action extends beyond 180 days by virtue of paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the institution or servicer, as applicable, may then submit written material to the show-cause official to demonstrate that because of facts occurring after the later of the notice by the initiating official or the show-cause meeting, continuation of the emergency action is unwarranted and the emergency action should be modified or ended. The show-cause official considers any written material submitted and issues a determination that continues, modifies, or revokes the emergency action.
(g) The expiration of an emergency action, or its modification or revocation by the show-cause official, does not bar subsequent emergency action on a ground other than one specifically identified in the notice imposing the prior emergency action. Separate grounds may include violation of an agreement or limitation imposed or resulting from the prior emergency action.
(a)
(i) Violates any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under
(ii) Substantially misrepresents the nature of—
(A) In the case of an institution, its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates; or
(B) In the case of a third-party servicer, as applicable, the educational program, financial charges, or employability of the graduates of any institution that contracts with the servicer.
(2) If the Secretary begins a fine proceeding against a third-party servicer, the Secretary also may begin a fine, limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding against any institution under whose contract a third-party servicer commits the violation.
(b)
(i) Informs the institution or servicer of the Secretary's intent to fine the institution or servicer, as applicable, and the amount of the fine and identifies the alleged violations that constitute the basis for the action;
(ii) Specifies the proposed effective date of the fine, which is at least 20 days from mailing of the notice of intent;
(iii) Informs the institution or servicer that the fine will not be effective on the date specified in the notice if the designated department official receives from the institution or servicer, as applicable, by that date a written request for a hearing or written material indicating why the fine should not be imposed; and
(iv) In the case of a fine proceeding against a third-party servicer, informs each institution that is affected by the alleged violations of the consequences of the action to the institution.
(2) If the institution or servicer does not request a hearing but submits written material, the designated department official, after considering that material, notifies the institution or, in the case of a third-party servicer, the servicer and each institution affected by the alleged violations that—
(i) The fine will not be imposed; or
(ii) The fine is imposed as of a specified date, and in a specified amount.
(3) If the institution or servicer requests a hearing by the time specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the designated department official sets the date and the place. The date is at least 15 days after the designated department official receives the request.
(4) A hearing official conducts a hearing in accordance with § 668.88.
(c)
(a)
(i) Violates any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA; or
(ii) Substantially misrepresents the nature of—
(A) In the case of an institution, its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates; or
(B) In the case of a third-party servicer, as applicable, the educational program, financial charges, or employability of the graduates of any institution that contracts with the servicer.
(2) If the Secretary begins a suspension proceeding against a third-party servicer, the Secretary also may begin a fine, limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding against any institution under whose contract a third-party servicer commits the violation.
(3) The suspension may not exceed 60 days unless—
(i) The institution or servicer and the Secretary agree to an extension if the institution or servicer, as applicable, has not requested a hearing; or
(ii) The designated department official begins a limitation or termination proceeding under § 668.86.
(b)
(i) Informs the institution or servicer of the intent of the Secretary to suspend the institution's participation or the servicer's eligibility, as applicable, cites the consequences of that action, and identifies the alleged violations that constitute the basis for the action;
(ii)(A) Specifies the proposed effective date of the suspension, which is at least 20 days after the date of mailing of the notice of intent; or
(B) In the case of a suspension action taken due to the institution's FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or, if applicable, weighted average cohort rate, the proposed effective date of the suspension is no more than 30 days after the date of the mailing of the notice of intent.
(iii) Informs the institution or servicer that the suspension will not be effective on the date specified in the notice, except as provided in § 668.90(b)(2), if the designated department official receives from the institution or servicer, as applicable, by that date a request for a hearing or written material indicating why the suspension should not take place; and
(iv) In the case of a suspension proceeding against a third-party servicer, informs each institution that contracts with the servicer of the consequences of the action to the institution.
(2) If the institution or servicer does not request a hearing, but submits written material, the designated department official, after considering that material, notifies the institution or, in the case of a third-party servicer, the servicer and each institution that contracts with the servicer that—
(i) The proposed suspension is dismissed; or
(ii) The suspension is effective as of a specified date.
(3) If the institution or servicer requests a hearing by the time specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the designated department official sets the date and place. The date is at least 15 days after the designated department official receives the request. In the case of a hearing for an institution subject to suspension action because of its FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or, if applicable, weighted average cohort rate, the hearing is set no later than 20 days after the date the designated department official receives the request. The suspension does not take place until after the requested hearing is held.
(4) A hearing official conducts a hearing in accordance with § 668.88.
(c)
(a)
(i) Violates any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA; or
(ii) Substantially misrepresents the nature of—
(A) In the case of an institution, its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates; or
(B) In the case of a third-party servicer, as applicable, the educational program, financial charges, or employability of the graduates of any institution that contracts with the servicer.
(2) If the Secretary begins a limitation or termination proceeding against a third-party servicer, the Secretary also may begin a fine, limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding against any institution under whose contract a third-party servicer commits the violation.
(3) The consequences of the limitation or termination of the institution's participation or the servicer's eligibility are described in §§ 668.93 and 668.94, respectively.
(b)
(i) Informs the institution or servicer of the intent of the Secretary to limit or terminate the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility, as applicable, cites the consequences of that action, and identifies the alleged violations that constitute the basis for the action, and, in the case of a limitation proceeding, states the limits to be imposed;
(ii)(A) Specifies the proposed effective date of the limitation or termination, which is at least 20 days after the date of mailing of the notice of intent; or
(B) In the case of a limitation or termination action based on an institution's FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or, if applicable, weighted average cohort rate, the proposed effective date of the termination is no more than 30 days after the date of the mailing of the notice of intent.
(iii) Informs the institution or servicer that the limitation or termination will not be effective on the date specified in the notice if the designated department official receives from the institution or servicer, as applicable, by that date a request for a hearing or written material indicating why the limitation or termination should not take place; and
(iv) In the case of a limitation or termination proceeding against a third-party servicer, informs each institution that contracts with the servicer of the consequences of the action to the institution.
(2) If the institution or servicer does not request a hearing but submits written material, the designated department official, after considering that material, notifies the institution or, in the case of a third-party servicer, the servicer and each institution that contracts with the servicer that—
(i) The proposed action is dismissed;
(ii) Limitations are effective as of a specified date; or
(iii) The termination is effective as of a specified date.
(3) If the institution or servicer requests a hearing by the time specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the designated department official sets the date and place. The date is at least 15 days after the designated department official receives the request. In the case of a hearing for an institution subject to limitation or termination action because of its FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or, if applicable, weighted average cohort rate, the hearing is set no later than 20 days after
(4) A hearing official conducts a hearing in accordance with § 668.88.
(c)
(a) A hearing official may convene a prehearing conference if he or she thinks that the conference would be useful, or if the conference is requested by—
(1) The designated department official who brought a proceeding against an institution or third-party servicer under this subpart; or
(2) The institution or servicer, as applicable.
(b) The purpose of a prehearing conference is to allow the parties to settle or narrow the dispute.
(c) If the hearing official, the designated department official, and the institution, or servicer, as applicable, agree, a prehearing conference may consist of—
(1) A conference telephone call;
(2) An informal meeting; or
(3) The submission and exchange of written material.
(a) A hearing is an orderly presentation of arguments and evidence conducted by a hearing official.
(b) If the hearing official, the designated department official who brought a proceeding against an institution or third-party servicer under this subpart, and the institution or servicer, as applicable, agree, the hearing process may be expedited. Procedures to expedite the hearing process may include, but are not limited to, the following—
(1) A restriction on the number or length of submissions;
(2) The conduct of the hearing by telephone conference call;
(3) A stipulation by the parties to facts and legal authorities not in dispute; or
(4) A review limited to the written record.
(c)(1) The formal rules of evidence and procedures applicable to proceedings in a court of law are not applicable. However, discussions of settlement between the parties or the terms of settlement offers are not admissible.
(2) The designated department official has the burden of persuasion in any fine, suspension, limitation or termination proceeding under this subpart.
(3) Discovery, as provided for under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, is not permitted.
(4) The hearing official accepts only evidence that is relevant and material to the proceeding and is not unduly repetitious.
(d) The designated department official makes a transcribed record of the proceeding and makes one copy of the record available to the institution or servicer.
(a) The hearing official regulates the course of a hearing and the conduct of the parties during the hearing. The hearing official takes all necessary steps to conduct a fair and impartial hearing.
(b)(1) The hearing official is not authorized to issue subpoenas.
(2) If requested by the hearing official, the parties to a hearing shall provide available personnel who have knowledge about the matter under review for oral or written examination.
(c) The hearing official takes whatever measures are appropriate to expedite a hearing. These measures may include, but are not limited to, the following—
(1) Scheduling of conferences;
(2) Setting time limits for hearings and submission of written documents; and
(3) Terminating the hearing and issuing a decision against a party if that party does not meet those time limits.
(d) The hearing official is bound by all applicable statutes and regulations. The hearing official may not—
(1) Waive applicable statutes and regulations; or
(2) Rule them invalid.
(a)(1)(i) A hearing official issues a written initial decision in a hearing by certified mail, return receipt requested to—
(A) The designated department official who began a proceeding against an institution or third-party servicer;
(B) The institution or servicer, as applicable; and
(C) In the case of a proceeding against a third-party servicer, each institution that contracts with the servicer.
(ii) The hearing official may also transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means if practical.
(iii) The hearing official issues the decision within the latest of the following dates:
(A) The 30th day after the last submission is filed with the hearing official.
(B) The 60th day after the last submission is filed with the hearing official if the Secretary, upon request of the hearing official, determines that the unusual complexity of the case requires additional time for preparation of the decision.
(C) The 50th day after the last day of the hearing, if the hearing official does not request the parties to make any posthearing submission.
(D) For hearings regarding the limitation, suspension, or termination of an institution based on an institution's FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or, if applicable, weighted average cohort rate, the 30th day after the conclusion of the hearing.
(2) The hearing official's initial decision states whether the imposition of the fine, limitation, suspension, or termination sought by the designated department official is warranted, in whole or in part. If the designated department official brought a termination action against the institution or servicer, the hearing official may, if appropriate, issue an initial decision to fine the institution or servicer, as applicable, or, rather than terminating the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility, as applicable, impose one or more limitations on the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a)(2) of this section—
(i) If, in a termination action against an institution, the hearing official finds that the institution has violated the provisions of § 668.14(b)(18), the hearing official also finds that termination of the institution's participation is warranted;
(ii) If, in a termination action against a third-party servicer, the hearing official finds that the servicer has violated the provisions of § 668.82(d)(1), the hearing official also finds that termination of the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility, as applicable, is warranted;
(iii) If an action brought against an institution or third-party servicer involves its failure to provide surety in the amount specified by the Secretary under § 668.15, the hearing official finds that the amount of the surety established by the Secretary was appropriate, unless the institution can demonstrate that the amount was unreasonable;
(iv) In a limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding commenced on the grounds described in § 668.17(a) (2) and (3), if the hearing official finds that an institution's FFEL Program cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or, if applicable, weighted average cohort rate meets the conditions specified in § 668.17(a) (2) and (3) for initiation of limitation, suspension, or termination proceedings, the hearing official also finds that the sanction sought by the designated department
(v) In a termination action taken against an institution or third-party servicer based on the grounds that the institution or servicer failed to comply with the requirements of § 668.23(c)(3), if the hearing official finds that the institution or servicer failed to meet those requirements, the hearing official finds that the termination is warranted;
(vi) In a termination action against an institution based on the grounds that the institution is not financially responsible under § 668.15(c)(1), the hearing official finds that the termination is warranted unless the institution demonstrates that all applicable conditions described in § 668.15(d)(4) have been met; and
(vii) In a termination action against an institution or third-party servicer on the grounds that the institution or servicer, as applicable, engaged in fraud involving the administration of any Title IV, HEA program, the hearing official finds that the termination action is warranted if the hearing official finds that the institution or servicer, as applicable, engaged in that fraud. Examples of fraud include—
(A) Falsification of any document received from a student or pertaining to a student's eligibility for assistance under a Title IV, HEA program;
(B) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document submitted by the institution or servicer to the Department of Education;
(C) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document used for or pertaining to—
(
(
(D) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document submitted to a guaranty agency under the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal SLS programs, an independent auditor, an eligible institution, or a third-party servicer;
(E) Falsification of any document submitted to a third-party servicer by an institution or to an institution by a third-party servicer pertaining to the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program; and
(F) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document pertaining to the performance of any loan collection activity, including activity that is not required by the HEA or applicable program regulations.
(4) The hearing official bases findings of fact only on evidence considered at the hearing and on matters given judicial notice. If a hearing is conducted solely through written submissions, the parties must agree to findings of fact.
(b)(1) In a suspension proceeding, the Secretary reviews the hearing official's initial decision and issues a final decision within 20 days after the initial decision. The Secretary adopts the initial decision unless it is clearly unsupported by the evidence presented at the hearing.
(2) The Secretary notifies the institution or servicer and, in the case of a suspension proceeding against a third-party servicer, each institution that contracts with the servicer of the final decision. If the Secretary suspends the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility, the suspension takes effect on the later of—
(i) The day that the institution or servicer receives the notice; or
(ii) The date specified in the designated department official's original
(3) A suspension may not exceed 60 days unless a designated department official begins a limitation or termination proceeding under this subpart before the expiration of that period. In that case, the period may be extended until a final decision is issued in that proceeding according to paragraph (c) of this section.
(c)(1) In a fine, limitation, or termination proceeding, the hearing official's initial decision automatically becomes the Secretary's final decision 30 days after the initial decision is issued and received by both parties unless, within that 30-day period, the institution or servicer, as applicable, or the designated department official appeals the initial decision to the Secretary.
(2)(i) A party may appeal the hearing official's initial decision by submitting to the Secretary, within 30 days after the party receives the initial decision, a brief or other written statement that explains why the party believes that the Secretary should reverse or modify the decision of the hearing official.
(ii) At the time the party files its appeal submission, the party shall provide a copy of that submission to the opposing party.
(iii) The opposing party shall submit its brief or other responsive statement to the Secretary, with a copy to the appellant, within 30 days after the opposing party receives the appellant's brief or written statement.
(iv) The appealing party may submit proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law. However, the proposed findings of fact must be supported by—
(A) The evidence introduced into the record at the hearing;
(B) Stipulations of the parties if the hearing consisted of written submissions; or
(C) Matters that may be judicially noticed.
(v) Neither party may introduce new evidence on appeal.
(vi) The initial decision of the hearing official imposing a fine or limiting or terminating the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility does not take effect pending the appeal.
(vii) The Secretary renders a final decision. The Secretary may delegate to a designated department official the functions described in paragraph (c)(2) (vii) through (ix) of this section.
(viii) In rendering a final decision, the Secretary considers only evidence introduced into the record at the hearing and facts agreed to by the parties if the hearing consisted only of written submissions and matters that may be judicially noticed.
(ix) If the hearing official finds that a termination is warranted pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the Secretary may affirm, modify, or reverse the initial decision, or may remand the case to the hearing official for further proceedings consistent with the Secretary's decision. If the Secretary affirms the initial decision without issuing a statement of reasons, the Secretary adopts the opinion of the hearing official as the decision of the Secretary. If the Secretary modifies, remands, or reverses the initial decision, in whole or in part, the Secretary's decision states the reasons for the action taken.
(a)
(1) A request by an institution or third-party servicer for a hearing or show-cause opportunity, other material submitted by an institution or third-party servicer in response to a notice of proposed action under this subpart, or an appeal to the Secretary under this subpart must be filed with the designated department official by hand-delivery, mail, or facsimile transmission.
(2) Documents filed by facsimile transmission must be transmitted to the designated department official
(3) The Secretary discourages the use of facsimile transmission for documents longer than five pages.
(4) If agreed upon by the parties, service of a document required to be served on another party may be made upon the other party by facsimile transmission.
(b)
(2) The date on which a request for a show-cause opportunity, a request for a hearing, other material submitted in response to a notice of action under this subpart, a decision by a hearing official, or a notice of appeal is received is, as applicable—
(i) The date of receipt evidenced on the original receipt for a document sent by certified mail.
(ii) The date following the date recorded by the delivery service as the date material was sent for a document sent by next-day delivery service.
(iii) The date a document sent by regular mail is recorded, according to the regular business practice of the office receiving the document, as received.
(iv) The date a document sent by facsimile transmission is recorded as received by the facsimile equipment that receives the transmission.
(c)
(a) In determining the amount of a fine, the designated department official, hearing official, and Secretary take into account—
(1) (i) The gravity of an institution's or third-party servicer's violation or failure to carry out the relevant statutory provision, regulatory provision, special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA; or
(ii) The gravity of the institution's or servicer's misrepresentation;
(2) The size of the institution;
(3) The size of the servicer's business, including the number of institutions and students served by the servicer;
(4) In the case of a violation by a third-party servicer, the extent to which the servicer can document that the institution contributed to that violation; and
(5) For purposes of assessing a fine on a third-party servicer, the extent to which—
(i) Violations are caused by repeated mechanical systemic unintentional errors. The Secretary counts the total of violations caused by a repeated mechanical systemic unintentional error as a single violation, unless the servicer has been cited for a similar violation previously and had failed to make the appropriate corrections to the system; and
(ii) The financial loss of Title IV, HEA program funds was attributable to a repeated mechanical systemic unintentional error.
(b) In determining the gravity of the institution's or servicer's violation, failure, or misrepresentation under paragraph (a) of this section, the designated department official, hearing official, and Secretary take into account the amount of any liability owed by the institution and any third-party servicer that contracts with the institution, and the number of students affected as a result of that violation, failure, or misrepresentation on—
(1) Improperly expended or unspent Title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution or servicer, as applicable; or
(2) Required refunds.
(c) Upon the request of the institution or third-party servicer, the Secretary may compromise the fine.
A limitation may include, as appropriate to the Title IV, HEA program in question—
(a) A limit on the number or percentage of students enrolled in an institution who may receive Title IV, HEA program funds;
(b) A limit, for a stated period of time, on the percentage of an institution's total receipts from tuition and fees derived from Title IV, HEA program funds;
(c) A limit on the number or size of institutions with which a third-party servicer may contract;
(d) A limit on the number of borrower or loan accounts that a third-party servicer may service under a contract with an institution;
(e) A limit on the responsibilities that a third-party servicer may perform under a contract with an institution;
(f) A requirement for a third-party servicer to perform additional responsibilities under a contract with an institution;
(g) A requirement that an institution obtain surety, in a specified amount, to assure its ability to meet its financial obligations to students who receive Title IV, HEA program funds;
(h) A requirement that a third-party servicer obtain surety, in a specified amount, to assure the servicer's ability to meet the servicer's financial obligations under a contract; or
(i) Other conditions as may be determined by the Secretary to be reasonable and appropriate.
(a) A termination.
(1) Ends an institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program or ends a third-party servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program;
(2) Ends the authority of a third-party servicer to administer any aspect of any institution's participation in that program;
(3) Prohibits an institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, or the Secretary from making or increasing awards under that program;
(4) Prohibits an institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, from making any other new commitments of funds under that program; and
(5) If an institution's participation in the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, or Federal SLS Program has been terminated, prohibits further guarantee commitments by the Secretary for loans under that program to students to attend that institution, and, if the institution is a lender under that program, prohibits further disbursements by the institution (whether or not guarantee commitments have been issued by the Secretary or a guaranty agency for those disbursements).
(b) After its participation in a Title IV, HEA program has been terminated, an institution may disburse or deliver funds under that Title IV, HEA program to students enrolled at the institution only in accordance with § 668.26 and with any additional requirements imposed under this part.
(c) If a third-party servicer's eligibility is terminated, the servicer must return to each institution that contracts with the servicer any funds received by the servicer under the applicable Title IV, HEA program on behalf of the institution or the institution's students or otherwise dispose of those funds under instructions from the Secretary. The servicer also must return to each institution that contracts with the servicer all records pertaining to the servicer's administration of that program on behalf of that institution.
(a) The designated department official, hearing official, or Secretary may require an institution or third-party
(b) The corrective action may include payment of any funds to the Secretary, or to designated recipients, that the institution or servicer, as applicable, improperly received, withheld, disbursed, or caused to be disbursed. Corrective action may, for example, relate to—
(1) With respect to the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal SLS programs—
(i) Ineligible interest benefits, special allowances, or other claims paid by the Secretary; and
(ii) Discounts, premiums, or excess interest paid in violation of 34 CFR part 682; and
(2) With respect to all Title IV, HEA programs—
(i) Refunds required under program regulations; and
(ii) Any grants, work-study assistance, or loans made in violation of program regulations.
(c) If any final decision requires an institution or third-party servicer to reimburse or make any other payment to the Secretary, the Secretary may offset these claims against any benefits or claims due to the institution or servicer.
(a)(1) An institution whose participation in a Title IV, HEA program has been terminated may file a request for reinstatement of that participation.
(2) A third-party servicer whose eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program has been terminated may file a request for reinstatement of that eligibility.
(b) An institution whose participation has been terminated or a third-party servicer whose eligibility has been terminated may request reinstatement only after the later of the expiration of—
(1) Eighteen months from the effective date of the termination; or
(2) A debarment or suspension under Executive Order 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4.
(c) To be reinstated, an institution or third-party servicer must submit its request for reinstatement in writing to the Secretary and must—
(1) Demonstrate to the Secretary's satisfaction that it has corrected the violation or violations on which its termination was based, including payment in full to the Secretary or to other recipients of funds that the institution or servicer, as applicable, has improperly received, withheld, disbursed, or caused to be disbursed;
(2) Meet all applicable requirements of this part; and
(3) In the case of an institution, enter into a new program participation agreement with the Secretary.
(d) The Secretary, within 60 days of receiving the reinstatement request—
(1) Grants the request;
(2) Denies the request; or
(3) Grants the request subject to a limitation or limitations.
(a) An institution whose participation in a Title IV, HEA program has been limited may not apply for removal of the limitation before the expiration of 12 months from the effective date of the limitation.
(b) A third-party servicer whose eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program has been limited may request removal of the limitation.
(c) The institution or servicer may not apply for removal of the limitation before the later of the expiration of—
(1) Twelve months from the effective date of the limitation; or
(2) A debarment or suspension under Executive Order 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4.
(d) If the institution or servicer requests removal of the limitation, the request must be in writing and show that the institution or servicer, as applicable, has corrected the violation or violations on which the limitation was based.
(e) No later than 60 days after the Secretary receives the request, the Secretary responds to the institution or servicer—
(1) Granting its request;
(2) Denying its request; or
(3) Granting the request subject to other limitation or limitations.
(f) If the Secretary denies the request or establishes other limitations, the Secretary grants the institution or servicer, upon the institution's or servicer's request, an opportunity to show cause why the participation or eligibility, as applicable, should be fully reinstated.
(g) The institution's or servicer's request for an opportunity to show cause does not waive—
(1) The institution's right to participate in any or all Title IV, HEA programs if it complies with the continuing limitation or limitations pending the outcome of the opportunity to show cause; and
(2) The servicer's right to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, if the servicer complies with the continuing limitation pending the outcome of the opportunity to show cause.
(a) A ruling by a hearing official may not be appealed to the Secretary until the issuance of an initial decision, except that the Secretary may, at any time prior to the issuance of the initial decision, grant a review of a ruling upon either a certification by a hearing official of the ruling to the Secretary for review or the filing of a petition for review of a ruling by one or both of the parties, if—
(1) That ruling involves a controlling question of substantive or procedural law; and
(2) The immediate resolution of the question will materially advance the final disposition of the proceeding or subsequent review will be an inadequate remedy.
(b)(1) A petition for interlocutory review of an interim ruling must include the following:
(i) A brief statement of the facts necessary to an understanding of the issue on which review is sought.
(ii) A statement of the issue.
(iii) A statement of the reasons showing that the ruling complained of involves a controlling question of substantive or procedural law and why immediate review of the ruling will materially advance the disposition of the case, or why subsequent review will be an inadequate remedy.
(2) A petition may not exceed ten pages, double-spaced, and must be filed with a copy of the ruling and any findings and opinions relating to the ruling.
(c) A copy of the petition must be provided to the hearing official at the time of filing with the secretary, and a copy of a petition or any certification must be served upon the parties by certified mail, return receipt requested. The petition or certification must reflect this service.
(d) If a party files a petition under this section, the hearing official may state to the Secretary a view as to whether review is appropriate or inappropriate by submitting a brief statement addressing the party's petition within 10 days of the receipt of that petition by the hearing official. A copy of the statement must be served on all parties by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(e) A party's response to a petition or certification for interlocutory review must be filed within seven days after
(f) The filing of a petition for interlocutory review does not automatically stay the proceedings. A stay during consideration of a petition for review may be granted by the hearing official if that official has certified or stated to the Secretary that review of the ruling is appropriate. The Secretary may order a stay of proceedings at any time after the filing of a request for interlocutory review.
(g) The Secretary notifies the parties if a petition or certification for interlocutory review is accepted, and may provide the parties a reasonable time within which to submit written argument with regard to the merit of the petition or certification.
(h) If the Secretary takes no action on a petition or certification for review within 15 days of receipt of it, the request is deemed to be denied.
(i) The Secretary may affirm, modify, set aside, or remand the interim ruling of the hearing official.
(j) The Secretary may delegate to a designated department official the functions described in paragraphs (f) through (i) of this section.
(a) This subpart establishes rules governing the appeal by an institution or third-party servicer from a final audit determination or a final program review determination arising from an audit or program review of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program or of the servicer's administration of any aspect of an institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.
(b) This subpart applies to any participating institution or third-party servicer that appeals a final audit determination or final program review determination.
(c) This subpart does not apply to proceedings governed by subpart G of this part or to a determination that—
(1) An institution fails to meet the applicable statutory definition set forth in sections 435, 481, or 1201 of the HEA, except to the extent that such a determination forms the basis of a final audit determination or a final program review determination; or
(2) An institution fails to qualify for certification to participate in the title IV, HEA programs because it does not meet the fiscal and administrative standards set forth in subpart B of this part, except to the extent that such a determination forms the basis of a final audit determination or a program review determination.
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
(a)
(1) An institution's participation in any or all of the Title IV, HEA programs; or
(2) A third-party servicer's administration of any aspect of an institution's participation in any or all of the Title IV, HEA programs.
(b)
(1) An institution's participation in any or all of the Title IV, HEA programs; or
(2) A third-party servicer's administration of any aspect of an institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.
(a) An institution or third-party servicer seeking the Secretary's review of a final audit determination or a final program review determination shall file a written request for review with the designated department official.
(b) The institution or servicer shall file its request for review and any records or materials admissible under the terms of § 668.116(e) and (f), no later than 45 days from the date that the institution or servicer receives the final audit determination or final program review determination.
(c) The institution or servicer shall attach to the request for review a copy of the final audit determination or final program review determination, and shall—
(1) Identify the issues and facts in dispute; and
(2) State the institution's or servicer's position, as applicable, together with the pertinent facts and reasons supporting that position.
(a) Upon receipt of an institution's or third-party servicer's request for review, the designated department official arranges for a hearing before a hearing official.
(b) Within 30 days of the designated department official's receipt of an institution's or third-party servicer's request for review, the hearing official notifies the designated department official and the parties to the proceeding of the schedule for the submission of briefs by both the designated department official and, as applicable, the institution or servicer.
(c) The hearing official schedules the submission of briefs and of accompanying evidence admissible under the terms of § 668.116 (e) and (f) to occur no later than 120 days from the date that the hearing official notifies the institution or servicer.
(a) In the event that the hearing official considers a prehearing conference necessary, he may convene a prehearing conference.
(b) The purpose of a prehearing conference is to allow the parties to settle or narrow the dispute. A prehearing conference consists of—
(1) A telephone conference call;
(2) An informal meeting of the parties with the hearing official; or
(3) The submission and exchange of written materials by the parties.
(c) All prehearing conferences requiring appearances by the parties shall take place in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
(a) A hearing is a process conducted by the hearing official whereby an orderly presentation of arguments and evidence is made by the parties.
(b) The hearing process consists of the submission of written briefs to the hearing official by the institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, and by the designated department official, unless the hearing official determines, under paragraph (g) of this section, that an oral hearing is also necessary.
(c) Each party shall provide a copy of its brief and any accompanying materials to the opposing party simultaneously with the filing of its brief and materials with the hearing official.
(d) An institution or third-party servicer requesting review of the final audit determination or final program review determination issued by the designated department official shall have the burden of proving the following matters, as applicable:
(1) That expenditures questioned or disallowed were proper.
(2) That the institution or servicer complied with program requirements.
(e)(1) A party may submit as evidence to the hearing official only materials within one or more of the following categories:
(i) Department of Education audit reports and audit work papers for audits performed by the department's Office of Inspector General.
(ii) In the case of an institution, institutional audit work papers, records, and other materials, if the institution provided those work papers, records, or materials to the Department of Education no later than the date by which the institution was required to file its request for review in accordance with § 668.113.
(iii) In the case of a third-party servicer, the servicer's audit work papers and the records and other materials of the servicer or any institution that contracts with the servicer, if the servicer provided those work papers, records, or materials to the Department of Education no later than the date that the servicer was required to file the request for review under § 668.113.
(iv) Department of Education program review reports and work papers for program reviews.
(v) Institutional or servicer records and other materials (including records and other materials of any institution that contracts with the servicer) provided to the Department of Education in response to a program review, if the records or materials were provided to the Department of Education by the institution or servicer no later than the date by which the institution or servicer was required to file its request for review in accordance with § 668.113.
(vi) Other Department of Education records and materials if the records and materials were provided to the hearing official no later than 30 days after the institution's or servicer's filing of its request for review.
(2) A party desiring to submit as evidence any materials described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall submit that evidence with its initial brief.
(f) The hearing official accepts only evidence that is both admissible and timely under the terms of paragraph (e) of this section, and relevant and material to the appeal. Examples of evidence that shall be deemed irrelevant and immaterial except upon a clear showing of probative value respecting the matters described in paragraph (d) of this section include—
(1) Evidence relating to a period of time other than the period of time covered by the audit or program review;
(2) Evidence relating to an audit or program review of an institution or third-party servicer other than the institution or servicer bringing the appeal, or the resolution thereof; and
(3) Evidence relating to the current practice of the institution or servicer bringing the appeal in the program areas at issue in the appeal.
(g)(1) The hearing official may schedule an oral argument if he or she determines that an oral argument is necessary to clarify the issues and the positions of the parties as presented in the parties’ written submissions.
(2) In the event that an oral argument is conducted, the designated department official makes a transcribed record of the proceedings and makes one copy of that record available to each of the parties to the proceeding.
(h) Any oral argument shall take place in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
(i) Either party may be represented by counsel.
(a) The hearing official regulates the course of the proceedings and the conduct of the parties following a request for review and takes all steps necessary to conduct fair and impartial proceedings.
(b) The hearing official is not authorized to issue subpoenas or compel discovery as provided for in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
(c) The hearing official shall take whatever measures are appropriate to
(1) Scheduling of conferences.
(2) Setting time limits for oral arguments and the submission of briefs.
(3) Terminating the hearing process and issuing a decision against a party if that party does not meet time limits established by the hearing official.
(d) The hearing official is bound by all applicable statutes and regulations. The hearing official may not—
(1) Waive applicable statutes and regulations; or
(2) Rule them invalid.
(a) Upon review of the parties’ written submissions and termination of the oral argument if one is held, the hearing official issues a written decision.
(b) The hearing official's decision states and explains whether the final audit determination or final program review determination issued by the designated ED official was supportable, in whole or in part.
(c) The hearing official bases any findings of fact only on evidence properly presented before him, on matters given official notice, or on facts stipulated to by the parties.
(a) Within 30 days of its receipt of the initial decision of the hearing official, a party wishing to appeal the decision shall submit a brief or other written material to the Secretary explaining why the decision of the hearing official should be overturned or modified.
(b) The party appealing the initial decision shall, simultaneously with its filing of the appeal, provide the opposing party with a copy of its brief or other written material.
(c) In its brief to the Secretary, the party appealing the initial decision may submit proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law. However, the proposed findings of fact must be supported by—
(1) The admissible evidence already in the record;
(2) Matters that may be given official notice; or
(3) Stipulations of the parties
(d) The opposing party shall file its response to the appeal, if any, with the Secretary within 30 days of that party's receipt of the appeal to the Secretary.
(e) The opposing party shall, simultaneously with the filing of any response, provide a copy of its response to the appeal to the party appealing the initial decision.
(f) Neither party may introduce new evidence on appeal.
(a)(1) The Secretary issues a final decision. The Secretary may affirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the hearing official, or may remand the case to the hearing official for further proceedings consistent with the Secretary's decision.
(2) The Secretary may delegate the performance of functions under this section to a designated department official.
(b) If the Secretary modifies, remands, or overturns the initial decision of the hearing official, the Secretary issues a decision that—
(1) Includes a statement of the reasons for this action;
(2) Is provided to both parties; and
(3) Unless the decision is remanded to the hearing official for further review or determination of fact, becomes final upon its issuance.
(a) In the event that the initial decision of the hearing official is appealed, the decision of the Secretary is the final decision of the Department, unless the hearing official's decision is remanded by the Secretary.
(b) In the event that the initial decision of the hearing official is not appealed within the time limit specified in § 668.119(a), the initial decision automatically becomes the final decision of the Department.
(a) The request for review, appeals, and other written submissions referred to in this subpart may be either hand-delivered or mailed.
(b) All mailed written submissions referred to in this subpart shall be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(c) Determination of filing, receipt, or submission dates shall be based on either the date of hand-delivery or the date of receipt indicated on the original U.S. Postal Service return receipt.
To the extent that the decision of the Secretary sustains the final audit determination or program review determination, subject to the provisions of § 668.24(c)(3), the Department of Education will take steps to collect the debt at issue or otherwise effect the determination that was subject to the request for review.
(a) A ruling by a hearing official may not be appealed to the Secretary until the issuance of an initial decision, except that the Secretary may, at any time prior to the issuance of the initial decision, grant a review of a ruling upon either a certification by a hearing official of the ruling to the Secretary for review or the filing of a petition for review of a ruling by one or both of the parties, if—
(1) That ruling involves a controlling question of substantive or procedural law; and
(2) The immediate resolution of the question will materially advance the final disposition of the proceeding or subsequent review will be an inadequate remedy.
(b)(1) A petition for interlocutory review of an interim ruling must include the following:
(i) A brief statement of the facts necessary to an understanding of the issue on which review is sought.
(ii) A statement of the issue.
(iii) A statement of the reasons showing that the ruling complained of involves a controlling question of substantive or procedural law and why immediate review of the ruling will materially advance the disposition of the case, or why subsequent review will be an inadequate remedy.
(2) A petition may not exceed ten pages, double-spaced, and must be filed with a copy of the ruling and any findings and opinions relating to the ruling.
(c) A copy of the petition must be provided to the hearing official at the time of filing with the Secretary, and a copy of a petition or any certification must be served upon the parties by certified mail, return receipt requested. The petition or certification must reflect this service.
(d) If a party files a petition under this section, the hearing official may state to the Secretary a view as to whether review is appropriate or inappropriate by submitting a brief statement addressing the party's petition within 10 days of the receipt of that petition by the hearing official. A copy of the statement must be served on all parties by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(e) A party's response to a petition or certification for interlocutory review must be filed within seven days after service of the petition or statement, as applicable, and may not exceed ten pages, double-spaced, in length. A copy
(f) The filing of a petition for interlocutory review does not automatically stay the proceedings. A stay during consideration of a petition for review may be granted by the hearing official if that official has certified or stated to the Secretary that review of the ruling is appropriate. The Secretary may order a stay of proceedings at any time after the filing of a request for interlocutory review.
(g) The Secretary notifies the parties if a petition or certification for interlocutory review is accepted, and may provide the parties a reasonable time within which to submit written argument with regard to the merit of the petition or certification.
(h) If the Secretary takes no action on a petition or certification for review within 15 days of receipt of it, the request is deemed to be denied.
(i) The Secretary may affirm, modify, set aside, or remand the interim ruling of the hearing official.
(j) The Secretary may delegate to a designated department official the functions described in paragraphs (f) through (i) of this section.
20 U.S.C. 1091, 1092, and 1094, unless otherwise noted.
(a)
(b)
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
(a) Except as provided in § 668.133(a)(1)(ii), the institution shall determine a student to be an eligible noncitizen if the institution receives an output document for that student establishing that—
(1) The INS has confirmed the student's immigration status; and
(2) The student's immigration status meets the noncitizen eligibility requirements of § 668.7(a)(4)(ii).
(b) If an institution determines a student to be an eligible noncitizen in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the institution may not require the student to produce the documentation otherwise required under § 668.7(a)(4)(ii).
(a)
(1) The institution—
(i) Receives an output document indicating that the student must provide the institution with evidence of the student's immigration status required under § 668.7(a)(4)(ii); or
(ii) Receives an output document that satisfies the requirements of § 668.132(a) (1) and (2), but the institution—
(A) Has documentation that conflicts with immigration-status documents submitted by the student or the immigration status reported on the output document; or
(B) Has reason to believe that the immigration status reported by the student or on the output document is incorrect; and
(2) The institution determines that the immigration-status documents submitted by the student constitute reasonable evidence of the student's claim to be an eligible noncitizen.
(b)
(i) Demonstrates eligibility under the provisions of § 668.33 (a)(1) or (b); or
(ii) Demonstrated eligibility under the provisions of § 668.33(a)(2) in a previous award year as a result of secondary confirmation and the documents used to establish that eligibility have not expired; and
(iii) The institution does not have conflicting documentation or reason to believe that the student's claim of citizenship or immigration status is incorrect.
(a) An institution shall establish and use written policies and procedures for requesting proof and securing confirmation of the immigration status of applicants for title IV, HEA student financial assistance who claim to meet the eligibility requirements of § 668.7(a)(4)(ii). These policies and procedures must include—
(1) Providing the student a deadline by which to provide the documentation that the student wishes to have considered to support the claim that the student meets the requirements of § 668.7(a)(4)(ii);
(2) Providing to the student information concerning the consequences of a failure to provide the documentation by the deadline set by the institution; and
(3) Providing that the institution will not make a determination that the student is not an eligible noncitizen until the institution has provided the student the opportunity to submit the
(b) An institution shall furnish, in writing, to each student required to undergo secondary confirmation—
(1) A clear explanation of the documentation the student must submit as evidence that the student satisfies the requirements of § 668.7(a)(4)(ii); and
(2) A clear explanation of the student's responsibilities with respect to the student's compliance with § 668.7(a)(4)(ii), including the deadlines for completing any action required under this subpart and the consequences of failing to complete any required action, as specified in § 668.137.
Within 10 business days after an institution receives the documentary evidence of immigration status submitted by a student required to undergo secondary confirmation, the institution shall—
(a) Complete the request portion of the INS Document Verification Request Form G-845;
(b) Copy front and back sides of all immigration-status documents received from the student and attach copies to the Form G-845; and
(c) Submit Form G-845 and attachments to the INS District Office.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, an institution that has requested secondary confirmation under § 668.133(a) shall make its determination concerning a student's eligibility under § 668.7(a)(4)(ii) by relying on the INS response to the Form G-845.
(b) An institution shall make its determination concerning a student's eligibility under § 668.7(a)(4)(ii) pending the institution's receipt of an INS response to the institution's Form G-845 request concerning that student, if—
(1) The institution has given the student an opportunity to submit documents to the institution to support the student's claim to be an eligible noncitizen;
(2) The institution possesses sufficient documentation concerning a student's immigration status to make that determination;
(3) At least 15 business days have elapsed from the date that the institution sent the Form G-845 request to the INS;
(4) The institution has no documentation that conflicts with the immigration-status documentation submitted by the student; and
(5) The institution has no reason to believe that the immigration status reported by the applicant is incorrect.
(c) An institution shall establish and use policies and procedures to ensure that, if the institution has disbursed or released title IV, HEA funds to the student in the award year or employed the student under the Federal Work-Study Program, and the institution determines, in reliance on the INS response to the institution's request for secondary confirmation regarding that student, that the student was in fact not an eligible noncitizen during that award year, the institution provides the student with notice of the institution's determination, an opportunity to contest the institution's determination, and notice of the institution's final determination.
(a) A student shall submit before a deadline specified by the institution all documentation the student wishes to have considered to support a claim that the student meets the requirements of § 668.7(a)(4)(ii). The deadline, set by the institution, must be not less
(b) If a student fails to submit the documentation by the deadline established in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the institution may not disburse to the student, or certify the student as eligible for, any title IV, HEA program funds for that period of enrollment or award year; employ the student under the Federal Work-Study Program; or certify a Federal Stafford, Federal PLUS, or Federal SLS loan application for the student for that period of enrollment.
(a) A student is liable for any SSIG, Federal SEOG, or Federal Pell Grant payment and for any Federal Stafford, Federal SLS, or Federal Perkins loan made to him or her if the student was ineligible for the title IV, HEA assistance.
(b) A Federal PLUS loan borrower is liable for any Federal PLUS loan made to him or her on behalf of an ineligible student.
(c) The Secretary does not take any action against an institution with respect to an error in the institution's determination that a student is an eligible noncitizen if, in making that determination, the institution followed the provisions in this subpart and relied on—
(1) An output document for that student indicating that the INS has confirmed that the student's immigration status meets the eligibility requirements for title IV, HEA assistance;
(2) An INS determination of the student's immigration status and the authenticity of the student's immigration documents provided in response to the institution's request for secondary confirmation; or
(3) Immigration-status documents submitted by the student and the institution did not have reason to believe that the documents did not support the student's claim to be an eligible noncitizen.
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, if an institution makes an error in its determination that a student is an eligible noncitizen, the institution is liable for any title IV, HEA disbursements made to this student during the award year or period of enrollment for which the student applied for title IV, HEA assistance.
(a) If an institution makes a payment of a grant or a disbursement of a Federal Perkins loan to an ineligible student for which it is not liable in accordance with § 668.138, it shall assist the Secretary in recovering the funds by—
(1) Making a reasonable effort to contact the student; and
(2) Making a reasonable effort to collect the payment or Federal Perkins loan.
(b) If an institution causes a Federal Stafford, Federal SLS, or Federal PLUS loan to be disbursed to an ineligible student or Federal PLUS loan borrower for which it is not liable in accordance with § 668.138, it shall assist the Secretary in recovering the funds by notifying the lender that the student has failed to establish eligibility under the requirements of § 682.201(d).
(c) If an institution is liable for a payment of a grant or Federal Perkins loan to an ineligible student, the institution shall restore the amount equal to the payment or disbursement to the institution's Federal Perkins loan fund or Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, or SSIG amount, even if the institution cannot collect the payment or disbursement from the student.
(d) If an institution is liable for a Federal Stafford, Federal SLS, or Federal PLUS loan disbursement to an ineligible student, the institution shall repay an amount equal to the disbursement to the Federal Stafford, Federal SLS, or Federal PLUS lender and provide written notice to the borrower.
(a) This subpart sets forth the provisions under which a student who has neither a high school diploma nor its recognized equivalent may become eligible to receive Title IV, HEA program funds by—
(1) Achieving a passing score, specified by the Secretary, on an independently administered test approved by the Secretary under this subpart; or
(2) Being enrolled in an eligible institution that participates in a State process approved by the Secretary under this subpart.
(b) Under this subpart, the Secretary sets forth—
(1) The procedures and criteria the Secretary uses to approve tests;
(2) The basis on which the Secretary specifies a passing score on each approved test;
(3) The procedures and conditions under which the Secretary determines that an approved test is independently administered; and
(4) The procedures and conditions under which the Secretary determines that a State process demonstrates that students in the process have the ability to benefit from the education and training being offered to them.
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
(1) Is located at an eligible institution that provides two-year or four-year degrees, or qualifies as an eligible public vocational institution,
(2) Is responsible for gathering and evaluating information about individual students for multiple purposes, including appropriate course placement;
(3) Is independent of the admissions and financial aid processes at the institution at which it is located;
(4) Is staffed by professionally trained personnel; and
(5) Does not have as its primary purpose the administration of ability-to-benefit tests.
(a) The Secretary approves tests or other assessments submitted by a State that the State uses to measure a student's skills and abilities for the purpose of determining whether the student has the skills and abilities the State expects of a high school graduate in that State.
(b) The Secretary approves passing scores or other methods of evaluation established by the State for each test or assessment described in paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) If the Secretary approves a State's tests and assessments and the
(d) If a State wishes to have the Secretary approve its tests or assessments under this section, the State shall—
(1) Submit to the Secretary those tests and assessments, its passing scores on those tests and assessments, and the educational standards those tests and assessments measure at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe;
(2) Provide the Secretary with an explanation of how the tests, assessments, and passing scores are appropriate in light of the State's educational standards; and
(3) Provide the Secretary with an assurance that the tests and assessments will be administered in an independent, fair, and secure manner.
Except as provided in § 668.143—
(a) The Secretary only reviews tests under this subpart that are submitted by the publisher of that test;
(b) A test publisher that wishes to have its test approved by the Secretary under this subpart must submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe. The application shall contain all the information necessary for the Secretary to approve the test under this subpart, including but not limited to, the information contained in this section; and
(c) A test publisher shall include with its application—
(1) A summary of the precise editions, forms, levels, and (if applicable) sub-tests and abbreviated tests for which approval is being sought;
(2) The name, address, and telephone number of a contact person to whom the Secretary may address inquiries;
(3) Each edition and form of the test for which the publisher requests approval;
(4) The distribution of test scores for each edition, form, level, sub-test, or partial battery, for which approval is sought, that allows the Secretary to prescribe the passing score for each test in accordance with § 668.147;
(5) Documentation of test development, including a history of the test's use;
(6) Norming data and other evidence used in determining the distribution of test scores;
(7) Material that defines the content domains addressed by the test;
(8) For tests first published five years or more before the date submitted to the Secretary for review and approval, documentation of periodic reviews of the content and specifications of the test to ensure that the test continues to reflect secondary school level verbal and quantitative skills;
(9) If a test has been revised from the most recent edition approved by the Secretary, an analysis of the revisions, including the reasons for the revisions, the implications of the revisions for the comparability of scores on the current test to scores on the previous test, and data from validity studies of the test undertaken subsequent to the revisions;
(10) A description of the manner in which test-taking time was determined in relation to the content representativeness requirements in § 668.146(b)(2), and an analysis of the effects of time on performance;
(11) A technical manual that includes—
(i) An explanation of the methodology and procedures for measuring the reliability of the test;
(ii) Evidence that different forms of the test, including, if applicable, short forms, are comparable in reliability;
(iii) Other evidence demonstrating that the test permits consistent assessment of individual skill and ability;
(iv) Evidence that the test was normed using—
(A) Groups that were of sufficient size to produce defensible standard errors of the mean and were not disproportionately composed of any race or gender; and
(B) A contemporary population representative of persons who are beyond the usual age of compulsory school attendance in the United States;
(v) Documentation of the level of difficulty of the test;
(vi) Unambiguous scales and scale values so that standard errors of measurement can be used to determine statistically significant differences in performance; and
(vii) Additional guidance on the interpretation of scores resulting from any modifications of the tests for persons with documented disabilities.
(12) The manual provided to test administrators containing procedures and instructions for test security and administration, and the forwarding of tests to the test publisher;
(13) An analysis of the item-content of each edition, form, level, and (if applicable) sub-test to demonstrate compliance with the required secondary school level criterion specified in § 668.146(b);
(14) For performance-based tests or tests containing performance-based sections, a description of the training or certification required of test administrators and scorers by the test publisher;
(15) A description of retesting procedures and the analysis upon which the criteria for retesting are based; and
(16) Other evidence establishing the test's compliance with the criteria for approval of tests as provided in § 668.146.
Except as provided in § 668.143—
(a)(1) When the Secretary receives a complete application from a test publisher, the Secretary selects experts in the field of educational testing and assessment, who possess appropriate advanced degrees and experience in test development or psychometric research, to determine whether the test meets the requirements for test approval contained in §§ 668.146, 668.147, 668.148, or 668.149, as appropriate, and to advise the Secretary of their determinations;
(2) If the test involves a language other than English, the Secretary selects at least one individual described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section who is fluent in the language in which the test is written to advise the Secretary on whether the test meets the additional criteria, provisions, and conditions for test approval contained in §§ 668.148 and 668.149;
(b) The Secretary determines whether the test publisher's test meets the criteria and requirements for approval after taking the advice of the experts into account;
(c)(1) If the Secretary determines that a test satisfies the criteria and requirements for test approval, the Secretary notifies the test publisher of the Secretary's decision, and publishes the name of the test and the passing scores in the
(2) If the Secretary determines that a test does not satisfy the criteria and requirements for test approval, the Secretary notifies the test publisher of the Secretary's decision, and the reasons why the test did not meet those criteria and requirements.
(3) The test publisher may request that the Secretary reevaluate the Secretary's decision. Such a request must be accompanied by—
(i) Documentation and information that address the reasons for the non-approval of the test; and
(ii) An analysis of why the information and documentation submitted meet the criteria and requirements for test approval notwithstanding the Secretary's earlier decision to the contrary.
(d)(1) The Secretary approves a test for a period not to exceed five years from the date of the Secretary's written notice to the test publisher.
(2) The Secretary extends the approval period of a test to include the period of review if the test publisher re-submits the test for review and approval under § 668.144 at least six months before the date on which the test approval is scheduled to expire;
(e) The approval of a test may be withdrawn if the Secretary determines that the publisher violated any terms of the agreement described in § 668.150,
(f) If the Secretary revokes approval of a previously approved test, the Secretary publishes a notice of that revocation in the
(g) For test batteries that contain multiple sub-tests measuring content domains other than verbal and quantitative domains, the Secretary reviews only those subtests covering verbal and quantitative domains.
Except as provided in § 668.143—
(a) Except as provided in § 668.148, the Secretary approves a test under this subpart if the test meets the criteria set forth in paragraph (b) of this section and the test publisher satisfies the requirements set forth in paragraph (c) of this section;
(b) To be approved under this subpart, a test shall—
(1) Assess secondary school level basic verbal and quantitative skills and general learned abilities;
(2) Sample the major content domains of secondary school level verbal and quantitative skills with sufficient numbers of questions to—
(i) Adequately represent each domain; and
(ii) Permit meaningful analyses of item-level performance by students who are representative of the contemporary population beyond the age of compulsory school attendance and have earned a high school diploma;
(3) Require appropriate test-taking time to permit adequate sampling of the major content domains described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section;
(4) Have all forms (including short forms) comparable in reliability;
(5) If the test is revised, have new scales, scale values, and scores that are demonstrably comparable to the old scales, scale values, and scores; and
(6) Meet all primary and applicable conditional and secondary standards for test construction provided in the 1985 edition of the
(7) Have publisher's guidelines for retesting, including time between test-taking, be based on empirical analyses that are part of the studies of test reliability; and
(c) In order for a test to be approved under this subpart, a test publisher shall—
(1) Include in the test booklet or package—
(i) Clear, specific, and complete instructions for test administration, including information for test takers on the purpose, timing, and scoring of the test; and
(ii) Sample questions representative of the content and average difficulty of the test;
(2) Have two or more secure, equated, alternate forms of the test;
(3) Except as provided in §§ 668.148 and 668.149, provide tables of distributions of test scores which clearly indicate the mean score and standard deviation for high school graduates who have taken the test within three years prior to the date on that the test is submitted to the Secretary for approval under § 668.144;
(4) Norm the test with—
(i) Groups that were of sufficient size to produce defensible standard errors of the mean and were not disproportionately composed of any race or gender; and
(ii) A contemporary population representative of persons who are beyond the usual age of compulsory school attendance in the United States; and
(5) If test batteries include sub-tests assessing different verbal and/or quantitative skills, a distribution of test scores as described in paragraph (c)(3) of this section that allows the Secretary to prescribe either—
(i) A passing score for each sub-test; or
(ii) One composite passing score for verbal skills and one composite passing score for quantitative skills.
Except as provided in §§ 668.143, 668.148 and 668.149, to demonstrate that a test taker has the ability to benefit from the education and training offered, the Secretary specifies that the passing score on each approved test is one standard deviation below the mean for students with high school diplomas who have taken the test within three years before the date on which the test is submitted to the Secretary for approval.
Except as provided in § 668.143—
(a) In addition to satisfying the criteria in § 668.146, to be approved by the Secretary, a test or a test publisher must meet the following criteria, if applicable:
(1) In the case of a test that is performance-based, or includes performance-based sections, for measuring writing, speaking, listening, or quantitative problem-solving skills, the test publisher must provide—
(i) A minimum of four parallel forms of the test; and
(ii) A description of the training provided to test administrators, and the criteria under which trained individuals are certified to administer and score the test.
(2) In the case of a test developed for a non-native speaker of English who is enrolled in a program that is taught in his or her native language, the test must be—
(i) Linguistically accurate and culturally sensitive to the population for which the test is designed, regardless of the language in which the test is written;
(ii) Supported by documentation detailing the development of normative data;
(iii) If translated from an English version, supported by documentation of procedures to determine its reliability and validity with reference to the population for which the translated test was designed;
(iv) Developed in accordance with guidelines provided in the 1985 edition of the “Testing Linguistic Minorities” section of the
(v)(A) If the test is in Spanish, accompanied by a distribution of test scores that clearly indicates the mean
(B) If the test is in a language other than Spanish, accompanied by a recommendation for a provisional passing score based upon performance of a sample of test takers representative of the intended population and large enough to produce stable norms.
(3) In the case of a test that is modified for use for persons with disabilities, the test publisher must—
(i) Follow guidelines provided in the “Testing People Who Have Handicapping Conditions” section of the
(ii) Provide documentation of the appropriateness and feasibility of the modifications relevant to test performance; and
(iii) Recommend passing score(s) based on the previous performance of test-takers.
(4) In the case of a computer-based test, the test publisher must—
(i) Provide documentation to the Secretary that the test complies with the basic principles of test construction and standards of reliability and validity as promulgated in the
(ii) Provide test administrators with instructions for familiarizing test takers with computer hardware prior to test-taking; and
(iii) Provide two or more parallel, equated forms of the test, or, if parallel forms are generated from an item pool, provide documentation of the methods of item selection for alternate forms; and
(b) If a test is designed solely to measure the English language competence of non-native speakers of English—
(1) The test must meet the criteria set forth in § 668.146(b)(6), and § 668.146 (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(4); and
(2) The test publisher must recommend a passing score based on the mean score of test takers beyond the age of compulsory school attendance who entered U.S. high school equivalency programs, formal training programs, or bilingual vocational programs.
If no test is reasonably available for persons with disabilities or students whose native language is not English and who are not fluent in English, so that no test can be approved under §§ 668.146 or 668.148 for these students, the following procedures apply:
(a)
(2) The Secretary considers the passing scores for these testing procedures or instruments to be those recommended by the test developer, provided that the test administrator—
(i) Uses those procedures or instruments;
(ii) Maintains appropriate documentation, including a description of the procedures or instruments, their content domains, technical properties, and scoring procedures; and
(iii) Observes recommended passing scores.
(b)
(1) The Secretary has not approved any test in that native language;
(2) The test was not previously rejected for approval by the Secretary;
(3) The test measures both basic verbal and quantitative skills at the secondary school level; and
(4) The passing scores and the methods for determining the passing scores are fully documented.
(a) If the Secretary approves a test under this subpart, the test publisher must enter into an agreement with the Secretary that contains the provisions set forth in paragraph (b) of this section before an institution may use the test to determine a student's eligibility for Title IV, HEA program funds.
(b) The agreement between a test publisher and the Secretary provides that the test publisher shall—
(1) Allow only test administrators that it certifies to give its test;
(2) Certify test administrators who have—
(i) The necessary training, knowledge, and skill to test students in accordance with the test publisher's testing requirements; and
(ii) The ability and facilities to keep its test secure against disclosure or release;
(3) Decertify a test administrator for a period that coincides with the period for which the publisher's test is approved if the test publisher finds that the test administrator—
(i) Has repeatedly failed to give its test in accordance with the publisher's instructions;
(ii) Has not kept the test secure;
(iii) Has compromised the integrity of the testing process; or
(iv) Has given the test in violation of the provisions contained in § 668.151;
(4) Score a test answer sheet that it receives from a test administrator;
(5) If a computer-based test, provide the test administrator with software that will:
(i) Immediately generate a score report for each test taker;
(ii) Allow the test administrator to send to the test publisher a secure write-protected diskette copy of the test taker's performance on each test item and the test taker's test scores; and
(iii) Prohibit any changes in test taker responses or test scores.
(6) Promptly send to the student and the institution the student indicated he or she is attending or scheduled to attend a notice stating the student's score for the test and whether or not the student passed the test;
(7) Keep for a period of three years each test answer sheet or electronic record forwarded for scoring and all other documents forwarded by the test administrator with regard to the test;
(8) Three years after the date the Secretary approves the test and for each subsequent three-year period, analyze the test scores of students to determine whether the test scores produce any irregular pattern that raises an inference that the tests were not being properly administered, and provide the Secretary with a copy of this analysis; and
(9) Upon request, give the Secretary, a guaranty agency, or an accrediting agency access to test records or other documents related to an audit, investigation, or program review of the institution, test publisher, or test administrator.
(c)(1) The Secretary may terminate an agreement with a test publisher if the test publisher fails to carry out the terms of the agreement described in paragraph (b) of this section.
(2) Before terminating the agreement, the Secretary gives the test publisher the opportunity to show that it has not failed to carry out the terms of its agreement.
(3) If the Secretary terminates an agreement with a test publisher under this section, the Secretary notifies institutions through publication in the
(a)(1) To establish a student's eligibility for Title IV, HEA program funds under this subpart, if a student has not passed an approved state test, under § 668.143, an institution must select a certified test administrator to give an approved test.
(2) An institution may use the results of an approved test to determine a student's eligibility to receive Title IV, HEA programs funds if the test was independently administered and properly administered.
(b) The Secretary considers that a test is independently administered if the test is—
(1) Given at an assessment center by a test administrator who is an employee of the center; or
(2) Given by a test administrator who—
(i) Has no current or prior financial or ownership interest in the institution, its affiliates, or its parent corporation, other than the interest obtained through its agreement to administer the test, and has no controlling interest in any other educational institution;
(ii) Is not a current or former employee of or consultant to the institution, its affiliates, or its parent corporation, a person in control of another institution, or a member of the family of any of these individuals;
(iii) Is not a current or former member of the board of directors, a current or former employee of or a consultant to a member of the board of directors, chief executive officer, chief financial officer of the institution or its parent corporation or at any other institution, or a member of the family of any of the above individuals; and
(iv) Is not a current or former student of the institution.
(c) The Secretary considers that a test is not independently administered if an institution—
(1) Compromises test security or testing procedures;
(2) Pays a test administrator a bonus, commission, or any other incentive based upon the test scores or pass rates of its students who take the test;
(3) Otherwise interferes with the test administrator's independence or test administration.
(d) The Secretary considers that a test is properly administered if the test administrator—
(1) Is certified by the test publisher to give the publisher's test;
(2) Administers the test in accordance with instructions provided by the test publisher, and in a manner that ensures the integrity and security of the test;
(3) Makes the test available only to a test-taker, and then only during a regularly scheduled test;
(4) Secures the test against disclosure or release;
(5) Submits the completed test to the test publisher within two business days after test administration in accordance with the test publisher's instructions; and
(6) Upon request, gives the Secretary, guaranty agency, licensing agency, accrediting agency, and law enforcement agencies access to test records or other documents related to an audit, investigation, or program review of the institution, or test publisher.
(e) Except as provided in § 668.152, a certified test administrator may not score a test.
(f) A student who fails to pass a test approved under this subpart may not retake the same form of the test for the period prescribed by the test's publisher.
(g) An institution shall maintain a record for each student who took a test under this subpart of—
(1) The test taken by the student;
(2) The date of the test; and
(3) The student's scores as reported by the test publisher, assessment center, or State.
(a)(1) If a test is given by an assessment center, the assessment center shall properly administer the test as described in § 668.151(d).
(b)(1) Unless an agreement between a test publisher and an assessment center indicates otherwise, an assessment center scores the tests it gives and promptly notifies the institution and the student of the student's score on the test and whether the student passed the test.
(2) If the assessment center scores the test, it must provide annually to the test publisher—
(i) All copies of completed tests; or
(ii) A report listing all test-takers’ scores and institutions to which the scores were sent.
Except as provided in § 668.143—
(a)
(1) If the student is enrolled in a program conducted entirely in his or her native language, the student must take a test approved under §§ 668.146 and 668.148(a)(2), or 668.149(b).
(2) If the student is enrolled in a program that is taught in English with an ESL component, and the student is enrolled in that program and the ESL component, the student must take either an ESL test approved under § 668.148(b), or a test in the student's native language approved under §§ 668.146, 668.148 or 668.149.
(3) If the student is enrolled in a program that is taught in English without an ESL component, or the student does not enroll in the ESL component if the institution offers such a component, the student must take a test in English approved under § 668.146.
(4) If the student enrolls in an ESL program, the student must take an ESL test approved under § 668.148(b); and
(b)
(2) The test must reflect the student's skills and general learned abilities rather than reflect the student's impairment.
(3) The institution shall document that a student is disabled and unable to be evaluated by the use of a conventional test from the list of tests approved by the Secretary.
(4) Documentation of a student's impairment may be satisfied by—
(i) A written determination, including a diagnosis and recommended testing accommodations, by a licensed psychologist or medical physician; or
(ii) A record of such a determination by an elementary or secondary school or a vocational rehabilitation agency, including a diagnosis and recommended testing accommodations.
An institution shall be liable for the Title IV, HEA program funds disbursed to a student whose eligibility is determined under this subpart only if the institution—
(a) Used a test administrator who was not independent of the institution at the time the test was given;
(b) Compromises the testing process in any way; or
(c) Is unable to document that the student received a passing score on an approved test.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, an institution may continue to base an eligibility determination under section 484(d) of the HEA for a student on a test that was an approved test as of June 30, 1996, and the passing score on that test, until 60 days after the Secretary publishes in the
(b) If an institution properly based a student's eligibility determination for purposes of section 484(d) of the HEA on a test and passing score that was in effect on June 30, 1996, the institution does not have to redetermine the student's eligibility based upon a test and passing score that was approved under §§ 668.143 through 668.149.
(a)(1) A State that wishes the Secretary to consider its State process as an alternative to achieving a passing score on an approved, independently administered test for the purpose of determining a student's eligibility for Title IV, HEA program funds must apply to the Secretary for approval of that process.
(2) To be an approved State process, the State process does not have to include all the institutions located in that State, but must indicate which institutions are included.
(b) The Secretary approves a State's process if—
(1) The State administering the process can demonstrate that the students it admits under that process without a high school diploma or its equivalent, who enroll in participating institutions have a success rate as determined under paragraph (h) of this section that is within 95 percent of the success rate of students with high school diplomas; and
(2) The State's process satisfies the requirements contained in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
(c) A State process must require institutions participating in the process to provide each student they admit without a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent with the following services—
(1) Orientation regarding the institution's academic standards and requirements, and student rights;
(2) Assessment of each student's existing capabilities through means other than a single standardized test;
(3) Tutoring in basic verbal and quantitative skills, if appropriate;
(4) Assistance in developing educational goals;
(5) Counseling, including counseling regarding the appropriate class level for that student given the student's individual's capabilities; and
(6) Follow-up by teachers and counselors regarding the student's classroom performance and satisfactory progress toward program completion.
(d) A State process must—
(1) Monitor on an annual basis each participating institution's compliance with the requirements and standards contained in the State's process;
(2) Require corrective action if an institution is found to be in noncompliance with the State process requirements; and
(3) Terminate an institution from the State process if the institution refuses or fails to comply with the State process requirements.
(e)(1) The Secretary responds to a State's request for approval of its State's process within six months after the Secretary's receipt of that request. If the Secretary does not respond by the end of six months, the State's process becomes effective.
(2) An approved State process becomes effective for purposes of determining student eligibility for Title IV, HEA program funds under this subpart six months after the date on which the State submits the process to the Secretary for approval, if the Secretary approves, or does not disapprove, the process during that six month period.
(f) The Secretary approves a State process for a period not to exceed five years.
(g)(1) The Secretary withdraws approval of a State process if the Secretary determines that the State process violated any terms of this section or that the information that the State submitted as a basis for approval of the State process was inaccurate.
(2) The Secretary provides a State with the opportunity to contest a finding that the State process violated any terms of this section or that the information that the State submitted as a basis for approval of the State process was inaccurate.
(h) The State shall calculate the success rates as referenced in paragraph (b) of this section by—
(1) Determining the number of students with high school diplomas who, during the applicable award year described in paragraph (i) of this section, enrolled in participating institutions and—
(i) Successfully completed education or training programs;
(ii) Remained enrolled in education or training programs at the end of that award year; or
(iii) Successfully transferred to and remained enrolled in another institution at the end of that award year;
(2) Determining the number of students with high school diplomas who enrolled in education or training programs in participating institutions during that award year;
(3) Determining the number of students calculated in paragraph (h)(2) of this section who remained enrolled after subtracting the number of students who subsequently withdrew or were expelled from participating institutions and received a 100 percent refund of their tuition under the institutions’ refund policies;
(4) Dividing the number of students determined in paragraph (h)(1) of this section by the number of students determined in paragraph (h)(3) of this section;
(5) Making the calculations described in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this section for students without a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent who enrolled in participating institutions.
(i) For purposes of paragraph (h) of this section, the applicable award year is the latest complete award year for which information is available that immediately precedes the date on which the State requests the Secretary to approve its State process, except that the award year selected must be one of the latest two completed award years preceding that application date.
(a)
(i) Promote sound cash management of title IV, HEA program funds by an institution;
(ii) Minimize the financing costs to the Federal Government of making title IV, HEA program funds available to a student or an institution; and
(iii) Minimize the costs that accrue to a student under a title IV, HEA loan program.
(2) The rules and procedures that apply to an institution under this subpart also apply to a third-party servicer.
(3) As used in this subpart—
(i) The title IV, HEA programs include only the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Federal Perkins Loan, FWS, Direct Loan, and FFEL programs;
(ii) The term “parent” means a parent borrower under the PLUS programs;
(iii) With regard to the FFEL Programs, the term “disburse” means the same as deliver loan proceeds under 34 CFR part 682 of the FFEL Program regulations; and
(iv) A day is a calendar day unless otherwise specified.
(4)
(b)
(a)
(2) Each time an institution requests funds from the Secretary, the institution must identify the amount of funds requested by program and fiscal year designation that the Secretary assigned to the authorization for those funds.
(b)
(1) An institution submits a request for funds to the Secretary. The institution's request for funds may not exceed the amount of funds the institution needs immediately for disbursements the institution has made or will make to eligible students and parents;
(2) If the Secretary accepts that request, the Secretary initiates an electronic funds transfer (EFT) of that amount to a bank account designated by the institution; and
(3) The institution must disburse the funds requested as soon as administratively feasible but no later than three business days following the date the institution received those funds.
(c)
(1) For each student or parent that an institution determines is eligible for title IV, HEA program funds, the institution transmits electronically to the Secretary, within a timeframe established by the Secretary, records that contain program award information for that student or parent. As part of those records, the institution reports the date and amount of the disbursements that it will make or has made to that student or that student's parent;
(2) For each record the Secretary accepts for a student or parent, the Secretary provides by EFT the corresponding disbursement amount to the institution on or before the date reported by the institution for that disbursement;
(3) When the institution receives the funds for each record accepted by the Secretary, the institution may disburse those funds based on its determination at the time the institution transmitted that record to the Secretary that the student is eligible for that disbursement; and
(4) The institution must report any adjustment to a previously accepted record within the time established by the Secretary in a notice published in the
(d)
(1) An institution must first make disbursements to students and parents for the amount of funds those students and parents are eligible to receive under the Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loan, and campus-based programs before the institution may seek reimbursement from the Secretary for those disbursements. The Secretary considers an institution to have made a disbursement if the institution has either credited a student's account or paid a student or parent directly with its own funds;
(2) An institution seeks reimbursement by submitting to the Secretary a request for funds that does not exceed
(3) As part of the institution's reimbursement request, the Secretary requires the institution to—
(i) Identify the students for whom reimbursement is sought; and
(ii) Submit to the Secretary or entity approved by the Secretary documentation that shows that each student and parent included in the request was eligible to receive and has received the title IV, HEA program funds for which reimbursement is sought; and
(4) The Secretary approves the amount of the institution's reimbursement request for a student or parent and pays the institution that amount, if the Secretary determines with regard to that student or parent that the institution—
(i) Accurately determined the student's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds;
(ii) Accurately determined the amount of title IV, HEA program funds paid to the student or parent; and
(iii) Submitted the documentation required under paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
(e)
(1) Submits a request for funds under the provisions of the advance payment ethod described in paragraph (b) of this section, except that the institution's request may not exceed the amount of the actual disbursements the institution made to the students and parents included in that request; or
(2) Seeks reimbursement for those disbursements under the provisions of the reimbursement payment method described in paragraph (d) of this section, except that the Secretary may modify the documentation requirements and review procedures used to approve the reimbursement request.
(a)(1)
(2) For each bank or investment account that includes title IV, HEA program funds, an institution must clearly identify that title IV, HEA program funds are maintained in that account by—
(i) Including in the name of each account the phrase “Federal Funds”; or
(ii)(A) Notifying the bank or investment company of the accounts that contain title IV, HEA program funds and retaining a record of that notice; and
(B) Except for a public institution, filing with the appropriate State or municipal government entity a UCC-1 statement disclosing that the account contains Federal funds and maintaining a copy of that statement.
(b)
(1) The requirements in this subpart;
(2) The recordkeeping and reporting requirements in subpart B of this part; or
(3) Applicable program regulations.
(c)
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, an institution must maintain Direct Loan, Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, and FWS program funds in an interest-bearing bank account or an investment account as described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
(3) An institution does not have to maintain Direct Loan, Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, and FWS program funds in an interest-bearing bank account or an investment account for an award year if—
(i) The institution drew down less than a total of $3 million of those funds in the prior award year and anticipates that it will not draw down more than that amount in the current award year;
(ii) The institution demonstrates by its cash management practices that it will not earn over $250 on those funds during the award year; or
(iii) The institution requests those funds from the Secretary under the just-in-time payment method.
(4) If an institution maintains Direct Loan, Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, and FWS program funds in an interest-bearing or investment account, the institution may keep the initial $250 it earns on those funds during an award year. By June 30 of that award year, the institution must remit to the Secretary any earnings over $250.
(d)
(i) Identify the cash balance of the funds of each title IV, HEA program that are included in the institution's bank or investment account as readily as if those program funds were maintained in a separate account; and
(ii) Identify the earnings on title IV, HEA program funds maintained in the institution's bank or investment account.
(2) An institution must maintain its financial records in accordance with the provisions under § 668.24.
(e)
(a)
(i) Funds received from the Secretary;
(ii) Funds received from a lender under the FFEL Programs; or
(iii) Institutional funds used in advance of receiving title IV, HEA program funds.
(2) If, earlier than 10 days before the first day of classes of a payment period, or for a student subject to the requirements of § 682.604(c)(5) or § 685.303(b)(4) earlier than 30 days after the first day of the payment period, an institution credits a student's institutional account with institutional funds in advance of receiving title IV, HEA program funds, the Secretary considers that the institution makes that disbursement on the 10th day before the first day of classes, or the 30th day after the beginning of the payment period for a student subject to the requirements of § 682.604(c)(5) or § 685.303(b)(4).
(b)
(2) The provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this section do not apply to the disbursement of FWS Program funds.
(3) For a student enrolled in an eligible program at an institution that measures academic progress in clock hours, in determining whether the student completes the clock hours in a payment period, an institution may include clock hours for which the student has an excused absence if—
(i) The institution has a written policy that permits excused absences; and
(ii) The number of excused absences under the written policy for purposes of this paragraph does not exceed the lesser of—
(A) The policy on excused absences of the institution's accrediting agency or, if the institution has more than one accrediting agency, the agency designated under 34 CFR part 600.11(b);
(B) The policy on excused absences of any State agency that licenses the institution or otherwise legally authorizes the institution to operate in the State; or
(C) Ten percent of the clock hours in the payment period.
(4) For purposes of paragraph (b)(3) of this section, an “excused absence” is an absence that a student does not have to make up.
(c)
(1) Releasing to the student or parent a check provided by a lender to the institution under an FFEL Program;
(2) Issuing a check or other instrument payable to and requiring the endorsement or certification of the student or parent. An institution issues a check by—
(i) Releasing or mailing the check to a student or parent; or
(ii) Notifying the student or parent that the check is available for immediate pickup;
(3) Initiating an electronic funds transfer (EFT) to a bank account designated by the student or parent; or
(4) Dispensing cash for which an institution obtains a signed receipt from the student or parent.
(d)
(1) Without obtaining the student's or parent's authorization under § 668.165, an institution may use title IV, HEA program funds to credit a student's account at the institution to satisfy current charges for—
(i) Tuition and fees;
(ii) Board, if the student contracts with the institution for board; and
(iii) Room, if the student contracts with the institution for room.
(2) After obtaining the appropriate authorization from a student or parent under § 668.165, the institution may use title IV, HEA program funds to credit a student's account at the institution to satisfy—
(i) Current charges that are in addition to the charges described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section that were incurred by the student at the institution for educationally related activities; and
(ii) Minor prior award year charges if these charges are less than $100 or if the payment of these charges does not, and will not, prevent the student from paying his or her current educational costs.
(3) If an institution disburses Direct Loan Program funds by crediting a student's account at the institution, the institution must first credit the student's account with those funds to pay for outstanding current and authorized charges.
(4) For purposes of this paragraph, current charges refers to charges assessed the student by the institution for—
(i) The current award year; or
(ii) The loan period for which an institution certified or originated a loan under the FFEL or Direct Loan programs.
(e)
(1) No later than 14 days after the balance occurred if the credit balance occurred after the first day of class of a payment period; or
(2) No later than 14 days after the first day of class of a payment period if the credit balance occurred on or before the first day of class of that payment period.
(f)
(1) If a student is enrolled in a credit-hour educational program that is offered in semester, trimester, or quarter
(2) If a student is enrolled in a credit-hour educational program that is not offered in semester, trimester, or quarter academic terms, or in a clock hour educational program the earliest an institution may disburse title IV, HEA program funds to a student or parent for any payment period is the later of—
(i) Ten days before the first day of classes of the payment period; or
(ii) The date the student completed the previous payment period for which he or she received title IV, HEA program funds, except that this provision does not apply to the payment of Direct Loan or FFEL program funds under the conditions described in 34 CFR 685.301 (b)(3)(ii), (b)(5), and (b)(6) and 34 CFR 682.604 (c)(6)(ii), (c)(7), and (c)(8), respectively.
(3) The earliest an institution may disburse the initial installment of a loan under the Direct Loan or FFEL programs to a first-year, first-time borrower as described in 34 CFR 682.604(c) and 34 CFR 685.303(b)(4) is 30 days after the first day of the student's program of study.
(g)
(i) For purposes of the Direct Loan and FFEL programs, the student is no longer enrolled at the institution as at least a half-time student for the loan period; and
(ii) For purposes of the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, and Federal Perkins Loan programs, the student is no longer enrolled at the institution for the award year.
(2)
(i) The institution received a SAR from the student or an ISIR from the Secretary and the SAR or ISIR has an official expected family contribution calculated by the Secretary; and
(ii)(A) For a Direct Loan Program loan, the institution created the electronic origination record for that loan. An institution may not make a late second or subsequent disbursement of a Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized loan unless the student has graduated or successfully completed the period of enrollment for which the loan was intended;
(B) For an FFEL Program loan, the institution certified an application for that loan. An institution may not make a late second or subsequent disbursement of a Stafford loan unless the student has graduated or successfully completed the period of enrollment for which the loan was intended;
(C) For a Direct Loan or FFEL Program loan, the student completed the first 30 days of his or her program of study if the student was a first-year, first-time borrower as described in 34 CFR 682.604(c)(5) or 685.303(b)(4);
(D) For a Federal Pell Grant Program award, the institution received a valid SAR from the student or a valid ISIR from the Secretary; and
(E) For a Federal Perkins Loan Program loan or an FSEOG Program award, the student was awarded a loan or grant.
(3)
(i) May make that late disbursement of title IV, HEA program funds only if the funds are used to pay for educational costs that the institution determines the student incurred for the period in which the student was enrolled and eligible; and
(ii) Must make the late disbursement no later than 90 days after the date that student becomes ineligible under paragraph (g)(1) of this section.
(a)
(2) If an institution credits a student's account at the institution with Direct Loan, FFEL, or Federal Perkins Loan Program funds, the institution must notify the student, or parent of—
(i) The date and amount of the disbursement;
(ii) The student's right, or parent's right to cancel all or a portion of that loan or loan disbursement and have the loan proceeds returned to the holder of that loan. However, the institution does not have to provide this information with regard to FFEL Program funds unless the institution received the loan funds from a lender through an EFT payment or master check; and
(iii) The procedures and the time by which the student or parent must notify the institution that he or she wishes to cancel the loan or loan disbursement.
(3) The institution must send the notice described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section—
(i) No earlier than 30 days before and no later than 30 days after crediting the student's account at the institution; and
(ii) Either in writing or electronically. If the institution sends the notice electronically, it must require the recipient of the notice to confirm receipt of the notice and must maintain a copy of that confirmation.
(4) (i) A student or parent must inform the institution if he or she wishes to cancel all or a portion of a loan or loan disbursement.
(ii) The institution must return the loan proceeds, cancel the loan, or do both, in accordance with applicable program regulations if the institution receives a loan cancellation request either—
(A) Within 14 days after the date the institution sends the notice described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section; or
(B) If the institution sends the notice described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section more than 14 days prior to the first day of the payment period, by the first day of the payment period.
(iii) If a student or parent requests a loan cancellation after the period set forth in paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section, the institution may return the loan proceeds, cancel the loan, or do both, in accordance with applicable program regulations.
(5) An institution must inform a student or parent in writing or electronically regarding the outcome of any cancellation request.
(b)
(i) Disburse title IV, HEA program funds to a bank account designated by the student or parent;
(ii) Use the student's or parent's title IV, HEA program funds to pay for charges described in § 668.164(d)(2) that are included in that authorization; and
(iii) Except if prohibited by the Secretary under the reimbursement method, hold on behalf of the student or parent any title IV, HEA program funds that would otherwise be paid directly to the student or parent under § 668.164(e).
(2) In obtaining the student's or parent's authorization to perform an activity described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, an institution—
(i) May not require or coerce the student or parent to provide that authorization;
(ii) Must allow the student or parent to cancel or modify that authorization at any time; and
(iii) Must clearly explain how it will carry out that activity.
(3) A student or parent may authorize an institution to carry out the activities described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section for the period during which the student is enrolled at the institution.
(4)(i) If a student or parent modifies an authorization, the modification takes effect on the date the institution receives the modification notice.
(ii) If a student or parent cancels an authorization to use title IV, HEA program funds to pay for authorized charges under § 668.164(d)(2), the institution may use title IV, HEA program funds to pay only those authorized
(iii) If a student or parent cancels an authorization to hold title IV, HEA program funds under paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the institution must pay those funds directly to the student or parent as soon as possible but no later than 14 days after the institution receives that notice.
(5) If an institution holds excess student funds under paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the institution must—
(i) Identify the amount of funds the institution holds for each student or parent in a subsidiary ledger account designed for that purpose;
(ii) Maintain, at all times, cash in its bank account in an amount at least equal to the amount of funds the institution holds for the student; and
(iii) Notwithstanding any authorization obtained by the institution under this paragraph, pay any remaining balance on loan funds by the end of the loan period and any remaining other title IV, HEA program funds by the end of the last payment period in the award year for which they were awarded.
(a)
(2) The provisions in this section do not apply to the title IV, HEA program funds that an institution receives from the Secretary under the just-in-time payment method.
(b)
(i) In the award year preceding that drawdown, the amount of that excess cash balance is less than—
(A) For a period of peak enrollment at the institution during which that drawdown occurs, three percent of its total prior-year drawdowns; or
(B) For any other period, one percent of its total prior-year drawdowns; and
(ii) Within the next seven days, the institution eliminates its excess cash balance by disbursing title IV, HEA program funds to students or parents for at least the amount of that balance.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a period of peak enrollment at an institution occurs when at least 25 percent of the institution's students start classes during a given 30-day period. For any award year, an institution calculates the percentage of students who started classes during a given 30-day period by—
(i) For the prior award year in which the 30-day period began, determining the number of students who started classes during that period;
(ii) Determining the total number of students who started classes during the entire award year used in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section;
(iii) Dividing the number of students in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section by the number of students in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section; and
(iv) Multiplying the result obtained in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section by 100.
(3) For the purpose of determining the total amount of title IV, HEA program funds under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, an institution that participates in the Direct Loan Program may include, for the latest year for which the Secretary has complete data, the total amount of loans guaranteed under the FFEL Program for students attending the institution during that year.
(c)
(i) As provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, requires the institution to
(ii) May initiate a proceeding to fine, limit, suspend, or terminate the institution's participation in one or more title IV, HEA programs under subpart G of this part.
(2) For the purposes of this section, upon a finding that an institution has maintained excess cash, the Secretary—
(i) Considers the institution to have issued a check on the date that the check cleared the institution's bank account, unless the institution demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it issued the check shortly after the institution wrote the check; and
(ii) Calculates, or requires the institution to calculate, a liability for maintaining excess cash balances in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary. Under those procedures, the Secretary assesses a liability that is equal to the difference between the earnings that the excess cash balances would have yielded if invested under the applicable current value of funds rate and the actual interest earned on those balances. The current value of funds rate is an annual percentage rate, published in a Treasury Financial Manual (TFM) bulletin, that reflects the current value of funds to the Department of Treasury based on certain investment rates. The current value of funds rate is computed each year by averaging investment rates for the 12-month period ending every September. The TFM bulletin is published annually by the Department of Treasury. Each annual bulletin identifies the current value of funds rate and the effective date of that rate.
(a)
(1) An institution may not request a lender to provide it with loan funds by EFT or master check earlier than—
(i) Twenty-seven days after the first day of classes of the first payment period for a first-year, first-time Federal Stafford Loan Program borrower as defined in § 682.604(c)(5); or
(ii) Thirteen days before the first day of classes for any subsequent payment period for a first-year, first-time Federal Stafford Loan Program borrower or for any payment period for all other Federal Stafford Loan Program borrowers; and
(2) An institution may not request a lender to provide it with loan funds by check requiring the endorsement of the borrower earlier than—
(i) The first day of classes of the first payment period for a first-year, first-time Federal Stafford Loan Program borrower as defined in § 682.604(c)(5); or
(ii) Thirty days before the first day of classes for any subsequent payment period for a first-year, first-time Federal Stafford Loan Program borrower or for any payment period for all other Federal Stafford borrowers; and
(3) (i) An institution may not request a lender to provide it with loan funds by EFT or master check for any Federal PLUS Program loan earlier than provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(ii) An institution may not request a lender to provide loan funds by check requiring the endorsement of the borrower for any Federal PLUS Program loan earlier than provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(b)
(i) Ten business days following the date the institution receives the funds if the lender provides those funds to the institution by EFT or master check on or after July 1, 1997 but before July 1, 1999;
(ii) Three business days following the date the institution receives the funds if the lender provides those funds to the institution by EFT and master check on or after July 1, 1999; or
(iii) Thirty days after the institution receives the funds if a lender provides those funds by a check payable to the borrower or copayable to the borrower and the institution.
(2) If the institution does not disburse the loan funds as specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (c) of this section, the institution must return those funds to the lender promptly but no later than 10 business days after the date the institution is required to disburse the funds.
(3) If an institution must return loan funds to the lender under paragraph (b)(2) of this section and the institution determines that the student is eligible to receive the loan funds, the school may disburse the funds to the student or parent rather than return them to the lender provided the funds are disbursed prior to the end of the applicable timeframe under paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(c)
(1) Ten business days after the date set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section if—
(i)(A) The institution does not disburse FFEL Program funds to a borrower because the student did not complete the required number of clock or credit hours in a preceding payment period; and
(B) The institution expects the student to complete required hours within this 10-day period; or
(ii)(A) The student has not met all the FFEL Programs eligibility requirements; and
(B) The institution expects the student to meet those requirements within this 10-day period; or
(2) Thirty days after the date set forth in paragraph (b) of this section for funds a lender provides by EFT or master check if the Secretary places the institution on the reimbursement payment method under paragraph (d) or (e) of this section.
(d)
(i) May not disburse FFEL Program funds to a borrower until the Secretary approves a request from the institution to make that disbursement for that borrower; and
(ii) If prohibited by the Secretary, may not certify a borrower's loan application until the Secretary approves a request from the institution to make that certification for that borrower.
(2) In order for the Secretary to approve a disbursement or certification request from the institution, the institution must submit documentation to the Secretary or entity approved by the Secretary that shows that each borrower included in that request whose loan has not been disbursed or certified is eligible to receive that disbursement or certification.
(3) Pending the Secretary's approval of a disbursement or certification request, the Secretary may—
(i) Prohibit the institution from endorsing a master check or obtaining a borrower's endorsement of any loan check the institution receives from a lender;
(ii) Require the institution to maintain loan funds that it receives from a lender via EFT in a separate bank account that meets the requirements under § 668.164; and
(iii) Prohibit the institution from certifying a borrower's loan application.
(e)
(f)
(a)
(1) Provide the services described in its official publications and statements;
(2) Administer properly the title IV, HEA programs in which it participates; and
(3) Meet all of its financial obligations.
(b)
(1) The institution's Equity, Primary Reserve, and Net Income ratios yield a composite score of at least 1.5, as provided under § 668.172 and appendices F and G;
(2) The institution has sufficient cash reserves to make required refunds, as provided under § 668.173;
(3) The institution is current in its debt payments. An institution is not current in its debt payments if—
(i) It is in violation of any existing loan agreement at its fiscal year end, as disclosed in a note to its audited financial statements or audit opinion; or
(ii) It fails to make a payment in accordance with existing debt obligations for more than 120 days, and at least one creditor has filed suit to recover funds under those obligations; and
(4) The institution is meeting all of its financial obligations, including but not limited to—
(i) Refunds that it is required to make under § 668.22; and
(ii) Repayments to the Secretary for debts and liabilities arising from the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs.
(c)
(1)(i) Notifies the Secretary that it is designated as a public institution by the State, local or municipal government entity, tribal authority, or other government entity that has the legal authority to make that designation; and
(ii) Provides a letter from an official of that State or other government entity confirming that the institution is a public institution; and
(2) Is not in violation of any past performance requirement under § 668.174.
(d)
(1) In the institution's audited financial statements, the opinion expressed by the auditor was an adverse, qualified, or disclaimed opinion, or the auditor expressed doubt about the continued existence of the institution as a going concern, unless the Secretary determines that a qualified or disclaimed opinion does not have a significant bearing on the institution's financial condition; or
(2) As provided under the past performance provisions in § 668.174 (a) and (b)(1), the institution violated a title IV, HEA program requirement, or the persons or entities affiliated with the institution owe a liability for a violation of a title IV, HEA program requirement.
(e)
(1) Initiate an action under subpart G of this part to fine the institution, or limit, suspend, or terminate the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs; or
(2) For an institution that is provisionally certified, take an action against the institution under the procedures established in § 668.13(d).
At 62 FR 62877, Nov. 25, 1997, § 668.171 was added, effective July 1, 1998. Paragraph (c) contains information collection and recordkeeping requirements that will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget.
(a)
(1) Calculating the result of its Primary Reserve, Equity, and Net Income ratios, as described under paragraph (b) of this section;
(2) Calculating the strength factor score for each of those ratios by using the corresponding algorithm;
(3) Calculating the weighted score for each ratio by multiplying the strength factor score by its corresponding weighting percentage;
(4) Summing the resulting weighted scores to arrive at the composite score; and
(5) Rounding the composite score to one digit after the decimal point.
(b)
(1) The ratios for proprietary institutions are:
For proprietary institutions:
(2) The ratios for private non-profit institutions are:
(c)
(1) Generally excludes extraordinary gains or losses, income or losses from
(2) May include or exclude the effects of questionable accounting treatments, such as excessive capitalization of marketing costs;
(3) Excludes all unsecured or uncollateralized related-party receivables;
(4) Excludes all intangible assets defined as intangible in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and
(5) Excludes from the ratio calculations Federal funds provided to an institution by the Secretary under program authorized by the HEA only if—
(i) In the notes to the institution's audited financial statement, or as a separate attestation, the auditor discloses by name and CFDA number, the amount of HEA program funds reported as expenses in the Statement of Activities for the fiscal year covered by that audit or attestation; and
(ii) The institution's composite score, as determined by the Secretary, is less than 1.5 before the reported expenses arising from those HEA funds are excluded from the Primary Reserve ratio.
At 62 FR 62877, Nov. 25, 1997, § 668.172 was added, effective July 1, 1998. Paragraph (c)(5) contains information collection and recordkeeping requirements that will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget.
(a)
(1) Satisfies the requirements of a public institution under § 668.171(c)(1);
(2) Is located in a State that has a tuition recovery fund approved by the Secretary and the institution contributes to that fund; or
(3) Demonstrates that it makes its refunds timely, as provided under paragraph (b) of this section.
(b)
(1) Did not find in the sample of student records audited or reviewed for either of those fiscal years that—
(i) The institution made late refunds to 5 percent or more of the students in that sample. For purposes of determining the percentage of late refunds under this paragraph, the auditor or reviewer must include in the sample only those title IV, HEA program recipients who received or should have received a refund under § 668.22; or
(ii) The institution made only one late refund to a student in that sample; and
(2) Did not note for either of those fiscal years a material weakness or a reportable condition in the institution's report on internal controls that is related to refunds.
(c)
(1) Thirty days after the date the institution is required to submit its compliance audit to the Secretary under § 668.23, if the finding is made by the auditor who conducted that compliance audit; or
(2) Thirty days after the date that the Secretary, or the State or guaranty agency that conducted a review of the institution notifies the institution of the finding. The institution must also notify the Secretary of that finding and of the State or guaranty agency
(d)
(1) Provides refunds to both in-State and out-of-State students;
(2) Allocates all refunds in accordance with the order required under § 668.22; and
(3) Provides a reliable mechanism for the State to replenish the fund should any claims arise that deplete the fund's assets.
(a)
(1) Has been limited, suspended, terminated, or entered into a settlement agreement to resolve a limitation, suspension, or termination action initiated by the Secretary or a guaranty agency, as defined in 34 CFR part 682, within the preceding five years;
(2) In either of its two most recent compliance audits had an audit finding, or in a report issued by the Secretary had a program review finding for its current fiscal year or either of its preceding two fiscal years, that resulted in the institution's being required to repay an amount greater than 5 percent of the funds that the institution received under the title IV, HEA programs during the year covered by that audit or program review;
(3) Has been cited during the preceding five years for failure to submit in a timely fashion acceptable compliance and financial statement audits required under this part, or acceptable audit reports required under the individual title IV, HEA program regulations; or
(4) Has failed to resolve satisfactorily any compliance problems identified in audit or program review reports based upon a final decision of the Secretary issued pursuant to subpart G or H of this part.
(b)
(A) Exercises or exercised substantial control over another institution or a third-party servicer that owes a liability for a violation of a title IV, HEA program requirement; or
(B) Owes a liability for a violation of a title IV, HEA program requirement; and
(ii) That person, family member, institution, or servicer does not demonstrate that the liability is being repaid in accordance with an agreement with the Secretary.
(2) The Secretary may determine that an institution is financially responsible, even if the institution is not otherwise financially responsible under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, if—
(i) The institution notifies the Secretary, within the time permitted and in the manner provided under 34 CFR 600.30, that the person referenced in paragraph (b)(1) of this section exercises substantial control over the institution; and
(ii) The person referenced in paragraph (b)(1) of this section repaid to the Secretary a portion of the applicable liability, and the portion repaid equals or exceeds the greater of—
(A) The total percentage of the ownership interest held in the institution or third-party servicer that owes the liability by that person or any member or members of that person's family, either alone or in combination with one another;
(B) The total percentage of the ownership interest held in the institution or servicer that owes the liability that the person or any member or members of the person's family, either alone or in combination with one another, represents or represented under a voting trust, power of attorney, proxy, or similar agreement; or
(C) Twenty-five percent, if the person or any member of the person's family is or was a member of the board of directors, chief executive officer, or other executive officer of the institution or servicer that owes the liability,
(iii) The applicable liability described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section is currently being repaid in accordance with a written agreement with the Secretary; or
(iv) The institution demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary why—
(A) The person who exercises substantial control over the institution should nevertheless be considered to lack that control; or
(B) The person who exercises substantial control over the institution and each member of that person's family nevertheless does not or did not exercise substantial control over the institution or servicer that owes the liability.
(c)
(i) An interest as tenant in common, joint tenant, or tenant by the entireties;
(ii) A partnership; and
(iii) An interest in a trust.
(2) The term “ownership interest” does not include any share of the ownership or control of, or any right to share in the proceeds of the operation of a profit-sharing plan, provided that all employees are covered by the plan.
(3) The Secretary generally considers a person to exercise substantial control over an institution or third-party servicer if the person—
(i) Directly or indirectly holds at least a 20 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer;
(ii) Holds, together with other members of his or her family, at least a 20 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer;
(iii) Represents, either alone or together with other persons under a voting trust, power of attorney, proxy, or similar agreement, one or more persons who hold, either individually or in combination with the other persons represented or the person representing them, at least a 20 percent ownership in the institution or servicer; or
(iv) Is a member of the board of directors, the chief executive officer, or other executive officer of—
(A) The institution or servicer; or
(B) An entity that holds at least a 20 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer.
(4) The Secretary considers a member of a person's family to be a parent, sibling, spouse, child, spouse's parent or sibling, or sibling's or child's spouse.
At 62 FR 62877, Nov. 25, 1997, § 668.174 was added, effective July 1, 1998. Paragraph (b)(2)(i) contains information collection and recordkeeping requirements that will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(B) An institution continues to qualify under this alternative if, based on the institution's audited financial statement for each of its subsequent two fiscal years, the Secretary determines that the institution's composite score is in the range from 1.0 to 1.4.
(ii) An institution that qualified under this alternative for three consecutive years or for one of those years, may not seek to qualify again under this alternative until the year after the institution achieves a composite score of at least 1.5, as determined by the Secretary.
(2) Under this zone alternative, the Secretary—
(i) Requires the institution to make disbursements to eligible students and parents under either the cash monitoring or reimbursement payment method described in § 668.162;
(ii) Requires the institution to provide timely information regarding any of the following oversight and financial events—
(A) Any adverse action, including a probation or similar action, taken against the institution by its accrediting agency;
(B) Any event that causes the institution, or related entity as defined in the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 57, to realize any liability that was noted as a contingent liability in the institution's or related entity's most recent audited financial statement;
(C) Any violation by the institution of any loan agreement;
(D) Any failure of the institution to make a payment in accordance with its debt obligations that results in a creditor filing suit to recover funds under those obligations;
(E) Any withdrawal of owner's equity from the institution by any means, including by declaring a dividend; or
(F) Any extraordinary losses, as defined in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 30.
(iii) May require the institution to submit its financial statement and compliance audits earlier than the time specified under § 668.23(a)(4); and
(iv) May require the institution to provide information about its current operations and future plans.
(3) Under the zone alternative, the institution must—
(i) For any oversight or financial event described under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section for which the institution is required to provide information, provide that information to the Secretary by certified mail or electronic or facsimile transmission no later than 10 days after that event occurs. An institution that provides this information electronically or by facsimile transmission is responsible for confirming that the Secretary received a complete and legible copy of that transmission; and
(ii) As part of its compliance audit, require its auditor to express an opinion on the institution's compliance with the requirements under the zone alternative, including the institution's administration of the payment method under which the institution received and disbursed title IV, HEA program funds.
(4) If an institution fails to comply with the requirements under paragraphs (d) (2) or (3) of this section, the Secretary may determine that the institution no longer qualifies under this alternative.
(e)
(f)
(i) The institution is not financially responsible because it does not satisfy the general standards under § 668.171(b) or because of an audit opinion described under § 668.171(d); or
(ii) The institution is not financially responsible because of a condition of past performance, as provided under § 668.174(a), and the institution demonstrates to the Secretary that it has satisfied or resolved that condition.
(2) Under this alternative, the institution must—
(i) Submit to the Secretary an irrevocable letter of credit that is acceptable and payable to the Secretary, for an amount determined by the Secretary that is not less than 10 percent of the title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year;
(ii) Demonstrate that it was current on its debt payments and has met all of its financial obligations, as required under § 668.171 (b)(3) and (b)(4), for its two most recent fiscal years; and
(iii) Comply with the provisions under the zone alternative, as provided under paragraph (d) (2) and (3) of this section.
(3) If at the end of the period for which the Secretary provisionally certified the institution, the institution is still not financially responsible, the Secretary may again permit the institution to participate under a provisional certification, but the Secretary—
(i) May require the institution, or one or more persons or entities that exercise substantial control over the institution, as determined under § 668.174(d), or both, to submit to the Secretary financial guarantees for an amount determined by the Secretary to be sufficient to satisfy any potential liabilities that may arise from the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs; and
(ii) May require one or more of the persons or entities that exercise substantial control over the institution, as determined under § 668.174(d), to be jointly or severally liable for any liabilities that may arise from the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs.
(g)
(i)(A) The persons or entities that exercise substantial control, as determined under § 668.174(d), repay or enter into an agreement with the Secretary to repay the applicable portion of that liability, as provided under § 668.174(c)(2)(ii); or
(B) The institution assumes that liability, and repays or enters into an agreement with the Secretary to repay that liability;
(ii) The institution satisfies the general standards and provisions of financial responsibility under § 668.171 (b) and (d), except that institution must demonstrate that it was current on its debt payments and has met all of its financial obligations, as required under § 668.171 (b)(3) and (b)(4), for its two most recent fiscal years; and
(iii) The institution submits to the Secretary an irrevocable letter of credit that is acceptable and payable to the Secretary, for an amount determined by the Secretary that is not less than 10 percent of the title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year.
(2) Under this alternative, the Secretary—
(i) Requires the institution to comply with the provisions under the zone alternative, as provided under paragraph (d) (2) and (3) of this section;
(ii) May require the institution, or one or more persons or entities that exercise substantial control over the institution, or both, to submit to the Secretary financial guarantees for an amount determined by the Secretary to be sufficient to satisfy any potential liabilities that may arise from the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs; and
(iii) May require one or more of the persons or entities that exercise substantial control over the institution to be jointly or severally liable for any liabilities that may arise from the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs.
At 62 FR 62877, Nov. 25, 1997, § 668.175 was added, effective July 1, 1998. Paragraphs (d)(2)(ii), (f)(2)(iii), and (g)(2)(i) contain information collection and recordkeeping requirements that will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget.
(a) The Third general standard for governmental auditing is: In matters relating to the audit work, the audit organization and the individual auditors shall maintain an independent attitude.
(b) This standard places upon the auditor and the audit organization the responsibility for maintaining sufficient independence so that their opinions, conclusions, judgments, and recommendations will be impartial. If the auditor is not sufficiently independent to produce unbiased opinions, conclusions, and judgments, he should state in a prominent place in the audit report his relationship with the organization or officials being audited.
(c) The auditor should consider not only whether his or her own attitude and beliefs permit him or her to be independent but also whether there is anything about his or her situation which would lead others to question his or her independence. Both situations deserve consideration since it is important not only that the auditor be, in fact, independent and impartial but also that other persons will consider him or her so.
(d) There are three general classes of impairments that the auditor needs to consider; these are personal, external, and organizational impairments. If one or more of these are of such significance as to affect the auditor's ability to perform his or her work and report its results impartially, he or she should decline to perform the audit or indicate in the report that he or she was not fully independent.
There are some circumstances in which an auditor cannot be impartial because of his or her views or his or her personal situation. These circumstances might include:
1. Relationships of an official, professional, and/or personal nature that might cause the auditor to limit the extent or character of the inquiry, to limit disclosure, or to weaken his or her findings in any way.
2. Preconceived ideas about the objectives or quality of a particular operation or personal likes or dislikes of individuals, groups, or objectives of a particular program.
3. Previous involvement in a decisionmaking or management capacity in the operations of the governmental entity or program being audited.
4. Biases and prejudices, including those induced by political or social convictions, which result from employment in or loyalty to a particular group, entity, or level of government.
5. Actual or potential restrictive influence when the auditor performs preaudit work and subsequently performs a post audit.
6. Financial interest, direct or indirect, in an organization or facility which is benefiting from the audited programs.
External factors can restrict the audit or impinge on the auditor's ability to form independent and objective opinions and conclusions. For example, under the following conditions either the audit itself could be adversely affected or the auditor would not have complete freedom to make an independent judgment.
1. Interference or other influence that improperly or imprudently eliminates, restricts, or modifies the scope or character of the audit.
2. Interference with the selection or application of audit procedures of the selection of activities to be examined.
3. Denial of access to such sources of information as books, records, and supporting documents or denial or opportunity to obtain explanations by officials and employees of the governmental organization, program, or activity under audit.
4. Interference in the assignment of personnel to the audit task.
5. Retaliatory restrictions placed on funds or other resources dedicated to the audit operation.
6. Activity to overrule or significantly influence the auditors judgment as to the appropriate content of the audit report.
7. Influences that place the auditor's continued employment in jeopardy for reasons other than competency or the need for audit services.
8. Unreasonable restriction on the time allowed to competently complete an audit assignment.
(a) The auditor's independence can be affected by his or her place within the organizational structure of governments. Auditors employed by Federal, State, or local government units may be subject to policy direction from superiors who are involved either
(b) These auditors should also be sufficiently removed from political pressures to ensure that they can conduct their auditing objectively and can report their conclusions completely without fear of censure. Whenever feasible they should be under a system which will place decisions on compensation, training, job tenure, and advancement on a merit basis.
(c) When independent public accountants or other independent professionals are engaged to perform work that includes inquiries into compliance with applicable laws and regulations, efficiency and economy of operations, or achievement of program results, they should be engaged by someone other than the officials responsible for the direction of the effort being audited. This practice removes the pressure that may result if the auditor must criticize the performance of those by whom he or she was engaged. To remove this obstacle to independence, governments should arrange to have auditors engaged by officials not directly involved in operations to be audited.
(a) When outside auditors are engaged for assignments requiring the expression of an opinion on financial reports of governmental organizations, only fully qualified public accountants should be employed. The type of qualifications, as stated by the Comptroller General, deemed necessary for financial audits of governmental organizations and programs is quoted below:
“Such audits shall be conducted * * * by independent certified public accountants or by independent licensed public accountants, licensed on or before December 31, 1970, who are certified or licensed by a regulatory authority of a State or other political subdivision of the United States: Except that independent public accountants licensed to practice by such regulatory authority after December 31, 1970, and persons who although not so certified or licensed, meet, in the opinion of the Secretary, standards of education and experience representative of the highest prescribed by the licensing authorities of the several States which provide for the continuing licensing of public accountants and which are prescribed by the Secretary in appropriate regulations may perform such audits until December 31, 1975; Provided, That if the Secretary deems it necessary in the public interest, he may prescribe by regulations higher standard than those required for the practice of public accountancy by the regulatory authorities of the States.”
(b) The standards for examination and evaluation require consideration of applicable laws and regulations in the auditor's examination. The standards for reporting require a statement in the auditor's report regarding any significant instances of noncompliance disclosed by his or her examination and evaluation work. What is to be included in this statement requires judgment. Significant instances of noncompliance, even those not resulting in legal liability to the audited entity, should be included. Minor procedural noncompliance need not be disclosed.
(c) Although the reporting standard is generally on an exception basis—that only noncompliance need be reported—it should be recognized that governmental entities often want positive statements regarding whether or not the auditor's tests disclosed instances of noncompliance. This is particularly true in grant programs where authorizing agencies frequently want assurance in the auditor's report that this matter has been considered. For such audits, auditors should obtain an understanding with the authorizing agency as to the extent to which such positive comments on compliance are desired. When coordinated audits are involved, the audit program should specify the extent of comments that the auditor is to make regarding compliance.
(d) When noncompliance is reported, the auditor should place the findings in proper perspective. The extent of instances of noncompliance should be related to the number of cases examined to provide the reader with a basis for judging the prevalence of noncompliance.
This appendix describes measures that an institution with a high default rate under the Federal Stafford Loan and Federal SLS programs should find helpful in reducing defaults. An institution with a fiscal year default rate that exceeds the threshold rate for a limitation, suspension, or termination action under § 668.17 may avoid that sanction
To reduce defaults, the Secretary recommends that the institution take the following measures:
1. Revise admission policies and screening practices, consistent with applicable State law, to ensure that students enrolled in the institution, especially those admitted under “ability to benefit” criterion or those in need of substantial remedial work, have a reasonable expectation of succeeding in their programs of study.
2. Improve the availability and effectiveness of academic counseling and other support services to decrease withdrawal rates, particularly with respect to academically high-risk students.
3. In consultation with the cognizant accrediting body, attempt to reduce its withdrawal rate by improving its curricula, facilities, materials, equipment, qualifications and size of faculty, and other aspects of its educational program.
4. Increase the frequency of reviews of in-school status of borrowers to ensure the institution's prompt recognition of instances in which borrowers withdraw without notice to the institution.
5. Implement a compensation structure for commissioned enrollment representatives and salesmen under which a representative or salesman earns no more than a nominal commission for enrolling students that never attend school, and progressively greater commissions for students who remain in school for substantial periods.
6. Implement a
7. Delay certification of a first-time borrower's loan application, as described in 34 CFR 682.603(c).
8. Except in the case of a program of study by correspondence, require each first-time student borrower to endorse the loan check at the institution, and pick up at the institution any loan proceeds remaining after deduction of institutional charges.
1. Expand its job placement program for its students by, for example, increasing contacts with local employers, counseling students in job search skills, and exploring with local employers the feasibility of establishing internship and cooperative education programs.
2. In consultation with the cognizant accrediting body, attempt to improve its job placement rate and licensing examination pass rate by improving its curricula, facilities, materials, equipment, qualifications and size of faculty, and other aspects of its educational program.
3. Establish a liaison for job information and placement assistance with the local office of the United States Employment Service and the Private Industry Council supported by the U.S. Department of Labor.
1. In cooperation with the lender and in compliance with law, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, if applicable, contact each borrower with respect to whom the lender has requested preclaims assistance from the guarantee agency to urge the borrower to repay the loan and to emphasize the consequences of default listed in item III.5(a)(3)(ii), below, by means of telephone contacts and letters sent “Forwarding and Address Correction Requested.”
2. In cooperation with the lender and in compliance with law, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, if applicable, contact a borrower during the grace period in order to—
(i) Remind the borrower of the importance of the repayment obligation and of the consequences of default listed in item III.5(a)(3)(ii), below, by means of telephone contacts and letters sent “Forwarding and Address Correction Requested”; and
(ii) Update the institution's records regarding the borrower's address, telephone number, employer, and employer's address.
3. At the time of a borrower's admission to the institution, obtain information from the borrower regarding references and family members beyond those provided on the loan application, to enable the institution to provide the lender with a variety of ways to locate a borrower who later relocates without notifying the lender.
4. Require an enrollment representative or salesman to explain carefully to a prospective student that, except in the case of a loan made or originated by the institution, the student's dissatisfaction with, or nonreceipt of, the educational services being offered by the institution does not excuse the borrower from repayment of any Stafford or SLS loan made to the borrower for enrollment at the institution.
5. Conduct the following counseling activities in addition to those described in 34 CFR part 682, subpart F:
(a) As part of the initial loan counseling provided to a Stafford Loan or SLS borrower—
(1) Provide information to the borrower regarding, and through the use of a written test and intensive additional counseling for those who fail the test, ensure the borrower's comprehension of, the terms and conditions of Stafford and SLS loans, including—
(i) The stated interest rate on the borrower's loans;
(ii) The applicable grace period provided to the borrower and the approximate date the first installment payment will be due;
(iii) A description of the charges imposed for failure of the borrower to pay all or part of an installment payment when due; and
(iv) A description of any charges that may be imposed as a consequence of default, such as liability for expenses reasonably incurred in attempts by the lender or guarantee agency to collect the loan, including attorney's fees;
(2) Explain the borrower's rights and responsibilities in the Stafford Loan and SLS programs including—
(i) The borrower's responsibility to inform his or her lender immediately of any change of name, address, telephone number, or Social Security number;
(ii) The borrower's right to deferment, cancellation or postponement of repayment, and the procedures for obtaining those benefits;
(iii) The borrower's responsibility to contact his or her lender in a timely manner, before the due date of any payment he or she cannot make; and
(iv) The availability of forbearance under the circumstances and procedures described in 34 CFR part 682;
(3) Provide to the borrower—
(i) (A) General information on the average indebtedness of student borrowers who have obtained Stafford Loan or SLS program loans for attendance at that institution and the average amount of a required monthly payment based on that indebtedness; or
(B) The estimated balance owed by the borrower on Stafford and SLS loans, and the average amount of a required monthly payment based on that balance; and
(ii) Detailed information regarding the consequences of the failure to repay the loan, including a damaged credit rating for at least 7 years, loss of generous repayment schedule and deferment options, possible seizure of Federal and State income tax refunds due, exposure to civil suit, liability for collection costs, possible referral of the account to a collection agency, garnishment of wages if the borrower is a Federal employee, and loss of eligibility for further Federal Title IV student assistance.
(4) Review the repayment options (
(5) Explain the sale of loans by lenders and the use by lenders of outside contractors to service loans; and
(6) Provide general information on budgeting of living expenses and other aspects of personal financial management.
(b) As part of the exit counseling provided to a Stafford Loan or SLS borrower—
(1) Provide the counseling and testing described in paragraph (a) for the initial loan counseling;
(2) Provide a sample loan repayment schedule based on the borrower's total loan indebtedness for attendance at that institution;
(3) Provide the name and address of the borrower's lender(s) according to the institution's records;
(4) Provide guidance on the preparation of correspondence to the borrower's lender(s) and completion of deferment forms; and
(c) Obtain information from the borrower regarding the borrower's address, the address of the borrower's next-of-kin, and the name and address of the borrower's expected employer.
6. Use available audio-visual materials, such as videos and films, to enhance the effectiveness of its initial and exit counseling.
1. Conduct an annual comprehensive self-evaluation of its administration of the Title IV programs to identify institutional practices that should be modified to reduce defaults, and then implement those modifications.
The following definitions are to be used for reporting the crimes listed in § 668.47, in accordance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. The definitions for
The willful (nonnegligent) killing of one human being by another.
The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (It is not necessary that injury result from an aggravated assault when a gun, knife, or other weapon is used which could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed.)
The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.
The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. (Classify as motor vehicle theft all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned—including joyriding.)
The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.
Violations of State and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include: opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (demerol, methadones); and dangerous nonnarcotic drugs (barbiturates, benzedrine).
The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)
Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Unlawful, nonforcible sexual intercourse.
A.
B.
20 U.S.C. 1123, unless otherwise noted.
The Language Resource Centers Program makes awards, through grants or contracts, for the purpose of establishing, strengthening, and operating centers that serve as resources for improving the nation's capacity for teaching and learning foreign languages effectively.
An institution of higher education or a combination of institutions of higher education is eligible to receive an award under this part.
Centers funded under this part must carry out activities to improve the teaching and learning of foreign languages. These activities may include—
(a) The conduct of research on new and improved methods for teaching foreign languages, including the use of advanced educational technology;
(b) The development of new materials for teaching foreign languages, to reflect the results of research on effective teaching strategies;
(c) The development and application of performance testing that is appropriate for use in an educational setting to be used as a standard measurement of skill levels in foreign languages;
(d) The training of teachers in the administration and interpretation of foreign language performance tests, the use of effective teaching strategies and the use of new technologies;
(e) The publication of instructional materials in the less commonly taught foreign languages; and
(f) The widespread dissemination of research results, teaching materials, and improved pedagogical strategies to the postsecondary education community.
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in 34 CFR part 655.
(b) The regulations in this part 669.
The following definitions apply to this part:
(a) The definitions in 34 CFR 655.4.
(b) “Language Resource Center” means a coordinated concentration of educational research and training resources for improving the nation's capacity to teach and learn foreign languages.
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for an award on the basis of the criteria contained in § 669.21.
(b) The Secretary awards up to 100 possible points for these criteria. However, if the Secretary establishes one or more priorities under § 669.22, the Secretary awards up to 120 possible points.
(c) The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in parentheses.
The Secretary uses the following criteria in evaluating applications under this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) The extent to which the proposed materials or activities are needed in the foreign languages on which the project focuses;
(2) The extent to which the proposed materials may be used throughout the United States; and
(3) The extent to which the proposed work or activity may contribute significantly to strengthening, expanding, or improving programs of foreign language study in the United States.
(g)
(1) The quality of the outlined methods and procedures for preparing the materials; and
(2) The extent to which plans for carrying out activities are practicable and can be expected to produce the anticipated results.
(h)
(i)
(a) The Secretary may each year select funding priorities from among the following:
(1) Categories of allowable activities described in § 669.3.
(2) Specific foreign languages for study or materials development.
(3) Levels of education, for example, elementary, secondary, postsecondary, or teacher education.
(b) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the
Equipment costs may not exceed fifteen percent of the grant amount.
20 U.S.C. 421-429, 1070b-1070b-3, and 1087aa-1087ii; 42 U.S.C. 2751-2756b, unless otherwise noted.
This part governs the following three programs authorized by title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) that participating institutions administer:
(a) The Federal Perkins Loan Program, which encourages the making of loans by institutions to needy undergraduate and graduate students to help pay for their cost of education.
(b) The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, which encourages the part-time employment of undergraduate and graduate students who need the income to help pay for their cost of education and which encourages FWS recipients to participate in community service activities.
(c) The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program, which encourages the providing of grants to exceptionally needy undergraduate students to help pay for their cost of education.
The participating institution is responsible for administering these programs in accordance with the regulations in this part and the applicable program regulations in 34 CFR parts 674, 675, and 676.
(a) To participate in the Federal Perkins Loan, FWS, or FSEOG programs, an institution shall file an application before the deadline date established annually by the Secretary through publication of a notice in the
(b) The application for the Federal Perkins Loan, FWS, and FSEOG programs must be on a form approved by the Secretary and must contain the information needed by the Secretary to determine the institution's allocation or reallocation of funds under sections 462, 442, and 413D of the HEA, respectively.
(a)
(2) The Secretary reallocates Federal capital contributions to institutions participating in the Federal Perkins Loan Program by—
(i) Reallocating 80 percent of the total funds available in accordance with section 462(j) of the HEA; and
(ii) Reallocating 20 percent of the total funds available in a manner that best carries out the purposes of the Federal Perkins Loan Program.
(b)
(c)
(2) The Secretary reallocates funds to institutions participating in the FSEOG Program in a manner that best carries out the purposes of the FSEOG Program.
(d)
(i) Cosmetology.
(ii) Business.
(iii) Trade/Technical.
(iv) Art Schools.
(v) Other Proprietary Institutions.
(vi) Non-Proprietary Institutions.
(2)
(3)
(ii) The Secretary may waive the provision of paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section for a specific institution if the Secretary finds that enforcement would be contrary to the interests of the program.
(iii) The Secretary considers enforcement of paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section to be contrary to the interest of the program only if the institution returns more than 10 percent of its allocation due to circumstances beyond the institution's control that are not expected to recur.
(e)
(2) The Secretary may waive the provision of paragraph (e)(1) of this section for any institution that has a cohort default rate that does not exceed 7.5 percent.
(f)
(1) To meet FWS wage obligations incurred with regard to an award of FWS employment made for any other award year; or
(2) To satisfy any other obligation incurred after the end of the designated award year.
(g)
(1) To make FSEOG disbursements to students in any other award year; or
(2) To satisfy any other obligation incurred after the end of the designated award year.
(a)
(2)
(b)
(i) Can reasonably anticipate at the time it awards Federal Perkins Loan funds, an FSEOG, or FWS funds to the student;
(ii) Makes available to its students; or
(iii) Otherwise knows about.
(2) If a student receives resources at any time during the award period that were not considered in calculating the Federal Perkins Loan amount or the FWS or FSEOG award, and the total resources including the loan, the FSEOG, or the prospective FWS wages exceed the student's need, the overaward is the amount that exceeds need.
(c)
(i) Funds a student is entitled to receive from a Federal Pell Grant;
(ii) William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans;
(iii) Federal Family Education Loans;
(iv) Long-term loans, including Federal Perkins loans made by the institution;
(v) Grants, including FSEOGs, State grants, and ROTC subsistence allowances;
(vi) Scholarships, including athletic scholarships and ROTC scholarships;
(vii) Waivers of tuition and fees;
(viii) Fellowships or assistantships;
(ix) Veterans benefits;
(x) Net earnings from need-based employment; and
(xi) Insurance programs for the student's education.
(2) The Secretary does not consider as a resource—
(i) Any portion of the resources described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section that are included in the calculation of the student's expected family contribution (EFC); and
(ii) Earnings from non-need-based employment.
(3) The institution may treat a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, a Federal PLUS Loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan, a Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a State-sponsored or private loan as a substitute for a student's EFC. However, if the sum of the loan amounts received exceeds the student's EFC, the excess is a resource.
(d)
(1) The institution shall decide whether the student has increased financial need that was unanticipated when it awarded financial aid to the student. If the student demonstrates increased financial need and the total resources do not exceed this increased need by more than $300, no further action is necessary.
(2) If the student's total resources still exceed his or her need by more than $300, as recalculated pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the institution shall cancel any undisbursed loan or grant (other than a Federal Pell Grant).
(3)
(e)
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (e)(1) of this section, an institution may provide additional FWS funding to a student whose need has been met until that student's cumulative earnings from all need-based employment occurring subsequent to the
(f)
(2) The institution is also liable for a Federal Perkins loan or FSEOG overpayment if the overpayment occurred because the institution failed to follow the procedures in this part, 34 CFR part 668, 34 CFR part 674, or 34 CFR part 676. The institution shall restore an amount equal to the overpayment and any administrative cost allowance claimed on that amount to its loan fund for a Federal Perkins loan overpayment or to its FSEOG account for an FSEOG overpayment if it cannot collect the overpayment from the student.
(3) If an institution makes a Federal Perkins loan or FSEOG overpayment for which it is not liable, it shall help the Secretary recover the overpayment by promptly attempting to recover the overpayment by sending a written notice to the student requesting repayment of the overawarded funds. The notice must state that failure to make that repayment or to make arrangements, satisfactory to the holder of the overpayment debt, to pay the overpayment renders the student ineligible for further title IV aid until final resolution of the overpayment.
(4) If a student objects to the institution's Federal Perkins loan or FSEOG overpayment determination on the grounds that it is erroneous, the institution shall consider any information provided by the student and determine whether the objection is warranted.
(5)
(ii) If an institution fails in its attempt to collect the overpayment and the Federal share of the FSEOG overpayment is less than $25.00, the institution need make no further recovery efforts of the FSEOG overpayment.
(a)
(1) From resources other than the BIA education grant the student has received or is expected to receive; and
(2) That is consistent in type and amount with packages prepared for students in similar circumstances who are not eligible for a BIA education grant.
(b)(1) The BIA education grant, whether received by the student before or after the preparation of the student aid package, supplements the student aid package specified in paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) No adjustment may be made to the student aid package as long as the total of the package and the BIA education grant is less than the institution's determination of that student's financial need.
(c)(1) If the BIA education grant, when combined with other aid in the package, exceeds the student's need, the excess must be deducted from the other assistance (except for Federal Pell Grants), not from the BIA education grant.
(2) The institution shall deduct the excess in the following sequence: loans, work-study awards, and grants other than Federal Pell Grants. However, the institution may change the sequence if requested to do so by a student and the
(d) To determine the financial need of a student who is also eligible for a BIA education grant, a financial aid administrator is encouraged to consult with area officials in charge of BIA postsecondary financial aid.
(a) An institution participating in the Federal Perkins Loan, FWS, or FSEOG programs is entitled to an administrative cost allowance for an award year if it advances funds under the Federal Perkins Loan Program, provides FWS employment, or awards grants under the FSEOG Program to students in that year.
(b) An institution may charge the administrative cost allowance calculated in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section for an award year against-(1) The Federal Perkins Loan Fund, if the institution advances funds under the Federal Perkins Loan Program to students in that award year;
(2) The FWS allocation, if the institution provides FWS employment to students in that award year; and
(3) The FSEOG allocation, if the institution awards grants to students under the FSEOG program in that award year.
(c) For any award year, the amount of the administrative costs allowance equals—
(1) Five percent of the first $2,750,000 of the institution's total expenditures to students in that award year under the FWS, FSEOG, and the Federal Perkins Loan programs; plus
(2) Four percent of its expenditures to students that are greater than $2,750,000 but less than $5,500,000; plus
(3) Three percent of its expenditures to students that are $5,500,000 or more.
(d) The institution shall not include, when calculating the allowance in paragraph (c) of this section, the amount of loans made under the Federal Perkins Loan Program that it assigns during the award year to the Secretary under section 463(a)(6) of the HEA.
(e) An institution shall use its administrative costs allowance to offset its cost of administering the Federal Pell Grant, FWS, FSEOG, and Federal Perkins Loan programs. Administrative costs also include the expenses incurred for carrying out the student consumer information services requirements of subpart D of the Student Assistance General Provisions regulations, 34 CFR part 668.
(f) An institution may use up to 10 percent of the administrative costs allowance, as calculated under paragraph (c) of this section, that is attributable to the institution's expenditures under the FWS program to pay the administrative costs of conducting its program of community service. These costs may include the costs of—
(1) Developing mechanisms to assure the academic quality of a student's experience;
(2) Assuring student access to educational resources, expertise, and supervision necessary to achieve community service objectives; and
(3) Collaborating with public and private nonprofit agencies and programs assisted under the National and Community Service Act of 1990 in the planning, development, and administration of these programs.
(g) If an institution charges any administrative cost allowance against its Federal Perkins Loan Fund, it must charge these costs during the same award year in which the expenditures for these costs were made.
An asterisk (*) indicates provisions that are common to parts 674, 675, and 676. The use of asterisks will assure participating institutions that a provision of one regulation is identical to the corresponding provisions in the other two.
20 U.S.C. 1087aa-1087hh and 20 U.S.C. 421-429 unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Federal Perkins Loan Program provides low-interest loans to financially needy students attending institutions of higher education to help them pay their educational costs.
(b)(1) The Federal Perkins Loan Program, authorized by title IV-E of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and previously named the National Direct Student Loan Program, is a continuation of the National Defense Loan Program authorized by title II of the National Defense Education Act of 1958. All rights, privileges, duties, functions, and obligations existing under title II before the enactment of title IV-E continue to exist.
(2) The Secretary considers any student loan fund established under title IV-E to include the assets of an institution's student loan fund established under title II.
*(c) Provisions in these regulations that are common to all campus-based programs are identified with an asterisk.
(d) Provisions in these regulations that refer to “loans” or “student loans” apply to all loans made under
(a) The definitions of the following terms used in this part are set forth in subpart A of the Student Assistance General Provisions, 34 CFR part 668:
(b) The Secretary defines other terms used in this part as follows:
*
*
(1) Is enrolled in a program or course above the baccalaureate level at an institution of higher education or is enrolled in a program leading to a first professional degree;
(2) Has completed the equivalent of at least three years of full-time study at an institution of higher education, either prior to entrance into the program or as part of the program itself; and
(3) Is not receiving title IV aid as an undergraduate student for the same period of enrollment.
(1) 6 semester hours or 6 quarter hours per academic term for an institution using a standard semester, trimester, or quarter system.
(2) 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours per academic year for an institution using credit hours to measure progress, but not using a standard semester, trimester, or quarter system; or the prorated equivalent for a program of less than one year.
(3) 12 clock hours per week for an institution using clock hours.
(4) 12 hours of preparation per week for a student enrolled in a program of study by correspondence. Regardless of the workload, no student enrolled solely in correspondence study is considered more than half-time.
*
*
(a)
(1) If the institution's cohort default rate equals or exceeds 15 percent, the institution must establish a default reduction plan in accordance with § 674.6.
(2) If the institution's cohort default rate equals or exceeds 20 percent, but is less than 25 percent, the institution's FCC is reduced by 10 percent.
(3) If the institution's cohort default rate equals or exceeds 25 percent, but is less than 30 percent, the institution's FCC is reduced by 30 percent.
(4) If the institution's cohort default rate equals or exceeds 30 percent, the institution's FCC is reduced to zero.
(b)
(2) In determining the number of students who default before the end of the following award year, the Secretary excludes any loans that, due to improper servicing or collection, would result in an inaccurate or incomplete calculation of the cohort default rate.
(3) For any award year in which less than 30 current and former students at the institution enter repayment on a loan received for attendance at the institution, the “cohort default rate” means the percentage of those current
(c)
(1) A borrower must be included only if the borrower's default has persisted for at least—
(i) 240 consecutive days for loans repayable in monthly installments; or
(ii) 270 consecutive days for loans repayable in quarterly installments;
(2) A loan is considered to be in default if a payment is made by the institution of higher education, its owner, agency, contractor, employee, or any other entity or individual affiliated with the institution, in order to avoid default by the borrower;
(3)(i) Any loan that is in default, but on which the borrower has made satisfactory arrangements to repay the loan, or any loan that has been rehabilitated before the end of the following award year is not considered to be in default for purposes of the cohort default rate calculation; and
(ii) In the case of a student who has attended and borrowed at more than one institution, the student and his or her subsequent repayment or default are attributed to the institution for attendance at which the student received the loan that entered repayment in the award year; and
(4) Improper servicing or collection means the failure of the institution to comply with subpart C of this part.
(d)
(2) A cohort default rate of an institution applies to all locations of the institution from the date the institution is notified of that rate until the institution is notified by the Secretary that the rate no longer applies.
(3) For an institution that changes status from a location of one institution to a free-standing institution, the Secretary determines the cohort default rate based on the institution's status as of July 1 of the award year for which a cohort default rate is being calculated.
(4)(i) For an institution that changes status from a free-standing institution to a location of another institution, the Secretary determines the cohort default rate based on the combined number of students who enter repayment during the applicable award year and the combined number of students who default during the applicable award years from both the former free-standing institution and the other institution. This cohort default rate applies to the new consolidated institution and all of its current locations.
(ii) For free-standing institutions that merge, the Secretary determines the cohort default rate based on the combined number of students who enter repayment during the applicable award year and the combined number of students who default during the applicable award years from both of the institutions that are merging. This cohort default rate applies to the new, consolidated institution.
(iii) For an institution that changes status from a location of one institution to a location of another institution, the Secretary determines the cohort default rate based on the combined number of students who enter repayment during the applicable award year and the number of students who default during the applicable award years from both of the institutions in their entirety, not limited solely to the respective locations.
(5) For an institution that has a change in ownership that results in a change in control, the Secretary determines the cohort default rate based on the combined number of students who enter repayment during the applicable award year and the combined number of students who default during the applicable award years from the institution under both the old and new control.
(e)
(1) Paid the loan in full; or
(2) Executed a new written repayment agreement; and
(3) Made one payment each month for six consecutive months.
(f)
(i) Paid the loan in full; or
(ii) Executed a new written repayment agreement; and
(iii) Made one payment each month for 12 consecutive months.
(2) Within 30 days of the date of the rehabilitation, the institution shall report the rehabilitation to any national credit bureau.
(a)
(1) A written description of the default reduction plan, or
(2) A statement indicating that the institution agrees to comply with the required measures in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b)
(1) Revise admission policies and screening practices, consistent with applicable State law, to ensure that students enrolled in the institution, especially those who are not high school graduates or those who are in need of substantial remedial work, have a reasonable expectation of succeeding in their programs of study.
(2) Improve the availability and effectiveness of academic counseling and other support services to decrease withdrawal rates, including—
(i) Providing academic counseling and other support services to students on a regular basis, at a time and location that is convenient for the students involved;
(ii) Publicizing the availability of the academic counseling and other support services;
(iii) Establishing procedures to identify academically high-risk students and schedule those students for immediate counseling services; and
(iv) Maintaining records identifying those students who receive academic counseling.
(3) Attempt to reduce its withdrawal rate by conforming with that accrediting agency's standards of satisfactory progress and with those described in 34 CFR 668.14, and improving its curricula, facilities, materials, equipment, qualifications and size of faculty, and other aspects of its educational program in consultation with its academic accrediting agency.
(4) Increase the frequency of reviews of in-school status of borrowers to ensure the institution's prompt recognition of instances in which borrowers withdraw without notice to the institution. Reviews must be conducted each month.
(5) Expand its job placement program for its students by—
(i)(A) Increasing contacts with local employers, counseling students in job search skills, and
(B) Exploring with local employers the feasibility of establishing internship and cooperative education programs;
(ii) Attempting to improve its job placement rate and licensing examination pass rate by improving its curricula, facilities, materials, equipment, qualifications and size of faculty, and other aspects of its educational program in consultation with the cognizant accrediting body; and
(iii) Establishing a liaison for job information and placement assistance with the local office of the United States Employment Service and the Private Industry Council supported by the U.S. Department of Labor.
(6) Remind the borrower of the importance of the repayment obligation and of the consequences of default and
(7) Obtain from the borrower at the time of a borrower's admission to the institution information regarding references and family members beyond those provided on the loan application to provide the institution or its agent with a variety of ways to locate a borrower who later relocates without notifying the institution.
(8) Explain to a prospective student that the student's dissatisfaction with, or nonreceipt of, the educational services being offered by the institution does not excuse the borrower from repayment of any Federal Perkins Loan.
(9) Use a written test and intensive additional counseling for those borrowers who fail the test to ensure the borrower's comprehension of the terms and conditions of the loan including those described in §§ 674.16 and 674.42(a) as part of the initial loan counseling and the exit interview.
(10) During the exit interview provided to a Federal Perkins Loan borrower—
(i) Explain the use by institutions of outside contractors to service and collect loans;
(ii) Provide general information on budgeting of living expenses and other aspects of personal financial management; and
(iii) Provide guidance on the preparation of correspondence to the borrower's institution or agent and completion of deferment and cancellation forms.
(11) Use available audio-visual materials such as videos and films to enhance the effectiveness of the initial and exit counseling.
(12) Conduct an annual comprehensive self-evaluation of its administration of the title IV programs to identify institutional practices that should be modified to reduce defaults, and then implement those modifications.
(13) Delay loan disbursements to first-time borrowers for 30 days after enrollment.
(14) Require first-time borrowers to endorse their loan check at the institution and to pick up at the institution any loan proceeds remaining after deduction of institutional charges.
(a) To participate in the expanded lending option in any award year, an eligible institution shall enter into a special ELO participation agreement with the Secretary. The agreement provides that the institution shall—
(1) Deposit ICC equal to 100 percent of the FCC described in § 674.8(a)(1) for that award year into the Fund;
(2) Maintain a cohort default rate that is equal to or less than 15 percent; and
(3) Have participated in the Federal Perkins Loan program for at least two years.
(b) The maximum annual amount of Federal Perkins Loans and Direct Loans an eligible student who attends an institution that participates in the ELO may borrow in any academic year is—
(1) $4,000 for a student who has not successfully completed a program of undergraduate education; and
(2) $6,000 for a graduate or professional student.
(c) The aggregate maximum amount of Federal Perkins and Direct Loans an eligible student who attends an institution that participates in the ELO may borrow is—
(1) $8,000 for a student who has not successfully completed two years of a program leading to a bachelor's degree;
(2) $20,000 for a student who has successfully completed two years of a program leading to a bachelor's degree but who has not received the degree; and
(3) $40,000 for a graduate or professional student.
(d) The maximum annual amounts described in paragraph (b) of this section and the aggregate maximum amounts described in paragraph (c) of this section may be exceeded by 20 percent if the student is engaged in a program of study abroad that is approved for credit by the home institution at
(e) For each student, the maximum annual amounts described in paragraphs (b) and (d) of this section and the aggregate maximum amounts listed in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section include any amount borrowed previously by that student under title IV, part E of the HEA at any institution, including any amounts that may have been repaid to the Fund at any institution.
(f) The institution shall deposit into its Fund an amount required under paragraph (a)(1) of this section whether or not the institution makes loans in the amount authorized under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
To participate in the Federal Perkins Loan program, an institution shall enter into a participation agreement with the Secretary. The agreement provides that the institution shall use the funds it receives solely for the purposes specified in this part and shall administer the program in accordance with the Act, this part and the Student Assistance General Provisions regulations, 34 CFR part 668. The agreement further specifically provides, among other things, that—
(a) The institution shall establish and maintain a Fund and shall deposit into the Fund—
(1) FCC received under this subpart;
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of § 674.7—
(i) ICC equal to at least three-seventeenths of the FCC described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section in award year 1993-94; and
(ii) ICC equal to at least one-third of the FCC described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section in award year 1994-95 and succeeding award years;
(3) ICC equal to the amount of FCC described in paragraph (a)(1) of § 674.7 for an institution that has been granted permission by the Secretary to participate in the ELO under the Federal Perkins Loan program;
(4) Payments of principal, interest, late charges, penalty charges, and collection costs on loans from the Fund;
(5) Payments to the institution as the result of loan cancellations under section 465(b) of the Act;
(6) Any other earnings on assets of the Fund, including the interest earnings of the funds listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section net of bank charges incurred with regard to Fund assets deposited in interest-bearing accounts; and
(7) Proceeds of short-term no-interest loans made to the Fund in anticipation of collections or receipt of FCC.
(b) The institution shall use the money in the Fund only for—
(1) Making loans to students;
(2) Administrative expenses as provided for in 34 CFR 673.7;
(3) Capital distributions provided for in section 466 of the Act;
(4) Litigation costs (see §674.47);
(5) Other collection costs, agreed to by the Secretary in connection with the collection of principal, interest, and late charges on a loan made from the Fund (see § 674.47); and
(6) Repayment of any short-term, no-interest loans made to the Fund by the institution in anticipation of collections or receipt of FCC.
(c) The institution shall submit an annual report to the Secretary containing information that determines its cohort default rate that includes—
(1) For institutions in which 30 or more of its current or former students first entered repayment in an award year—
(i) The total number of borrowers who first entered repayment in the award year; and
(ii) The number of those borrowers in default by the end of the following award year; or
(2) For institutions in which less than 30 of its current or former students entered repayment in an award year—
(i) The total number of borrowers who first entered repayment in any of the three most recent award years; and
(ii) The number of those borrowers in default before the end of the award year immediately following the year in which they entered repayment.
(d)(1) If an institution determines not to service or collect a loan, the institution may assign its rights to the loan to the United States without recompense at the beginning of a repayment period; or
(2) If a loan is in default despite due diligence on the part of the institution in collecting the loan, the institution may assign its rights to the loan to the United States without recompense.
(e) To assist institutions in collecting outstanding loans, the Secretary provides to an institution the names and addresses of borrowers or other information relevant to collection which is available to the Secretary.
(f) The institution shall provide the loan information required by section 463A of the HEA to a borrower.
A student at an institution of higher education is eligible to receive a loan under the Federal Perkins Loan program for an award year if the student—
(a) Meets the relevant eligibility requirements contained in 34 CFR 668.32;
(b) Is enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student at the institution, whether or not engaged in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the home institution;
(c) Has financial need as determined in accordance with part F of title IV of the HEA. A member of a religious order (an order, community, society, agency, or organization) who is pursuing a course of study at an institution of higher education is considered to have no financial need if that religious order-
(1) Has as its primary objective the promotion of ideals and beliefs regarding a Supreme Being;
(2) Requires its members to forego monetary or other support substantially beyond the support it provides; and
(3) Directs the member to pursue the course of study or provides subsistence support to its members;
(d) Has received for that award year, if an undergraduate student—
(1) A SAR as a result of applying for a grant under the Federal Pell Grant Program; or
(2) A preliminary determination of eligibility or ineligibility for a Federal Pell Grant by the institution's financial aid administrator after applying for a SAR with a Federal Pell Grant Processor;
(e) Is willing to repay the loan. Failure to meet payment obligations on a previous loan is evidence that the student is unwilling to repay the loan;
(f) Provides to the institution a driver's license number, if any, at the time of application for the loan;
(g) Reaffirms any Federal Perkins, Direct, or Defense loan amount that previously was written off (if the amount of the write-off exceeded $25); and
(h)(1) In the case of a borrower whose previous loan was canceled due to total and permanent disability, obtains a certification from a physician that the borrower's condition has improved and that the borrower is able to engage in substantial gainful activity; and
(2) Signs a statement acknowledging that any new Federal Perkins or Direct loan the borrower received cannot be canceled in the future on the basis of any present impairment, unless that condition substantially deteriorates.
(i) For purposes of this section, reaffirmation means the acknowledgment of the loan by the borrower in a legally binding manner. The acknowledgement may include, but is not limited to, the borrower—
(1) Signing a new promissory note or new repayment agreement; or
(2) Making a payment on the loan.
(a)(1) An institution shall make loans under this part reasonably available, to the extent of available funds, to all students eligible under § 674.9 but shall
(2) The institution shall define exceptional financial need for the purpose of the priority described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and shall develop procedures for implementing that priority.
(b) If an institution's allocation of FCC is directly or indirectly based in part on the financial need demonstrated by students attending the institution as less-than-full-time or independent students, and if the total financial need of those students exceeds 5 percent of the total financial need of all students at the institution, the institution shall offer to those students at least 5 percent of the dollar amount of those loans made under this part.
(c) The institution shall establish selection procedures and these procedures must be—
(1) In writing;
(2) Uniformly applied; and
(3) Maintained in the institution's files.
(a) The maximum annual amount of Federal Perkins Loans and Direct Loans an eligible student who attends an institution that does not participate in the ELO may borrow in any academic year is—
(1) $3,000 for a student who has not successfully completed a program of undergraduate education; and
(2) $5,000 for a graduate or professional student.
(b) The aggregate maximum amount of Federal Perkins Loans and Direct Loans an eligible student who attends an institution that does not participate in the ELO may borrow is—
(1) $15,000 for a student who has not successfully completed a program of undergraduate education; and
(2) $30,000 for a graduate or professional student.
(c) The maximum annual amounts described in paragraph (a) of this section and the aggregate maximum amounts described in paragraph (b) of this section may be exceeded by 20 percent if the student is engaged in a program of study abroad that is approved for credit by the home institution at which the student is enrolled and that has reasonable costs in excess of the home institution's cost of attendance.
(d) For each student, the maximum annual amounts described in paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section and the aggregate maximum amounts described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, include any amounts borrowed previously by the student under title IV, part E of the HEA at any institution, including any amounts that may have been repaid to the Fund at any institution.
(a) The Secretary requires an institution to reimburse its Fund in an amount equal to that portion of the outstanding balance of—
(1) A loan disbursed by the institution to a borrower in excess of the amount that the borrower was eligible to receive, as determined on the basis of information the institution had, or should have had, at the time of disbursement; or
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a defaulted loan with regard to which the institution failed—
(i) To record or retain the loan note in accordance with the requirements of this part;
(ii) To record advances on the loan note in accordance with the requirements of this part; or
(iii) To exercise due diligence in collecting in accordance with the requirements of this part.
(b) The Secretary does not require an institution to reimburse its Fund for the portion of the outstanding balance of a defaulted loan described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section—
(1) That the institution—
(i) Recovers from the borrower or endorser; or
(ii) Demonstrates, to the Secretary's satisfaction, would not have been collected from the borrower even if the institution complied in a timely manner with the due diligence requirements of subpart C of this part; or
(2) On which the institution obtains a judgment.
(c) An institution that is required to reimburse its Fund under paragraph (a) of this section shall also reimburse the Fund for the amount of the administrative cost allowance claimed by the institution for that portion of the loans to be reimbursed.
(d) An institution that reimburses its Fund under paragraph (a) of this section thereby acquires for its own account all the right, title and interest of the Fund in the loan for which reimbursement has been made.
(a)(1) Before an institution makes its first disbursement to a student, the student shall sign the promissory note and the institution shall provide the student with the following information:
(i) The name of the institution and the address to which communications and payments should be sent.
(ii) The principal amount of the loan and a statement that the institution will report the amount of the loan to a national credit bureau at least annually.
(iii) The stated interest rate on the loan.
(iv) The yearly and cumulative maximum amounts that may be borrowed.
(v) An explanation of when repayment of the loan will begin and when the borrower will be obligated to pay interest that accrues on the loan.
(vi) The minimum and maximum repayment terms which the institution may impose and the minimum monthly repayment required.
(vii) A statement of the total cumulative balance owed by the student to that institution, and an estimate of the monthly payment amount needed to repay that balance.
(viii) Special options the borrowers may have for loan consolidation or other refinancing of the loan.
(ix) The borrower's right to prepay all or part of the loan, at any time, without penalty, and a summary of the circumstances in which repayment of the loan or interest that accrues on the loan may be deferred or canceled including a brief notice of the Department of Defense program for repayment of loans on the basis of specified military service.
(x) A definition of default and the consequences to the borrower, including a statement that the institution may report the default to a national credit bureau.
(xi) The effect of accepting the loan on the eligibility of the borrower for other forms of student assistance.
(xii) The amount of any charges collected by the institution at or prior to the disbursement of the loan and any deduction of such charges from the proceeds of the loan or paid separately by the borrower.
(xiii) Any cost that may be assessed on the borrower in the collection of the loan including late charges and collection and litigation costs.
(2) The institution shall provide the information in paragraph (a)(1) of this section to the borrower in writing—
(i) As part of the written application material;
(ii) As part of the promissory note; or
(iii) On a separate written form.
(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (f) of this section, an institution shall advance in each payment period a portion of a loan awarded for a full academic year.
(2) The institution shall determine the amount advanced each payment period by the following fraction:
(3) An institution may advance funds, within each payment period, at such time and in such amounts as it determines best meets the student's needs.
(c) If a student incurs uneven costs or resources during an academic year and needs additional funds in a particular payment period, the institution may advance loan funds to the student for those uneven costs.
(d)(1) The institution shall disburse funds to a student or the student's account in accordance with 34 CFR 668.164.
(2) The institution shall obtain the borrower's signature on a promissory note for each award year before it disburses any loan funds to the borrower under that note for that award year.
(e) The institution shall advance funds to a student in accordance with the provisions of § 668.164.
(f)(1) The institution shall return to the Fund any amount advanced to a student who, before the first day of classes—
(i) Officially or unofficially withdraws; or
(ii) Is expelled.
(2) A student who does not begin class attendance is deemed to have withdrawn.
(g) Only one advance is necessary if the total amount the institution awards a student for an academic year under the Federal Perkins Loan program is less than $501.
(h) An institutional official may not, without prior approval from the Secretary, obtain a student's power of attorney to endorse any check used to disburse loan funds.
(i) An institution shall report to any one national credit bureau—
(1) The amount of each disbursement;
(2) The date the disbursement was made; and
(3) Information as specified in section 430A of the Act.
(a) If an institution responsible for a Federal Perkins Loan fund closes or no longer wants to participate in the program, the Secretary directs the institution to take one or more of the following steps to protect the outstanding loans and the Federal interest in that Fund:
(1) A capital distribution of the liquid assets of the Fund according to section 466(c) of the Act.
(2) The transfer of the outstanding loans to another institution.
(3) The transfer of the outstanding loans to the Department of Education.
(b) An institution that transfers outstanding loans under this paragraph relinquishes its interest in those loans.
(c) If the Secretary directs the transfer of outstanding loans to a second institution, the transferee institution may deposit the collections on those loans in its own Fund. The Secretary considers that portion of the collections on transferred loans corresponding to the transferor institution's ICC to become part of the transferee institution's ICC.
(d) If the Secretary decides to transfer outstanding loans to another institution, and more than one institution offers to collect the outstanding loans, the Secretary directs that the loans be transferred to one or more of the competing institutions on the basis of—
(1) The offering institution's demonstrated loan collection capability; and
(2) The number of students of the transferor institution expected to enroll in the offering institution.
(e) The Secretary does not take an audit exception against a transferee institution on account of actions or omissions of the transferor institution in the administration of its Fund. The transferee institution shall segregate the transferred Fund account until an audit satisfactory to the Secretary is performed on the operation of the transferor institution's program.
(a)
(b)
(2) An institution may transfer up to the total of the sum of its initial and supplemental Federal Perkins Loan allocations for an award year to the Work-Colleges program.
(3) An institution shall use transferred funds according to the requirements of the program to which they are transferred.
(4) An institution shall report any transferred funds on the Fiscal Operations Report required under § 674.19(d).
(5) An institution shall transfer back to the Federal Perkins Loan program any funds unexpended at the end of the award year that it transferred to the FWS program, the FSEOG program, or the Work-Colleges program from the Federal Perkins Loan program.
(a)
(2)(i) A separate bank account for Federal funds is not required, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(ii) An institution shall notify any bank in which it deposits Federal funds of the accounts into which those funds are deposited by—
(A) Ensuring that the name of the account clearly discloses the fact that Federal funds are deposited in the account; or
(B) Notifying the bank, in writing, of the names of the accounts in which it deposits Federal funds. The institution shall retain a copy of this notice in its files.
(3)(i) The institution shall ensure that the cash balances of the accounts into which it deposits Federal Perkins Loan Fund cash assets do not fall below the amount of Fund cash assets deposited in those accounts but not yet expended on authorized purposes in accordance with applicable title IV HEA program requirements, as determined from the records of the institution.
(ii) If the cash balances of the accounts at any time fall below the amount described in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, the institution is deemed to make any subsequent deposits into the accounts of funds derived from other sources with the intent to restore to that amount those Fund assets previously withdrawn from those accounts. To the extent that these institutional deposits restore the amount previously withdrawn, they are deemed to be Fund assets.
(b)
(5) An institution shall exercise the level of care required of a fiduciary with regard to these deposits and investments.
(c)
(d)
(2) Each year an institution shall submit a Fiscal Operations Report plus other information the Secretary requires. The institution shall insure that the information reported is accurate and shall submit it on the form and at the time specified by the Secretary.
(e)
(2)
(ii) The history must also show the date, nature, and result of each contact with the borrower in the collection of an overdue loan. The institution shall include in the repayment history copies of all correspondence to or from the borrower, except bills, routine overdue notices, and routine form letters.
(3)
(4)
(A) The loans are satisfied; or
(B) The original documents are needed in order to enforce the loan obligation.
(ii) The institution shall retain certified true copies of documents released for enforcement of the loan.
(iii) After the loan obligation is satisfied, the institution shall return the original notes marked “paid in full” to the borrower.
(iv) An institution shall maintain separately its records pertaining to cancellations of Defense, Direct, and Federal Perkins Loans.
(v) Only authorized personnel may have access to the loan documents.
(a) In making a loan, an institution shall comply with the equal credit opportunity requirements of Regulation B (12 CFR part 202).
(b) The Secretary considers the Federal Perkins Loan program to be a credit assistance program authorized by Federal law for the benefit of an economically disadvantaged class of persons within the meaning of 12 CFR 202.8(a)(1). Therefore, the institution may request a loan applicant to disclose his or her marital status, income from alimony, child support, and spouse's income and signature.
(a)
(2)(i) The institution shall print the note on one page, front and back; or
(ii) The institution may print the note on more than one page if—
(A) The note requires the signature of the borrower on each page; or
(B) Each page of the note contains both the total number of pages in the complete note as well as the number of each page, e.g., page 1 of 4, page 2 of 4, etc.
(iii) The promissory note must state the exact amount of the minimum monthly repayment amount if the institution chooses the option under § 674.33(b).
(b)
(i) The rate of interest on the loan is 5 percent per annum on the unpaid balance; and
(ii) No interest shall accrue before the repayment period begins, during certain deferment periods as provided by this subpart, or during the grace period following those deferments.
(2)
(A) For Direct Loans made on or after October 1, 1980, begins 6 months after the borrower ceases to be at least a half-time regular student at an institution of higher education or a comparable institution outside the U.S. approved for this purpose by the Secretary, and normally ends 10 years later;
(B) For Direct Loans made before October 1, 1980 and Federal Perkins Loans, begins 9 months after the borrower ceases to be at least a half-time regular student at an institution of higher education or a comparable institution outside the U.S. approved for this purpose by the Secretary, and normally ends 10 years later;
(C) May begin earlier at the borrower's request; and
(D) May vary because of minimum monthly repayments (see § 674.33(b)), extensions of repayment (see § 674.33(c)), forbearance (see § 674.33(d)), or deferments (see §§ 674.34, 674.35, and 674.36);
(ii) The promissory note must state that the borrower shall repay the loan—
(A) In equal quarterly, bimonthly, or monthly amounts, as the institution chooses; or
(B) In graduated installments if the borrower requests a graduated repayment schedule, the institution submits the schedule to the Secretary for approval, and the Secretary approves it.
(3)
(4)
(i) The borrower may prepay all or part of the loan at any time without penalty;
(ii) The institution shall use amounts repaid during the academic year in which the loan was made to reduce the original loan amount and not consider these amounts to be prepayments;
(iii) If the borrower repays amounts during the academic year in which the loan was made and the initial grace period ended, only those amounts in excess of the amount due for any repayment period shall be treated as prepayments; and
(iv) If, in an academic year other than that described in paragraph (b)(4)(iii) of this section, a borrower repays more than the amount due for any repayment period, the institution shall use the excess to prepay the principal unless the borrower designates it as an advance payment of the next regular installment.
(5)
(A) Repay all or part of a scheduled repayment when due; or
(B) File a timely request for cancellation or deferment with the institution. This request must include sufficient evidence to enable the institution to determine whether the borrower is entitled to a cancellation or deferment.
(ii)(A) The amount of the late charge on a Federal Perkins Loan or a Direct Loan made to cover the cost of attendance for a period of enrollment that began on or after January 1, 1986 must be determined in accordance with § 674.43(b) (2), (3) and (4).
(B) The amount of the late or penalty charge on a Direct loan made for periods of enrollment that began before January 1, 1986 may be—
(
(
(
(iii) The institution may—
(A) Add either the penalty or late charge to the principal the day after the scheduled repayment was due; or
(B) Include it with the next scheduled repayment after the borrower receives notice of the late charge.
(6)
(7)
(i) The United States or an institution approved by the Secretary; or
(ii) An institution to which the borrower has transferred if that institution is participating in the Federal Perkins Loan program.
(8)
(i) Make a scheduled repayment on time; or
(ii) File cancellation or deferment form(s) with the institution on time.
(9)
(10)
(i) The institution shall disclose to any one national credit bureau the amount of the loan made to the borrower, along with other relevant information;
(ii) If the borrower defaults on the loan, the institution shall disclose that the borrower has defaulted on the loan, along with other relevant information, to the same national credit bureau to which it originally reported the loan; and
(iii) If the borrower defaults on the loan and the loan is assigned to the Secretary for collection, the Secretary may disclose to a national credit bureau that the borrower has defaulted on the loan, along with other relevant information.
(a) The promissory note used with regard to loans to borrowers enrolled on a less than half-time basis must state that the repayment period begins—
(1) On the date of the next scheduled installment payment on any outstanding loan to the borrower; or
(2) If the borrower has no outstanding loan, at the earlier of—
(i) Nine months from the date the loan was made, or
(ii) The end of a nine-month period that includes the date the loan was made and began on the date the borrower ceased to be enrolled as at least a half-time regular student at an institution of higher education or comparable institution outside the U.S. approved for this purpose by the Secretary.
(b) The note must otherwise conform to the provisions of § 674.31.
(a)
(1) The institution shall establish a repayment plan before the student ceases to be at least a half-time regular student.
(2) If the last scheduled payment would be $25 or less the institution may combine it with the next-to-last repayment.
(3) If the installment payment for all loans made to a borrower by an institution is not a multiple of $5, the institution may round that payment to the next highest dollar amount that is a multiple of $5.
(4) The institution shall apply any payment on a loan in the following order:
(i) Collection costs.
(ii) Late charges.
(iii) Accrued interest.
(iv) Principal.
(b)
(A) The promissory note includes a minimum monthly repayment provision specifying the amount of the minimum monthly repayment; and
(B) The monthly repayment of principal and interest for a 10-year repayment period is less than the minimum monthly repayment; or
(ii) An institution may require a borrower to pay a minimum monthly repayment if the borrower has received loans with different interest rates at the same institution and the total monthly repayment would otherwise be less than the minimum monthly repayment.
(2)
(i) If the total of the monthly repayments is equal to at least the minimum monthly repayment, no institution may exercise a minimum monthly repayment option.
(ii) If only one institution exercises the minimum monthly repayment option when the monthly repayment would otherwise be less than the minimum repayment option, that institution receives the difference between the minimum monthly repayment and the repayment owed to the other institution.
(iii) If each institution exercises the minimum repayment option, the minimum monthly repayment must be divided among the institutions in proportion to the amount of principal advanced by each institution.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(i) It determines that the borrower is unable to make the scheduled repayments due to hardship (see § 674.33(c)); and
(ii) The borrower's scheduled repayment is the minimum monthly repayment described in paragraph (b) of this section.
(6)
(i) $15 for a Defense loan;
(ii) $30 for a Direct Loan or for a Federal Perkins loan made before October 1, 1992, or for a Federal Perkins loan made on or after October 1, 1992, to a borrower who, on the date the loan is made, has an outstanding balance of principal or interest owing on any loan made under this part; or
(iii) $40 for a Federal Perkins loan made on or after October 1, 1992, to a borrower who, on the date the loan is made, has no outstanding balance of principal or interest owing on any loan made under this part.
(7) The institution shall determine the minimum repayment amount under paragraph (b) of this section for loans with repayment installment intervals greater than one month by multiplying the amounts in paragraph (b) of this section by the number of months in the installment interval.
(c)
(2)
(A) For an unmarried borrower without dependents, an individual whose total income for the preceding calendar year did not exceed 45 percent of the Income Protection Allowance for the current award year for a family of four with one in college.
(B) For a borrower with a family that includes the borrower and any spouse or legal dependents, an individual whose total family income for the preceding calendar year did not exceed 125 percent of the Income Protection Allowance for the current award year for a family with one in college and equal in size to that of the borrower's family.
(ii) The institution shall use the Income Protection Allowance published annually in accordance with section 478 of the HEA in making this determination.
(iii) The institution shall review the borrower's status annually to determine whether the borrower continues to qualify for an extended repayment period based on his or her status as a “low-income individual.”
(iv) Upon determining that a borrower ceases to qualify for an extended repayment period under this section, the institution shall amend the borrower's repayment schedule. The term of the amended repayment schedule may not exceed the number of months remaining on the original repayment schedule, provided that the institution may not include the time elapsed during any extension of the repayment period granted under this section in determining the number of months remaining on the original repayment schedule.
(3) Interest continues to accrue during any extension of a repayment period.
(d)
(2) Upon receipt of a written request and supporting documentation, the institution shall grant the borrower forbearance of principal and, unless otherwise indicated by the borrower, interest renewable at intervals of up to 12 months for periods that collectively do not exceed three years.
(3) The terms of forbearance must be agreed upon, in writing, by the borrower and the institution.
(4) In granting a forbearance under this section, an institution shall grant a temporary cessation of payments, unless the borrower chooses another form of forbearance subject to paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
(5) An institution shall grant forbearance if—
(i) The amount of the payments the borrower is obligated to make on title IV loans each month (or a proportional share if the payments are due less frequently than monthly) is collectively equal to or greater than 20 percent of the borrower's total monthly gross income;
(ii) The institution determines that the borrower should qualify for the forbearance due to poor health or for other acceptable reasons; or
(iii) The Secretary authorizes a period of forbearance due to a national military mobilization or other national emergency.
(6) Before granting a forbearance to a borrower under paragraph (d)(5)(i) of this section, the institution shall require the borrower to submit at least the following documentation:
(i) Evidence showing the amount of the most recent total monthly gross income received by the borrower; and
(ii) Evidence showing the amount of the monthly payments owed by the borrower for the most recent month for the borrower's title IV loans.
(7) Interest accrues during any period of forbearance.
(8) The institution may not include the periods of forbearance described in this paragraph in determining the 10-year repayment period.
(e)
(i) The institution has fully complied with all due diligence requirements specified in subpart C of this part; and
(ii) The student borrower pays in a single lump-sum payment—
(A) 90 percent of the outstanding principal balance on the loan under this part;
(B) The interest due on the loan; and
(C) Any collection fees due on the loan.
(2) The Federal share of the compromise repayment must bear the same relation to the institution's share of the compromise repayment as the Federal capital contribution to the institution's loan Fund under this part bears to the institution's capital contribution to the Fund.
(a) The borrower may defer making scheduled installment repayment on a Federal Perkins loan or a Direct loan made on or after July 1, 1993, during the periods described in this section.
(b)(1) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, during a period after the commencement or resumption of the repayment period on a loan, when the borrower is—
(i) Enrolled and in attendance as a regular student in at least a half-time course of study at an eligible institution;
(ii) Enrolled and in attendance as a regular student in a course of study that is part of a graduate fellowship program approved by the Secretary;
(iii) Engaged in graduate or post-graduate fellowship-supported study (such as a Fulbright grant) outside the United States; or
(iv) Enrolled in a course of study that is part of a rehabilitation training program for disabled individuals approved by the Secretary as described in paragraph (g) of this section.
(2) No borrower is eligible for a deferment under paragraph (b)(1) of this section while serving in a medical internship or residency program, except for a residency program in dentistry.
(3) The institution of higher education at which the borrower is enrolled does not need to be participating in the Federal Perkins Loan program for the borrower to qualify for a deferment.
(4) If a borrower is attending an institution of higher education as at least a half-time regular student for a full academic year and intends to enroll as at least a half-time regular student in the next academic year, the borrower is entitled to a deferment for 12 months.
(5) If an institution no longer qualifies as an institution of higher education, the borrower's deferment ends on the date the institution ceases to qualify.
(c)(1) The borrower of a Federal Perkins loan need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, for any period during which the borrower is engaged in service described in §§ 674.53, 674.54, 674.56, 674.57, 674.58, 674.59, and 674.60.
(2) The borrower of a Direct loan need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, for any period during which the borrower is engaged in service described in §§ 674.53, 674.54, 674.56, 674.57, 674.58, and 674.59.
(d) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, for any period not to exceed 3 years during which the borrower is seeking and unable to find full-time employment.
(e) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, for any period not to exceed 3 years during which the borrower is suffering an economic hardship. To qualify for this deferment, the borrower must provide documentation satisfactory to the institution showing that the borrower—
(1) Has been granted an economic hardship deferment under either the FDSL or FFEL programs for the period of time for which the borrower has requested an economic hardship
(2) Is receiving payment under a Federal or state public assistance program, such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Supplemental Security Income, Food Stamps, or state general public assistance;
(3) Is working full-time and earning a total monthly gross income that does not exceed the greater of—
(i) The monthly earnings of an individual earning the minimum wage described in section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; or
(ii) An amount equal to 100 percent of the poverty line for a family of two, as determined in accordance with section 673(2) of the Community Service Block Grant Act;
(4) Is not receiving total monthly gross income that exceeds twice the amount specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section and, after deducting an amount equal to the borrower's monthly payments on Federal postsecondary education loans, as determined under paragraph (e)(9) of this section, the remaining amount of that income does not exceed the amount specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section; or
(5) Is working full-time and has a Federal education debt burden that equals or exceeds 20 percent of the borrower's total monthly gross income, and the borrower's income minus such burden is less than 220 percent of the amount calculated under paragraph (3) of this section.
(6) For a deferment granted under paragraph (e)(4) or (e)(5) of this section, the institution shall require the borrower to submit at least the following documentation to qualify for an initial period of deferment—
(i) Evidence showing the amount of the borrower's most recent total monthly gross income, as defined in section 674.2; and
(ii) Evidence that would enable the institution to determine the amount of the monthly payments that would have been owed by the borrower during the deferment period to other entities for Federal postsecondary education loans in accordance with paragraph (e)(9) of this section.
(7) To qualify for a subsequent period of deferment that begins less than one year after the end of a period of deferment under paragraphs (e)(3), (e)(4), or (e)(5) of this section, the institution shall require the borrower to submit a copy of the borrower's Federal income tax return if the borrower filed a tax return within eight months prior to the date the deferment is requested.
(8) For purposes of paragraphs (e)(3) and (e)(5) of this section, a borrower is considered to be working full-time if the borrower is expected to be employed for at least three consecutive months at 30 hours per week.
(9) In determining a borrower's eligibility for an economic hardship deferment under paragraph (e) of this section, the institution shall count only the monthly payment amount (or a proportional share if the payments are due less frequently than monthly) that would have been owed on a Federal postsecondary education loan if the loan had been scheduled to be repaid in 10 years from the date the borrower entered repayment, regardless of the length of the borrower's actual repayment schedule or the actual monthly payment amount (if any) that would be owed during the period that the borrower requested an economic hardship deferment.
(f) To qualify for a deferment for study as part of a graduate fellowship program pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, a borrower must provide the institution certification that the borrower has been accepted for or is engaged in full-time study in the institution's graduate fellowship program.
(g) To qualify for a deferment for study in a rehabilitation training program, pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section, the borrower must be receiving, or be scheduled to receive, services under a program designed to rehabilitate disabled individuals and must provide the institution with the following documentation:
(1) A certification from the rehabilitation agency that the borrower is either receiving or scheduled to receive rehabilitation training services from the agency.
(2) A certification from the rehabilitation agency that the rehabilitation program—
(i) Is licensed, approved, certified, or otherwise recognized by one of the following entities as providing rehabilitation training to disabled individuals—
(A) A State agency with responsibility for vocational rehabilitation programs;
(B) A State agency with responsibility for drug abuse treatment programs;
(C) A State agency with responsibility for mental health services programs;
(D) A State agency with responsibility for alcohol abuse treatment programs; or
(E) The Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(ii) Provides or will provide the borrower with rehabilitation services under a written plan that—
(A) Is individualized to meet the borrower's needs;
(B) Specifies the date on which the services to the borrower are expected to end; and
(C) Is structured in a way that requires a substantial commitment by the borrower to his or her rehabilitation. The Secretary considers a substantial commitment by the borrower to be a commitment of time and effort that would normally prevent an individual from engaging in full-time employment either because of the number of hours that must be devoted to rehabilitation or because of the nature of the rehabilitation.
(h) The institution may not include the deferment periods described in paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) of this section and the period described in paragraph (i) of this section in determining the 10-year repayment period.
(i) The borrower need not pay principal and interest does not accrue until six months after completion of any period during which the borrower is in deferment under paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) of this section.
(a) The borrower may defer repayment on a Federal Perkins Loan made before July 1, 1993, during the periods described in this section.
(b)(1) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, during a period after the commencement or resumption of the repayment period on a loan, when the borrower is at least a half-time regular student at—
(i) An institution of higher education; or
(ii) A comparable institution outside the U.S. approved by the Secretary for this purpose.
(2) The institution of higher education does not need to be participating in the Federal Perkins Loan program for the borrower to qualify for a deferment.
(3) If a borrower is attending as at least a half-time regular student for a full academic year and intends to enroll as at least a half-time regular student in the next academic year, the borrower is entitled to deferment for 12 months.
(4) If an institution no longer qualifies as an institution of higher education, the borrower's deferment ends on the date the institution ceases to qualify.
(c) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, for any period not to exceed 3 years during which the borrower is—
(1) A member of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard or an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (see § 674.59);
(2) On full-time active duty as a member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps;
(3) A Peace Corps volunteer (see § 674.60);
(4) A volunteer under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (ACTION programs) (see § 674.60);
(5) A full-time volunteer in service which the Secretary has determined is comparable to service in the Peace Corps or under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (ACTION programs). The Secretary considers that a borrower is providing comparable service if he or she satisfies the following five criteria:
(i) The borrower serves in an organization that is exempt from taxation
(ii) The borrower provides service to low-income persons and their communities to assist them in eliminating poverty and poverty-related human, social, and environmental conditions.
(iii) The borrower does not receive compensation that exceeds the rate prescribed under section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (the Federal minimum wage), except that the tax-exempt organization may provide health, retirement, and other fringe benefits to the volunteer that are substantially equivalent to the benefits offered to other employees of the organization.
(iv) The borrower, as part of his or her duties, does not give religious instruction, conduct worship service, engage in religious proselytizing, or engage in fundraising to support religious activities.
(v) The borrower has agreed to serve on a full-time basis for a term of at least one year.
(6) Temporarily totally disabled, as established by an affidavit of a qualified physician, or unable to secure gainful employment because the borrower is providing care, such as continuous nursing or other similar services, required by a dependent who is so disabled. As used in this paragraph—
(i) “Temporarily totally disabled”, with regard to the borrower, means the inability by virtue of an injury or illness to attend an eligible institution or to be gainfully employed during a reasonable period of recovery; and
(ii) “Temporarily totally disabled”, with regard to a disabled spouse or other dependent of a borrower, means requiring continuous nursing or other services from the borrower for a period of at least three months because of illness or injury.
(d)(1) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, for a period not to exceed two years during which time the borrower is serving an eligible internship.
(2) An eligible internship is one which—
(i) Requires the borrower to hold at least a baccalaureate degree before beginning the internship; and
(ii)(A) A State licensing agency requires an individual to complete as a prerequisite for certification for professional practice or service; or
(B) Is a part of an internship or residency program leading to a degree or certificate awarded by an institution of higher education, a hospital, or a health care facility that offers postgraduate training.
(3) To qualify for an internship deferment as provided in paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(A) of this section, the borrower must provide the institution with the following certifications:
(i) A statement from an official of the appropriate State licensing agency that successful completion of the internship program is a prerequisite for its certification of the individual for professional service or practice.
(ii) A statement from the organization with which the borrower is undertaking the internship program certifying—
(A) That a baccalaureate degree must be attained in order to be admitted into the internship program;
(B) That the borrower has been accepted into its internship program; and
(C) The anticipated dates on which the borrower will begin and complete the program.
(4) To qualify for an internship deferment as provided in paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, the borrower must provide the institution with a statement from an authorized official of the internship program certifying that—
(i) A baccalaureate degree must be attained in order to be admitted into the internship program;
(ii) The borrower has been accepted into its internship program; and
(iii) The internship or residency program in which the borrower has been accepted leads to a degree or certificate awarded by an institution of higher education, a hospital or a health-care facility that offers postgraduate training.
(e) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, for a period not in excess of six months—
(1) During which the borrower is—
(i) Pregnant, caring for a newborn baby, or caring for a child immediately
(ii) Not attending an eligible institution of higher education or gainfully employed; and
(2) That begins not later than six months after a period in which the borrower was at least a half-time regular student at an eligible institution.
(f) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, for a period not in excess of one year during which the borrower—
(1) Is a mother of preschool age children;
(2) Has just entered or reentered the work force; and
(3) Is being compensated at a rate which is not more than $1.00 over the minimum hourly wage established by section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
(g) An institution may defer payments of principal and interest, but interest shall continue to accrue, if the institution determines this is necessary to avoid hardship to the borrower (see § 674.33(c)).
(h) The institution may not include the deferment periods described in paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) of this section and the period described in paragraph (i) of this section when determining the 10-year repayment period.
(i) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, until six months after completion of any period during which the borrower is in deferment under paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of this section.
(a) The borrower may defer repayment on a Direct Loan made on or after October 1, 1980, but before July 1, 1993, during the periods described in this section.
(b)(1) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, during a period after the commencement or resumption of the repayment period on a loan, when the borrower is at least a half-time regular student at—
(i) An institution of higher education; or
(ii) A comparable institution outside the U.S. approved by the Secretary for this purpose.
(2) The institution of higher education does not need to be participating in the Federal Perkins Loan program for the borrower to qualify for a deferment.
(3) If a borrower is attending as at least a half-time regular student for a full academic year and intends to enroll as at least a half-time regular student in the next academic year, the borrower is entitled to deferment for 12 months.
(4) If an institution no longer qualifies as an institution of higher education, the borrower's deferment ends on the date the institution ceases to qualify.
(c) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, for a period of up to 3 years during which time the borrower is—
(1) A member of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard or an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (see § 674.59);
(2) A Peace Corps volunteer (see § 674.60);
(3) A volunteer under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (ACTION programs) (see § 674.60).
(4) A full-time volunteer in service which the Secretary has determined is comparable to service in the Peace Corps or under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (ACTION programs). The Secretary considers that a borrower is providing comparable service if he or she satisfies the following five criteria:
(i) The borrower serves in an organization that is exempt from taxation under the provisions of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
(ii) The borrower provides service to low-income persons and their communities to assist them in eliminating
(iii) The borrower does not receive compensation that exceeds the rate prescribed under section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (the Federal minimum wage), except that the tax-exempt organization may provide health, retirement, and other fringe benefits to the volunteer that are substantially equivalent to the benefits offered to other employees of the organization.
(iv) The borrower, as part of his or her duties, does not give religious instruction, conduct worship service, engage in religious proselytizing, or engage in fundraising to support religious activities.
(v) The borrower has agreed to serve on a full-time basis for a term of at least one year.
(5)(i) Temporarily totally disabled, as established by an affidavit of a qualified physician, or unable to secure gainful employment because the borrower is providing care, such as continuous nursing or other similar services, required by a spouse who is so disabled.
(ii) “Temporarily totally disabled” with regard to the borrower, means the inability by virtue of an injury or illness to attend an eligible institution or to be gainfully employed during a reasonable period of recovery; and
(iii) “Temporarily totally disabled” with regard to a disabled spouse, means requiring continuous nursing or other services from the borrower for a period of at least three months because of illness or injury.
(d)(1) The borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, for a period not to exceed two years during which time the borrower is serving an eligible internship.
(2) An eligible internship is an internship—
(i) That requires the borrower to hold at least a bachelor's degree before beginning the internship program; and
(ii) That the State licensing agency requires the borrower to complete before certifying the individual for professional practice or service.
(3) To qualify for an internship deferment, the borrower shall provide to the institution the following certifications:
(i) A statement from an official of the appropriate State licensing agency that the internship program meets the provisions of paragraph (d)(2) of this section; and
(ii) A statement from the organization with which the borrower is undertaking the internship program certifying—
(A) The acceptance of the borrower into its internship program; and
(B) The anticipated dates on which the borrower will begin and complete the program.
(e) An institution may defer payments of principal and interest, but interest shall continue to accrue, if the institution determines this is necessary to avoid hardship to the borrower (see § 674.33)(c)).
(f) The institution shall not include the deferment periods described in paragraphs (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section and the period described in paragraph (g) of this section when determining the 10-year repayment period.
(g) No repayment of principal or interest begins until six months after completion of any period during which the borrower is in deferment under paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.
(a) A borrower may defer repayment—
(1) On a Direct loan made before October 1, 1980 during the periods described in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section; and
(2) On a Defense loan, during the periods described in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section.
(b)(1) A borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue, during a period after the commencement or resumption of the repayment
(i) An institution of higher education; or
(ii) A comparable institution outside the U.S. approved by the Secretary for this purpose.
(2) The institution of higher education does not need to be participating in the Perkins Loan program for the borrower to qualify for a deferment.
(3) If a borrower is attending as at least a half-time regular student for a full academic year and intends to enroll as at least half-time regular student in the next academic year, the borrower is entitled to deferment for 12 months.
(4) If an institution no longer qualifies as an institution of higher education, the borrower's deferment ends on the date the institution ceases to qualify.
(c) A borrower need not repay principal, and interest does not accrue for a period of up to 3 years during which time the borrower is—
(1) A member of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard (see § 674.59);
(2) A Peace Corps volunteer (see § 674.60); or
(3) A volunteer under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (ACTION programs) (see § 674.60).
(d) The institution shall exclude the deferment periods described in paragraphs (b), (c), and (e) of this section when determining the 10-year repayment period.
(e) An institution may permit the borrower to defer payments of principal and interest, but interest shall continue to accrue, if the institution determines this is necessary to avoid hardship to the borrower (see § 674.33(c)).
(f) The institution may permit the borrower to defer payment of principal and interest, but interest shall continue to accrue, on a Defense loan for a total of 3 years after the commencement or resumption of the repayment period on a loan, during which he or she is attending an institution of higher education as a less-than-half-time regular student.
(a)(1) To qualify for a deferment on a loan, a borrower shall submit to the institution to which the loan is owed a written request for a deferment with documentation required by the institution, by the date that the institution establishes.
(2) If the borrower fails to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) (1) of this section, the institution may declare the loan to be in default, and may accelerate the loan.
(b)(1) The institution may grant a deferment to a borrower after it has declared a loan to be a default.
(2) As a condition for a deferment under this paragraph, the institution—
(i) Shall require the borrower to execute a written repayment agreement on the loan; and
(ii) May require the borrower to pay immediately some or all of the amounts previously scheduled to be repaid before the date on which the institution determined that the borrower had demonstrated that grounds for a deferment existed, plus late charges and collection costs.
(c) If the information supplied by the borrower demonstrates that for some or all of the period for which a deferment is requested, the borrower had retained in-school status or was within the initial grace period on the loan, the institution shall—
(1) Redetermine the date on which the borrower was required to commence repayment on the loan;
(2) Deduct from the loan balance any interest accrued and late charges added before the date on which the repayment period commenced, as determined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section; and
(3) Treat in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, the request for deferment for any remaining portion of the period for which deferment was requested.
(d) The institution shall determine the continued eligiblityof a borrower for a deferrment at least monthly.
(a) An institution shall postpone loan repayments for a 12-month period if the borrower—
(1) Notifies the institution in writing that he or she is teaching or engaged in other services that qualify for loan cancellation under § 674.53, § 674.54, § 674.55, § 674.56, § 674.57 or § 674.58.
(2) Submits a statement signed by a responsible official in the military, agency, or school employing the borrower, specifying that the borrower is so employed. The statement must describe the borrower's job, list the period of employment, and state whether the job is full- or part-time.
(b) If a borrower has received Defense, Direct, and Federal Perkins loans and is eligible for cancellation benefits on only one, the institution may postpone only repayments on the loan for which cancellation is available.
(a) An institution may not exercise the minimum monthly repayment provisions on a note when the borrower has received a partial cancellation for the period covered by a postponement.
(b) If a borrower has received Defense, Direct, and Perkins loans and only one can be cancelled, the amount due on the uncancelled loan is the amount established in § 674.31(b) (2), loan repayment terms; § 674.33(b), minimum repayment rates; or § 674.33(c), extension of repayment period.
(a)
(1) Keep the borrower informed, on a timely basis, of all changes in the program that affect his or her rights or responsibilities; and
(2) Respond promptly to all inquiries from the borrower.
(b)
(1) The enrollment status of the borrower;
(2) The expected graduation or termination date of the borrower;
(3) The date the borrower withdraws, is expelled or ceases enrollment on at least a half-time basis; and
(4) The current name, address, telephone number and Social Security number of the borrower.
(a)
(i) The borrower's responsibility to inform the institution immediately of any change of name, address, telephone number, or Social Security number.
(ii) The borrower's rights to forbearance, deferment, cancellation, or postponement of repayment and the procedures for filing for those benefits.
(iii) The borrower's responsibility to contact the institution in a timely manner, before the due date of any payment he or she cannot make.
(2) An institution shall disclose the following information during the exit interview, and shall include it in the promissory note or in another written statement provided to the borrower:
(i) The name and the address of the institution to which the debt is owed and the name and address of the official or servicing agent to whom communications should be sent.
(ii) The name and the address of the party to which payments should be sent.
(iii) The estimated balance owed by the borrower on the loan held by the institution on the date on which the repayment period is scheduled to begin.
(iv) The stated interest rate on the loan.
(v) The repayment schedule for all loans covered by the disclosure including the date the first installment payment is due, and the number, amount, and frequency of required payments.
(vi) An explanation of any special options the borrower may have for loan consolidation or other refinancing of the loan, and a statement that the borrower has the right to prepay all or part of the loan at any time without penalty.
(vii) A description of the charges imposed for failure of the borrower to pay all or part of an installment when due.
(viii) A description of any charges that may be imposed as a consequence of default, such as liability for expenses reasonably incurred in attempts by the Secretary or the institution to collect on the loan.
(ix) The total of interest charges which the borrower will pay on the loan pursuant to the projected repayment schedule.
(x) General information with respect to the average indebtedness of students who have loans at that institution under part E of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.
(3) The institution shall require the borrower to provide to the institution, during the exit interview—
(i) The borrower's expected permanent address after leaving the institution, regardless of the reason for leaving;
(ii) The name and address of the borrower's expected employer after leaving the institution;
(iii) The name and address of the borrower's next of kin; and
(iv) Any corrections in the institution's records relating to the borrower's name, address, social security number, personal references, and driver's license number.
(4) At the time of the exit interview the institution shall—
(i) Have the borrower sign the repayment schedule;
(ii) Provide a copy of the signed promissory note and the signed repayment schedule to the borrower; and
(iii) Retain signed copies of both the note and the repayment schedule in the institution's files.
(5) The institution shall contact a borrower promptly after it determines that the borrower either has not attended an exit interview that he or she was scheduled to attend or has already left the institution, and shall—
(i) Provide the borrower, either in person or by mail the information described in paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section; and
(ii) Provide a copy of the note and two copies of the repayment schedule to the borrower and request that the
(b)
(ii) For loans with a six-month initial or post deferment grace period (loans not described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section), the institution shall contact the borrower twice during the grace period.
(2)(i) The institution shall contact the borrower for the first time 90 days after the commencement of any grace period. The institution shall at this time remind the borrower of his or her responsibility to comply with the terms of the loan and shall send the borrower the following information:
(A) The total amount remaining outstanding on the loan account, including principal and interest accruing over the remaining life of the loan.
(B) The date and amount of the next required payment.
(ii) The institution shall contact the borrower the second time 150 days after the commencement of any grace period. The institution shall at this time notify the borrower of the date and amount of the first required payment.
(iii) The institution shall contact a borrower with a nine-month initial grace period a third time 240 days after the commencement of the grace period, and shall then inform him or her of the date and amount of the first required payment.
(a) The term
(1) If the institution uses a coupon payment system, it shall send the coupons to the borrower at least 30 days before the first payment is due.
(2) If the institution does not use a coupon system, it shall send to the borrower—
(i) A written notice giving the name and address of the party to which payments are to be sent and a statement of account at least 30 days before the first payment is due; and
(ii) A statement of account at least 15 days before the due date of each subsequent payment.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, if the borrower elects to make payment by means of an electronic transfer of funds from the borrower's bank account, the institution shall send to the borrower an annual statement of account.
(b)(1) An institution shall send a first overdue notice within 15 days after the due date for a payment if the institution has not received—
(i) A payment:
(ii) A request for deferment; or
(iii) A request for postponement or for cancellation.
(2) Subject to § 674.47(a), the institution shall assess a late charge for loans made for periods of enrollment beginning on or after January 1, 1986, during the period in which the institution takes any steps described in this section to secure—
(i) Any part of an installment payment not made when due, or
(ii) A request for deferment, cancellation, or postponement of repayment on the loan that contains sufficient information to enable the institution to determine whether the borrower is entitled to the relief requested.
(3) The institution shall determine the amount of the late charge imposed for loans described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section based on either—
(i) Actual costs incurred for actions required under this section to secure the required payment or information from the borrower; or
(ii) The average cost incurred for similar attempts to secure payments or information from other borrowers.
(4) The institution may not require a borrower to pay late charges imposed under paragraph (b)(3) of this section in an amount, for each late payment or request, exceeding 20 percent of the installment payment most recently due.
(5) The institution—
(i) Shall determine the amount of the late or penalty charge imposed on loans not described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section in accordance with § 674.31(b)(5) (See appendix E); and
(ii) May assess this charge only during the period described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(6) The institution shall notify the borrower of the amount of the charge it has imposed, and whether the institution—
(i) Has added that amount to the principal amount of the loan as of the first day on which the installment was due; or
(ii) Demands payment for that amount in full no later than the due date of the next installment.
(c) If the borrower does not satisfactorily respond to the first overdue notice, the institution shall continue to contact the borrower as follows, until the borrower makes satisfactory repayment arrangements or demonstrates entitlement to deferment, postponement, or cancellation:
(1) The institution shall send a second overdue notice within 30 days after the first overdue notice is sent.
(2) The institution shall send a final demand letter within 15 days after the second overdue notice. This letter must inform the borrower that unless the institution receives a payment or a request for deferment, postponement, or cancellation within 30 days of the date of the letter, it will refer the account for collection or litigation, and will report the default to a credit bureau.
(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, an institution may send a borrower a final demand letter if the institution has not within 15 days after the due date received a payment, or a request for deferment. postponement, or cancellation, and if—
(1) The borrower's repayment history has been unsatisfactory, e.g., the borrower has previously failed to make payment(s) when due or to request deferment, postponement, or cancellation in a timely manner, or has previously received a final demand letter; or
(2) The institution reasonably concludes that the borrower neither intends to repay the loan nor intends to seek deferment, postponement, or cancellation of the loan.
(e)(1) An institution that accelerates a loan as provided in § 674.31 (i.e., makes the entire outstanding balance of the loan, including accrued interest and any applicable late charges, payable immediately) shall—
(i) Provide the borrower, at least 30 days before the effective date of the acceleration, written notice of its intention to accelerate; and
(ii) Provide the borrower on or after the effective date of acceleration, written notice of the date on which it accelerated the loan and the total amount due on the loan.
(2) The institution may provide these notices by including them in other written notices to the borrower, including the final demand letter.
(f) If the borrower does not respond to the final demand letter within 30 days from the date it was sent, the institution shall attempt to contact the borrower by telephone before beginning collection procedures.
(g)(1) An institution shall ensure that any funds collected as a result of billing the borrower are—
(i) Deposited in interest-bearing bank accounts that are—
(A) Insured by an agency of the Federal Government; or
(B) Secured by collateral of reasonably equivalent value; or
(ii) Invested in low-risk income-producing securities, such as obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States.
(2) An institution shall exercise the level of care required of a fiduciary with regard to these deposits and investments.
(a) If mail, other than unclaimed mail, sent to a borrower is returned undelivered, an institution shall take steps to locate the borrower. These steps must include—
(1) Reviews of records in all appropriate institutional offices;
(2) Reviews of telephone directories or inquiries of information operators in the locale of the borrower's last known address; and
(3) If, after following the procedures in paragraph (a) of this section, an institution is still unable to locate a borrower, the institution may use the Internal Revenue Service skip-tracing service.
(b) If an institution is unable to locate a borrower by the means described in paragraph (a) of this section, it shall—
(1) Use its own personnel to attempt to locate the borrower, employing and documenting efforts comparable to commonly accepted commercial skip-tracing practices; or
(2) Refer the account to a firm that provides commercial skip-tracing services.
(c) If the institution acquires the borrower's address or telephone number through the efforts described in this section, it shall use that new information to continue its efforts to collect on that borrower's account in accordance with the requirements of this subpart.
(d) If the institution is unable to locate the borrower after following the procedures in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the institution shall make reasonable attempts to locate the borrower at least twice a year until—
(1) The loan is recovered through litigation;
(2) The account is assigned to the United States; or
(3) The account is written off under § 674.47(g).
(a) The term “collection procedures,” as used in this subpart, includes that series of more intensive efforts, including litigation as described in § 674.46, to recover amounts owed from defaulted borrowers who do not respond satisfactorily to the demands routinely made as part of the institution's billing procedures. If a borrower does not satisfactorily respond to the final demand letter or the following telephone contact made in accordance with § 674.43(f), the institution shall—
(1) Report the defaulted account to any one national credit bureau; and
(2)(i) Use its own personnel to collect the amount due; or
(ii) Engage a collection firm to collect the account.
(b) An institution shall report to the same national credit bureau to which it originally reported the default, according to the reporting procedures of the national credit bureau, any changes in account status and shall respond within one month of its receipt to any inquiry from any credit bureau regarding the information reported on the loan amount.
(c)(1) If the institution, or the firm it engages, pursues collection activity for up to 12 months and does not succeed in converting the account to regular repayment status, or the borrower does not qualify for deferment, postponement, or cancellation on the loan, the institution shall—
(i) Litigate in accordance with the procedures in § 674.46;
(ii) Make a second effort to collect the account as follows:
(A) If the institution first attempted to collect the account using its own personnel, it shall refer the account to a collection firm.
(B) If the institution first attempted to collect the account by using a collection firm, it shall either attempt to collect the account using institutional personnel, or place the account with a different collection firm; or
(iii) Submit the account for assignment to the Secretary in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 674.50.
(2) If the collection firm retained by the institution does not succeed in placing an account into a repayment status described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section after 12 months of collection activity, the institution shall require the collection firm to return the account to the institution.
(d) If the institution is unable to place the loan in repayment as described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section after following the procedures in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section, the institution shall continue to make annual attempts to collect from the borrower until—
(1) The loan is recovered through litigation;
(2) The account is assigned to the United States; or
(3) The account is written off under § 674.47(g).
(e)(1) Subject to § 674.47(d), the institution shall assess against the borrower all reasonable costs incurred by the institution with regard to a loan obligation.
(2) The institution shall determine the amount of collection costs that shall be charged to the borrower for actions required under this section, and §§ 674.44, 674.46, 674. 48, and 674.49, based on either—
(i) Actual costs incurred for these actions with regard to the individual borrower's loan; or
(ii) Average costs incurred for similar actions taken to collect loans in similar stages of delinquency.
(3) The Fund must be reimbursed for collection costs initially charged to the Fund and subsequently paid by the borrower.
(f)(1) An institution shall ensure that any funds collected from the borrower are—
(i) Deposited in interest-bearing bank accounts that are—
(A) Insured by an agency of the Federal Government; or
(B) Secured by collateral of reasonably equivalent value; or
(ii) Invested in low-risk income-producing securities, such as obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States.
(2) An institution shall exercise the level of care required of a fiduciary with regard to these deposits and investments.
(g)
(a)(1) If the collection efforts described in § 674.45 do not result in the repayment of a loan, the institution shall determine at least annually whether—
(i) The total amount owing on the borrower's account, including outstanding principal, accrued interest, collection costs and late charges on all of the borrower's Federal Perkins, National Direct and National Defense Student Loans held by that institution, is more than $200;
(ii) The borrower can be located and served with process;
(iii)(A) The borrower has sufficient assets attachable under State law to satisfy a major portion of the oustanding debt; or
(B) The borrower has income from wages or salary which may be garnished under applicable State law sufficient to satisfy a major portion of the debt over a reasonable period of time;
(iv) The borrower does not have a defense that will bar judgment for the institution; and
(v) The expected cost of litigation, including attorney's fees, does not exceed the amount which can be recovered from the borrower.
(2) The institution shall sue the borrower if it determines that the conditions in paragraph (a)(1) of this section are met.
(3) The institution may sue a borrower in default, even if the conditions in paragraph (a)(1) of this section are not met.
(b) The institution shall assess against and attempt to recover from the borrower—
(1) All litigation costs, including attorney's fees, court costs and other related costs, to the extent permitted under applicable law; and
(2) All prior collection costs incurred and not yet paid by the borrower.
(c)(1) An institution shall ensure that any funds collected as a result of litigation procedures are—
(i) Deposited in interest-bearing bank accounts that are—
(A) Insured by an agency of the Federal Government; or
(B) Secured by collateral of reasonably equivalent value; or
(ii) Invested in low-risk income-producing securities, such as obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States.
(2) An institution shall exercise the level of care required of a fiduciary with regard to these deposits and investments.
(d) If the institution is unable to collect the full amount owing on the loan after following the procedures set forth in §§ 674.41 through 674.46, the institution may—
(1) Submit the account to the Secretary for assignment in accordance with the procedures in § 674.50; or
(2) With the Secretary's approval, refer the account to the Department for collection.
(a)
(2) If the amount recovered from the borrower does not suffice to pay the amount of the past-due payments and the penalty or late charges, the institution may charge the Fund for only that unpaid portion of the cost of telephone calls to the borrower made pursuant to § 674.43 to demand payment of overdue amounts on the loan.
(b)
(2) If the amount recovered from the borrower does not suffice to pay the amount on the past-due payments late charges, and these collection costs, the institution may charge and Fund the unpaid collection costs in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
(c)
(d)
(1) The institution may waive the percentage of collection costs applicable to the amount then past-due on a loan equal to the percentage of that past-due balance that the borrower pays within 30 days after the date on which the borrower and the institution enter into a written repayment agreement on the loan.
(2) The institution may waive all collection costs in return for a lump-sum payment of the full amount of principal and interest outstanding on a loan.
(e)
(1) A reasonable amount for the cost of a successful address search required in § 674.44(b).
(2) Costs related to the use of credit bureaus as provided in § 674.45(b)(1).
(3) For first collection efforts pursuant to § 674.45(a)(2), an amount that does not exceed 30 percent of the amount of principal, interest and late charges collected.
(4) For second collection efforts pursuant to § 674.45(c)(1)(ii), an amount that does not exceed 40 percent of the amount of principal, interest and late charges collected.
(5) For collection costs resulting from litigation, including attorney's fees, an amount that does not exceed the sum of—
(i) Court costs specified in 28 U.S.C. 1920;
(ii) Other costs incurred in bankruptcy proceedings in taking actions required or authorized under § 674.49;
(iii) Costs of other actions in bankruptcy proceedings to the extent that those costs, together with costs described in paragraph (e)(5)(ii) of this section, do not exceed 40 percent of the total amount of judgment obtained on the loan; and
(iv) 40 percent of the total amount recovered from the borrower in any other proceeding.
(6) If a collection firm agrees to perform or obtain the performance of both collection and litigation services on a loan, an amount for both functions that does not exceed the sum of 40 percent of the amount of principal, interest and late charges collected on the loan, plus court costs specified in 28 U.S.C. 1920.
(f)
(g)
(2) An institution may cease collection activity on a defaulted account with a balance of less than $200, including outstanding principal, accrued interest, collection costs, and late charges, if—
(i) The institution has carried out the due diligence procedures described in subpart C of the part with regard to this account; and
(ii) For a period of at least 4 years, the borrower has not made a payment on the account, converted the account to regular repayment status, or applied for a deferment, postponement, or cancellation on the account.
(h)
(2) An institution that writes off an account under this paragraph may no longer include the amount of the account as an asset of the Fund.
(a) The institution is responsible for ensuring compliance with the billing and collection procedures set forth in this subpart. The institution may use employees to perform these duties or may contract with other parties to perform them.
(b) An institution that contracts for performance of any duties under this subpart remains responsible for compliance with the requirements of this subpart in performing these duties, including decisions regarding cancellation, postponement, or deferment of repayment, extension of the repayment period, other billing and collection matters, and the safeguarding of all funds collected by its employees and contractors.
(c) If an institution uses a billing service to carry out billing procedures under § 674.43, the institution shall ensure that the service—
(1) Provides at least quarterly, a statement to the institution which shows—
(i) Its activities with regard to each borrower;
(ii) Any changes in the borrower's name, address, telephone number, and, if known, any changes to the borrower's Social Security number; and
(iii) Amounts collected from the borrower;
(2) Provides at least quarterly, a statement to the institution with a listing of its charges for skip-tracing activities and telephone calls;
(3) Does not deduct its fees from the amount is receives from borrowers;
(4)(i) Instructs the borrower to remit payment directly to the institution;
(ii) Instructs the borrower to remit payment to a lock-box maintained for the institution; or
(iii) Deposits those funds received directly from the borrower immediately in an institutional trust account that must be an interest-bearing account if those funds will be held for longer than 45 days; and
(5) Maintains a fidelity bond or comparable insurance in accordance with the requirements in paragraph (f) of this section.
(d) If the institution uses a collection firm, the institution shall ensure that the firm—(1)(i) Instructs the borrower to remit payment directly to the institution;
(ii) Instructs the borrower to remit payment to a lockbox maintained for the institution; or
(iii) Deposits those funds received directly from the borrower immediately in an institutional trust account that must be an interest-bearing account if those funds will be held for longer than 45 days, after deducting its fees if authorized to do so by the institution; and
(2) Provides at least quarterly, a statement to the institution which shows—
(i) Its activities with regard to each borrower;
(ii) Any changes in the borrower's name, address, telephone number and, if known, any changes to the borrower's Social Security number;
(iii) Amounts collected from the borrower; and
(3) Maintains a fidelity bond or comparable insurance in accordance with the requirements in paragraph (f) of this section.
(e) If an institution uses a billing service to carry out § 674.43 (billing procedures), it may not use a collection firm that—
(1) Owns or controls the billing service;
(2) Is owned or controlled by the billing service; or
(3) Is owned or controlled by the same corporation, partnership, association, or individual that owns or controls the billing service.
(f)(1) An institution that employs a third party to perform billing or collection services required under this subpart shall ensure that the party has and maintains in effect a fidelity bond or comparable insurance in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph.
(2) If the institution does not authorize the third party to deduct its fees from payments from borrowers, the institution shall ensure that the party is bonded or insured in an amount not less than the amount of funds that the institution reasonably expects to be repaid over a two-month period on accounts it refers to the party.
(3) In the institution authorizes the third party performing collection services to deduct its fees from payments from borrowers, the institution shall ensure that—
(i) If the amount of funds that the institution reasonably expects to be paid over a two-month period on accounts it refers to the party is less than $100,000, the party is bonded or insured in an amount equal to the lesser of—
(A) Ten times the amount of funds that the institution reasonably expects to be repaid over a two-month period on accounts it refers to the party; or
(B) The total amount of funds that the party demonstrates will be repaid over a two-month period on all accounts of any kind on which it performs billing and collection services; and
(ii) If the amount of funds that the institution reasonably expects to be repaid over a two-month period on accounts it refers to the party is more than $100,000, the institution shall ensure that the party has and maintains in effect a fidelity bond or comparable insurance—
(A) Naming the institution as beneficiary; and
(B) In an amount not less than the amount of funds reasonably expected to be repaid on accounts referred by the institution to the party during a two-month period.
(4) The institution shall review annually the amount of repayments expected to be made on accounts it refers to a third party for billing or collection services, and shall ensure that the amount of the fidelity bond or insurance coverage maintained continues to
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) The institution shall follow the procedures in this paragraph if it is properly served with a complaint in a proceeding under chapter 7, 11, 12, or 13 of the Bankruptcy Code, or under 11 U.S.C. 1328(b), for a determination of dischargeability under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8)(B) on the ground that repayment of the loan would impose an undue hardship on the borrower and his or her dependents.
(2) If more than seven years of the repayment period on the loan, excluding periods of deferment granted to the borrower, has passed before the borrower filed the petition for relief in bankruptcy, the institution may not oppose a determination of dischargeability requested under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8)(B) on the ground of undue hardship.
(3) If less than seven years of the repayment period on the loan, excluding periods of deferment granted to the borrower, has passed before the borrower filed the petition for relief, the institution shall determine, on the basis of reasonably available information, whether repayment of the loan under either the current repayment schedule or any adjusted schedule authorized under subpart B or D of this part would impose an undue hardship on the borrower and his or her dependents.
(4) If the institution concludes that repayment would not impose an undue hardship, the institution shall determine whether the costs reasonably expected to be incurred to oppose discharge will exceed one-third of the total amount owed on the loan, including principal, interest, late charges and collection costs.
(5) If the expected costs of opposing discharge of such a loan do not exceed one-third of the total amount owed on the loan, the institution shall—
(i) Oppose the borrower's request for a determination of dischargeability; and
(ii) If the borrower is in default on the loan, seek a judgment for the amount owed on the loan.
(6) In opposing a request for a determination of dischargeability, the institution may compromise a portion of the amount owed on the loan if it reasonably determines that the compromise is necessary in order to obtain a judgment on the loan.
(d)
(e)
(2) The institution is not required to respond to a proposed repayment plan, if—
(i) The borrower proposes under the repayment plan to repay all principal, interest, late charges and collection costs on the loan; or
(ii) The repayment plan makes no provision with regard either to the loan obligation or to general unsecured claims.
(3)(i) If the borrower proposes under the repayment plan to repay less than the total amount owed on the loan, the institution shall determine from its own records and court documents—
(A) The amount of the loan obligation dischargeable under the plan by deducting the total payments on the loan proposed under the plan from the total amount owed;
(B) Whether the plan or the classification of the loan obligation under the proposed plan meets the requirements of section 1325 of the Code; and
(C) Whether grounds exist under 11 U.S.C. 1307 to move for conversion or dismissal of the chapter 13 case.
(ii) If the institution reasonably expects that costs of the appropriate actions will not exceed one-third of the dischargeable loan debt, the institution shall—
(A) Object to confirmation of a proposed plan that does not meet the requirements of 11 U.S.C. 1325; and
(B) Move to dismiss or convert a case where grounds can be established under 11 U.S.C. 1307.
(4)(i) The institution shall monitor the borrower's compliance with the requirements of the plan confirmed by the court. If the institution determines that the debtor has not made the payments required under the plan, or has filed a request for a “hardship discharge” under 11 U.S.C. 1328(b), and the institution holds a loan that entered repayment status more than seven years, excluding periods of deferment, before the borrower filed the petition for relief in bankruptcy, the institution shall determine from its own records and information derived from documents filed with the court—
(A) Whether grounds exist under 11 U.S.C. 1307 to convert or dismiss the case; and
(B) Whether the borrower has demonstrated entitlement to the “hardship discharge” by meeting the requirements of 11 U.S.C. 1328(b).
(ii) If the institution reasonably expects that costs of the appropriate actions, when added to the costs already incurred in taking actions authorized under this section, will not exceed one-third of the dischargeable loan debt, the institution shall—
(A) Move to dismiss or convert a case where grounds can be established under 11 U.S.C. 1307; or
(B) Oppose the requested discharge where the debtor has not demonstrated that the requirements of 11 U.S.C. 1328(b) are met.
(f)
(1) The borrower's petition for relief in bankruptcy has been dismissed;
(2) The borrower has received a discharge under 11 U.S.C. 727, 11 U.S.C. 1141, or 11 U.S.C. 1228, unless—
(i) The court has found that repayment of the loan would impose an undue hardship on the borrower and the dependents of the borrower; or
(ii)(A) The loan entered the repayment period more than seven years, excluding periods of deferment, before the filing of the petition; and
(B) The loan is not excepted from discharge under other applicable provisions of the Code; or
(3) The borrower has received a discharge under 11 U.S.C. 1328(a) or 1328(b), unless—
(i) The court has found that repayment of the loan would impose an undue hardship on the borrower and the dependents of the borrower; or
(ii)(A) The loan entered the repayment period more than seven years, excluding periods of deferment, before the filing of the petition, and
(B) The borrower's plan approved in the bankruptcy proceeding made some provision with regard to either the loan obligation or unsecured debts in general.
(g)
(i) A general order of discharge on a borrower owing a student loan obligation which entered the repayment period more than seven years, exclusive of periods of deferment, from the date on which a petition for relief under chapter 7, 11 or 12 of the Bankruptcy Code was filed; or
(ii) A judgment that repayment of the debt would constitute an undue hardship, and that the debt is therefore dischargeable.
(iii) A judgment that repayment of the debt would constitute an undue hardship, and that the debt is therefore dischargeable.
(2) If an institution receives a repayment from a borrower after a loan has been discharged, it shall deposit that payment in its Fund.
(a) An institution may submit a defaulted loan note to the Secretary for assignment to the United States if—
(1) The institution has been unable to collect on the loan despite complying with the diligence procedures, including at least a first level collection effort as described in § 674.45(a) and litigation, if required under § 674.46(a), to the extent these actions were required by regulations in effect on the date the loan entered default;
(2) The amount of the borrower's account to be assigned, including outstanding principal, accrued interest, collection costs and late charges is $25.00 or greater; and
(3) The loan has been accelerated.
(b) An institution may submit a defaulted note for assignment only during the submission period established by the Secretary.
(c) An institution shall submit to the Secretary the following documents for any loan it proposes to assign;
(1) An assignment form provided by the Secretary and executed by the institution, which must include a certification by the institution that it has complied with the requirements of this subpart, including at least a first level collection effort as described in § 674.45(a) in attempting collection on the loan.
(2) The original promissory note or a certified copy of the original note.
(3) A copy of the repayment schedule.
(4) A certified copy of any judgment order entered on the loan.
(5) A complete statement of the payment history.
(6) Copies of all approved requests for deferment and cancellation.
(7) A copy of the notice to the borrower of the effective date of acceleration and the total amount due on the loan.
(8) Documentation that the institution has withdrawn the loan from any firm that it employed for address search, billing, collection or litigation services, and has notified that firm to cease collection activity on the loans.
(9) Copies of all pleadings filed or received by the institution on behalf of a borrower who has filed a petition in bankruptcy and whose loan obligation is determined to be nondischargeable.
(10) Documentation that the institution has complied with all of the due diligence requirements described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section if the institution has a cohort default rate that is equal to or greater than 20 percent as of June 30 of the second year preceding the submission period.
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, and subject to paragraph (g) of this section, the Secretary accepts an assignment of a note described in paragraph (a) of this section and submitted in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(e) The Secretary does not accept assignment of a loan if—
(1) The institution has not provided the Social Security number of the borrower;
(2) The borrower has received a discharge in bankruptcy, unless—
(i) The bankruptcy court has determined that the loan obligation is nondischargeable and has entered judgment against the borrower; or
(ii) A court of competent jurisdiction has entered judgment against the borrower on the loan after the entry of the discharge order;
(3) The institution has initiated litigation against the borrower, unless the judgment has been entered against the borrower and assigned to the United States; or
(4) The borrower has been granted cancellation due to death or has filed for or been granted cancellation due to permanent and total disability.
(f)(1) The Secretary provides an institution written notice of the acceptance of the assignment of the note. By accepting assignment, the Secretary acquires all rights, title, and interest of the institution in that loan.
(2) The institution shall endorse and forward to the Secretary any payment received from the borrower after the date on which the Secretary accepted the assignment, as noted in the written notice of acceptance.
(g)(1) The Secretary may determine that a loan assigned to the United States is unenforceable in whole or in part because of the acts or omissions of the institution or its agent. The Secretary may make this determination with or without a judicial determination regarding the enforceability of the loan.
(2) The institution shall reimburse the Fund for that portion of the outstanding balance on a loan assigned to the United States which the Secretary determines to be unenforceable because of an act or omission of that institution or its agent.
(3) Upon reimbursement to the Fund by the institution, the Secretary shall transfer all rights, title and interest of the United States in the loan to the institution for its own account.
(h) An institution shall consider a borrower whose loan has been assigned to the United States for collection to be in default on that loan for the purpose of eligibility for title IV financial assistance, until the borrower provides the institution confirmation from the Secretary that he or she has made satisfactory arrangements to repay the loan.
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
(a)
(2) If such a school has a year-round program of instruction, the Secretary considers a minimum of nine consecutive months to be the equivalent of an academic year.
(b)
(1) The equivalent of 2 semesters, 2 trimesters, or 3 quarters at an institution using credit hours; or
(2) At least 900 clock hours of training for each program at an institution using clock hours.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) State law; or
(2) The Secretary, if the school is not in a State.
(g)
(1) Mentally retarded;
(2) Hard of hearing;
(3) Deaf;
(4) Speech and language impaired;
(5) Visually handicapped;
(6) Seriously emotionally disturbed;
(7) Orthopedically impaired;
(8) Specific learning disabled; or
(9) Otherwise health impaired.
(h)
(i)
(j)
(2) Any other public institution or agency having administrative control and direction of a public elementary or secondary school.
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(i) State law; or
(ii) The Secretary, if the school is not in a State.
(2) However, State laws notwithstanding, secondary education does not include any education beyond grade 12.
(p)
(2) An agency or official designated by the Governor or by State law as being primarily responsible for the State supervision of public elementary and secondary schools.
(q)
(i) Direct classroom teaching;
(ii) Classroom-type teaching in a non-classroom setting; or
(iii) Educational services to students directly related to classroom teaching such as school librarians or school guidance counselors.
(2) A supervisor, administrator, researcher, or curriculum specialist is not a teacher unless he or she primarily provides direct and personal educational services to students.
(3) An individual who provides one of the following services does not qualify as a teacher unless that individual is licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate State education agency for that area in which he or she is providing related special educational services, and the services provided by the individual are part of the educational curriculum for handicapped children:
(i) Speech and language pathology and audiology;
(ii) Physical therapy;
(iii) Occupational therapy;
(iv) Psychological and counseling services; or
(v) Recreational therapy.
(r)
(a)
(b)
(ii) An institution may refuse a request for cancellation based on a claim of simultaneous employment as a nurse or medical technician in two or more facilities if it cannot determine easily from the documentation supplied by the borrower that the combined employment is full-time. However, it shall grant the cancellation if one facility official certifies that a nurse or medical technician worked full-time for a full year.
(2) If the borrower is unable due to illness or pregnancy to complete the academic year, the borrower still qualifies for the cancellation if—
(i) The borrower completes the first half of the academic year, and has begun teaching the second half; and
(ii) The borrower's employer considers the borrower to have fulfilled his or her contract for the academic year for purposes of salary increment, tenure, and retirement.
(c)
(2) A borrower whose defaulted loan has been accelerated—
(i) May qualify for a loan cancellation for services performed before the date of acceleration; and
(ii) Cannot qualify for a cancellation for services performed on or after the date of acceleration.
(3) An institution shall grant a request for cancellation on account of the death or disability of the borrower without regard to the repayment status of the loan.
(d)
(2) For loans made on or after July 1, 1993, the Secretary considers a borrower's loan deferment under § 674.34 to run concurrently with any period for which a cancellation under §§ 674.53, 674.56, 674.57, or 674.58 is granted.
(e)
(a)
(i) Is in a school district that qualified for funds, in that year, under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended; and
(ii) Has been selected by the Secretary based on a determination that more than 30 percent of the school's total enrollment is made up of title I children.
(2) For each academic year, the Secretary notifies participating institutions of the schools selected under paragraph (a) of this section.
(3) (i) The Secretary selects schools under paragraph (a)(1) of this section based on a ranking by the State education agency.
(ii) The State education agency shall base its ranking of the schools on objective standards and methods. These standards must take into account the numbers and percentages of title I children attending those schools.
(iii) For each academic year, the Secretary notifies participating institutions of the schools selected under paragraph (a) of this section.
(4) The Secretary considers all elementary and secondary schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or operated on Indian reservations by Indian tribal groups under contract with BIA to qualify as schools serving low-income students.
(5) A teacher, who performs service in a school that meets the requirement of paragraph (a)(1) of this section in any year and in a subsequent year fails to meet these requirements, may continue to teach in that school and will be eligible for loan cancellation pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section in subsequent years.
(6) If a list of eligible institutions in which a teacher performs services under paragraph (a)(1) of this section is not available before May 1 of any year, the Secretary may use the list for the year preceding the year for which the determination is made to make the service determination.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) Cancellation rates are—
(i) 15 percent of the original principal loan amount plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each of the first and second years of full-time teaching;
(ii) 20 percent of the original principal loan amount, plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each of the third and fourth years of full-time teaching; and
(iii) 30 percent of the original principal loan amount, plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for the fifth year of full-time teaching.
(e)
(f)
(a)
(i) Is in a school district that qualifies for funds, in that year, under title
(ii) Has been selected by the Secretary based on a determination that more than 30 percent of the school's total enrollment is made up of title I children.
(2)(i) The Secretary selects schools under paragraph (a)(1) of this section based on a ranking by the State education agency.
(ii) The State education agency shall base its ranking of the schools on objective standards and methods. These standards must take into account the numbers and percentages of title I children attending those schools.
(iii) For each academic year, the Secretary notifies participating institutions of the schools selected under paragraph (a) of this section.
(3) The Secretary considers all elementary and secondary schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or operated on Indian reservations by Indian tribal groups under contract with BIA to qualify as schools serving low-income students.
(4) A teacher, who performs service in a school that meets the requirement of paragraph (a)(1) of this section in any year and in a subsequent year fails to meet these requirements, may continue to teach in that school and will be eligible for loan cancellation pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, in subsequent years.
(5) If a list of eligible institutions in which a teacher performs services under paragraph (a)(1) of this section is not available before May 1 of any year, the Secretary may use the list for the year preceding the year for which the determination is made to make the service determination.
(b)
(2) A borrower qualifies for cancellation under this paragraph only if a majority of the students whom the borrower teaches are handicapped children.
(c)
(2) Cancellation rates are—
(i) 15 percent of the original principal loan amount plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each of the first and second years of full-time teaching;
(ii) 20 percent of the original principal loan amount, plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each of the third and fourth years of full-time teaching; and
(iii) 30 percent of the original principal loan amount, plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for the fifth year of full-time teaching.
(d)
(e)
(a)
(i) A public or other nonprofit elementary or secondary school;
(ii) An institution of higher education; or
(iii) An overseas Department of Defense elementary or secondary school.
(2) The cancellation rate is 10 percent of the original principal loan amount, plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each complete year, or its equivalent, of teaching.
(b)
(i) Is in a school district that qualifies for funds in that year under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended; and
(ii) Has been selected by the Secretary based on a determination that a high concentration of students enrolled at the school are from low-income families.
(2)(i) The Secretary selects schools under paragraph (b)(1) of this section based on a ranking by the State education agency.
(ii) The State education agency shall base its ranking of the schools on objective standards and methods. These standards must take into account the numbers and percentages of title I children attending those schools.
(3) The Secretary considers all elementary and secondary schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or operated on Indian reservations by Indian tribal groups under contract with BIA to qualify as schools serving low-income students.
(4) For each academic year, the Secretary notifies participating institutions of the schools selected under paragraph (b) of this section.
(5) The cancellation rate is 15 percent of the original principal loan amount, plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each complete academic year, or its equivalent, of full-time teaching.
(7) Cancellation for full-time teaching under paragraph (b) of this section is available only for teaching beginning with academic year 1966-67.
(c)
(2) The cancellation rate is 15 percent of the original principal loan amount, plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each complete academic year, or its equivalent, of full-time teaching.
(3) A borrower qualifies for cancellation under this paragraph only if a majority of the students whom the borrower teaches are handicapped children.
(4) Cancellation for full-time teaching under paragraph (c) of this section is available only for teaching beginning with the academic year 1967-68.
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) Cancellation rates are—
(i) 15 percent of the original principal loan amount plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each of the first and second years of full-time employment;
(ii) 20 percent of the original principal loan amount plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each of the third and fourth years of full-time employment; and
(iii) 30 percent of the original principal loan amount plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for the fifth year of full-time employment.
(a)(1) An institution shall cancel up to 100 percent of the outstanding balance on a borrower's Federal Perkins loan or Direct loan made on or after November 29, 1990, for full-time service as a law enforcement or corrections officer for an eligible employing agency.
(2) An eligible employing agency is an agency—
(i) That is a local, State, or Federal law enforcement or corrections agency;
(ii) That is public-funded; and
(iii) The principal activities of which pertain to crime prevention, control, or reduction or the enforcement of the criminal law.
(3) Agencies that are primarily responsible for enforcement of civil, regulatory, or administrative laws are ineligible employing agencies.
(4) A borrower qualifies for cancellation under this section only if the borrower is—
(i) A sworn law enforcement or corrections officer; or
(ii) A person whose principal responsibilities are unique to the criminal justice system.
(5) To qualify for a cancellation under this section, the borrower's service must be essential in the performance of the eligible employing agency's primary mission.
(6) The agency must be able to document the employee's functions.
(7) A borrower whose principal official responsibilities are administrative or supportive does not qualify for cancellation under this section.
(b)(1) To qualify for cancellation under paragraph (a) of this section, a borrower shall work full-time for 12 consecutive months.
(2) Cancellation rates are—
(i) 15 percent of the original principal loan amount plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each of the first and second years of full-time employment;
(ii) 20 percent of the original principal loan amount plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each of the third and fourth years of full-time employment; and
(iii) 30 percent of the original principal loan amount plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for the fifth year of full-time employment.
(a) An institution shall cancel up to 100 percent of a borrower's Direct or Federal Perkins loan, plus the interest on the unpaid balance, for service as a full-time staff member in a “Head Start” program if—
(1) The program operates for a complete academic year, or its equivalent; and
(2) The borrower's salary does not exceed the salary of a comparable employee working in the local educational agency of the area served by the local Head Start program.
(b) The cancellation rate is 15 percent of the original loan principal, plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each complete academic year, or its equivalent, of full-time teaching service.
(c)(1) “Head Start” is a preschool program carried out under the Head Start Act (subchapter B, chapter 8 of title VI of Pub. L. 97-35, the Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, as amended; formerly authorized under section 222(a)(1) of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964). (42 U.S.C. 2809 (a) (1))
(2) “Full-time staff member” is a person regularly employed in a full-time professional capacity to carry out the educational part of a Head Start program.
(a)
(2) The cancellation rate is 12
(3) Service for less than a complete year, including any fraction of a year beyond a complete year of service, does not qualify for military cancellation.
(b)
(2) The cancellation rate is 12
(3) Service for less than a complete year, including any fraction of a year beyond a complete year of service, does not qualify for military cancellation.
(a) An institution shall cancel up to 70 percent of the outstanding balance on a Perkins loan for service as a volunteer under—
(1) The Peace Corps Act; or
(2) The Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (ACTION programs).
(b) Cancellation rates are—
(1) Fifteen percent of the original principal loan amount plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each of the first and second twelve-month periods of service;
(2) Twenty percent of the original principal loan amount plus the interest on the unpaid balance accruing during the year of qualifying service, for each of the third and fourth twelve-month periods of service.
(a)
(b)
(2) Permanent and total disability is the inability to work and earn money or to attend an institution because of an impairment that is expected to continue indefinitely or result in death.
(c)
(d)
(a) No portion of a loan may be cancelled for teaching. Head Start, volunteer or military service if the borrower's service is performed—
(1) During the same period that he or she received the loan; or
(2) Before the date the loan was disbursed to the borrower.
(b) The institution shall not refund a repayment made during a period for which the borrower qualified for a cancellation unless the borrower made the payment due to an institutional error.
(a)
(2) The institution's share of cancelled principal and interest is computed by the following ratio:
(b)
An asterisk (*) indicates provisions that are common to parts 674, 675, and 676. The use of asterisks will assure participating institutions that a provision of one regulation is identical to the corresponding provisions in the other two.
42 U.S.C. 2751-2756a, unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides part-time employment to students attending institutions of higher education who need the earnings to help meet their costs of postsecondary education and encourages students receiving FWS assistance to participate in community service activities.
*(b) Provisions in these regulations that are common to all campus-based programs are identified with an asterisk.
(a) The definitions of the following terms used in this part are set forth in subpart A of the Student Assistance General Provisions, 34 CFR 668:
(b) The Secretary defines other terms used in this part as follows:
(1) Such fields as health care, child care, literacy training, education (including tutorial services), welfare, social services, transportation, housing and neighborhood improvement, public safety, crime prevention and control, recreation, rural development, and community improvement;
(2) Work in service opportunities or youth corps as defined in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, and service in the agencies, institutions and activities designated in section 124(a) of that Act;
(3) Support services to students (other than an institution's own students) with disabilities; and
(4) Activities in which a student serves as a mentor for such purposes as—
(i) Tutoring;
(ii) Supporting educational and recreational activities; and
(iii) Counseling, including career counseling.
(1) Is enrolled in a program or course above the baccalaureate level at an institution of higher education or is enrolled in a program leading to a first professional degree;
(2) Has completed the equivalent of at least three years of full-time study at an institution of higher education, either prior to entrance into the program or as part of the program itself; and
(3) Is not receiving title IV aid as an undergraduate student for the same period of enrollment.
*
*
To participate in the FWS program, an institution of higher education shall enter into a participation agreement with the Secretary. The agreement provides that, among other things, the institution shall—
(a) Use the funds it receives solely for the purposes specified in this part;
(b) Administer the FWS program in accordance with the HEA, the provisions of this part, and the Student Assistance General Provisions regulations, 34 CFR part 668;
(c) Make employment under the FWS program reasonably available, to the extent of available funds, to all eligible students;
(d) Make equivalent employment offered or arranged by the institution reasonably available, to the extent of available funds, to all students in the institution who want to work;
(e) Award FWS employment, to the maximum extent practicable, that will complement and reinforce each recipient's educational program or career goals;
(f) Assure that employment under this part may be used to support programs for supportive services to students with disabilities; and
(g) Inform all eligible students of the opportunity to perform community services and consult with local nonprofit, governmental, and community-based organizations to identify those opportunities.
A student at an institution of higher education is eligible to receive part-time employment under the FWS program for an award year if the student—
(a) Meets the relevant eligibility requirements contained in 34 CFR 668.32;
(b) Is enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate, graduate or professional student at the institution; and
(c) Has financial need as determined in accordance with part F of title IV of the HEA. A member of a religious order (an order, community, society, agency, or organization) who is pursuing a course of study at an institution of higher education is considered to have no financial need if that religious order—
(1) Has as its primary objective the promotion of ideals and beliefs regarding a Supreme Being;
(2) Requires its members to forego monetary or other support substantially beyond the support it provides; and
(3) Directs the member to pursue the course of study or provides subsistence support to its members.
(a) An institution shall make employment under FWS reasonably available, to the extent of available funds, to all eligible students.
(b) An institution shall establish selection procedures and those procedures must be—
(1) Uniformly applied;
(2) In writing; and
(3) Maintained in the institution's files.
(c)
(a)(1)(i) An institution shall pay a student at least once a month. The Federal share of each payment must be paid to the student by check or similar instrument that the student can cash on his or her own endorsement.
(ii) The institution may not directly transfer the Federal share of any payment to the student's account at the institution or elsewhere.
(2) Regardless of who employs the student, the institution is responsible for ensuring that the student is paid for work performed.
(3) A student's FWS wages are earned when the student performs the work.
(4) An institution may pay a student after the student's last day of attendance for FWS wages earned while he or she was in attendance at the institution.
(b)(1) If an institution pays a student its share of his or her FWS wages by check, it shall pay the student at the same time it pays the Federal share.
(2) If an institution pays a student its FWS share for an award period in the form of tuition, fees, services, or equipment, it shall pay that share before the student's final payroll period.
(3) If an institution pays its FWS share in the form of prepaid tuition, fees, services, or equipment for a forthcoming academic period, it shall give the student a statement before the close of his or her final payroll period listing the amount of tuition, fees, services, or equipment earned.
(c) A correspondence student shall submit his or her first completed lesson before receiving a payment.
(d) The institution may not obtain a student's power of attorney to authorize any disbursement of funds without prior approval from the Secretary.
(a)
(1) Paying the Federal share of FWS wages;
(2) Carrying out the administrative activities described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section;
(3) Meeting the cost of a Work-Colleges program under subpart C;
(4) Meeting the cost of a Job Location and Development program under subpart B; and
(5) Transferring a portion of its FWS allocation to its FSEOG program as described in paragraph (f) of this section.
(b)
(2) Before an institution may spend its current year FWS allocation, it shall spend any funds carried forward from the previous year.
(c)
(d) The institution may use the funds carried forward or carried back under paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, respectively, for activities described in paragraph (a) of this section.
(e)
(2) An institution shall use transferred funds according to the requirements of the program to which they are transferred.
(3) An institution shall report any transferred funds on the Fiscal Operations Report required under § 675.19(b).
(f)
(g)
(2) An institution may request in writing from the Secretary a waiver of the requirement in paragraph (h)(1) of this section. The Secretary approves a waiver only if the Secretary determines that an institution has demonstrated that enforcing the requirement in paragraph (h)(1) of this section would cause a hardship for students at the institution.
(a)
(2) If an institution uses a fiscal agent, that agent may perform only ministerial acts.
(3) An institution shall maintain funds received under this part in accordance with the requirements in § 668.163.
(b)
(2) The institution shall also establish and maintain program and fiscal records that—
(i) Include a certification that each student has worked and earned the amount being paid. The student's supervisor, an official of the institution or off-campus agency, shall sign the certification. The certification shall include or be supported by, for students paid on an hourly basis, a time record showing the hours each student worked in clock time sequence, or the total hours worked per day;
(ii) Include a payroll voucher containing sufficient information to support all payroll disbursements;
(iii) Include a noncash contribution record to document any payment of the institution's share of the student's earnings in the form of services and equipment (see § 675.25(a)); and
(iv) Are reconciled at least monthly.
(3) Each year an institution shall submit a Fiscal Operations Report plus other information the Secretary requires. The institution shall insure that the information reported is accurate and shall submit it on the form
(a)
(1) The institution in which the student is enrolled;
(2) A Federal, State, or local public agency;
(3) A private nonprofit organization; or
(4) A private for-profit organization.
(b)
(1) If an institution wishes to have its students employed under this part by a Federal, State or local public agency, or a private nonprofit or for-profit organization, it shall enter into a written agreement with that agency or organization. The agreement must set forth the FWS work conditions. The agreement must indicate whether the institution or the agency or organization shall pay the students employed, except that the agreement between an institution and a for-profit organization must require the employer to pay the non-Federal share of the student earnings.
(2) The institution may enter into an agreement with an agency or organization that has professional direction and staff.
(3) The institution is responsible for ensuring that—
(i) Payment for work performed under each agreement is properly documented; and
(ii) Each student's work is properly supervised.
(4) The agreement between the institution and the employing agency or nonprofit organization may require the employer to pay—
(i) The non-Federal share of the student earnings; and
(ii) Required employer costs such as the employer's share of social security or workers’ compensation.
(c)
(i) Type of work;
(ii) Geographical region;
(iii) Employee proficiency; and
(iv) Any applicable Federal, State, or local law.
(2) FWS employment may not—
(i) Impair existing service contracts;
(ii) Displace employees;
(iii) Fill jobs that are vacant because the employer's regular employees are on strike;
(iv) Involve the construction, operation, or maintenance of any part of a facility used or to be used for religious worship or sectarian instruction; or
(v) Include employment for the U.S. Department of Education.
(a) An institution, other than a proprietary institution, may employ a student to work for the institution itself, including those operations, such as food service, cleaning, maintenance, or security, for which the institution contracts, if the contract specifies—
(1) The number of students to be employed; and
(2) That the institution selects the students to be employed and determines each student's pay rate.
(b) A proprietary institution may employ a student to work for the institution, but only in jobs that—
(1) Are in community services as defined in § 675.2; or
(2) Are on campus and that—
(i) Involve the provision of student services as defined in § 675.2
(ii) To the maximum extent possible, complement and reinforce the educational program or vocational goals of the student; and
(iii) Do not involve the solicitation of potential students to enroll at the proprietary institution.
(a) If a student is employed by a Federal, State, or local public agency, or a private nonprofit organization, the work that the student performs must be in the public interest.
(b)
(1) It primarily benefits the members of a limited membership organization such as a credit union, a fraternal or religious order, or a cooperative;
(2) It is for an elected official who is not responsible for the regular administration of Federal, State, or local government;
(3) It is work as a political aide for any elected official;
(4) A student's political support or party affiliation is taken into account in hiring him or her;
(5) It involves any partisan or nonpartisan political activity or is associated with a faction in an election for public or party office; or
(6) It involves lobbying on the Federal, State, or local level.
(a) An institution may use up to 25 percent of its FWS allocation and reallocation for an award year to pay the compensation of FWS students employed by a private for-profit organization.
(b) If a student is employed by a private, for-profit organization—
(1) The work that the student performs must be academically relevant to the student's educational program; and
(2) The private for-profit organization—
(i) Must provide the non-Federal share of the student's compensation; and
(ii) May not use any FWS funds to pay an employee who would otherwise be employed by that organization.
(a)
(2) An institution may not count fringe benefits as part of the wage rate.
(3) An institution may pay a graduate student it employs a salary or an hourly wage, in accordance with its usual practices.
(b)
(a)(1) The institution shall determine the amount of earnings from a FWS job to be applied to a student's cost of attendance (attributed earnings) by subtracting taxes and job related costs from the student's gross earnings.
(2) Job related costs are costs the student incurs because of his or her job. Examples are uniforms and transportation to and from work. Room and board during a vacation period may
(b) If a student is employed under FWS during a vacation or other period when he or she is not attending classes, the institution shall apply the attributed earnings (earnings minus taxes and job related costs) to the cost of attendance for the next period of enrollment.
(a)(1) The Federal share of FWS compensation paid to a student employed other than by a private for-profit organization, as described in § 675.23, may not exceed 75 percent for the 1993-94 award year and subsequent award years unless the Secretary approves a higher share under paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) The Federal share of the compensation paid to a student employed by a private for-profit organization may not exceed 50 percent.
(3) An institution may not use FWS funds to pay a student after he or she has, in addition to other resources, earned $300 or more over his or her financial need.
(b) The institution may not include the following when determining the Federal share:
(1) Fringe benefits such as paid sick days, paid vacations, or paid holidays.
(2) The employer's share of social security, workers’ compensation, retirement, or any other welfare or insurance program that the employer must pay on account of the student employee.
(c) If an institution receives more money under an employment agreement from an off-campus employer than required employer costs, its not-Federal share, and any share of administrative costs that the employer agreed to pay, the excess funds must be—
(1) Used to reduce the Federal share on a dollar-for-dollar basis;
(2) Held in trust for off-campus student employment next year; or
(3) Refunded to the off-campus employer.
(d) For each award year, the Secretary authorizes a Federal share of 100 percent of the compensation earned by a student under this part if—
(1) The work performed by the student is for the institution itself, for a Federal, State or local public agency, or for a private nonprofit organization; and
(2)(i) The institution in which the student is enrolled—
(A) Is designated as an eligible institution under the Strengthening Institutions Program (34 CFR part 607), the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program (34 CFR part 608), or the Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions Program (34 CFR part 609); and
(B) Requests that increased Federal share as part of its regular FWS funding application for that year;
(ii) The student is employed as a reading tutor for preschool age children or children who are in elementary school; or
(iii) The student is employed as a tutor in a family literacy program that provides services to families with preschool age children or children who are in elementary school.
(a)(1) An institution may use any resource available to it, except funds allocated under the FWS program, to pay the institutional share of FWS compensation to its students. The institutional share may be paid in the form of services and equipment, e.g., tuition, room, board, and books.
(2) The institution shall document all amounts claimed as non-cash contributions.
(3) Non-cash compensation may not include forgiveness of a charge assessed solely because of a student's employment under the FWS program.
(b) An institution may not solicit or accept fees, commission, contributions, or gifts as a condition for FWS employment, nor permit any organization
The purpose of the Job Location and Development program is to expand off-campus job opportunities for students who are enrolled in eligible institutions of higher education and want jobs, regardless of their financial need, and to encourage students to participate in community service activities.
An institution may expend up to the lesser of $50,000 or 10 percent of its FWS allocation and reallocation for an award year to establish or expand a program under which the institution, separately or in combination with other eligible institutions, locates and develops jobs, including community service jobs, for currently enrolled students.
(a)(1)
(2) Costs related to the purchase, construction, or alteration of physical facilities or indirect administrative costs are not allowable.
(b)
(c)
(a) An institution participating in the FWS program may enter into a written agreement to establish and operate job location programs for its students with other participating institutions.
(b) The agreement described in paragraph (a) of this section must—
(1) Designate the administrator of the program; and
(2) Specify the terms, conditions, and performance standards of the program.
(c) Each institution shall retain responsibility for the proper disbursement of the Federal funds it contributes under an agreement with other eligible institutions.
(a) A FWS participating institution, to establish or expand these programs, shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary.
(b) The agreement must provide—
(1) That the institution will administer the programs in accordance with the HEA and the provisions of this part;
(2) That the institution will submit to the Secretary an annual report on the use of the funds and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the programs in benefiting the institution's students; and
(3) Satisfactory assurances that—
(i) The institution will not use program funds to locate and develop jobs at an eligible institution;
(ii) The institution will use program funds to locate and develop jobs for students during and between periods of attendance at the institution, not upon graduation;
(iii) The program will not displace employees or impair existing service contracts;
(iv) Program funds can realistically be expected to generate total student wages exceeding the total amount of the Federal funds spent under this subpart; and
(v) If the institution uses Federal funds to contract with another institution, suitable performance standards will be part of that contract.
Procedures and records concerning the administration of a JLD project established and operated under this subpart are governed by applicable provisions of § 675.19.
(a) If the Secretary terminates or suspends an institution's eligibility to participate in the FWS program, the action also applies to the institution's job location and development programs.
(b) The Secretary pays an institution's financial obligations incurred and allowable before the termination but not incurred—
(1) During a suspension; or
(2) In anticipation of a suspension.
(c) However, the institution must cancel as many outstanding obligations as possible.
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
(a)
(1) Is a public or private nonprofit institution with a commitment to community service;
(2) Has operated a comprehensive work-learning program for at least two years;
(3) Requires—
(i) All resident students who reside on campus to participate in a comprehensive work-learning program; and
(ii) The provision of services as an integral part of the institution's educational program and as part of the institution's educational philosophy; and
(4) Provides students participating in the comprehensive work-learning program with the opportunity to contribute to their education and to the welfare of the community as a whole.
(b)
(1) Is an integral and stated part of the institution's educational philosophy and program;
(2) Requires participation of all resident students for enrollment, participation, and graduation;
(3) Includes learning objectives, evaluation, and a record of work performance as part of the student's college record;
(4) Provides programmatic leadership by college personnel at levels comparable to traditional academic programs;
(5) Recognizes the educational role of work-learning supervisors; and
(6) Includes consequences for nonperformance or failure in the work-learning program similar to the consequences for failure in the regular academic program.
The Secretary allocates and reallocates funds based on each institution's approved request for Federal funds for the Work-Colleges program as a percent of the total of such approved requests for all applicant institutions.
The purpose of the Work-Colleges program is to recognize, encourage, and promote the use of comprehensive work-learning programs as a valuable educational approach when it is an integral part of the institution's educational program and a part of a financial plan that decreases reliance on grants and loans and to encourage students to participate in community service activities.
(a) An institution that satisfies the definition of “work-college” in § 675.41(a) and wishes to participate in the Work-Colleges program must apply to the Secretary at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Secretary.
(b) An institution may expend funds separately, or in combination with other eligible institutions, to provide work-learning opportunities for currently enrolled students.
(c) For any given award year, Federal funds allocated and reallocated for that award year under sections 442 and 462 of the HEA may be transferred for the purpose of carrying out the Work-Colleges program to provide flexibility in strengthening the self-help-through-work element in financial aid packaging.
(a)
(1) Support the educational costs of qualified students through self-help payments or credits provided under the work-learning program within the limits of part F of title IV of the HEA.
(2) Promote the work-learning-service experience as a tool of postsecondary education, financial self-help, and community service-learning opportunities.
(3) Carry out activities in sections 443 or 446 of the HEA.
(4) Administer, develop, and assess comprehensive work-learning programs including—
(i) Community-based work-learning alternatives that expand opportunities for community service and career-related work; and
(ii) Alternatives that develop sound citizenship, encourage student persistence, and make optimum use of assistance under the Work-Colleges program in education and student development.
(b)
(c)
An institution participating in the Work-Colleges program may not use its allocated and reallocated program funds and transferred funds provided under its Federal Perkins Loan or its FWS program to pay costs related to the purchase, construction, or alteration of physical facilities or indirect administrative costs.
(a) An institution participating in the Work-Colleges program may enter into a written agreement with another participating institution to promote the work-learning-service experience.
(b) The agreement described in paragraph (a) of this section must—
(1) Designate the administrator of the program; and
(2) Specify the terms, conditions, and performance standards of the program.
(c) Each institution shall retain responsibility for the proper disbursement of the Federal funds it contributes under an agreement with other eligible institutions.
To participate in the Work-Colleges program, an institution shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary. The agreement provides that, among other things, the institution shall—
(a) Assure that it will comply with all the appropriate provisions of the HEA and the appropriate provisions of the regulations;
(b) Assure that it satisfies the definition of “work-college” in § 675.41(a);
(c) Assure that it will match the Federal funds according to the requirements in § 675.45(c); and
(d) Assure that it will use funds only to carry out the activities in § 675.45(a).
In administering a Work-Colleges program under this subpart, an institution shall comply with the applicable provisions of 34 CFR part 673 and this part 675.
Procedures for termination and suspension under this subpart are governed by applicable provisions found in 34 CFR part 668, subpart G of the Student Assistance General Provisions regulations.
An asterisk (*) indicates provisions that are common to parts 674, 675, and 676. The use of asterisks will assure participating institutions that a provision of one regulation is identical to the corresponding provisions in the other two.
20 U.S.C. 1070b—1070b-3, unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program awards grants to financially needy students attending institutions of higher education to help them pay their educational costs.
*(b) Provisions in these regulations that are common to all campus-based programs are identified with an asterisk.
(a) The definitions of the following terms used in this part are set forth in subpart A of the Student Assistance General Provisions, 34 CFR part 668:
(b) The Secretary defines other terms used in this part as follows:
*
*
(1) Has not earned a baccalaureate or first professional degree; and
(2) Is in an undergraduate course of study which usually does not exceed 4 academic years, or is enrolled in a 4 to 5 academic year program designed to lead to a first degree. A student enrolled in a program of any other length is considered an undergraduate student for only the first 4 academic years of that program.
To participate in the FSEOG program, an institution shall enter into a participation agreement with the Secretary. The participation agreement provides, among other things, that the institution shall—
(a) Use the funds it receives solely for the purposes specified in this part; and
(b) Administer the FSEOG program in accordance with the HEA, the provisions of this part, and the Student Assistance General Provisions regulations, 34 CFR part 668.
A student at an institution of higher education is eligible to receive an FSEOG for an award year if the student—
(a) Meets the relevant eligibility requirements contained in 34 CFR 668.32;
(b) Is enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate student at the institution; and
(c) Has financial need as determined in accordance with part F of title IV of the HEA. A member of a religious order (an order, community, society, agency, or organization) who is pursuing a course of study at an institution of higher education is considered to have no financial need if that religious order—
(1) Has as its primary objective the promotion of ideals and beliefs regarding a Supreme Being;
(2) Requires its members to forego monetary or other support substantially beyond the support it provides; and
(3) Directs the member to pursue the course of study or provides subsistence support to its members.
(a)(1) In selecting among eligible students for FSEOG awards in each award year, an institution shall select those students with the lowest expected family contributions who will also receive Federal Pell Grants in that year.
(2) If the institution has FSEOG funds remaining after giving FSEOG awards to all the Federal Pell Grant recipients at the institution, the institution shall award the remaining FSEOG funds to those eligible students with the lowest expected family contributions who will not receive Federal Pell Grants.
(b)
(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (e) of this section, an institution shall pay in each payment period a portion of an FSEOG awarded for a full academic year.
(2) The institution shall determine the amount paid each payment period by the following fraction:
(3) An institution may pay the student, within each payment period, at such times and in such amounts as it determines best meets the student's needs.
(b) If a student incurs uneven cost or resources during an academic year and needs additional funds in a particular payment period, the institution may pay FSEOG funds to the student for those uneven costs.
(c) An institution shall disburse funds to a student or the student's account in accordance with the provisions in § 668.164.
(d)(1) The institution shall return to the FSEOG account any funds paid to a student who, before the first day of classes—
(i) Officially or unofficially withdraws; or
(ii) Is expelled.
(2) A student who does not begin class attendance is deemed to have withdrawn.
(e) Only one payment is necessary if the total amount the institution awards a student for an academic year under the FSEOG program is less than $501.
(f) A correspondence student shall submit his or her first completed lesson before receiving an FSEOG payment.
(a)
(1) Making grants to eligible students; and
(2) Carrying out the administrative activities described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section.
(b)
(a)
(2) An institution shall maintain funds received under this part in accordance with the requirements in § 668.163.
(b)
(2) An institution shall establish and maintain program and fiscal records that are reconciled at least monthly.
(3) Each year an institution shall submit a Fiscal Operations Report plus other information the Secretary requires. The institution shall insure that the information reported is accurate and shall submit it on the form and at the time specified by the Secretary.
(a) An institution may award an FSEOG for an academic year in an amount it determines a student needs to continue his or her studies. However, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, an FSEOG may not be awarded for a full academic year that is—
(1) Less than $100; or
(2) More than $4,000.
(b) For a student enrolled for less than a full academic year, the minimum allowable FSEOG may be proportionately reduced.
(c) The maximum amount of the FSEOG may be increased from $4,000 to as much as $4,400 for a student participating in a program of study abroad that is approved for credit by the home institution, if reasonable costs for the study abroad program exceed the cost of attendance at the home institution.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, for the 1993-94 award year and subsequent award years, the Federal share of the FSEOG awards made by an institution may not exceed 75 percent of the amount of FSEOG awards made by that institution.
(b) The Secretary authorizes, for each award year, a Federal share of 100 percent of the FSEOGs awarded to students by an institution that—
(1) Is designated as an eligible institution under the Strengthening Institutions program (34 CFR part 607) or the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities program (34 CFR part 608); and
(2) Requests that increased Federal share as part of its regular SEOG funding application for that year.
(c) The non-Federal share of SEOG awards must be made from the institution's own resources, which include for this purpose—
(1) Institutional grants and scholarships;
(2) Tuition or fee waivers;
(3) State scholarships; and
(4) Foundation or other charitable organization funds.
20 U.S.C. 1071 to 1087-2, unless otherwise noted.
(a) This part governs the following four programs collectively referred to in these regulations as “the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) programs,” in which lenders use their own funds to make loans to enable a student or his or her parents to pay the costs of the student's attendance at postsecondary schools:
(1) The Federal Stafford Loan (Stafford) Program, which encourages making loans to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
(2) The Federal Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS) Program, as in effect for periods of enrollment beginning prior to July 1, 1994, which encourages making loans to graduate, professional, independent undergraduate, and certain dependent undergraduate students.
(3) The Federal PLUS (PLUS) Program, which encourages making loans to parents of dependent undergraduate students. Before October 17, 1986, the PLUS Program also provided for making loans to graduate, professional, and independent undergraduate students. Before July 1, 1993, the PLUS Program also provided for making loans to parents of dependent graduate students.
(4) The Federal Consolidation Loan Program (Consolidation Loan Program), which encourages making loans to borrowers for the purpose of consolidating their repayment obligations, with respect to loans received while they were students, under the Federal Insured Student Loan (FISL), Stafford loan, SLS, ALAS (as in effect before October 17, 1986), PLUS, and Perkins Loan programs, the Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) Program authorized by subpart II of part A of Title VII of the Public Health Services Act, Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL) authorized by subpart I of Part A of Title VII of the Health Services Act, and Nursing Student Loan Program loans authorized by subpart II of part B of title VIII of the Public Health Service Act.
(b)(1) Except for the loans guaranteed directly by the Secretary described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, a guaranty agency guarantees a lender against losses due to default by the borrower on a FFEL loan. If the guaranty agency meets certain Federal requirements, the guaranty agency is reimbursed by the Secretary for all or part of the amount of default claims it pays to lenders.
(2)(i) The Secretary guarantees lenders against losses—
(A) Within the Stafford Loan Program, on loans made under Federal Insured Student Loan (FISL) Program;
(B) Within the PLUS Program, on loans made under the Federal PLUS Program;
(C) Within the SLS Program, on loans made under the Federal SLS Program; and
(D) Within the Consolidation Loan Program, on loans made under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program.
(ii) The loan programs listed in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section collectively are referred to in these regulations as the “Federal Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL) programs.”
(iii) The Federal GSL programs are authorized to operate in States not served by a guaranty agency program. In addition, the FISL and Federal SLS programs are authorized, under limited circumstances, to operate in States in which a guaranty agency program does not serve all eligible students.
(a) Eligible banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, pension funds, insurance companies, schools, and State and private nonprofit agencies may make loans.
(b) Eligible educational institutions, including most colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, and many vocational, technical, and correspondence schools may participate as schools, enabling an eligible student or his or her parents to obtain a loan to pay for the student's cost of education.
(c) Students who meet certain requirements, including enrollment at a participating school, may borrow under the Stafford Loan and, prior to July 1, 1994, the SLS program. Parents of eligible dependent undergraduate students may borrow under the PLUS Program. Borrowers with outstanding Stafford, SLS, FISL, Perkins, HPSL, HEAL, ALAS, PLUS, or Nursing Student Loan Program loans, or married couples each of whom have eligible loans under these programs may borrow under the Consolidation Loan Program.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(a) Subpart B of this part contains general provisions that are applicable to all participants in the FFEL programs.
(b) The administration of the FFEL programs by a guaranty agency is subject to subparts C, D, F, and G of this part.
(c) The Federal FFEL programs are subject to subparts C, E, F, and G of this part.
(d) Certain requirements applicable to schools under all the FFEL programs are set forth in subpart F of this part.
(a)(1) The definitions of the following terms used in this part are set forth in subpart A of the Student Assistance General Provisions, 34 CFR part 668:
(2) The following definitions are set forth in the regulations for Institutional Eligibility under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 34 CFR part 600:
(b) The following definitions also apply to this part:
(1) 180 days for a loan repayable in monthly installments; or
(2) 240 days for a loan repayable in less frequent installments.
(i) Veterans' educational benefits paid under Chapters 30, 31, 32, and 35 of Title 38 of the United States Code;
(ii) Educational benefits paid under Chapters 106 and 107 of Title 10 of the United States Code (Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program);
(iii) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships and subsistence allowances awarded under Chapter 2 of Title 10 and Chapter 2 of Title 37 of the United States Code;
(iv) Benefits paid under Pub. L. 97-376, section 156: Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (or Quayle benefits);
(v) Benefits paid under Pub. L. 96-342, section 903: Educational Assistance Pilot Program;
(vi) Any educational benefits paid because of enrollment in a postsecondary education institution;
(vii) The estimated amount of other Federal student financial aid, including but not limited to a Federal Pell Grant, campus-based aid, and the gross amount (including fees) of a Federal Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford and Federal PLUS loan.
(2) The estimated amount of assistance does not include—(i) Those amounts used to replace the expected family contribution, including—
(A) Unsubsidized and nonsubsidized Stafford loan amounts for which interest benefits are not payable.
(B) SLS and PLUS loan amounts; or
(C) Private and state-sponsored loan programs; and
(ii) Perkins loan and College Work-Study funds that the school determines the student has declined for an acceptable reason.
(2) A student enrolled in a vocational school (other than a student enrolled in a program of study by correspondence) who is carrying a workload of not less than 24 clock-hours per week or 12 semester or quarter hours per semester or quarter, respectively, of instruction, or its equivalent.
(1) Is enrolled in a program above the baccalaureate level at an institution of higher education or is enrolled in a program leading to a first professional degree;
(2) Has completed the equivalent of at least three academic years of full-time study at an institution of higher education, either before entrance into the program or as part of the program itself; and
(3) Is not receiving aid under title IV of the Act as an undergraduate student for the same period of enrollment.
(2) With respect to a National or State chartered bank, a mutual savings bank, a savings and loan association, a stock savings bank, or a credit union—
(i) The phrase “subject to examination and supervision” in section 435(d) of the Act means “subject to examination and supervision in its capacity as a lender”;
(ii) The phrase “does not have as its primary consumer credit function the making or holding of loans made to students under this part” in section 435(d) of the Act means that the lender does not, or in the case of a bank holding company, the company's wholly-owned subsidiaries as a group do not at any time, hold FFEL Program loans that total more than one-half of the lender's or subsidiaries’ combined consumer credit loan portfolio, including home mortgages held by the lender or its subsidiaries.
(3) A bank that is subject to examination and supervision by an agency of the United States, making student loans as a trustee, may be an eligible lender if it makes loans under an express trust, operated as a lender in the FFEL programs prior to January 1, 1975, and met the requirements of this paragraph prior to July 23, 1992.
(4) The corporate parent or other owner of a school that qualifies as an eligible lender under section 435(d) of the Act is not an eligible lender unless the corporate parent or owner itself qualifies as an eligible lender under section 435(d) of the Act.
(5) The term “eligible lender” does not include any lender that the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing before a designated Department official, has—
(i) Offered, directly or indirectly, points, premiums, payments, or other inducements, to any educational institution or other party to secure applicants for FFEL loans;
(ii) Conducted unsolicited mailings to a student or a student's parents of FFEL loan application forms, except to a student who previously has received a FFEL loan from the lender or to a student's parent who previously has received a FFEL loan from the lender;
(iii) Offered, directly or indirectly, a FFEL loan to a prospective borrower to induce the purchase of a policy of insurance or other product or service by the borrower or other person; or
(iv) Engaged in fraudulent or misleading advertising with respect to its FFEL program loan activities.
At 59 FR 33348, June 28, 1994, paragraphs (3) and (4) of the definition of “Lender” were redesignated as (4) and (5), and a new paragraph (3) was added. However, paragraph (5) previously existed, resulting in two paragraphs (5).
(5) The term eligible lender does not include any lender that—
(i) Is debarred or suspended, or any of whose principals or affiliates (as those terms are defined in 34 CFR part 85) is debarred or suspended under Executive Order (E.O.) 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4;
(ii) Is an affiliate, as defined in 34 CFR part 85, of any person who is debarred or suspended under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; or
(iii) Employs a person who is debarred or suspended under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, in a capacity that involves the administration or receipt of FFEL Program funds.
(2) For unsubsidized Stafford loans, the period that begins on the day after the expiration of the applicable grace period that follows after the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis and ending no later than 10 years from that date, exclusive of any period of deferment or forbearance. However, payments of interest are the responsibility of the borrower during the in-school and grace period, but may be capitalized by the lender.
(3) For SLS loans, the period that begins on the date the loan is disbursed, or if the loan is disbursed in more than one installment, on the date the last disbursement is made and ending no
(4) For Federal PLUS loans, the period that begins on the date the loan is disbursed, or if the loan is disbursed in more than one installment, on the date the last disbursement is made and ending no later than 10 years from that date, exclusive of any period of deferment or forbearance. Interest on the loan accrues and is due and payable from the date of the first disbursement of the loan.
(5) For Federal Consolidation loans, the period that begins on the date the loan is disbursed and ends no later than 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years from that date depending upon the sum of the amount of the Consolidation loan, and the unpaid balance on other student loans, exclusive of any period of deferment or forbearance.
(2) For purposes of consolidating a defaulted loan under 34 CFR 682.201(c)(1)(iii)(C), the making of three (3) consecutive voluntary full monthly payments on a defaulted loan.
(3) The required full monthly payment amount may not be more than is reasonable and affordable based on the borrower's total financial circumstances. Voluntary payments are those payments made directly by the borrower, and do not include payments obtained by income tax off-set, garnishment, or income or asset execution. On-time means a payment received by the Secretary or a guaranty agency or its agent within 15 days of the scheduled due date.
(2) The term includes only those individual units or programs within a school that satisfy the definition of “eligible program” in 34 CFR part 668.
(3) The term does not include any educational institution that employs or uses commissioned salespersons to promote the availability of Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loans for attendance at the institution. For this purpose—
(i) A
(ii)
(A) Provide a prospective or enrolled student with FFEL loan application forms, or names of eligible lenders;
(B) Provide other information relating to the FFEL programs to a prospective or enrolled student in order to encourage the student to finance his or her education with a FFEL loan; or
(C) Otherwise use the availability of FFEL loans as a recruiting or retention tool.
(4) The term does not include any educational institution that has a default rate in excess of the threshold rates established under section 435(a)(2) of the Act.
(5) For purposes of an in-school deferment, the term includes an eligible institution, whether or not it participates in any title IV program or has lost its eligibility to participate in the FFEL program because of a high default rate.
(a)
(1) In the case of an undergraduate student who seeks a Stafford loan or unsubsidized Stafford loan for the cost of attendance at a school that participates in the Pell Grant Program, has received a final determination, or, in the case of a student who has filed an application with the school for a Pell Grant, a preliminary determination, from the school of the student's eligibility or ineligibility for a Pell Grant and, if eligible, has applied for the period of enrollment for which the loan is sought;
(2) In the case of any student who seeks an unsubsidized Stafford loan for the cost of attendance at a school that
(3) For purposes of a dependent undergraduate student's eligibility for an additional unsubsidized Stafford loan amount, as described at § 682.204(d), is a dependent undergraduate student for whom the financial aid administrator determines and documents in the school's file, after review of the family financial information provided by the student and consideration of the student's debt burden, that the student's parents likely will be precluded by exceptional circumstances (e.g., the student's parent receives only public assistance or disability benefits, is incarcerated, or his or her whereabouts are unknown) from borrowing under the PLUS Program and the student's family is otherwise unable to provide the student's expected family contribution. A parent's refusal to borrow a PLUS loan does not constitute an exceptional circumstance;
(4)(i) Reaffirms any FFEL loan amount on which there has been a total cessation of collection activity, including all principal and interest that has accrued on that amount up to the date of reaffirmation.
(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, reaffirmation means the acknowledgement of the loan by the borrower in a legally binding manner. The acknowledgement may include, but is not limited to, the borrower—
(A) Signing a new promissory note or repayment schedule; or
(B) Making a payment on the loan.
(5)(i) In the case of a borrower whose previous loan was canceled due to total and permanent disability, the student must—
(A) Obtain a certification from a physician that the borrower is able to engage in substantial gainful activity; and
(B) Sign a statement acknowledging that the FFEL loan the borrower receives cannot be canceled in the future on the basis of any impairment present when the new loan is made, unless that impairment substantially deteriorates;
(ii) Signs a statement acknowledging that any new FFEL loan the borrower receives cannot be cancelled in the future on the basis of any present impairment, unless that condition substantially deteriorates;
(6) In the case of any student who seeks a loan but does not have a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, the student meets the requirements under 34 CFR part 668.7(b).
(7) Is not serving in a medical internship or residency program, except for an internship in dentistry.
(b)
(i) Is borrowing to pay for the educational costs of a dependent undergraduate student who meets the requirements for an eligible student set forth in 34 CFR part 668;
(ii) Provides his or her and the student's social security number;
(iii) Meets the requirements pertaining to citizenship and residency that apply to the student in 34 CFR 668.7;
(iv) Meets the requirements concerning defaults and overpayments that apply to the student in 34 CFR 668.7;
(v) Except for the completion of a Statement of Selective Service Registration Status, complies with the requirements for submission of a Statement of Educational Purpose that apply to the student in 34 CFR part 668;
(vi) Meets the requirement of paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(5) of this section;
(vii)(A) In the case of a Federal PLUS loan made on or after July 1, 1993, does not have an adverse credit history.
(B) For purposes of this section, the lender must obtain a credit report on each applicant from at least one national credit bureau. The credit report must be secured within a timeframe that would ensure the most accurate, current representation of the borrower's credit history before the first day of the period of enrollment for which the loan is intended.
(C) Unless the lender determines that extenuating circumstances existed, the lender must consider each applicant to have an adverse credit history based on the credit report if—
(
(
(D) Nothing in this paragraph precludes the lender from establishing more restrictive credit standards to determine whether the applicant has an adverse credit history.
(E) The absence of any credit history is not an indication that the applicant has an adverse credit history and is not to be used as a reason to deny a PLUS loan to that applicant.
(F) The lender must retain documentation demonstrating its basis for determining that extenuating circumstances existed. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, an updated credit report, a statement from the creditor that the borrower has made satisfactory arrangements to repay the debt, or a satisfactory statement from the borrower explaining any delinquencies with outstanding balances of less than $500.
(viii) Obtains an endorser who has been determined not to have an adverse credit history as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(vii)(C) of this section.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a “parent” includes the individuals described in the definition of “parent” in 34 CFR 668.2 and the spouse of a parent who remarried, if that spouse's income and assets would have been taken into account when calculating a dependent student's expected family contribution.
(c)
(i) For a Consolidation loan made on or after January 1, 1993 but prior to July 1, 1994, has an outstanding indebtedness of not less than $7,500 that are eligible for consolidation under § 682.100;
(ii) Has ceased, or, in the case of a PLUS borrower, the dependent student on whose behalf the parent is borrowing has ceased, at least half-time enrollment at a school;
(iii) Is, on the loans being consolidated—
(A) In a grace period preceding repayment on the loans being consolidated;
(B) Is in repayment status; or
(C) In a default status and has either made satisfactory repayment arrangements as defined in section 682.200(b)(2) or has agreed to repay the consolidation loan under the income-sensitive repayment plan described in § 682.209(a)(6)(viii).
(iv) Certifies that no other application for a Consolidation loan is pending;
(v) Agrees to notify the holder of any changes in address; and
(vi) Certifies that the lender holds an outstanding loan of the borrower that is being consolidated or that the borrower has unsuccessfully sought a loan from the holders of the outstanding loans and was unable to secure a Consolidation loan from the holder.
(2) A married couple is eligible to receive a Consolidation loan in accordance with this section if each—
(i) Agrees to be held jointly and severally liable for the repayment of the total amount of the Consolidation loan;
(ii) Agrees to repay the debt regardless of any change in marital status; and
(iii) Meets the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, and only one must have met the requirements of paragraph (c)(1)(vi) of this section.
(3) To be eligible to receive a Consolidation loan, in the case of a student, parent, or Consolidation loan borrower who is currently in default on an FFEL Program loan, the borrower must have made satisfactory repayment arrangements.
(4) A borrower's eligibility to receive a Consolidation loan terminates upon receipt of a Consolidation loan except—
(i) With respect to student loans received after the date the Consolidation loan is made; or
(ii) Eligible loans received prior to the date the Consolidation loan was made can be added to the Consolidation
The charges that lenders may impose on borrowers, either directly or indirectly, are limited to the following:
(a)
(1)
(ii) If the borrower, on the date the promissory note evidencing the loan is signed, has no outstanding balance on any FFEL Program loan, and the first disbursement is made—
(A) Prior to October 1, 1992, for a loan covering a period of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 1988, the interest rate is 8 percent until 48 months elapse after the repayment period begins, and 10 percent thereafter; or
(B) On or after October 1, 1992, the interest rate is a variable rate, applicable to each July 1-June 30 period, that equals the lesser of—
(
(
(iii) For a Stafford loan for which the first disbursement is made before October 1, 1992—
(A) If the borrower, on the date the promissory note evidencing the loan is signed, has no outstanding balance on a Stafford loan but has an outstanding balance of principal or interest on a PLUS or SLS loan made for a period of enrollment beginning before July 1, 1988, or on a Consolidation loan that repaid a loan made for a period of enrollment beginning before July 1, 1988, the interest rate is 8 percent; or
(B) If the borrower, on the date the promissory note evidencing the loan is signed, has an outstanding balance of principal or interest on a PLUS or SLS loan made for a period of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1988, or on a Consolidation loan that repaid a loan made for a period of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1988, the interest rate is 8 percent until 48 months elapse after the repayment period begins, and 10 percent thereafter.
(iv) For a Stafford loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1992, if the borrower, on the date the promissory note evidencing the loan is signed, has no outstanding balance on a Stafford loan but has an outstanding balance of principal or interest on a PLUS, SLS, or Consolidation loan, the interest rate is 8 percent.
(2)
(ii) For a loan disbursed on or after July 1, 1987 but prior to October 1, 1992, and for any loan made under § 682.209 (e) or (f), the interest rate is a variable rate, applicable to each July 1-June 30 period, that equals the lesser of—
(A) The bond equivalent rate of the 52-week Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction prior to the June 1 immediately preceding the July 1-June 30 period, plus 3.25 percent; or
(B) 12 percent.
(iii) For a loan disbursed on or after October 1, 1992, the interest rate is a variable rate, applicable to each July 1-June 30 period, that equals the lesser of—
(A) The bond equivalent rate of the 52-week Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction prior to the June 1 immediately preceding the July 1-June 30 period, plus 3.10 percent; or
(B) 10 percent.
(3)
(ii) For a loan disbursed on or after July 1, 1987 but prior to October 1, 1992,
(A) The bond equivalent rate of the 52-week Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction prior to the June 1 immediately preceding the July 1-June 30 period, plus 3.25 percent; or
(B) 12 percent.
(iii) For a loan disbursed on or after October 1, 1992, the interest rate is a variable rate, applicable to each July 1-June 30 period, that equals the lesser of—
(A) The bond equivalent rate of the 52-week Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction prior to the June 1 immediately preceding the July 1-June 30 period, plus 3.10 percent; or
(B) 11 percent.
(4)
(i) The weighted average of interest rates on the loans consolidated, rounded to the nearest whole percent; or
(ii) 9 percent.
(5)
(6)
(i) For a loan with an applicable interest rate of 10 percent made prior to July 23, 1992, and for a loan with an applicable interest rate of 10 percent made from July 23, 1992 through September 30, 1992, to a borrower with no outstanding FFEL Program loans—
(A) If during any calendar quarter, the sum of the average of the bond equivalent rates of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for that quarter, plus 3.25 percent, is less than 10 percent, the lender shall calculate an adjustment and credit the adjustment as specified under paragraph (a)(6)(i)(B) of this section if the borrower's account is not more than 30 days delinquent on December 31. The amount of the adjustment for a calendar quarter is equal to—
(
(
(
(B) No later than 30 calendar days after the end of the calendar year, the holder of the loan shall credit any amounts computed under paragraph (a)(6)(i)(A) of this section to—
(
(
(
(ii) For a fixed interest rate loan made on or after July 23, 1992 to a borrower with an outstanding FFEL Program loan—
(A) If during any calendar quarter, the sum of the average of the bond equivalent rates of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for that quarter, plus 3.10 percent, is less than the applicable interest rate, the lender shall calculate an adjustment and credit the adjustment to reduce the outstanding principal balance of the loan as specified under paragraph (a)(6)(ii)(C) of this section if the borrower's account is not more than 30 days delinquent on December 31. The amount of an adjustment for a calendar quarter is equal to—
(
(
(
(B) For any quarter or portion thereof that the Secretary was obligated to pay interest subsidy on behalf of the borrower, the holder of the loan shall refund to the Secretary, no later than
(C) For any other quarter, the holder of the loan shall, within 30 days of the end of the calendar year, reduce the borrower's outstanding principal by the amount of excess interest calculated under paragraph (a)(6)(ii)(A) of this section, provided that the borrower's account was not more than 30 days delinquent as of December 31;
(D) For a borrower who on the last day of the calendar year is delinquent for more than 30 days, any excess interest calculated shall be refunded to the Secretary; and
(E) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a)(6)(ii)(B), (C) and (D) of this section, if the loan was disbursed during a quarter, the amount of any adjustment refunded to the Secretary or credited to the borrower for that quarter shall be prorated accordingly.
(7)
(i) A lender or holder shall convert the interest rate on a loan under paragraphs (a)(6)(i) or (ii) of this section to a variable rate.
(ii) The applicable interest rate for each 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30 preceding each 12-month period is equal to the sum of—
(A) The bond equivalent rate of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction prior to June 1; and
(B) 3.25 percent in the case of a loan described in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section or 3.10 percent in the case of a loan described in paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of this section.
(iii)(A) In connection with the conversion specified in paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of this section for any period prior to the conversion for which a rebate has not been provided under paragraph (a)(6) of this section, a lender or holder shall convert the interest rate to a variable rate.
(B) The interest rate for each period shall be reset quarterly and the applicable interest rate for the quarter or portion shall equal the sum of—
(
(
(iv)(A) The holder of a loan being converted under paragraph (a)(7)(iii)(A) of this section shall complete such conversion on or before January 1, 1995.
(B) The holder shall, not later than 30 days prior to the conversion, provide the borrower with—
(
(
(
(
(v) The notice may be provided as part of the disclosure requirement as specified under § 682.205.
(vi) The interest rate as calculated under this paragraph may not exceed the maximum interest rate applicable to the loan prior to the conversion.
(b)
(2) A lender may capitalize interest payable by the borrower that has accrued—
(i) During the period from the date the first disbursement was made to the beginning date of the in-school period;
(ii) During the in-school period or grace period, if capitalization is expressly authorized by the promissory note (or with the written consent of the borrower);
(iii) During a period of authorized deferment;
(iv) During a period of authorized forbearance; or
(v) During the period from the date the first installment payment was due until it was made.
(3) A lender may capitalize accrued interest under paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) through (iv) of this section no more frequently than quarterly, except that
(4) Under the SLS and PLUS programs, the lender shall require the borrower to pay on a monthly or quarterly basis or, with the borrower's written consent, capitalize on a quarterly basis interest that has accrued during periods in which the borrower—
(i) Is pursuing a full-time course of study at an eligible institution;
(ii) Is pursuing at least a half-time course of study (as determined by the institution) during an enrollment period for which the student has obtained a FFEL loan;
(iii) Is pursuing a course of study pursuant to a graduate fellowship program approved by the Secretary; or
(iv) Is pursuing a rehabilitation training program for disabled individuals that is approved by the Secretary.
(5) For all borrowers who are in a period of deferment, a required medical or dental internship forbearance, or the in-school or grace period on a nonsubsidized Stafford loan and have agreed to monthly or quarterly payments of interest, the lender may capitalize past due interest after notification to the borrower that the borrower's failure to resolve any delinquency constitutes the borrower's consent to capitalization of delinquent interest and all interest that will accrue through the remainder of that period.
(c)
(1) May charge a borrower an origination fee on a subsidized Stafford loan not to exceed the maximum rate specified by Federal statute;
(2) Shall charge a borrower an origination fee on an unsubsidized Stafford loan of 3 percent of the principal amount of the loan;
(3) Shall charge a borrower an origination fee on an SLS or a PLUS loan of 3 percent of the principal amount of the loan;
(4) Shall deduct a pro rata portion of the fee (if charged) from each disbursement; and
(5) Shall refund by a credit against the borrower's loan balance the portion of the origination fee previously deducted from the loan that is attributable to any portion of the loan—
(i) That is returned by a school to a lender in order to comply with the Act or with applicable regulations;
(ii) That is repaid or returned within 120 days of disbursement, unless—
(A) The borrower has no FFEL Program loans in repayment status and has requested, in writing, that the repaid or returned funds be used for a different purpose; or
(B) The borrower has a FFEL Program loan in repayment status, in which case the payment is applied in accordance with § 682.209(b) unless the borrower has requested, in writing, that the repaid or returned funds be applied as a cancellation of all or part of the loan;
(iii) For which a loan check has not been negotiated within 120 days of disbursement; or
(iv) For which loan proceeds disbursed by electronic funds transfer or master check in accordance with § 682.207(b)(1)(ii) (B) and (C) have not been released from the restricted account maintained by the school within 120 days of disbursement.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) The lender may require the borrower to pay a late charge if the borrower fails to pay all or a portion of a
(g)
(i) Attorney's fees;
(ii) Court costs; and
(iii) Telegrams.
(2) The costs referred to in paragraph (g)(1) of this section may not include routine collection costs associated with preparing letters or notices or with making personal contacts with the borrower (e.g., local and long-distance telephone calls).
(a)
(b)
(a)
(i) $2,625 for a program whose length is at least a full academic year in length;
(ii) $1,750 for a program whose length is at least two-thirds but less than a full academic year in length; and
(iii) $875 for a program whose length is at least one-third but less than two-thirds of an academic year length.
(2) In the case of a student who has successfully completed the first year of an undergraduate program but has not successfully completed the second year of an undergraduate program, the total amount the student may borrow for any academic year of study under the Stafford Loan Program may not exceed—
(i) $3,500 for a program whose length is at least a full academic year in length; or
(ii) For a Stafford loan first disbursed on or after July 1, 1994 for a period of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1994, if the student is enrolled in a program, with less than a full academic year remaining, a prorated amount that bears the same ratio to $3,500 as the remainder of the program measured in semester, trimester, quarter, or clock hours bears to one academic year.
(3) In the case of a student who has successfully completed the first and second year of a program of undergraduate education but has not successfully completed the remainder of the program, the total amount the student may borrow for academic year of study under the Stafford Loan and Direct Stafford Loan Program may not exceed—
(i) $5,500 for a program whose length is at least an academic year in length;
(ii) For a Stafford loan first disbursed on or after July 1, 1994 for a period of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1994, if the student is enrolled in a program with less than a full academic year remaining, a prorated amount that bears the same ratio to $5,500 as the remainder of the program measured in semester, trimester, quarter, or clock hours bears to one academic year.
(4) In the case of a student in a program who has an associate or baccalaureate degree which is required for admission into the program, the total
(5) In the case of a graduate or professional student, the total amount the student may borrow for any academic year of study under the Stafford Loan Program, in combination with any amount borrowed under the Direct Stafford Loan Program, may not exceed $8,500.
(b)
(1) $23,000 in the case of any student who has not successfully completed a program of study at the undergraduate level; and
(2) $65,000, in the case of a graduate or professional student, including loans for undergraduate study.
(c)
(d)
(1) In the case of a student who has not successfully completed the first and second year of a program of undergraduate education, may not exceed—
(i) $4,000 for enrollment in a program whose length is at least a full academic year in length;
(ii) $2,500 for enrollment in a program whose length is at least two-thirds but less than a full academic year in length;
(iii) $1,500 for enrollment in a program whose length is at least one-third but less than two-thirds of an academic year in length;
(2) In the case of a student who has successfully completed the first and second year of an undergraduate program, but has not completed the remainder of the program, may not exceed—
(i) $5,000 for enrollment in a program whose length is at least a full academic year;
(ii) If the student is enrolled in a program with less than a full academic year remaining, a prorated amount that bears the same ratio to $5,000 as the remainder of the program measured in semester, trimester, quarter, or clock hours bears to one academic year;
(3) In the case of a student in a program who has an associate or baccalaureate degree which is required for admission into the program, the total amount the student may borrow for an academic year under the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program may not exceed the amount in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section; and
(4) In the case of a graduate or professional student, may not exceed $10,000.
(e)
(1) $46,000 for an undergraduate student; and
(2) $138,500 for a graduate or professional student.
(f)
(i) $2,500 for a student enrolled in a program whose length is at least two-thirds of an academic year but less than a full academic year in length;
(ii) $1,500 for a student enrolled in a program whose length is less than two-thirds of an academic year in length; and
(iii) $0 for a student enrolled in a program whose length is less than one-third of an academic year in length.
(2) In the case of a loan for which a first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1993, the total amount a student may borrow for an academic year under the SLS program—
(i) In the case of a student who has not successfully completed the first and second year of a program of undergraduate education, may not exceed—
(A) $4,000 for enrollment in a program whose length is at least a full academic year in length;
(B) $2,500 for enrollment in a program whose length is at least two-thirds but less than a full academic year in length;
(C) $1,500 for enrollment in a program whose length is least one-third but less than two-thirds of an academic year in length;
(ii) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(4) of this section, in the case of a student who successfully completed the first and second year of an undergraduate program, but has not completed the remainder of the program, may not exceed—
(A) $5,000 for enrollment in a program whose length is at least a full academic year;
(B) $3,325 for enrollment in a program whose length is at least two-thirds of an academic year but less than a full academic year in length; and
(C) $1,675 for enrollment in a program whose length is at least one-third of an academic year but less than two-thirds of an academic year; and
(iii) In the case of a graduate or professional student, may not exceed $10,000.
(4) For a period of enrollment beginning after October 1, 1993, but prior to July 1, 1994 for which the first disbursement is made prior to July 1, 1994, in the case of a student who has successfully completed the first and second years of a program but has not successfully completed the remainder of a program of undergraduate education—
(i) $5,000; or
(ii) If the student is enrolled in a program, the remainder of which is less than a full academic year, the maximum annual amount that the study may receive may not exceed the amount that bears the same ratio to the amount in paragraph (f)(4)(i) of this section as the remainder measured in semester, trimester, quarter, or clock hours bears to one academic year.
(g)
(1) An undergraduate student may not exceed—
(i) $20,000, for loans for which the first disbursement is made prior to July 1, 1993; or
(ii) $23,000, for loans for which the first disbursement was made on or after July 1, 1993; and
(2) A graduate student may not exceed—
(i) $20,000, for loans for which the first disbursement is made prior to July 1, 1993; or
(ii) $73,000, for loans for which the first disbursement was made on or after July 1, 1993 including loans for undergraduate study.
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(1) The student's estimated financial assistance for that period; and
(2) The borrower's expected family contribution for that period, in the case of a Stafford loan that is eligible for interest benefits.
(l) In determining a Stafford loan amount in accordance with § 682.204 (a), (c) and (d), the school must use the definition of academic year in 34 CFR 668.2.
(a)
(2) The lender shall provide the borrower with—
(i) The lender's name, the address to which correspondence with the lender and payments should be sent, and a statement that the lender may sell or transfer the loan to another party, in which case the address and identity of the party to which correspondence and payments should be sent may change;
(ii) The principal amount of the loan;
(iii) The amount of any charges, including the origination fee if applicable, and the insurance premium, to be collected by the lender before or at the time of each disbursement on the loan, and an explanation of whether those charges are to be deducted from the proceeds of the loan or paid separately by the borrower;
(iv) The actual interest rate;
(v) The annual and aggregate maximum amounts that may be borrowed;
(vi) A statement that information concerning the loan, including the date of disbursement and the amount of the loan, will be reported to a national credit bureau;
(vii) An explanation of when repayment of the loan is required and when the borrower is required to pay the interest that accrues on the loan;
(viii) The minimum and maximum number of years in which the loan must be repaid and the minimum amount of required annual payments;
(ix) An explanation of any special options the borrower may have for consolidating or refinancing the loan;
(x) A statement that the borrower has the right to prepay all or part of the loan at any time, without penalty;
(xi) A statement describing the circumstances under which repayment of the loan or interest that accrues on the loan may be deferred;
(xii) A statement of availability of the Department of Defense program for repayment of loans on the basis of military service, as provided for in 10 U.S.C. 2171;
(xiii) The definition of “default” found in § 682.200, and the consequences to the borrower of a default, including a statement concerning likely litigation, a statement that the default will be reported to a national credit bureau, and statements that the borrower will be liable for substantial collection costs, that the borrower's Federal and State income tax refund may be withheld to pay the debt, that the borrower's wages will be garnished or offset, and that the borrower will be ineligible for additional Federal student financial aid, as well as for assistance under most Federal benefit programs;
(xiv) An explanation of the possible effects of accepting the loan on the student's eligibility for other forms of student financial assistance;
(xv) An explanation of any costs the borrower may incur in the making or collection of the loan; and
(xvi) In the case of a Stafford or SLS loan, other than an SLS loan made under § 682.209 (e) or (f) or a loan made to a borrower attending a school that is not in a State, a statement that the loan proceeds will be transmitted to
(xvii) A statement of the total cumulative balance, including the loan applied for, owed to that lender, and an estimate of, or information that will allow the borrower to estimate, the projected monthly payment amount based on that cumulative outstanding balance.
(b)
(1) Summarizes the rights and responsibilities of the borrower with respect to the loan; and
(2) Indicates the consequences to the borrower of defaulting on the loan described in paragraph (a)(2)(xiii) of this section.
(c)
(2) The lender shall provide the borrower with—
(i) The lender's name and the address to which correspondence with the lender and payments should be sent;
(ii) The scheduled date the repayment period is to begin;
(iii) The estimated balance, including the estimated amount of interest to be capitalized, owed by the borrower as of the date upon which the repayment period is to begin, or the date of the disclosure, whichever is later;
(iv) The actual interest rate on the loan;
(v) An explanation of any fees that may accrue or be charged to the borrower during the repayment period;
(vi) The borrower's repayment schedule, including the due date of the first installment and the number, amount, and frequency of payments;
(vii) Except in the case of a Consolidation loan, an explanation of any special options the borrower may have for consolidating or refinancing the loan and of the availability and terms of such other options;
(viii) The estimated total amount of interest to be paid on the loan, assuming that payments are made in accordance with the repayment schedule; and
(ix) A statement that the borrower has the right to prepay all or part of the loan at any time, without penalty.
(d)
(e)
(a)
(2) A lender that delegates substantial loan-making duties to a school on a loan thereby enters into a loan origination relationship with the school in regard to that loan. If that relationship exists, the lender may rely in good faith upon statements of the borrower made in the loan application process, but may not rely upon statements made by the school in that process. A non-school lender that does not have an origination relationship with a school with respect to a loan may rely in good faith upon statements of both the borrower and the school in the loan application process. Except as provided in 34 CFR part 668, subpart E, a school lender may rely in good faith upon statements made by the borrower in the loan application process.
(b)
(c)
(2) Except in the case of a Consolidation loan, in determining the amount of the loan to be made, the lender must review the data on the student's cost of attendance and estimated financial assistance that is provided by the school. In no case may the loan amount exceed the student's estimated cost of attendance less the sum of—
(i) The student's estimated financial assistance for the period of enrollment for which the loan is intended; and
(ii) In the case of a Stafford loan that is eligible for interest benefits, the borrower's expected family contribution for that period.
(3) A lender may not approve a loan for more than the borrower requests, the student's unmet financial need, or the maximum established by § 682.204, whichever is less.
(d)
(2) Without the guarantor's prior approval, a lender may not add any clauses to, or modify any provisions of, the most current promissory note provided by the guarantor.
(3) The lender shall give the borrower and any endorser or co-maker a copy of each executed note.
(e)
(2) A Federal PLUS Program loan and Federal Consolidation Program Loan may be made to two eligible borrowers who agree to be jointly and severally liable for repayment of the loan as co-makers.
(3) A Federal Consolidation loan may be made to two eligible spouses provided both borrowers agree to be jointly and severally liable for repayment of the loan as co-makers.
(f)
(i) The loan is a legal, valid, and binding obligation of the borrower;
(ii) The loan was made and serviced in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and
(iii) In the case of a FFEL loan, that the guarantee on the loan is in full force and effect.
(2) The Consolidation loan lender may rely in good faith on the certification provided under paragraph (f)(1)
(a)(1) This section prescribes procedures for lenders to follow in disbursing Stafford, SLS, and PLUS loans, other than a refinanced SLS or PLUS Program loan made under § 682.209 (e) or (f). With respect to FISL, Federal SLS, and Federal PLUS loans, references to the “guaranty agency” in this section shall be understood to refer to the “Secretary.”
(2) The requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) (ii) and (v) of this section must be satisfied either by the lender or by an escrow agent with which the lender has an agreement pursuant to § 682.408. The lender shall comply with paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section whether or not it disburses to an escrow agent.
(b)(1) In disbursing a loan, a lender—
(i)(A) May not disburse loan proceeds prior to the issuance of the guarantee commitment for the loan by the guaranty agency, except with the agency's prior approval; and
(B) Must disburse a Stafford or SLS loan in accordance with the disbursement schedule provided by the school;
(ii) Shall disburse loan proceeds by—
(A) A check that is made payable to the borrower, or, if required by the guarantor or lender, is made co-payable to the borrower and the school for attendance at which the loan is intended, and requires the personal endorsement or other written certification of the borrower in order to be cashed or deposited in an account of the borrower at a financial institution;
(B) If authorized by the guarantor, electronic funds transfer to a account maintained in accordance with § 688.163 by the school as trustee for the lender, the guaranty agency, the Secretary, and the borrower, that requires the written approval of the borrower that is secured and retained by the school for each FFEL program loan for which funds are released from the account. A disbursement made by electronic funds transfer must be accompanied by a list of the names, social security numbers, and loan amounts of the borrowers who are receiving a portion of the disbursement; or
(C) If the school and the lender agree, a master check from the lender to the eligible institution to a account maintained in accordance with § 688.163 by the school as trustee for the lender. A disbursement made by a master check must be accompanied by a list of the names, social security numbers, and loan amounts of the borrowers who are receiving a portion of the disbursement;
(iii) May not disburse loan proceeds earlier than is reasonably necessary to meet the student's cost of attendance for the period for which the loan is made, and, in no case without the Secretary's prior approval, disburse loan proceeds earlier than 30 days prior to the date on which the student is scheduled to enroll;
(iv) Shall require an escrow agent to disburse loan proceeds no later than 21 days after the agent receives the proceeds from the lender;
(v) Shall disburse—
(A) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(v) (C)(
(B) In the case of a Federal PLUS loan—
(
(
(C) In the case of a student enrolled in a study-abroad program approved for credit at the home institution in which
(
(
(D) In the case of a student enrolled in an eligible foreign school, if the student requests—
(
(
(vi) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, may not disburse a second or subsequent disbursement on a Stafford or SLS loan to a student who has ceased to be enrolled.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(v)(C)(
(c) A lender shall disburse any Stafford or PLUS loan as follows:
(1) Disbursement must be in two or more installments.
(2) No installment may exceed one-half of the loan.
(3) Disbursement must be made on a payment period basis in accordance with the disbursement schedule provided by the school.
(4) If one or more scheduled disbursements have elapsed before a lender makes a disbursement and the student is still enrolled, the lender may include in the disbursement loan proceeds for previously scheduled, but unmade, disbursements.
(5) A lender is not required to make more than one disbursement if a school is not in a State.
(d)(1) A lender may disburse loan proceeds after the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
(2) A disbursement described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section may be made—
(i)(A) Only if the school certified the loan application and the loan funds will be used to pay educational costs that the school determines the student incurred for the period in which the student was enrolled and eligible;
(B) Only if the student completed the first 30 days of his or her program of study if the student was a first-year, first time borrower as described in § 682.604(c)(5) of this section; and
(C) Only if the student graduated or successfully completed the period of enrollment for which the loan was intended, in the case of a second or subsequent disbursement.
(3) The lender shall give notice to the school that the loan proceeds have been disbursed in accordance with (d)(1) of this section at the time the lender sends the loan proceeds to the school.
(a) The loan servicing process includes reporting to national credit bureaus, responding to borrower inquiries, and establishing the terms of repayment.
(b)(1) An eligible lender of a FFEL loan shall report to at least one national credit bureau—
(i) The total amount of FFEL loans the lender has made to the borrower, within 90 days of each disbursement;
(ii) The outstanding balance of the loans;
(iii) Information concerning the repayment status of the loan, within 90
(iv) The date the loan is fully repaid by, or on behalf of, the borrower, or discharged by reason of the borrower's death, bankruptcy, or total and permanent disability, within 90 days after that date;
(v) Other information required by law to be reported.
(2) An eligible lender that has acquired a FFEL loan shall report to at least one national credit bureau the information required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii)-(v) of this section within 90 days of its acquisition of the loan.
(c)(1) A lender shall respond within 30 days after receipt to any inquiry from a borrower or any endorser on a loan.
(2) When a lender learns that a Stafford loan borrower is no longer enrolled at an eligible school on at least a half-time basis, the lender shall promptly contact the borrower in order to establish the terms of repayment.
(d) Subject to the rules regarding maximum duration of a repayment period and minimum annual payment described in § 682.209(a)(7), (c), and (h), nothing in this part is intended to limit a lender's discretion in establishing, or, with the borrower's consent, revising a borrower's repayment schedule—
(1) To provide for graduated or income-sensitive repayment terms. The Secretary strongly encourages lenders to provide a graduated or income-sensitive repayment schedule to a borrower providing for at least the payment of interest charges, unless the borrower requests otherwise, in order to make the borrower's repayment burden commensurate with his or her projected ability to pay; or
(2) To provide a single repayment schedule for all FFEL program loans to the borrower held by the lender.
(e)(1) If the assignment of a Stafford, PLUS, or SLS loan is to result in a change in the identity of the party to whom the borrower must send subsequent payments, the assignor and assignee of the loan shall, no later than 45 days from the date the assignee acquires a legally enforceable right to receive payment from the borrower on the assigned loan, provide, either jointly or separately, a notice to the borrower of—
(i) The assignment;
(ii) The identity of the assignee;
(iii) The name and address of the party to whom subsequent payments or communications must be sent; and
(iv) The telephone numbers of both the assignor and the assignee.
(2) If the assignor and assignee separately provide the notice required by paragraph (e)(1) of this section, each notice must indicate that a corresponding notice will be sent by the other party to the assignment.
(3) For purposes of this paragraph, the term “assigned” is defined in § 682.401(b)(15)(ii).
(4) The assignee, or the assignor on behalf of the assignee, shall notify the guaranty agency that guaranteed the loan within 45 days of the date the assignee acquires a legally enforceable right to receive payment from the borrower on the loan of—
(i) The assignment; and
(ii) The name and address of the assignee, and the telephone number of the assignee that can be used to obtain information about the repayment of the loan.
(5) The requirements of this paragraph (e), as to borrower notification, apply if the borrower is in a grace period or has entered the repayment period.
(f)(1) Notwithstanding an error by the school or lender, a lender shall follow the procedures in § 682.412 whenever it receives information that can be substantiated that the borrower, or the student on whose behalf a parent has borrowed, provided false or erroneous information or took actions that caused the student or borrower—
(i) To be ineligible for all or a portion of a loan made under this part;
(ii) To receive a Stafford loan subject to payment of Federal interest benefits as provided under § 682.301, for which he or she was ineligible; or
(iii) To receive loan proceeds that were not paid to the school or repaid to the lender by or on behalf of a registered student who—
(A) The school notifies the lender under § 682.604(d)(4) has withdrawn or been expelled prior to the first day of
(B) Failed to attend school during that period.
(2) For purposes of this section, the term “guaranty agency” in § 682.412(e) refers to the Secretary in the case of a Federal GSL loan.
(g) If, during a period when the borrower is not delinquent, a lender receives information indicating it does not know the borrower's address, it may commence the skip-tracing activities specified in § 682.411(g).
(h)
(a)
(2)(i) For a PLUS loan, the repayment period begins on the date of the last disbursement made on the loan. Interest accrues and is due and payable from the date of the first disbursement of the loan. The last payment is due within 60 days after the date the loan is fully disbursed.
(ii) For an SLS loan, the repayment period begins on the date the loan is disbursed, or, if the loan is disbursed in multiple installments, on the date of the last disbursement of the loan. Interest accrues and is due and payable from the date of the first disbursement of the loan. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section the first payment is due within 60 days after the date the loan is fully disbursed.
(iii) For an SLS borrower who has not yet entered repayment on a Stafford loan, the borrower may postpone payment, consistent with the grace period on the borrower's Stafford loan.
(3)(i) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(4) and (5) of this section, for a Stafford loan the repayment period begins—
(A) For a borrower with a loan for which the applicable interest rate is 7 percent per year, not less than 9 nor more than 12 months following the date on which the borrower is no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis at an eligible school. The length of this grace period is determined by the lender for loans made under the FISL Program, and by the guaranty agency for loans guaranteed by the agency; and
(B) For a borrower with a loan for which the initial applicable interest rate is 8 or 9 percent per year, 6 months following the date on which the borrower is no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis at an eligible school.
(ii) The first payment on a Stafford loan is due on a date established by the lender that is no more than—
(A) 45 days following the first day that the repayment period begins;
(B) 45 days from the expiration of a deferment or forbearance period;
(C) 45 days following the end of the grace period;
(D) If the lender first learns after the fact that the borrower has entered the repayment period, no later than 75 days after the date the lender learns that the borrower has entered the repayment period; or
(E) An additional 30 days beyond the periods specified in paragraphs (a)(3)(ii)(A)-(a)(3)(ii)(D) of this section in order for the lender to comply with the required deadlines contained in § 682.205(c)(1).
(4) For a borrower of a Stafford loan who is a correspondence student, the grace period specified in paragraph
(i) The borrower completes the program;
(ii) The borrower falls 60 days behind the due date for submission of a scheduled assignment, according to the schedule required in § 682.602. However, a school may grant the borrower one restoration to in-school status if the borrower fails to submit a lesson within this 60-day period after the due date for submission of a particular assignment if, within the 60-day period, the borrower declares, in writing, an intention to continue in the program and an understanding that the required lessons must be submitted on time; or
(iii) That is 60 days following the latest allowable date established by the school for completing the program under the schedule required under § 682.602.
(5) For a Stafford loan, the repayment period begins prior to the end of the grace period if the borrower requests in writing and is granted a repayment schedule that so provides. In this event, a borrower waives the remainder of the grace period.
(6)(i) The repayment schedule may provide for substantially equal installment payments or for installment payments that increase or decrease in amount during the repayment period. If the loan has a variable interest rate that changes annually, the lender may establish a repayment schedule that—
(A) Provides for adjustments of the amount of the installment payment to reflect annual changes in the variable interest rate; or
(B) Contains no provision for an adjustment of the amount of the installment payment to reflect annual changes in the variable interest rate, but requires the lender to grant a forbearance to the borrower (or endorser, if applicable) for a period of up to 3 years of payments in accordance with § 682.211(j)(5) in cases where the effect of a variable interest rate on a standard or graduated repayment schedule would result in a loan not being repaid within the maximum repayment term.
(ii) If a graduated or income-sensitive repayment schedule is established, it may not provide for any single installment that is more than three times greater than any other installment. An agreement as specified in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section is not required if the schedule provides for less than the minimum annual payment amount specified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section.
(iii) Not more than six months prior to the date that the borrower's first payment is due, the lender shall offer a choice of a standard, graduated, or income-sensitive repayment schedule to a new borrower who receives a Stafford or SLS loan first disbursed on or after July 1, 1993. For purposes of this section, a “new borrower” is an individual who has no outstanding principal or interest balance on an FFEL Program loan as of July 1, 1993 or on the date he or she obtains a loan on or after July 1, 1993. This term also includes a borrower who obtains a Federal Consolidation Loan on or after July 1, 1993 if the borrower has no other outstanding FFEL Program loan when the Consolidation Loan is made. The lender shall also offer a choice of repayment schedules to any individual whose Consolidation loan application is received by the lender on or after January 1, 1993. The Secretary encourages lenders to offer the choice of repayment schedules to all other borrowers.
(iv) The repayment schedule must require that each payment equal at least the interest that accrues during the interval between scheduled payments.
(v) The lender shall require the borrower to repay the loan under a standard repayment schedule described in paragraph (a)(6)(vi) of this section if the borrower—
(A) Does not select an income-sensitive or a graduated repayment schedule within 45 days after being notified by the lender to choose a repayment schedule; or
(B) Chooses an income-sensitive repayment schedule, but does not provide the documentation requested by the lender under paragraph (a)(6)(viii)(C) of this section within the time period specified by the lender.
(vi) Under a standard repayment schedule, the borrower is scheduled to pay either—
(A) The same amount for each installment payment made during the repayment period, except that the borrower's final payment may be slightly more or less than the other payments; or
(B) An installment amount that will be adjusted to reflect annual changes in the loan's variable interest rate.
(vii) Under a graduated repayment schedule—
(A) The amount of the borrower's installment payment is scheduled to change (usually by increasing) during the course of the repayment period; and
(B) An agreement as specified in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section is not required if the schedule provides for less than the minimum annual payment amount specified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section.
(viii) Under an income-sensitive repayment schedule—
(A) The amount of the borrower's installment payment is adjusted annually, based on the borrower's expected total monthly gross income received by the borrower from employment and from other sources during the course of the repayment period;
(B) In general, the lender shall request the borrower to inform the lender of his or her income no earlier than 90 days prior to the due date of the borrower's initial installment payment and subsequent annual payment adjustment under an income-sensitive repayment schedule. The income information must be sufficient for the lender to make a reasonable determination of what the borrower's payment amount should be. If the lender receives late notification that the borrower has dropped below half-time enrollment status at a school, the lender may request that income information earlier than 90 days prior to the due date of the borrower's initial installment payment;
(C) If the borrower reports income to the lender that the lender considers to be insufficient for establishing monthly installment payments that would repay the loan within the maximum 10-year repayment period, the lender shall require the borrower to submit evidence showing the amount of the most recent total monthly gross income received by the borrower from employment and from other sources including, if applicable, pay statements from employers and documentation of any income received by the borrower from other parties;
(D) The lender shall grant a forbearance to the borrower (or endorser, if applicable) for a period of up to 5 years of payments in accordance with § 682.211(j)(5) in cases where the effect of decreased installment amounts paid under an income-sensitive repayment schedule would result in a loan not being repaid within the maximum repayment term; and
(E) The lender shall inform the borrower that the loan must be repaid within the time limits specified under paragraph (a)(7) of this section.
(ix) For purposes of this section, a lender may require that all FFEL loans owed by a borrower to the lender be combined into one account and repaid under one repayment schedule. In that event, the word “loan” in this section shall mean all of the borrower's loans that were combined by the lender into that account.
(7)(i) Subject to paragraphs (a)(7) (ii) through (iv) of this section, a lender shall allow a borrower at least 5 years, but not more than 10 years, to repay a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan, calculated from the beginning of the repayment period. Except in the case of a FISL loan for a period of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1986, the lender shall require a borrower to fully repay a FISL loan within 15 years after it is made.
(ii) If the borrower receives an authorized deferment or is granted forbearance, as described in § 682.210 or § 682.211 respectively, the periods of deferment or forbearance are excluded from determinations of the 5-, 10-, and 15-year periods, and from the 12-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-year periods for repayment of a Consolidation loan pursuant to § 682.208(h).
(iii) If the minimum annual repayment required in paragraph (c) of this section would result in complete repayment of the loan in less than 5 years, the borrower is not entitled to the full 5-year period.
(iv) The borrower may, prior to the beginning of the repayment period, request and be granted by the lender a repayment period of less than 5 years. Subject to paragraph (a)(7)(iii) of this section, a borrower who makes such a request may, by written notice to the lender at any time during the repayment period, extend the repayment period to a minimum of 5 years.
(8) If, with respect to the aggregate of all loans held by a lender, the total payment made by a borrower for a monthly or similar payment period would not otherwise be a multiple of five dollars, the lender may round that periodic payment to the next highest whole dollar amount that is a multiple of five dollars.
(b)
(2)(i) The borrower may prepay the whole or any part of a loan at any time without penalty.
(ii) If the prepayment amount equals or exceeds the monthly payment amount under the repayment schedule established for the loan, the lender shall apply the prepayment to future installments by advancing the next payment due date, unless the borrower requests otherwise. The lender must either inform the borrower in advance using a prominent statement in the borrower coupon book or billing statement that any additional full payment amounts submitted without instructions to the lender as to their handling will be applied to future scheduled payments with the borrower's next scheduled payment due date advanced consistent with the number of additional payments received, or provide a notification to the borrower after the payments are received informing the borrower that the payments have been so applied and the date of the borrower's next scheduled payment due date. Information related to next scheduled payment due date need not be provided to borrower's making such prepayments while in an in-school, grace, deferment, or forbearance period when payments are not due.
(c)
(ii) If the borrower and the lender agree, the amount paid may be less.
(2) The provisions of paragraphs (c)(1) (i) and (ii) of this section may not result in an extension of the maximum repayment period unless forbearance as described in § 682.211, or deferment described in § 682.210, has been approved.
(d)
(2) The repayment period on the loans included in the combined repayment schedule must be calculated based on the beginning of repayment of the most recent included loan.
(3) The interest rate on the loans included in the new combined repayment schedule must be the weighted average of the rates of all included loans.
(e)
(2) A loan made under paragraph (e)(1) of this section—
(i) Must bear interest at the variable rate described in § 682.202(a)(2)(iv); and
(ii) May not extend the repayment period provided for in paragraph (a)(7)(i) of this section.
(3) The lender may not charge an additional insurance premium on the loan, but may charge the borrower an administrative fee pursuant to § 682.202(e).
(f)
(2) A loan made under paragraph (f)(1) of this section—
(i) Must bear interest at the variable interest rate described in § 682.202(a)(2)(iv);
(ii) May not operate to extend the repayment period provided for in paragraph (a)(7)(i) of this section; and
(iii) Must be disbursed to the holder of the fixed-rate loan to discharge the borrower's obligation thereon.
(3) Upon receipt of the proceeds of a loan made under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the holder of the fixed-rate loan shall, within five business days, apply the proceeds to discharge the borrower's obligation on the fixed-rate loan, and provide the refinancing lender with either a copy of the borrower's original promissory note evidencing the fixed-rate loan or the holder's written certification that the borrower's obligation on the fixed-rate loan has been fully discharged.
(4) The refinancing lender may charge the borrower an insurance premium on a loan made under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, but may not charge a fee to cover administrative costs.
(5) For purposes of deferments under § 682.210, the refinancing loan—
(i) Is considered a PLUS loan if any of the included loans is a PLUS loan made to a parent;
(ii) Is considered an SLS loan if the combined loan does not include a PLUS loan made to a parent; or
(iii) Is considered a loan to a “new borrower” as defined in § 682.210(b)(7), if all the loans that were refinanced were made on or after July 1, 1987, for a period of enrollment beginning on or after that date.
(g)
(2)(i) Prior to refinancing a fixed-rate loan under paragraph (f) of this section, the lender shall obtain a written statement from the holder of the loan certifying that—
(A) The holder has refused to refinance the fixed-rate loan under paragraph (e) of this section; and
(B) The fixed-rate loan is eligible for insurance or reinsurance under paragraph (g)(1) of this section.
(ii) The holder of the fixed-rate loan shall, within 10 business days of receiving a lender's written request to provide a certification under paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section, provide the lender with that certification, or provide the lender and the guarantor on the loan with a written explanation of the reasons for its inability to provide the certification to the requesting lender.
(iii) The refinancing lender may rely in good faith on the certification provided by the holder of the fixed-rate loan under paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this section.
(h)
(2) If the sum of the amount of the Consolidation loan and the unpaid balance on other student loans to the applicant—
(i) Is equal to or greater than $7,500 but less than $10,000, the borrower shall repay the Consolidation loan in not more than 12 years;
(ii) Is equal to or greater than $10,000 but less than $20,000, the borrower shall repay the Consolidation loan in not more than 15 years;
(iii) Is equal to or greater than $20,000 but less than $40,000, the borrower shall repay the Consolidation loan in not more than 20 years;
(iv) Is equal to or greater than $40,000 but less than $60,000, the borrower shall repay the Consolidation loan in not more than 25 years; or
(v) Is equal to or greater than $60,000, the borrower shall repay the Consolidation loan in not more than 30 years.
(3) In order to qualify for a repayment period under paragraph (h)(2)(ii)
(4) For the purpose of paragraph (h)(2) of this section the unpaid balance on other student loans—
(i) May not exceed the amount of the Consolidation loan; and
(ii) Does not include the unpaid balance on any loan not made under Title IV of the HEA on which the borrower is in default, but may include the unpaid balance on a defaulted loan made under Title IV of the HEA if the borrower has made satisfactory repayment arrangements with the holder to repay that loan.
(iii) May include loans received prior to the date of the Consolidation loan provided that the loans are included within 180 days after the Consolidation loan is made.
(5) A repayment schedule for a Consolidation loan—
(i) Must be established by the lender;
(ii) Must provide for graduated or income-sensitive repayment; and
(iii) Must require that each payment equal at least the interest that accrues during the interval between scheduled payments.
(6) Upon receipt of the proceeds of a loan made under paragraph (h)(2) of this section, the holder of the underlying loan shall promptly apply the proceeds to discharge fully the borrower's obligation on the underlying loan, and provide the consolidating lender with the holder's written certification that the borrower's obligation on the underlying loan has been fully discharged.
(i)
(2)(i) If a lender receives a refund payment from a school on a loan that is no longer held by that lender, or that has been discharged by another lender by refinancing under § 682.209(f) or by a Consolidation loan, the lender shall transmit the amount of the refund payment, within 30 days of its receipt, to the lender to whom it assigned the loan, or to the lender that discharged the prior loan, with an explanation of the source of the payment.
(ii) Upon receipt of a refund transmitted under paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section, the holder of the loan promptly shall provide written notice to the borrower that the holder has received the refund.
(j)
(a)
(ii) With the exception of a deferment authorized under paragraph (o) of this section, a borrower may continue to receive a specific type of deferment that is limited to a maximum period of time only if the total amount of time that the borrower has received the deferment does not exceed the maximum time period allowed for the deferment.
(2)(i) For a loan made before October 1, 1981, the borrower is also entitled to have periodic installments of principal deferred during the six-month period (post-deferment grace period) that begins after the completion of each deferment period or combination of those periods, except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section.
(ii) Once a borrower receives a post-deferment grace period following an unemployment deferment, as described in paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this section, the borrower does not qualify for additional post-deferment grace periods following subsequent unemployment deferments.
(3) Interest accrues and is paid by the borrower during the deferment period and the post-deferment grace period, if applicable, unless interest accrues and is paid by the Secretary if—
(i) In the case of a Stafford loan, the loan was determined to be eligible for interest benefits under § 682.301 when the loan was made; or
(ii) In the case of a Consolidation loan for which the application was received by an eligible lender on or after January 1, 1993, during any period the borrower was eligible for a deferment under section 428(b)(1)(m).
(4) As a condition for receiving a deferment, the borrower shall request the deferment, and provide the lender with all information and documents required to establish eligibility for a specific type of deferment.
(5) An authorized deferment period begins on the date the condition entitling the borrower to the deferment first exists, but not more than six months before the date the lender receives a request and the information and documentation required for the deferment.
(6) An authorized deferment period ends on the earlier of—
(i) The date when the condition establishing the borrower's eligibility for the deferment ends;
(ii) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(6)(iv) of this section, the date on which, as certified by an authorized official, the borrower's eligibility for the deferment is expected to end;
(iii) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(6)(iv) of this section, the expiration date of the period covered by any certification required by this section to be obtained for the deferment;
(iv) In the case of a student deferment for a Stafford or PLUS loan made to a borrower guaranteed by a guaranty agency whose student status confirmation report system includes student status reports for each borrower with a student deferment, and in the case of an SLS loan made to a borrower for a period of enrollment that commences at the same time as the deferment, the student's anticipated graduation date as indicated on the loan application, and as updated by notice to the lender from the school or guaranty agency; or
(v) The date when the condition providing the basis for the borrower's eligibility for the deferment has continued to exist for the maximum amount of time allowed for that type of deferment.
(7) A lender may not deny a borrower a deferment to which the borrower is entitled, even though the borrower may be delinquent, but not in default, in making required installment payments. The 180- or 240-day period required to establish default does not run during the deferment and post-deferment grace periods. Unless the lender has granted the borrower forbearance under § 682.211, when the deferment and, if applicable, the post-deferment grace period expire, a borrower resumes any delinquency status that existed when the deferment period began.
(8) A borrower whose loan is in default is not eligible for a deferment, unless the borrower has made payment arrangements acceptable to the lender prior to the payment of a default claim by a guaranty agency.
(9) The borrower promptly must inform the lender when the condition entitling the borrower to a deferment no longer exists.
(10) Authorized deferments are described in paragraph (b) of this section. Specific requirements for each deferment are set forth in paragraphs (c) through (r) of this section.
(11) If two individuals are jointly liable for repayment of a PLUS loan or a Consolidation loan, the lender shall grant a request for deferment if both individuals simultaneously meet the requirements of this section for receiving the same, or different deferments.
(b)
(i) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, engaged in full-time study at a school, or at a school
(ii) Engaged in a course of study under an eligible graduate fellowship program;
(iii) Engaged in a rehabilitation training program for disabled individuals;
(iv) Temporarily totally disabled, or unable to secure employment because the borrower is caring for a spouse or other dependent who is disabled and requires continuous nursing or similar services for up to three years; or
(v) Conscientiously seeking, but unable to find, full-time employment in the United States, for up to two years.
(2) For a borrower of a Stafford or SLS loan, and for a parent borrower of a PLUS loan made before August 15, 1983, deferment is authorized during any period when the borrower is—
(i) On active duty status in the United States Armed Forces, or an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service, for up to three years (including any period during which the borrower received a deferment authorized under paragraph (b)(5)(i) of this section);
(ii) A full-time volunteer under the Peace Corps Act, for up to three years;
(iii) A full-time volunteer under title I of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (ACTION programs), for up to three years;
(iv) A full-time volunteer for a tax-exempt organization, for up to three years; or
(v) Engaged in an internship of residency program, for up to two years (including any period during which the borrower received a deferment authorized under paragraph (b)(5)(iii) of this section).
(3) For a borrower of a Stafford or SLS loan who has been enrolled on at least a half-time basis at an eligible institution during the six months preceding the beginning of this deferment, deferment is authorized during a period of up to six months during which the borrower is—
(i) (A) Pregnant;
(B) Caring for his or her newborn child; or
(C) Caring for a child immediately following the placement of the child with the borrower before or immediately following adoption; and
(ii) Not attending a school or gainfully employed.
(4) For a “new borrower,” as defined in paragraph (b)(7) of this section, of a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan, deferment is authorized during periods when the borrower is engaged in at least half-time study at a school for a period of enrollment for which the borrower received a Stafford or SLS loan, unless the borrower is not a national of the United States and is pursuing a course of study at a school not located in a State.
(5) For a new borrower, as defined in paragraph (b)(7) of this section, of a Stafford or SLS loan, deferment is authorized during any period when the borrower is—
(i) On active duty status in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps, for up to three years (including any period during which the borrower received a deferment authorized under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section);
(ii) Up to three years of service as a full-time teacher in a public or non-profit private elementary or secondary school in a teacher shortage area designated by the Secretary under paragraph (q) of this section.
(iii) Engaged in an internship or residency program, for up to two years (including any period during which the borrower received a deferment authorized under paragraph (b)(2)(v) of this section); or
(iv) A mother who has preschool-age children (i.e., children who have not enrolled in first grade) and who is earning not more than $1 per hour above the Federal minimum wage, for up to 12 months of employment, and who began that full-time employment within one year of entering or re-entering the work force. Full-time employment involves at least 30 hours of work a week and it expected to last at least 3 months.
(6) For a parent borrower of a PLUS loan, deferment is authorized during
(i) Is not independent as defined in section 480(d) of the Act; and
(ii) Meets the conditions and provides the required documentation, for any of the deferments described in paragraphs (b)(1)(i)-(iii) and (b)(4) of this section.
(7) For purposes of this section, a “new borrower” with respect to a loan is a borrower who, on the date he or she signs the promissory note, has no outstanding balance on—
(i) A Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan made prior to July 1, 1987 for a period of enrollment beginning prior to July 1, 1987; or
(ii) A Consolidation loan that repaid a loan made prior to July 1, 1987 and for a period of enrollment beginning prior to July 1, 1987.
(c)
(i) A completed deferment application or certified loan application; and
(ii) A statement, which may be on the deferment application or a loan application, completed by an authorized official of the school certifying that the borrower is enrolled on a full-time basis, or, in the case of a deferment described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, on at least a half-time basis; and
(iii) In the case of a deferment described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section for a borrower who is at least half-time but less than full-time, a statement from the financial aid administrator of the school or other documentation evidencing that the borrower has received, or will receive, a Stafford or SLS loan for the period of enrollment for which the deferment is sought.
(2) The lender shall consider a deferment granted on the basis of a certified loan application to cover the period lasting until the anticipated graduation date appearing on the application, unless and until it receives notice that the borrower has ceased the level of study (i.e., full-time or half-time) required for the deferment.
(3) In the case of a Stafford, SLS or PLUS borrower, the lender shall treat the certified loan application or other form certified by the school or for multiple holders of a borrower's loans, shared data from the Student Status Confirmation Report, as sufficient documentation for a student deferment for any outstanding Stafford, SLS or PLUS loan previously made to the borrower that is held by the lender.
(4) A borrower serving in a medical internship residency program, except for an internship in dentistry, is prohibited from receiving or continuing a deferment on a Stafford, SLS, or Consolidation loan under paragraph (c) of this section.
(d)
(i) That the borrower holds at least a baccalaureate degree conferred by an institution of higher education;
(ii) That the borrower has been accepted or recommended by an institution of higher education for acceptance on a full-time basis into an eligible graduate fellowship program; and
(iii) The borrower's anticipated completion date in the program.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (d)(1) of this section, an eligible graduate fellowship program is a fellowship program that—
(i) Provides sufficient financial support to graduate fellows to allow for full-time study for at least six months;
(ii) Requires a written statement from each applicant explaining the applicant's objectives before the award of that financial support;
(iii) Requires a graduate fellow to submit periodic reports, projects, or evidence of the fellow's progress; and
(iv) In the case of a course of study at a foreign university, accepts the course of study for completion of the fellowship program.
(e)
(2) For purposes of paragraph (e)(1) of this section, an eligible rehabilitation training program for disabled individuals is a program that—
(i) Is licensed, approved, certified, or otherwise recognized as providing rehabilitation training to disabled individuals by—
(A) A State agency with responsibility for vocational rehabilitation programs;
(B) A State agency with responsibility for drug abuse treatment programs;
(C) A State agency with responsibility for mental health services program;
(D) A State agency with responsibility for alcohol abuse treatment programs; or
(E) The Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(ii) Provides or will provide the borrower with rehabilitation services under a written plan that—
(A) Is individualized to meet the borrower's needs;
(B) Specifies the date on which the services to the borrower are expected to end; and
(C) Is structured in a way that requires a substantial commitment by the borrower to his or her rehabilitation. The Secretary considers a substantial commitment by the borrower to be a commitment of time and effort that normally would prevent an individual from engaging in full-time employment, either because of the number of hours that must be devoted to rehabilitation or because of the nature of the rehabilitation. For the purpose of this paragraph, full-time employment involves at least 30 hours of work per week and is expected to last at least three months.
(f)
(2) A borrower is not considered temporarily totally disabled on the basis of a condition that existed before he or she applied for the loan, unless the condition has substantially deteriorated so as to render the borrower temporarily totally disabled, as substantiated by the statement required under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, after the borrower submitted the loan application.
(3) A lender may not grant a deferment based on a single certification under paragraph (f)(1) of this section beyond the date that is six months after the date of certification.
(g)
(i) From a physician, who is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy and is legally authorized to practice, certifying that the borrower's spouse or dependent requires continuous nursing or similar services for a period of at least 90 days; and
(ii) From the borrower, certifying that the borrower is unable to secure full-time employment because he or she is providing continuous nursing or similar services to the borrower's spouse or other dependent. For the purpose of this paragraph, full-time employment involves at least 30 hours of work per week and is expected to last at least three months.
(2) A lender may not grant a deferment based on a single certification under paragraph (g)(1) of this section beyond the date that is six months after the date of the certification.
(h)
(i) Describing the borrower's conscientious search for full-time employment during the preceding six months, except in the case of the initial period of unemployment, including, for each of at least six attempts to secure employment to support the period covered by the certification—
(A) The name of the employer contacted;
(B) The employer's address and phone number;
(C) The name or title of the person contacted; and
(ii) Setting forth the borrower's latest permanent home address and, if applicable, the borrower's latest temporary address; and
(iii) Affirming that the borrower has registered with a public or private employment agency, if one is within a 50-mile radius of the borrower's permanent or temporary address, specifying the agency's name and address and the date of registration.
(2) A borrower may qualify for an unemployment deferment whether or not the borrower has been previously employed.
(3) An unemployment deferment is not justified if the borrower refuses to seek or accept employment in kinds of positions or at salary and responsibility levels for which the borrower feels over qualified by virtue of education or previous experience.
(4) For the purpose of this paragraph, full-time employment involves at least 30 hours of work a week and is expected to last at least three months.
(5) A lender may not grant a deferment based on a single certification under paragraph (h)(1) of this section beyond the date that is six months after the date of the certification.
(6) A lender may accept, as an alternative to the certification of employer contacts required under paragraph (h)(1)(ii) of this section, comparable documentation the borrower has used to meet the requirements of the Unemployment Insurance Service, provided it shows the same number of contacts and contains the same information the borrower would be required to provide under the Department's regulations.
(i)
(i) A written statement from the borrower's commanding or personnel officer certifying—
(A) That the borrower is on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States;
(B) The date on which the borrower's service began; and
(C) The date on which the borrower's service is expected to end; or
(ii)(A) A copy of the borrower's official military orders; and
(B) A copy of the borrower's military identification.
(2) For the purpose of this section, the Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard.
(3) A borrower enlisted in a reserve component of the Armed Forces may qualify for a military deferment only for service on a full-time basis that is expected to last for a period of at least one year in length, as evidenced by official military orders, unless an order for national mobilization of reservists is issued.
(4) A borrower enlisted in the National Guard qualifies for a military deferment only while the borrower is on active duty status as a member of the U.S. Army or Air Force Reserves, and meets the requirements of paragraph (i)(3) of this section.
(j)
(1) That the borrower is engaged in full-time service as an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the USPHS;
(2) The date on which the borrower's service began; and
(3) The date on which the borrower's service is expected to end.
(k)
(1) That the borrower has agreed to serve for a term of at least one year;
(2) The date on which the borrower's service began; and
(3) The date on which the borrower's service is expected to end.
(l)
(1) That the borrower has agreed to serve for a term of at least one year;
(2) The date on which the borrower's service began; and
(3) The date on which the borrower's service is expected to end.
(m)
(1) That the borrower—
(i) Serves in an organization that has obtained an exemption from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
(ii) Provides service to low-income persons and their communities to assist them in eliminating poverty and poverty-related human, social, and environmental conditions;
(iii) Does not receive compensation that exceeds the rate prescribed under section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (the Federal minimum wage), except that the tax-exempt organization may provide health, retirement, and other fringe benefits to the volunteer that are substantially equivalent to the benefits offered to other employees of the organization;
(iv) Does not, as part of his or her duties, give religious instruction, conduct worship services, engage in religious proselytizing, or engage in fund-raising to support religious activities; and
(v) Has agreed to serve on a full-time basis for a term of at least one year;
(2) The date on which the borrower's service began; and
(3) The date on which the borrower's service is expected to end.
(n)
(i) That the internship or residency program is a supervised training program that requires the borrower to hold at least a baccalaureate degree prior to acceptance into the program;
(ii) That, except for a borrower that provides the statement from a State official described in paragraph (n)(2) of this section, the internship or residency program leads to a degree or certificate awarded by an institution of higher education, a hospital, or a health care facility that offers postgraduate training;
(iii) That the borrower has been accepted into the internship or residency program; and
(iv) The anticipated dates on which the borrower will begin and complete the internship or residency program, or, in the case of a borrower providing the statement described in paragraph (n)(2) of this section, the anticipated date on which the borrower will begin and complete the minimum period of participation in the internship program that the State requires be completed before an individual may be certified for professional practice or service.
(2) For a borrower who does not provide a statement certifying to the matters set forth in paragraph (n)(1)(ii) of this section to qualify for an internship deferment under paragraph (b)(2)(v) of this section, the borrower shall provide the lender with a statement from an official of the appropriate State licensing agency certifying that the internship or residency program, or a portion thereof, is required to be completed before the borrower may be certified for professional practice or service.
(o)
(i) A statement from an authorized official of a participating school certifying that the borrower was enrolled on at least a half-time basis during the six months preceding the beginning of the deferment period;
(ii) A statement from the borrower certifying that the borrower—
(A) Is pregnant, caring for his or her newborn child, or caring for a child immediately following the placement of the child with the borrower in connection with an adoption;
(B) Is not, and will not be, attending school during the deferment period; and
(C) Is not, and will not be, engaged in full-time employment during the deferment period; and
(iii) A physician's statement demonstrating the existence of the pregnancy, a birth certificate, or a statement from the adoption agency official evidencing a pre-adoption placement.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (o)(1)(ii)(C) of this section, full-time employment involves at least 30 hours of work per week and is expected to last at least three months.
(p)
(1) That the borrower is on active duty service in the NOAA corps;
(2) The date on which the borrower's service began; and
(3) The date on which the borrower's service is expected to end.
(q)
(i) A statement by the chief administrative officer of the public or nonprofit private elementary or secondary school in which the borrower is teaching, certifying that the borrower is employed as a full-time teacher; and
(ii) A certification that he or she is teaching in a teacher shortage area designated by the Secretary as provided in paragraphs (q) (5) through (7) of this section, as described in paragraph (q)(2) of this section.
(2) In order to satisfy the requirement for certification that a borrower is teaching in a teacher shortage area designated by the Secretary, a borrower must do one of the following:
(i) If the borrower is teaching in a State in which the Chief State School Officer has complied with paragraph (q)(3) of this section and provides an annual listing of designated teacher shortage areas to the State's chief administrative officers whose schools are affected by the Secretary's designations, the borrower may obtain a certification that he or she is teaching in a teacher shortage area from his or her school's chief administrative officer.
(ii) If a borrower is teaching in a State in which the Chief State School Officer has not complied with paragraph (q)(3) of this section or does not provide an annual listing of designated teacher shortage areas to the State's chief administrative officers whose schools are affected by the Secretary's designations, the borrower must obtain certification that he or she is teaching in a teacher shortage area from the Chief State School Officer for the State in which the borrower is teaching.
(3) In the case of a State in which borrowers wish to obtain certifications as provided for in paragraph (q)(2)(i) of this section, the State's Chief State School Officer must first have notified the Secretary, by means of a one-time written assurance, that he or she provides annually to the State's chief administrative officers whose schools are affected by the Secretary's designations and the guaranty agency for that State, a listing of the teacher shortage areas designated by the Secretary as provided for in paragraphs (q) (5) through (7) of this section.
(4) If a borrower who receives a deferment continues to teach in the same teacher shortage area as that in which he or she was teaching when the deferment was originally granted, the borrower shall, at the borrower's request, continue to receive the deferment for those subsequent years, up to the three-year maximum deferment period, even if his or her position does not continue to be within an area designated by the Secretary as a teacher shortage area in those subsequent years. To continue to receive the deferment in a subsequent year under this paragraph, the borrower shall provide the lender with a statement by the chief administrative officer of the public or nonprofit private elementary or secondary school that employs the borrower, certifying that the borrower continues to be employed as a full-time teacher in the same teacher shortage area for which the deferment was received for the previous year.
(5) For purposes of this section a teacher shortage area is—
(i)(A) A geographic region of the State in which there is a shortage of elementary or secondary school teachers; or
(B) A specific grade level or academic, instructional, subject-matter, or discipline classification in which there is a statewide shortage of elementary or secondary school teachers; and
(ii) Designated by the Secretary under paragraphs (q)(6) or (q)(7) of this section.
(6)(i) In order for the Secretary to designate one or more teacher shortage areas in a State for a school year, the Chief State School Officer shall by January 1 of the calendar year in which the school year begins, and in accordance with objective written standards, propose teacher shortage areas to the Secretary for designation. With respect to private nonprofit schools included in the recommendation, the Chief State School Officer shall consult with appropriate officials of the private nonprofit schools in the State prior to submitting the recommendation.
(ii) In identifying teacher shortage areas to propose for designation under paragraph (q)(6)(i) of this section, the Chief State School Officer shall consider data from the school year in which the recommendation is to be made, unless that data is not yet available, in which case he or she may use data from the immediately preceding school year, with respect to—
(A) Teaching positions that are unfilled;
(B) Teaching positions that are filled by teachers who are certified by irregular, provisional, temporary, or emergency certification; and
(C) Teaching positions that are filled by teachers who are certified, but who are teaching in academic subject areas other than their area of preparation.
(iii) If the total number of unduplicated full-time equivalent (FTE) elementary or secondary teaching positions identified under paragraph (q)(6)(ii) of this section in the shortage areas proposed by the State for designation does not exceed 5 percent of the total number of FTE elementary and secondary teaching positions in the State, the Secretary designates those areas as teacher shortage areas.
(iv) If the total number of unduplicated FTE elementary and secondary teaching positions identified under paragraph (q)(6)(ii) of this section in the shortage areas proposed by the State for designation exceeds 5 percent of the total number of elementary and secondary FTE teaching positions in the State, the Chief State School Officer shall submit, with the list of proposed areas, supporting documentation showing the methods used for identifying shortage areas, and an explanation of the reasons why the Secretary should nevertheless designate all of the proposed areas as teacher shortage areas. The explanation must include a ranking of the proposed shortage areas according to priority, to assist the Secretary in determining which areas should be designated. The Secretary, after considering the explanation, determines which shortage areas to designate as teacher shortage areas.
(7) A Chief State School Officer may submit to the Secretary for approval an alternative written procedure to the one described in paragraph (q)(6) of this section, for the Chief State School Officer to use to select the teacher shortage areas recommended to the Secretary for designation, and for the Secretary to use to choose the areas to be designated. If the Secretary approves the proposed alternative procedure, in writing, that procedure, once approved, may be used instead of the procedure described in paragraph (q)(6) of this section for designation of teacher shortage areas in that State.
(8) For purposes of paragraphs (q)(1) through (7) of this section—
(i) The definition of the term
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(r)
(i) Is the mother of a preschool-age child;
(ii) Entered or reentered the workforce not more than one year before the beginning date of the period for which the deferment is being sought;
(iii) Is currently engaged in full-time employment; and
(iv) Does not receive compensation that exceeds $1 per hour above the rate prescribed under section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (the Federal minimum wage).
(2) In addition to the certification required under paragraph (r)(1) of this section, the borrower shall provide to the lender documents demonstrating the age of her child (e.g., a birth certificate) and the rate of her compensation (e.g., a pay stub showing her hourly rate of pay).
(3) For purposes of this paragraph—
(i) A preschool-age child is one who has not yet enrolled in first grade or a higher grade in elementary school; and
(ii) Full-time employment involves at least 30 hours of work a week and is expected to last at least 3 months.
(s)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(i) Has been granted an economic hardship deferment under either the Direct Loan or Federal Perkins Loan Programs for the period of time for which the borrower has requested an economic hardship deferment for his or her FFEL loan;
(ii) Is receiving payment under a Federal or State public assistance program, such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Supplemental Security Income, Food Stamps, or State general public assistance;
(iii) Is working full-time and earning a total monthly gross income that does not exceed the greater of—
(A) The minimum wage rate described in section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; or
(B) An amount equal to 100 percent of the poverty line for a family of two, as determined in accordance with section 673(2) of the Community Service Block Grant Act;
(iv) Is working full-time and has a Federal education debt burden that equals or exceeds 20 percent of the borrower's total monthly gross income, and the borrower's income minus such burden is less than 220 percent of the amount calculated under paragraph (s)(6)(iii) of this section; or
(v) Is not working full-time and has a total monthly gross income that does not exceed twice the amount calculated under paragraph (s)(6)(iii) of this section and, after deducting an amount equal to the borrower's Federal education debt burden, as determined under paragraph (s)(6)(vi) of this section, the remaining amount of that income does not exceed the amount specified in paragraph (s)(6)(iii) of this section.
(vi) In determining a borrower's Federal education debt burden for purposes of an economic hardship deferment under paragraphs (s)(6)(iv) through (v) of this section, the lender shall count only the monthly payment amount (or a proportional share if the payments are due less frequently than monthly) that would have been owed on a Federal postsecondary education loan if the loan had been scheduled to be repaid in 10 years from the date the borrower entered repayment, regardless of the length of the borrower's actual repayment schedule or the actual monthly payment amount (if any) that would be owed during the period that the borrower requested an economic hardship deferment. The lender shall require the borrower to provide evidence that would enable the lender to determine the amount of the monthly payments that would have been owed by the borrower during the deferment period to other entities for Federal postsecondary education loans in accordance with paragraph (s)(6)(vi) of this section.
(vii) For an initial period of deferment granted under paragraphs (s)(6)(iii) through (v) of this section, the lender shall require the borrower to submit evidence showing the amount of the borrower's most recent total monthly gross income, as defined in paragraph (s)(6)(ix) of this section.
(viii) To qualify for a subsequent period of deferment that begins less than one year after the end of a period of deferment under paragraphs (s)(6)(iii) through (v) of this section, the lender shall require the borrower to submit evidence showing the amount of the borrower's most recent total monthly gross income, as defined in paragraph (s)(6)(ix) of this section, and a copy of the borrower's Federal income tax return if the borrower filed a tax return within eight months prior to the date the deferment is requested.
(ix) For purposes of paragraph (s)(6) of this section, a borrower's total monthly gross income shall be the gross amount of income received by the borrower from employment (either full-time or part-time) and from other sources.
(x) For purposes of paragraph (s)(6) of this section, a borrower is considered to be working full-time if the borrower is expected to be employed for at least three consecutive months at 30 hours per week.
(a)(1) The Secretary encourages a lender to grant forbearance for the benefit of a borrower or endorser in order to prevent the borrower or endorser from defaulting on the borrower's or endorser's repayment obligation, or to permit the borrower or endorser to resume honoring that obligation after default.
(2) Subject to paragraph (h) of this section, a lender may grant forbearance of payments of principal and interest under paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section only if—
(i) The lender reasonably believes, and documents in the borrower's file, that the borrower or endorser intends to repay the loan but, due to poor health or other acceptable reasons, is currently unable to make scheduled payments; or
(ii) The borrower's payments of principal are deferred under § 682.210 and the Secretary does not pay interest benefits on behalf of the borrower under § 682.301.
(3) If two individuals are jointly liable for repayment of a PLUS loan or a Consolidation loan, the lender may grant forbearance on repayment of the loan only if the ability of both individuals to make scheduled payments has been impaired.
(4) If payments of interest are forborne, they may be capitalized as provided in § 682.202(b).
(b) A lender may grant forbearance if the lender and the borrower or endorser agree in writing to the terms of the forbearance, or, in the case of forbearance of interest during a period of deferment, if the lender informs the borrower at the time the deferment is granted that interest payments are to be forborne.
(c) A lender may grant forbearance for a period of up to one year at a time if both the borrower or endorser and an authorized official of the lender agree in writing to the forbearance.
(d) A guaranty agency may authorize a lender to grant forbearance to permit a borrower or endorser to resume honoring the agreement to repay the debt after default. The terms of the forbearance agreement in this situation must include a new signed repayment obligation.
(e) Except in the case of forbearance of interest payments during a deferment period or a forbearance granted under paragraph (g) of this section, if a forbearance involves the postponement of all payments, the lender must contact the borrower or endorser by telephone or send a written notice to the borrower or endorser at least once every three months during the period of forbearance to remind the borrower or endorser of the outstanding obligation to repay.
(f) A lender may grant forbearance, upon notice to the borrower or if applicable, the endorser, with respect to payments of interest and principal that are overdue—
(1) For a properly granted period of deferment for which the lender learns the borrower did not qualify;
(2) Upon the beginning of an authorized deferment period;
(3) For the period beginning when the borrower entered repayment until the first payment due date was established;
(4) For a period as authorized by the Secretary in the event of a national military mobilization or other national emergency; or
(5) For the period prior to the borrower's filing of a bankruptcy petition as provided in § 682.402(d).
(6) For a period not to exceed 60 days after the lender receives reliable information indicating that the borrower (or student in the case of a PLUS loan) has died, or the borrower has become totally and permanently disabled, until the lender receives documentation of death or total and permanent disability, pursuant to § 682.402(b) or (c);
(7) For periods necessary for the Secretary or guaranty agency to determine the borrower's eligibility for discharge of the loan because of attendance at a closed school or false certification of loan eligibility, pursuant to § 682.402(d) or (e), or the borrower's or, if applicable, endorser's bankruptcy, pursuant to § 682.402(f); or
(8) For a period of delinquency at the time a loan is sold or transferred, if the borrower or endorser is less than 60
(9) For a period of delinquency that may remain after a borrower ends a period of deferment or mandatory forbearance until the next due date is established in accordance with § 682.209(a)(3)(ii)(B).
(g) Upon the written request of the borrower, a lender shall grant forbearance of principal and, unless otherwise indicated by the borrower, interest, in intervals not to exceed 12 months, to a borrower whose deferment received under § 682.210(n) has expired until the borrower has completed the internship or residency.
(h) In granting a forbearance under this section, except for a forbearance under paragraph (j)(5), a lender shall grant a temporary cessation of payments, unless the borrower chooses another form of forbearance subject to paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(i)
(i) For the length of time remaining in the borrower's medical or dental internship or residency that must be successfully completed before the borrower may begin professional practice or service; or
(ii) For the length of time that the borrower is serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program leading to a degree or certificate awarded by an institution of higher education, a hospital, or a health care facility that offers postgraduate training.
(2)
(i) In increments up to one year, for periods that collectively do not exceed three years, if—
(A) The borrower or endorser is currently obligated to make payments on Title IV loans; and
(B) The amount of those payments each month (or a proportional share if the payments are due less frequently than monthly) is collectively equal to or greater than 20 percent of the borrower's or endorser's total monthly income;
(ii) In yearly increments (or a lesser period equal to the actual period during which the borrower is eligible) for as long as a borrower—
(A) Is serving in a national service position for which the borrower receives a national service educational award under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993;
(B) Is eligible for loan forgiveness under the Federal Stafford Loan Forgiveness Demonstration Program, if the program is funded, for performing the type of service described in § 682.215(b); or
(C) Is performing the type of service that would qualify the borrower for a partial repayment of his or her loan under the Student Loan Repayment Programs administered by the Department of Defense under 10 U.S.C. 2171.
(3)
(A) Evidence showing the amount of the most recent total monthly gross income received by the borrower or endorser from employment and from other sources; and
(B) Evidence showing the amount of the monthly payments owed by the borrower or endorser to other entities for the most recent month for the borrower's or endorser's Title IV loans.
(ii) Before granting a forbearance to a borrower or endorser under paragraph (i)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, the
(iii) Before granting a forbearance to a borrower or endorser under paragraph (i)(2)(ii)(C) of this section, the lender shall require the borrower or endorser to submit documentation showing the beginning and ending dates that the Department of Defense considers the borrower to be eligible for a partial repayment of his or her loan under the Student Loan Repayment Programs.
(j)
(2) The lender is not required to notify the borrower (or endorser, if applicable) at the time the forbearance is granted, but shall grant a forbearance to a borrower or endorser during a period, and the 30 days following the period, when the lender is notified by the Secretary that—
(i) Exceptional circumstances exist, such as a local or national emergency or military mobilization; or
(ii) The geographical area in which the borrower or endorser resides has been designated a disaster area by the president of the United States or Mexico, the Prime Minister of Canada, or by a Governor of a State.
(3) As soon as feasible, or by the date specified by the Secretary, the lender shall notify the borrower (or endorser, if applicable) that the lender has granted a forbearance and the date that payments should resume. The lender's notification shall state that the borrower or endorser—
(i) May decline the forbearance and continue to be obligated to make scheduled payments; or
(ii) Consents to making payments in accordance with the lender's notification if the forbearance is not declined.
(4) For purposes of paragraph (j)(2)(i) of this section, the term “military mobilization” shall mean a situation in which the Department of Defense orders members of the National Guard or Reserves to active duty under sections 672(a), 672(g), 673, 673b, 674, or 688 of title 10, United States Code. This term also includes the assignment of other members of the Armed Forces to duty stations at locations other than the locations at which they were normally assigned, only if the military mobilization involved the activation of the National Guard or Reserves.
(5) The lender shall grant a mandatory administrative forbearance to a borrower (or endorser, if applicable) during a period when the borrower (or endorser, if applicable) is making payments for a period of—
(i) Up to 3 years of payments in cases where the effect of a variable interest rate on a standard or graduated repayment schedule would result in a loan not being repaid within the maximum repayment term; or
(ii) Up to 5 years of payments in cases where the effect of decreased installment amounts paid under an income-sensitive repayment schedule would result in the loan not being repaid within the maximum repayment term.
(a) No points, premiums, payments, or additional interest of any kind may be paid or otherwise extended to any eligible lender or other party in order to—
(1) Secure funds for making loans; or
(2) Induce a lender to make loans to either the students or the parents of students of a particular school or particular category of students or their parents.
(b) The following are examples of transactions that, if entered into for the purposes described in paragraph (a) of this section, are prohibited:
(1) Cash payments by or on behalf of a school made to a lender or other party.
(2) The maintaining of a compensating balance by or on behalf of a school with a lender.
(3) Payments by or on behalf of a school to a lender of servicing costs on loans that the school does not own.
(4) Payments by or on behalf of a school to a lender of unreasonably high servicing costs on loans that the school does own.
(5) Purchase by or on behalf of a school of stock of the lender.
(6) Payments ostensibly made for other purposes.
(c) Except when purchased by the Student Loan Marketing Association, an agency of any State functioning as a secondary market or in any other circumstances approved by the Secretary, notes, or any interest in notes, may not be sold or otherwise transferred at discount if the underlying loans were made—
(1) By a school; or
(2) To students or parents of students attending a school by a lender having common ownership with that school.
(d) Except to secure a loan from the Student Loan Marketing Association or an agency of a State functioning as a secondary market or in other circumstances approved by the Secretary, a school or lender (with respect to a loan made to a student, or a parent of a student, attending a school having common ownership with that lender), may not use a loan made under the FFEL programs as collateral for any loan bearing aggregate interest and other charges in excess of the sum of the interest rate applicable to the loan plus the rate of the most recently prescribed special allowance under § 682.302.
(e) The prohibitions described in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this section apply to any school, lender, or other party that would participate in a proscribed transaction.
(f) This section does not preclude a buyer of loans made by a school from obtaining from the loan seller a warranty that—
(1) Covers future reductions by the Secretary or a guaranty agency in computing the amount of loss payable on default claims filed on the loans, if the reductions are attributable to an act, or failure to act, on the part of the seller or previous holder; and
(2) Does not cover matters for which a purchaser is charged with responsibility under this part, such as due diligence in collecting loans.
(g) Section 490(c) of the Act provides that any person who knowingly and willfully makes an unlawful payment to an eligible lender as an inducement to make, or to acquire by assignment, a FFEL loan shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
For purposes of the calculations required by this part, a lender may not use the Rule of 78s to calculate the outstanding principle balance of a loan, except for a loan made to a borrower who entered repayment before June 26, 1987 and who was informed in the promissory note that interest on the loan would be calculated using the Rule of 78s. For those loans, the Rule of 78s must be used for the life of the loan.
In making a Stafford loan on which interest benefits are to be paid, a lender shall comply with the equal credit opportunity requirements of Regulation B (12 CFR part 202). With regard to Regulation B, the Secretary considers the Stafford loan program to be a credit-assistance program authorized by Federal law for the benefit of an economically disadvantaged class of persons within the meaning of 12 CFR 202.8(a)(1). Therefore, under 12 CFR
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(i) The teacher taught in a school that satisfied the criteria in section 465(a)(2)(A) of the Act for loan cancellation for Perkins loan recipients who teach in those schools; and
(ii) The teacher taught mathematics, science, foreign languages, special education, bilingual education or in any other field of expertise where the State
(2) The borrower, in the time frame provided under paragraph (c) of this section, for the year of service for which forgiveness is requested, must provide to the Secretary or his designee—
(i) A statement by the chief administrative officer of the public elementary or secondary school in which the borrower was teaching—
(A) Certifying the year that the borrower was employed as a full-time teacher;
(B) Certifying which subject area listed in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section or designated by the State educational agency the borrower taught; and
(C) Verifying that the borrower taught in a school that satisfies the requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section.
(f)
(A) The Peace Corps Act; or
(B) The Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (ACTION programs).
(ii) A borrower may also qualify for the volunteer service loan forgiveness if the borrower performed service comparable to service provided under paragraph (f)(1) of this section as a full-time employee of an organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, if the borrower did not receive compensation that exceeds the greater of—
(A) The minimum wage rate described in section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; or
(B) An amount equal to 100 percent of the poverty line for a family of two as defined in section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act.
(2) To qualify under this paragraph, the borrower must—
(i) Have worked for an organization that provides services to low income persons and their communities to assist them in eliminating poverty and poverty-related human, social, and environmental conditions; and
(ii) Not, as part of his or her duties, have given religious instruction, conducted worship services, engaged in religious proselytizing, or engaged in fund-raising to support religious activities.
(3) The borrower, in the time frame provided under paragraph (c) of this section, for the year of service for which forgiveness is requested under paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), or (f)(3) of this section must provide to the Secretary or his designee a statement from an authorized official of the organization or agency for whom the borrower worked certifying—
(i) That the borrower served in a job that satisfies the requirements of this paragraph;
(ii) The date on which the borrower's service began; and
(iii) The date on which the borrower completed the year of service.
(g)
(2) To qualify for loan forgiveness under this paragraph, a borrower, in the time frame provided under paragraph (c) of this section, for the year of service for which forgiveness is requested, must provide to the Secretary or his designee—
(i) A statement from an authorized official where the borrower was employed certifying that the borrower was employed as a full-time nurse for a facility described in this section and served for the term of at least one year (defined as twelve consecutive months);
(ii) The date on which the borrower's service began; and
(iii) The date on which the borrower's year of service ended.
(h)
(i) The borrower's last 2 years of undergraduate education; or
(ii) The 2 academic years in which a borrower who was not already participating in loan repayment pursuant to this section returned to an institution of higher education for the purpose of obtaining a post graduate teaching certificate or additional teacher certification.
(2) The Secretary repays loans on the following basis:
(i) 15 percent of the total original principal amount of Federal Stafford loans for each of the first two years in which the borrower is awarded the benefit and meets the requirements of this section.
(ii) 20 percent of the total original principal amount for each of the third and fourth years.
(iii) 30 percent of the total original principal amount for the fifth year.
(3) The Secretary repays the holder for the amount of interest, including capitalized interest, which accrued on the loan or loans subject to forgiveness over the year.
(4) Payments made by the Secretary must be applied first to the unsubsidized Federal Stafford portion of the loan, followed by the subsidized Federal Stafford portion, and then the nonsubsidized Federal Stafford portion.
(5) The amount of payments made by the Secretary under paragraphs (h)(2)(i), (h)(2)(ii), and (h)(2)(iii) of this section may not exceed the sum of the outstanding principal balance of the loan or loans subject to forgiveness plus all interest payments made in accordance with paragraph (h)(3) of this section.
(6) Payments received from a borrower who qualifies for loan forgiveness under this section may not be refunded.
(i)
This facility may have a variety of institutional and non-institutional health settings, including the home, and the goal of the service is to promote the optimum level of physical, social and psychological functioning.
(1) That is organized under the laws of the State of Hawaii;
(2) That provides or arranges for health care services through practitioners licensed by the State of Hawaii, if licensure requirements are applicable;
(3) That is a public or private nonprofit entity; and
(4) In which Native Hawaiian health practitioners significantly participate in the planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation of health services.
(1) Owned by a State or unit of local government or by an instrumentality thereof, or owned by a public benefit corporation established by a State or unit of local government or by an instrumentality thereof;
(2) That provides community services for inpatient medical care of the sick or injured (including obstetrical care);
(3) Where not more than 50 percent of the total patient days during any year
(4) That is licensed or regulated by the State (or, if there is no State law providing for such licensing or regulation by the State, by the municipality or other political subdivision in which the facility is located).
(1) Is primarily engaged in furnishing to outpatients, physicians’ services and services furnished by a physician assistant or by a nurse practitioner, as well as those services and supplies covered under sections 1861(s)(2)(A) and 1961(s)(10) of the Social Security Act;
(2) In the case of a facility that is not a physician-directed clinic, has an arrangement (consistent with the provisions of State and local law relative to the practice, performance, and delivery of health services) with one or more physicians under which provision is made for the periodic review by those physicians of covered services furnished by physician assistants and nurse practitioners, the supervision and guidance by such patients as may be necessary, and the availability of those physicians for advice and assistance in the management of medical emergencies, and in the case of the physician-directed clinic, has one or more of its staff physicians perform the activities accomplished through such an arrangement;
(3) Maintains clinical records on all patients;
(4) Has arrangements with one or more hospitals, having agreements in effect under section 1866 of the Social Security Act, for the referral and admission of patients requiring inpatient services or diagnostic or other specialized services as are not available at the clinic;
(5) Has written policies, that are developed with the advice of (and with provision of review of those policies from time to time by) a group of professional personnel, including one or more physicians and one or more physician assistants or nurse practitioners, to govern those services which it furnishes;
(6) Has a physician assistant or nurse practitioner responsible for the execution of policies described in paragraph (5) of this definition and relating to the provision of the clinic's services;
(7) Directly provides routine diagnostic services, including clinical laboratory services, as prescribed in 42 CFR 491.2, and has prompt access to additional diagnostic services from facilities meeting requirements under title 42;
(8) In compliance with State and Federal law, has available for administering to patients of the clinic at least such drugs and biologicals as are determined under 42 CFR 491.2 to be necessary for the treatment of emergency cases and has appropriate procedures or arrangements for storing, administering, and dispensing any drugs and biologicals;
(9) Has appropriate procedures for review of utilization of clinic services to the extent that the Secretary determines to be necessary and feasible; and
(10) Meets other requirements as the Secretary of Health and Human Services may find necessary in the interest of the health and safety of the individuals who are furnished services by the clinic.
(a)
(b)
(i) During all periods prior to the beginning of the repayment period, except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2) and (c) of this section.
(ii) During any period when the borrower has an authorized deferment, and, if applicable, a post-deferment grace period; and
(iii) During the repayment period for loans described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
(2) The Secretary's obligation to pay interest benefits on an otherwise eligible loan terminates on the earliest of—
(i) The date the borrower's loan is repaid;
(ii) The date the disbursement check is returned uncashed to the lender, or the 120th day after the date of that disbursement, if—
(A) The check for the disbursement has not been cashed on or before that date; or
(B) The proceeds of the disbursement made by electronic funds transfer or master check in accordance with § 682.207(b)(1)(ii) (B) and (C) have not been released from the restricted account maintained by the school on or before that date;
(iii) The date of default by the borrower;
(iv) The date the lender receives payment of a claim for loss on the loan;
(v) The date the borrower's loan is discharged in bankruptcy;
(vi) The date the lender determines that the borrower has died or has become totally and permanently disabled; or
(vii) The date the loan ceases to be guaranteed or ceases to be eligible for reinsurance under this part, with respect to that portion of the loan that ceases to be guaranteed or reinsured, regardless of whether the lender has filed a claim for loss on the loan with the guarantor.
(3) Section 682.412 sets forth circumstances under which a lender may be required to repay interest benefits received on a loan guaranteed by a guaranty agency.
(c)
(1) Interest for which the borrower is not otherwise liable;
(2) Interest paid on behalf of the borrower by a guaranty agency;
(3) Interest that accrues on the first disbursement of a loan for any period that is earlier than—
(i) In the case of a subsidized Stafford loan disbursed by a check, 10 days prior to the first day of the period of enrollment for which the loan is intended or, if the loan is disbursed after the first day of the period of enrollment, 3 days after the disbursement date on the check; or
(ii) In the case of a loan disbursed by electronic funds transfer or master check, 3 days prior to the first day of the period of enrollment or, if the loan is disbursed after the first day of the period of enrollment, 3 days after disbursement.
(4) In the case of a loan disbursed on or after October 1, 1992, interest on a loan if—
(i) The disbursement check is returned uncashed to the lender or the lender is notified that the disbursement made by electronic funds transfer or master check will not be released from the restricted account maintained by the school; or
(ii) The check for the disbursement has not been negotiated before the 120th day after the date of disbursement or the disbursement made by electronic funds transfer or master check has not been released from the restricted account maintained by the school before that date.
(d)
(2) For a loan disbursed prior to December 15, 1968, or subject to a binding commitment made prior to that date, the Secretary pays an amount during the repayment period equivalent to 3 percent per year of the unpaid principal amount of the loan.
(a)
(2) The Secretary considers a member of a religious order, group, community, society, agency, or other organization who is pursuing a course of study at an institution of higher education to have no financial need if that organization—
(i) Has as its primary objective the promotion of ideals and beliefs regarding a Supreme Being;
(ii) Requires its members to forego monetary or other support substantially beyond the support it provides; and
(iii) (A) Directs the member to pursue the course of study; or
(B) Provides subsistence support to its members.
(3) A Consolidation loan borrower qualifies for interest benefits during authorized periods of deferment on the portion of the loan that does not represent HEAL loans if the loan application was received by the lender on or after January 1, 1993 but prior to August 10, 1993.
(4) A Consolidation loan borrower qualifies for interest benefits only if the loan consolidates subsidized Stafford loans.
(b)
(1) The estimated cost of attendance for the student for the academic period for which the loan is intended.
(2) The estimated financial assistance for the student for the academic period for which the loan is intended.
(3) The student's expected family contribution, as determined pursuant to part F of the Act, under a need analysis system approved by the Secretary.
(4) The amount of the student's need for a loan, as determined pursuant to part F of the Act, under a need analysis system approved by the Secretary.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(2) For a loan made under the Federal SLS or Federal PLUS Program on or after July 1, 1987 or under § 682.209 (e) or (f), no special allowance is paid for any period for which the interest rate determined under § 682.202(a)(2)(iv)(A) for that loan does not exceed—
(i) 12 percent in the case of a Federal SLS or PLUS loan made prior to October 1, 1992;
(ii) 11 percent in the case of a Federal SLS loan made on or after October 1, 1992; or
(iii) 10 percent in the case of a Federal PLUS loan made on or after October 1, 1992.
(3) In the case of a subsidized Stafford loan disbursed on or after October 1, 1992, the Secretary does not pay special allowance on a disbursement if—
(i) The disbursement check is returned uncashed to the lender or the lender is notified that the disbursement made by electronic funds transfer or master check will not be released from the restricted account maintained by the school; or
(ii) The check for the disbursement has not been negotiated before the 120th day after the date of disbursement or the disbursement made by electronic funds transfer or master check has not been released from the restricted account maintained by the school before that date.
(c)
(i) Determining the average of the bond equivalent rates of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned during the 3-month period;
(ii) Subtracting the applicable interest rate for that loan;
(iii) Adding—
(A) 3.1 percent to the resulting percentage for a loan made on or after October 1, 1992;
(B) 3.25 percent to the resulting percentage, for a loan made on or after November 16, 1986, but before October 1, 1992;
(C) 3.25 percent to the resulting percentage, for a loan made on or after October 17, 1986 but before November 16, 1986, for a period of enrollment beginning on or after November 16, 1986;
(D) 3.5 percent to the resulting percentage, for a loan made prior to October 17, 1986, or a loan described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section; or
(E) 3.5 percent to the resulting percentage, for a loan made on or after October 17, 1986 but before November 16, 1986, for a period of enrollment beginning prior to November 16, 1986;
(iv) Rounding the result upward to the nearest one-eighth of 1 percent, for a loan made prior to October 1, 1981; and
(v) Dividing the resulting percentage by 4.
(2) The special allowance rate determined under paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(D) of this section applies to loans made or purchased from funds obtained from the issuance of an obligation of the—
(i) Maine Educational Loan Marketing Corporation to the Student Loan Marketing Association pursuant to an agreement entered into on January 31, 1984; or
(ii) South Carolina Student Loan Corporation to the South Carolina National Bank pursuant to an agreement entered into on July 30, 1986.
(3)(i) Subject to paragraphs (c)(3) (ii) and (iii) of this section, the special allowance rate is one-half of the rate calculated under paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(D) of this section for a loan made or guaranteed on or after October 1, 1980 that was made or purchased with funds obtained by the holder from—
(A) The issuance of obligations, the income from which is exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
(B) Collections or payments by a guarantor on a loan that was made or purchased with funds obtained by the holder from obligations described in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of this section;
(C) Interest benefits or special allowance payments on a loan that was made or purchased with funds obtained by the holder from obligations described in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of this section;
(D) The sale of a loan that was made or purchased with funds obtained by the holders from obligations described in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of this section; or
(E) The investment of the proceeds of obligations described in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of this section.
(ii) The special allowance rate applicable to loans described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section that are made prior to October 1, 1992, may not be less than—
(A) 2.5 percent per year on eligible loans for which the applicable interest rate is 7 percent;
(B) 1.5 percent per year on eligible loans for which the applicable interest rate is 8 percent; or
(C) One-half of 1 percent per year on eligible loans for which the applicable rate is 9 percent.
(iii) The special allowance rate applicable to loans described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section that are made on or after October 1, 1992, may not be less than 9
(d)
(i) The date a borrower's loan is repaid;
(ii) The date a borrower's loan check is returned uncashed to the lender;
(iii) The date a lender receives payment on a claim for loss on the loan;
(iv) The date a loan ceases to be guaranteed or ceases to be eligible for reinsurance under this part, with respect to that portion of the loan that ceases to be guaranteed or reinsured, regardless of whether the lender has filed a claim for loss on the loan with the guarantor;
(v) The 60th day after the borrower's default on the loan, unless the lender files a claim for loss on the loan with the guarantor together with all required documentation, prior to the 60th day;
(vi) The 120th day after the date of disbursement, if—
(A) The loan check has not been cashed on or before that date; or
(B) the loan proceeds disbursed by electronic funds transfer or master check in accordance with § 682.207(b)(1)(ii) (B) and (C) have not been released from the restricted account maintained by the school on or before that date; or
(vii) The 30th day after the date the guaranty agency returns a claim submitted by the deadline specified in (d)(1)(v) of this section for loss on the loan to the lender due solely to inadequate documentation unless the lender files a claim for loss on the loan with the guarantor, together with all required documentation, prior to the 30th day.
(2) Section 682.413 sets forth the circumstances under which a lender may be required to repay the special allowance received on a loan guaranteed by a guaranty agency.
(e)
(2) The Secretary pays a special allowance to an Authority at the rate prescribed in paragraph (c)(1) of this section on a loan described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section—
(i) After the loan is pledged or otherwise transferred in consideration of funds derived from sources other than those described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section; and
(ii) If the authority retains a legal or equitable interest in the loan—
(A) The prior tax-exempt obligation is retired; or
(B) The prior tax-exempt obligation is defeased by means of obligations that the Authority certifies in writing to the Secretary bear a yield that does not exceed the yield permitted under Internal Revenue Service regulations, 26 CFR 1.103-14, with regard to investments of proceeds of a tax-exempt refunding obligation.
(a)
(b)
(2) The Secretary computes the interest benefits due on all qualified loans at each actual interest rate by multiplying the average daily balance thereof by the actual interest rate, multiplying this result by the number of days in the quarter, and then dividing this result by the actual number of days in the year.
(c)
(2) The interest benefits due for a quarter equal the sum of the daily interest benefits due, computed under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, for each day of the quarter.
(d)
(2) The Secretary computes the special allowance payable to a lender based upon the average daily balance computed by the lender under paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
(a)
(2) The lender shall report, on the quarterly report required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the amount of origination fees it was authorized to collect and the amount of those fees refunded to borrowers during the quarter covered by the report.
(3) The Secretary reduces the amount of interest benefits and special allowance payable to the lender by the amount of origination fees the lender was authorized to collect during the quarter under § 682.202(c), whether or not the lender actually collected that amount. The Secretary increases the amount of interest benefits and special allowance payable to the lender by the amount of origination fees refunded to borrowers during the quarter under § 682.202(c).
(4) If an originating lender sells or otherwise transfers a loan to a new holder, the originating lender remains liable to the Secretary for payment of the origination fees. The Secretary will not pay interest benefits or special allowance to the new holder or pay reinsurance to the guaranty agency until the origination fees are paid to the Secretary.
(b)
(ii) The payment of interest benefits or special allowance is deemed to occur, for purposes of this paragraph, when the Secretary—
(A) Authorizes the Treasury Department to pay the lender;
(B) Credits the payment due the lender against a debt that the Secretary determines is owed the Secretary by the lender; or
(C) Authorizes the Treasury Department to pay the amount due by the lender to another Federal agency for
(2) Penalty interest is an amount that accrues daily on interest benefits and special allowance due to the lender. The penalty interest is computed by—
(i) Multiplying the daily interest rate applicable to loans on which payment for interest benefits was requested, by the amount of interest benefits due on those loans for each interest rate;
(ii) Multiplying the daily special allowance rate applicable to loans on which special allowance was requested by the amount of special allowance due on those loans for each interest rate and special allowance category;
(iii) Adding the results of paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section to determine the gross penalty interest to be paid for each day that penalty interest is due;
(iv) Dividing the results of paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section by the gross amount of interest benefits and special allowance due to obtain the average penalty interest rate;
(v) Multiplying the rate obtained in paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section by the total amount of reduction to gross interest benefits and special allowance due (e.g., origination fees or other debts owed to the Federal Government);
(vi) Subtracting the amount calculated in paragraph (b)(2)(v) of this section from the amount calculated under paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section to obtain the net amount of penalty interest due per day; and
(vii) Multiplying the amount calculated in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section by the number of days calculated under paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
(3) The Secretary pays penalty interest for the period—
(i) Beginning on the later of—
(A) The 31st day after the final day of the quarter covered by the request for payment; or
(B) The 31st day after the Secretary's receipt of an accurate, timely, and complete request for payment from the lender; and
(ii) Ending on the day the Secretary pays the interest benefits and the special allowance at issue, in accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section.
(4) A request for interest benefits and special allowance is considered timely only if it is received by the Secretary within 90 days following the end of the quarter to which the request pertains.
(5) A request for interest benefits and special allowance is not considered accurate and complete if it—
(i) Requests payments to which the lender is not entitled under §§ 682.300 through 682.302;
(ii) Includes loans that the Secretary, in writing, has directed that the lender exclude from the request;
(iii) Does not contain all information required by the Secretary or contains conflicting information; or
(iv) Is not provided and certified on the form and in the manner prescribed by the Secretary.
(c)
(2) The audit required under paragraph (c)(1) of this section must—
(i) Examine the lender's compliance with the Act and applicable regulations;
(ii) Examine the lender's financial management of its FFEL program activities;
(iii) Be conducted in accordance with the standards for audits issued by the United States General Accounting Office's (GAO's)
(iv) Be conducted at least annually and be submitted to the Secretary within six months of the end of the audit period. The initial audit must be of the lender's first fiscal year that begins after July 23, 1992, and must be submitted within six months of the end of the audit period. Each subsequent audit must cover the lender's activities for the period beginning no later than the end of the period covered by the preceding audit;
(v) With regard to a lender that is a governmental entity, the audit required by this paragraph must be conducted in accordance with 31 U.S.C.
(vi) With regard to a lender that is a nonprofit organization, the audit required by this paragraph must be conducted in accordance with OMB Circular A-133, Audit of Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit Institutions, as incorporated in 34 CFR 74.61(h)(3). If a nonprofit lender meets the criteria in Circular A-133 for choosing the option for a program-specific audit, and so chooses, the program-specific audit must meet the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(2)(iv) of this section.
(vii) The Secretary may determine that a lender has met the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section if the lender has been audited in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 7502 for other purposes, the lender submits the results of the audit to the Office of Inspector General, and the Secretary determines that the audit meets the requirements of this paragraph.
(a) The Secretary enters into agreements with a guaranty agency whose loan guarantee program meets the requirements of this subpart. The agreements enable the guaranty agency to participate in the GSL programs and to receive the various payments and benefits related to that participation.
(b) There are four agreements:
(1)
(i) Borrowers whose Stafford and Consolidation loans that consolidate only subsidized Stafford loans are guaranteed by the agency may qualify for interest benefits that are paid to the lender on the borrower's behalf;
(ii) Lenders under the guaranty agency program may receive special allowance payments from the Secretary and have death, disability, and bankruptcy claims paid by the Secretary through the guaranty agency; and
(iii) The guaranty agency may apply for the administrative cost allowance and for the other agreements described in this section.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(c) The Secretary's execution of an agreement does not indicate acceptance of any current or past standards or procedures used by the agency.
(d) All of the agreements are subject to subsequent changes in the Act, in other applicable Federal statutes, and in regulations that apply to the FFEL programs.
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(ii) A guaranty agency may make the loan amounts authorized under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section applicable for either—
(A) A period of not less than that attributable to the academic year; or
(B) A period attributable to the academic year in which the student earns the amount of credit in the student's program of study required by the student's school as the amount necessary for the student to advance in academic standing as normally measured on an academic year basis (for example, from freshman to sophomore or, in the case of schools using clock hours, completion of at least 900 clock hours.
(iii) The amount of a loan guaranteed may not exceed the amount set forth in § 682.204(i).
(3)
(ii) Loans must be available to or on behalf of any student for at least six academic years of study.
(4)
(i) For purposes of this section, the determination of reasonable and affordable must—
(A) Include consideration of the borrower's and spouse's disposable income and necessary expenses including, but not limited to, housing, utilities, food, medical costs, dependent care costs, work-related expenses and other Title IV repayment;
(B) Not be a required minimum payment amount, e.g. $50, if the agency determines that a smaller amount is reasonable and affordable based on the borrower's total financial circumstances. The agency must include documentation in the borrower's file of the basis for the determination, if the monthly reasonable and affordable payment established under this section is less than $50.00 or the monthly accrued interest on the loan, whichever is greater.
(C) Be based on the documentation provided by the borrower or other sources including, but not limited to—
(
(
(
(ii) A borrower may request that the monthly payment amount be adjusted due to a change in the borrower's total financial circumstances upon providing the documentation specified in paragraph (b)(4)(i)(C) of this section.
(iii) A guaranty agency must provide the borrower with a written statement of the reasonable and affordable payment amount required for the reinstatement of the borrower's eligibility for Title IV student assistance, and provide the borrower with an opportunity to object to those terms.
(iv) A guaranty agency must provide the borrower with written information regarding the possibility of loan rehabilitation if the borrower makes six additional reasonable and affordable monthly payments after making payments to regain eligibility for Title IV assistance and the consequences of loan rehabilitation.
(5)
(ii) The borrower shall give the lender, as part of the application process for a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan—
(A) A statement, as described in 34 CFR part 668, that the loan will be used for the cost of the student's attendance;
(B) Information demonstrating that the borrower is eligible for the loan;
(C) Information concerning the outstanding FFEL loans of the borrower and, for a parent borrower, of the student, including any Consolidation loan used to discharge a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan;
(D) A statement of the sources and amount of the student's estimated financial assistance, as defined in § 682.200, for the period of enrollment for which the loan is intended;
(E) A statement from the student authorizing the school to release information relevant to the student's eligibility to borrow or to have a parent borrow on the student's behalf (e.g., the student's enrollment status, financial assistance, and employment records); and
(F) Information from the school demonstrating that the student qualifies as an eligible student and providing the maximum amount that may be borrowed by or on behalf of the student.
(iii) The borrower shall give the lender, as part of the application process for a Consolidation loan—
(A) Information demonstrating that the borrower is eligible for the loan under § 682.201(c); and
(B) A statement that the borrower does not currently have another application for a Consolidation loan pending.
(iv) The borrower shall promptly notify—
(A) The current holder or the guaranty agency of any change of name, address, student status to less than half-time, employer, or employer's address; and
(B) The school of any change in local address during enrollment.
(6)
(A) The school's eligibility is limited, suspended, or terminated by the Secretary under 34 CFR part 668 or by the guaranty agency under standards and procedures that are substantially the same as those in 34 CFR part 668;
(B) The Secretary upholds the limitation, suspension, or termination of a school by a guaranty agency and extends that sanction to all guaranty agency programs under section 432(h)(3) of the Act or § 682.713;
(C) The school is ineligible under sections 428A(a)(2) or 435(a)(2) of the Act;
(D) There is a State constitutional prohibition affecting the school's eligibility;
(E) The school's programs consist of study solely by correspondence;
(F) The agency determines, subject to the agreement of the Secretary, that the school does not satisfy the standards of administrative capability and financial responsibility as defined in 34 CFR part 668;
(G) The school fails to make timely refunds to students as required in § 682.607(c);
(H) The school has not satisfied, within 30 days of issuance, a final judgment obtained by a student seeking a refund;
(I) The school or an owner, director, or officer of the school is found guilty or liable in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding regarding the obtaining, maintenance, or disbursement of State or Federal student grant, loan, or work assistance funds; or
(J) The school or an owner, director, or officer of the school has unpaid financial liabilities involving the improper acquisition, expenditure, or refund of State or Federal student financial assistance funds.
(ii)
(A) The standards of financial responsibility defined in 34 CFR 668.5; or
(B) The standards of administrative capability defined in 34 CFR 668.16.
(iii)
(iv)
(7)
(A) The lender's eligibility has been limited, suspended, or terminated by the Secretary under subpart G of this part or by the agency under standards and procedures that are substantially the same as those in subpart G of this part; or
(B) The lender is disqualified by the Secretary under sections 432(h)(1), 432(h)(2), 435(d)(3), or 435(d)(5) of the Act or § 682.712; or
(C) There is a State constitutional prohibition affecting the lender's eligibility.
(ii) The agency may not guarantee a loan made by a school lender that is not located in the geographical area that the agency serves.
(iii) The guaranty agency may refuse to guarantee loans made by a school on behalf of students not attending that school.
(iv) The guaranty agency may, in determining whether to enter into a guarantee agreement with a lender, consider whether the lender has had prior experience in a similar Federal, State, or private nonprofit student loan program and the amount and percentage of loans that are currently delinquent or in default under that program.
(8)
(9)
(10)
(ii) The guaranty agency may use the proceeds of this charge only to guarantee loans and to cover costs incurred by the guaranty agency in the administration of its loan guarantee program.
(iii) The lender may deduct the amount of the premium from the borrower's loan proceeds. For a loan disbursed in more than one installment,
(iv) The amount of the insurance premium may not exceed 3 percent of the principal balance of the loan.
(v) The guaranty agency shall refund to the lender any insurance premium received for a loan under the circumstances specified in § 682.401(b)(9)(vi) (A) and (B).
(vi) The lender shall refund to the borrower by a credit against the borrower's loan balance the insurance premium paid by the borrower on a loan under the following circumstances:
(A) The premium attributable to each disbursement of a loan must be refunded if the loan check is returned uncashed to the lender.
(B) The premium or an appropriate prorated amount of the premium must be refunded by application to the borrower's loan balance if—
(
(
(
(
(
(
(11)
(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the term
(iii) The Secretary will pay a lender referral fee to each guaranty agency with whom the Secretary has a lender referral agreement, an amount equal to 0.5 percent of the principal amount of a loan made as a result of the agency's referral service.
(12)
(13)
(14)
(i) 100 percent of the unpaid principal balance of each loan guaranteed for loans disbursed before October 1, 1993; and
(ii) Not more than 98 percent of the unpaid principal balance of each loan guaranteed for loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 1993.
(15) Guarantee agency verification of default data. A guarantee agency shall respond to an institution's written request for verification of its default rate data for purposes of an appeal pursuant to 34 CFR 668.15(g)(1)(i) within 15 working days of the date the agency receives the institution's written request pursuant to 34 CFR 668.15(g)(7), and simultaneously provide a copy of that response to the Secretary's designated Department official.
(16)
(i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(16)(iii) of this section, the guaranty agency must allow a loan to be assigned only if the loan is fully disbursed and is assigned to—
(ii) [Reserved]
(iii) The guaranty agency must allow a loan to be assigned under paragraph (b)(16)(i) of this section, following the first disbursement of the loan if the assignment does not result in a change in the identity of the party to whom payments must be made.
(17)
(A) An eligible lender;
(B) A guaranty agency, in the case of a borrower's default, death, total and permanent disability, or filing of a bankruptcy petition, or for other circumstances approved by the Secretary, such as a loan made for attendance at a school that closes;
(C) An educational institution, whether or not it is an eligible lender, in connection with the institution's repayment to the agency or to the Secretary of a guarantee or a reinsurance claim payment made on a loan that was ineligible for the payment;
(D) A Federal or State agency or an organization or corporation acting on behalf of such an agency and acting as a conservator, liquidator, or receiver of an eligible lender; or
(E) The Secretary.
(ii) For the purpose of this paragraph, “assigned” means any kind of transfer of an interest in the loan, including a pledge of such an interest as security.
(18)
(19)
(A) Ensuring that all lenders in its program meet the definition of “eligible lender” in section 435(d) of the Act and have a written lender agreement with the agency;
(B) School and lender participation in its program;
(C) Limitation, suspension, termination of school and lender participation;
(D) Emergency action against a participating school or lender;
(E) The exercise of due diligence by lenders in making, servicing, and collecting loans; and
(F) The timely filing by lenders of default, death, disability, and bankruptcy claims.
(ii) The guaranty agency shall ensure that its program and all participants in its program at all times meet the requirements of subparts B, C, D and F of this part.
(20)
(A) Transmitting to the school, that according to the guaranty agency's records the student most recently attended, a student status confirmation report for completion at least semi-annually in accordance with a schedule established by the agency;
(B) Reporting to the current holder of the loan within 60 days of the receipt of the completed report from the school any change in the student's enrollment status reported by the school that triggers—
(
(
(ii) The agency shall use the data elements and report format provided in appendix B to this part, unless the Secretary notifies the guaranty agency that other data elements or a revised format may be used.
(21)
(22)
(23)
(A) The name and social security number of the student; and
(B) The annual loan amount and the cumulative amount borrowed by the student in loans under the Stafford and SLS programs guaranteed by the responding agency.
(ii) The reasonable costs incurred by an agency in fulfilling a request for information made under paragraph (b)(21)(i) of this section must be paid by the guaranty agency making the request.
(24)
At 59 FR 33353, June 28, 1994, paragraph (b)(24) was added. However, (b)(24) already exists. The recently added paragraph follows.
(24)
(i) Notice of the assignment;
(ii) The identity of the assignee;
(iii) The name and address of the party by which contact may be made with the holder concerning repayment of the loan; and
(iv) The telephone number of the assignee, or if the assignee uses a lender servicer, another appropriate number for borrower inquiries.
(25)
(26) [Reserved]
(27)
(ii) When returning the proceeds from the consolidation of a defaulted loan to the Secretary, a guaranty agency may only retain the amount added to the
(28)
(c)(1)
(2) The lender-of-last-resort must make a subsidized Stafford loan to any eligible student who satisfies the lender's eligibility requirements and—
(i) Qualifies for interest benefits, pursuant to § 682.301, for a loan amount of at least $200; and
(ii) Has been otherwise unable after conscientious efforts to obtain a loan from another eligible lender for the same period of enrollment.
(3) The guaranty agency or an eligible lender described in section 435(d)(1)(D) of the Act may arrange for a loan required to be made under paragraph (c)(1) of this section to be made by another eligible lender.
(4) The guaranty agency must develop policies and operating procedures for its lender-of-last-resort program that provide for the accessibility of lender-of-last-resort loans. These policies and procedures must be submitted to the Secretary for approval as required under paragraph (d)(2) of this section. The policies and procedures for the agency's lender-of-last-resort program must ensure that—
(i) The guaranty agency will serve eligible students attending any eligible school;
(ii) The program establishes operating hours and methods of application designed to facilitate application by students; and
(iii) Information about the availability of loans under the program is made available to schools in the State;
(iv) Appropriate steps are taken to ensure that borrowers receiving loans
(v) The guaranty agency will respond to a student within 60 days after the student submits an original complete application; and
(vi) Borrowers are not required to obtain more than two objections from eligible lenders prior to requesting assistance under the lender-of-last-resort program.
(d)
(2) The guaranty agency shall promptly submit to the Secretary its regulations, statements of procedures and standards, agreements, and other materials that substantially affect the operation of the agency's program, and any proposed changes to those materials. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the agency may use these materials unless and until the Secretary disapproves them.
(3) The guaranty agency shall use a common application form, promissory note, and other common forms approved by the Secretary.
(4) The guaranty agency must develop and implement appropriate procedures that provide for the granting of a student deferment as specified in § 682.210(a)(6)(iv) and (c)(3) and require their lenders to use these procedures.
(5) The guaranty agency shall ensure that all program materials meet the requirements of Federal and State law, including, but not limited to, the Act and the regulations in this part and part 668.
(e)
(1) Offer directly or indirectly any premium, payment, or other inducement to an employee or student of a school, or an entity or individual affiliated with a school, to secure applicants for FFEL loans;
(2)(i) Offer, directly or indirectly, any premium, incentive payment, or other inducement to any lender, or any person acting as an agent, employee, or independent contractor of any lender or other guaranty agency to administer or market FFEL loans, other than unsubsidized Stafford loans or subsidized Stafford loans made under a guaranty agency's lender-of-last-resort program, in an effort to secure the guaranty agency as an insurer of FFEL loans. Examples of prohibited inducements include, but are not limited to—
(A) Compensating lenders or their representatives for the purpose of securing loan applications for guarantee;
(B) Performing functions normally performed by lenders without appropriate compensation;
(C) Providing equipment or supplies to lenders at below market cost or rental; or
(D) Offering to pay a lender, that does not hold loans guaranteed by the agency, a fee for each application forwarded for the agency's guarantee.
(ii) For the purposes of this section, the terms “premium”, “inducement”, and “incentive” do not include services directly related to the enhancement of the administration of the FFEL Program the guaranty agency generally provides to lenders that participate in its program. However, the terms “premium”, “inducement”, and “incentive” do apply to other activities specifically intended to secure a lender's participation in the agency's program.
(3) Conduct unsolicited mailings of student loan application forms to students enrolled in secondary school;
(4) Conduct fraudulent or misleading advertising concerning loan availability.
(a)
(2) If a PLUS loan was obtained by two parents as co-makers, or a Consolidation loan was obtained by a married couple, and only one of the borrowers dies, becomes totally and permanently disabled, has collection of his or her loan obligation stayed by a bankruptcy filing, or has that obligation discharged in bankruptcy, the other borrower remains obligated to repay the loan.
(3) Except for a borrower's loan obligation discharged by the Secretary under the false certification discharge provision of paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) of this section, a loan qualifies for payment under this section only to the extent that the loan is legally enforceable under applicable law by the holder of the loan.
(4) For purposes of this section—
(i) The legal enforceability of a loan is conclusively determined on the basis of a ruling by a court or administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction with respect to that loan, or a ruling with
(ii) A loan is conclusively determined to be legally unenforceable to the extent that the guarantor determines, pursuant to an objection presented in a proceeding conducted in connection with credit bureau reporting, tax refund offset, wage garnishment, or in any other administrative proceeding, that the loan is not legally enforceable; and
(iii) If an objection has been raised by the borrower or another party about the legal enforceability of the loan and no determination has been made under paragraph (a)(4) (i) or (ii) of this section, the Secretary may authorize the payment of a claim under this section under conditions the Secretary considers appropriate. If the Secretary determines in that or any other case that a claim was paid under this section with respect to a loan that was not a legally enforceable obligation of the borrower, the recipient of that payment must refund that amount of the payment to the Secretary.
(b)
(2) In determining that a borrower (or student) has died, the lender may rely on a death certificate or other proof of death that is acceptable under applicable state law. If a death certificate or other acceptable proof of death is not available, the borrower's obligation on the loan can be discharged only if the guaranty agency determines that other evidence establishes that the borrower (or student) has died.
(3) After receiving information indicating that the borrower (or student) has died, the lender, if it believes the information to be reliable, shall suspend any collection activity against the borrower and promptly request that the borrower's representative (or the student's parent in the case of a PLUS loan) provide the documentation described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. During the suspension of collection activity, which may not exceed 60 days, the lender shall diligently attempt to obtain documentation verifying the borrower's (or student's) death. If, despite diligent attempts, the lender is not able to confirm the borrower's (or student's) death within 60 days, the lender shall resume collection activity from the point that it had been discontinued and is deemed to have exercised forbearance as to repayment of the loan during the period when collection activity was suspended.
(4) Once the lender has determined under paragraph (b)(2) of this section that the borrower (or student) has died, the lender may not attempt to collect on the loan from the borrower's estate or from any endorser.
(5) The lender shall return to the sender any payments received from the estate or paid on behalf of the borrower after the date of the borrower's (or student's) death.
(c)
(ii) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(A) of this section, a borrower is not considered totally and permanently disabled based on a condition that existed at the time the borrower applied for the loan unless the borrower's condition substantially deteriorated after the loan was made so as to render the borrower totally and permanently disabled.
(iii)(A) For a Consolidation Loan, a borrower is considered totally and permanently disabled if he or she would be considered totally and permanently disabled under paragraphs (c)(1) (i) and (ii) of this section for all of the loans that were included in the Consolidation Loan if those loans had not been consolidated.
(B) For the purposes of discharging a loan under paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(A) of this section, provisions in paragraphs (c)(1) (i) and (ii) of this section apply to each loan included in the Consolidation Loan, even if the loan is not a FFEL Program loan.
(C) If requested, a borrower seeking to discharge a loan obligation under
(2) After being notified by the borrower or the borrower's representative that the borrower claims to be totally and permanently disabled, the lender promptly shall request that the borrower or the borrower's representative submit on a form provided or approved by the Secretary a certification by a physician who is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy and legally authorized to practice in a State that the borrower is totally and permanently disabled. The lender shall continue collection until it receives either the certification of total disability or a letter from a physician stating that the certification has been requested and that additional time is needed to determine if the borrower is totally and permanently disabled. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, after receiving the physician's certification or letter, the lender may not attempt to collect from the borrower or any endorser.
(3) After being notified that the guaranty agency has paid a disability discharge claim, the lender shall return to the sender any payments received by the lender after the date that the borrower became totally and permanently disabled as certified by the physician. At the same time that the lender returns the payment, it shall notify the borrower that there is no obligation to repay a loan discharged on the basis of disability.
(4) If the lender determines that a borrower who claims to be totally and permanently disabled is not in fact disabled, or if the lender does not receive the physician's certification of total disability within 60 days of the receipt of the physician's letter requesting additional time, as described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the lender shall resume collection and shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of both principal and interest from the date the lender received the physician's letter requesting additional time and may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.
(d)
(ii) For purposes of the closed school discharge authorized by this section—
(A) A school's closure date is the date that the school ceases to provide educational instruction in all programs, as determined by the Secretary;
(B) The term “borrower” includes all endorsers on a loan; and
(C) A “school” means a school's main campus or any location or branch of the main campus, regardless of whether the school or its location or branch is considered eligible.
(2)
(ii) A discharge of a loan under paragraph (d) of this section qualifies the borrower for reimbursement of amounts paid voluntarily or through enforced collection on a loan obligation discharged under paragraph (d) of this section.
(iii) A borrower who has defaulted on a loan discharged under paragraph (d) of this section is not regarded as in default on the loan after discharge, and is eligible to receive assistance under the Title IV, HEA programs.
(iv) A discharge of a loan under paragraph (d) of this section must be reported by the loan holder to all credit reporting agencies to which the holder
(3)
(i) Whether the student has made a claim with respect to the school's closing with any third party, such as the holder of a performance bond or a tuition recovery program, and if so, the amount of any payment received by the borrower (or student) or credited to the borrower's loan obligation;
(ii) That the borrower (or the student for whom a parent received a PLUS loan)—
(A) Received, on or after January 1, 1986, the proceeds of any disbursement of a loan disbursed, in whole or in part, on or after January 1, 1986 to attend a school;
(B) Did not complete the educational program at that school because the school closed while the student was enrolled or on an approved leave of absence in accordance with § 682.605(c), or the student withdrew from the school not more than 90 days before the school closed; and
(C) Did not complete the program of study through a teach-out at another school or by transferring academic credits or hours earned at the closed school to another school;
(iii) That the borrower agrees to provide, upon request by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee, other documentation reasonably available to the borrower that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary or the Secretary's designee, that the student meets the qualifications in paragraph (d) of this section; and
(iv) That the borrower agrees to cooperate with the Secretary or the Secretary's designee in enforcement actions in accordance with paragraph (d)(4) of this section, and to transfer any right to recovery against a third party in accordance with paragraph (d)(5) of this section.
(4)
(A) Provide testimony regarding any representation made by the borrower to support a request for discharge; and
(B) Produce any documentation reasonably available to the borrower with respect to those representations and any sworn statement required by the Secretary with respect to those representations and documents.
(ii) The Secretary revokes the discharge, or denies the request for discharge, of a borrower who—
(A) Fails to provide testimony, sworn statements, or documentation to support material representations made by the borrower to obtain the discharge; or
(B) Provides testimony, a sworn statement, or documentation that does not support the material representations made by the borrower to obtain the discharge.
(5)
(ii) The provisions of paragraph (d) of this section apply notwithstanding any provision of State law that would otherwise restrict transfer of such rights by the borrower (or student), limit or prevent a transferee from exercising those rights, or establish procedures or a scheme of distribution that would prejudice the Secretary's ability to recover on those rights.
(iii) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting or foreclosing the borrower's (or student's) right to pursue legal and equitable relief regarding disputes arising from matters otherwise unrelated to the loan discharged.
(6)
(B) If a loan subject to paragraph (d) of this section was discharged in part in accordance with the Secretary's “Closed School Policy” as authorized by section IV of Bulletin 89-G-159, the guaranty agency shall initiate the discharge of the remaining balance of the loan not later than August 13, 1994.
(C) A guaranty agency shall review its records and identify all schools that appear to have closed on or after January 1, 1986 and prior to June 13, 1994, and shall identify the loans made to any borrower (or student) who appears to have been enrolled at the school on the school closure date or who withdrew not more than 90 days prior to the closure date.
(D) A guaranty agency shall notify the Secretary immediately if it determines that a school not previously known to have closed appears to have closed, and, within 30 days of making that determination, notify all lenders participating in its program to suspend collection efforts against individuals with respect to loans made for attendance at the closed school, if the student to whom (or on whose behalf) a loan was made, appears to have been enrolled at the school on the closing date, or withdrew not more than 90 days prior to the date the school appears to have closed. Within 30 days after receiving confirmation of the date of a school's closure from the Secretary, the agency shall—
(
(
(E) If a loan identified under paragraph (d)(6)(i)(D)(
(F) If a loan identified under paragraph (d)(6)(i)(D)(
(G) If the guaranty agency determines that a borrower identified in paragraph (d)(6)(i)(E) or (F) of this section has satisfied all of the conditions required for a discharge, the agency shall notify the borrower in writing of that determination within 30 days after making that determination.
(H) If the guaranty agency determines that a borrower identified in paragraph (d)(6)(i)(E) or (F) of this section does not qualify for a discharge, the agency shall notify the borrower in writing of that determination and the reasons for it within 30 days after the date the agency—
(
(
(
(
(
(I) If a borrower described in paragraph (d)(6)(i)(E) or (F) of this section fails to submit the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section within 60 days of being notified of that option, the guaranty agency shall resume collection and shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date it suspended collection activity. The agency may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.
(J) A borrower's request for discharge may not be denied solely on the basis of failing to meet any time limits set by the lender, guaranty agency, or the Secretary.
(ii)
(B) If a guaranty agency determines that a school appears to have closed, it shall, within 30 days of making that determination, notify all lenders participating in its program to suspend collection efforts against individuals with respect to loans made for attendance at the closed school, if the student to whom (or on whose behalf) a loan was made, appears to have been enrolled at the school on the closing date, or withdrew not more than 90 days prior to the date the school appears to have closed. Within 30 days after receiving confirmation of the date of a school's closure from the Secretary, the agency shall—
(
(
(C) If a loan identified under paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(B)(
(D) If a loan identified under paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(B)(
(E) If the guaranty agency determines that a borrower identified in paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(C) or (D) of this section has satisfied all of the conditions required for a discharge, the agency shall notify the borrower in writing of that determination within 30 days after making that determination.
(F) If the guaranty agency determines that a borrower identified in paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(C) or (D) of this section does not qualify for a discharge, the agency shall notify the borrower in writing of that determination and the reasons for it within 30 days after the date the agency—
(
(
(
(
(
(G) Upon receipt of a closed school discharge claim filed by a lender, the agency shall review the borrower's request and supporting sworn statement in the light of information available from the records of the agency and from other sources, including other guaranty agencies, state authorities, and cognizant accrediting associations, and shall take the following actions—
(
(
(H) If a borrower fails to submit the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section within 60 days of being notified of that option, the lender or guaranty agency shall resume collection and shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date it suspended collection activity. The lender or guaranty agency may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.
(I) A borrower's request for discharge may not be denied solely on the basis of failing to meet any time limits set by the lender, guaranty agency, or the Secretary.
(7)
(ii) If the borrower fails to submit the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section within 60 days after being notified of that option, the lender shall resume collection and shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date the lender suspended collection activity. The lender may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.
(iii) The lender shall file a closed school claim with the guaranty agency in accordance with § 682.402(g) no later than 60 days after the lender receives the borrower's written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. If a lender receives a payment made by or on behalf of the borrower on the loan after the lender files a claim on the loan with the guaranty agency, the lender shall forward the payment to the guaranty agency within 30 days of its receipt. The lender shall assist the guaranty agency and the borrower in determining whether the borrower is eligible for discharge of the loan.
(iv) Within 30 days after receiving reimbursement from the guaranty agency for a closed school claim, the lender shall notify the borrower that the loan obligation has been discharged, and request that all credit bureaus to which it previously reported the status of the loan delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan.
(v) Within 30 days after being notified by the guaranty agency that the borrower's request for a closed school discharge has been denied, the lender shall resume collection and notify the borrower of the reasons for the denial. The lender shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date the lender suspended collection activity, and may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.
(e)
(A) Certified the student's eligibility for a FFEL Program loan on the basis of ability to benefit from its training and the student did not meet the applicable requirements described in 34 CFR part 668 and section 484(d) of the Act, as applicable and as described in paragraph (e)(13) of this section; or
(B) Signed the borrower's name without authorization by the borrower on the loan application or promissory note.
(ii) The Secretary discharges the obligation of a borrower with respect to a loan disbursement for which the school, without the borrower's authorization, endorsed the borrower's loan check or authorization for electronic funds transfer, unless the student for whom the loan was made received the proceeds of the loan either by actual delivery of the loan funds or by a credit in the amount of the contested disbursement applied to charges owed to the school for that portion of the educational program completed by the student. However, the Secretary does not reimburse the lender with respect to any amount disbursed by means of a check bearing an unauthorized endorsement unless the school also executed the application or promissory note for that loan for the named borrower without that individual's consent.
(2)
(ii) A discharge of a loan under paragraph (e) of this section qualifies the borrower for reimbursement of amounts paid voluntarily or through enforced collection on a loan obligation discharged under paragraph (e) of this section.
(iii) A borrower who has defaulted on a loan discharged under paragraph (e) of this section is not regarded as in default on the loan after discharge, and is eligible to receive assistance under the Title IV, HEA programs.
(iv) A discharge of a loan under paragraph (e) of this section is reported by the loan holder to all credit reporting agencies to which the holder previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan.
(v) Discharge under paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section qualifies the borrower for relief only with respect to the amount of the disbursement discharged.
(3)
(i) State whether the student has made a claim with respect to the school's false certification with any third party, such as the holder of a performance bond or a tuition recovery program, and if so, the amount of any payment received by the borrower (or student) or credited to the borrower's loan obligation;
(ii) In the case of a borrower requesting a discharge based on the school's defective testing of the student's ability to benefit, state that the borrower (or the student for whom a parent received a PLUS loan)—
(A) Received, on or after January 1, 1986, the proceeds of any disbursement of a loan disbursed, in whole or in part, on or after January 1, 1986 to attend a school;
(B) Was admitted to that school on the basis of ability to benefit from its training and did not meet the applicable requirements for admission on the basis of ability to benefit as described in paragraph (e)(13) of this section; and
(C) Withdrew from the school and did not find employment in the occupation for which the program was intended to provide training, or completed the training program for which the loan was made and made a reasonable attempt to obtain employment in the occupation for which the program was intended to provide training, and—
(
(
(iii) In the case of a borrower requesting a discharge because the school signed the borrower's name on the loan application or promissory note—
(A) State that the signature on either of those documents was not the signature of the borrower; and
(B) Provide five different specimens of his or her signature, two of which must be not earlier or later than one year before or after the date of the contested signature;
(iv) In the case of a borrower requesting a discharge because the school, without authorization of the borrower, endorsed the borrower's name on the loan check or signed the authorization for electronic funds transfer or master check, the borrower shall—
(A) Certify that he or she did not endorse the loan check or sign the authorization for electronic funds transfer or master check, or authorize the school to do so;
(B) Provide five different specimens of his or her signature, two of which must be not earlier or later than one year before or after the date of the contested signature; and
(C) State that the proceeds of the contested disbursement were not received either through actual delivery of the loan funds or by a credit in the amount of the contested disbursement applied to charges owed to the school
(v) That the borrower agrees to provide upon request by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee, other documentation reasonably available to the borrower, that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary or the Secretary's designee, that the student meets the qualifications in paragraph (e) of this section; and
(vi) That the borrower agrees to cooperate with the Secretary or the Secretary's designee in enforcement actions in accordance with paragraph (e)(4) of this section, and to transfer any right to recovery against a third party in accordance with paragraph (e)(5) of this section.
(4)
(A) Provide testimony regarding any representation made by the borrower to support a request for discharge; and
(B) Produce any documentation reasonably available to the borrower with respect to those representations and any sworn statement required by the Secretary with respect to those representations and documents.
(ii) The Secretary revokes the discharge, or denies the request for discharge, of a borrower who—
(A) Fails to provide testimony, sworn statements, or documentation to support material representations made by the borrower to obtain the discharge; or
(B) Provides testimony, a sworn statement, or documentation that does not support the material representations made by the borrower to obtain the discharge.
(5)
(ii) The provisions of paragraph (e) of this section apply notwithstanding any provision of state law that would otherwise restrict transfer of such rights by the borrower (or student), limit or prevent a transferee from exercising those rights, or establish procedures or a scheme of distribution that would prejudice the Secretary's ability to recover on those rights.
(iii) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting or foreclosing the borrower's (or student's) right to pursue legal and equitable relief regarding disputes arising from matters otherwise unrelated to the loan discharged.
(6)
(ii) If the guaranty agency receives information it believes to be reliable indicating that a borrower whose loan is held by the agency may be eligible for a discharge under paragraph (e) of
(iii) If the borrower fails to submit the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section within 60 days of being notified of that option, the guaranty agency shall resume collection and shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date it suspended collection activity. The agency may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.
(iv) Upon receipt of a discharge claim filed by a lender or a request submitted by a borrower with respect to a loan held by the guaranty agency, the agency shall have up to 90 days to determine whether the discharge should be granted. The agency shall review the borrower's request and supporting sworn statement in light of information available from the records of the agency and from other sources, including other guaranty agencies, state authorities, and cognizant accrediting associations.
(v) A borrower's request for discharge and sworn statement may not be denied solely on the basis of failing to meet any time limits set by the lender or the guaranty agency.
(7)
(ii) If the agency determines that the borrower satisfies the requirements for discharge under paragraph (e) of this section, it shall, not later than 30 days after the agency makes that determination, pay the claim in accordance with § 682.402(h) and—
(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender has been informed of the actions required under paragraph (e)(7)(ii)(C) of this section;
(B) Refund to the borrower all amounts paid by the borrower to the lender or the agency with respect to the discharged loan amount, including any late fees or collection charges imposed by the lender or agency related to the discharged loan amount; and
(C) Notify the lender that the borrower's liability with respect to the amount of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender must—
(
(
(iii) If the agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge, it shall, within 30 days after making that determination—
(A) Notify the lender that the borrower's liability on the loan is not discharged and that, depending on the borrower's decision under paragraph (e)(7)(iii)(B) of this section, the loan shall either be returned to the lender or paid as a default claim; and
(B) Notify the borrower that the borrower does not qualify for discharge, and state the reasons for that conclusion. The agency shall advise the borrower that he or she remains obligated to repay the loan and warn the borrower of the consequences of default, and explain that the borrower will be considered to be in default on the loan unless the borrower submits a written statement to the agency within 30 days stating that the borrower—
(
(
(iv) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's written statement described in paragraph (e)(7)(iii)(B)(
(v) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's request for review by the Secretary, the agency shall forward the claim file to the Secretary for his review and take the actions required under paragraph (e)(11) of this section.
(vi) The agency shall pay a default claim to the lender within 30 days after the borrower fails to return either of the written statements described in paragraph (e)(7)(iii)(B) of this section.
(8)
(ii) If the agency determines that a borrower who asserts that he or she did not endorse the loan check satisfies the requirements for discharge under paragraph (e)(3)(iv) of this section, it shall, within 30 days after making that determination—
(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender has been informed of the actions required under paragraph (e)(8)(ii)(B) of this section;
(B) Notify the lender that the borrower's liability with respect to the amount of the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender must—
(
(
(
(
(C) Transfer to the lender the borrower's written assignment of any rights the borrower may have against third parties with respect to a loan disbursement that was discharged because the borrower did not sign the loan check.
(iii) If the agency determines that a borrower who asserts that he or she did not sign the electronic funds transfer or master check authorization satisfies the requirements for discharge under paragraph (e)(3)(iv) of this section, it shall, within 30 days after making that determination, pay the claim in accordance with § 682.402(h) and—
(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender has been informed of the actions required under paragraph (e)(8)(iii)(C) of this section;
(B) Refund to the borrower all amounts paid by the borrower to the lender or the agency with respect to the discharged loan amount, including any late fees or collection charges imposed by the lender or agency related to the discharged loan amount; and
(C) Notify the lender that the borrower's liability with respect to the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender must—
(
(
(iv) If the agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge, it shall, within 30 days after making that determination—
(A) Notify the lender that the borrower's liability on the loan is not discharged and that, depending on the borrower's decision under paragraph (e)(8)(iv)(B) of this section, the loan shall either be returned to the lender or paid as a default claim; and
(B) Notify the borrower that the borrower does not qualify for discharge, and state the reasons for that conclusion. The agency shall advise the borrower that he or she remains obligated to repay the loan and warn the borrower of the consequences of default, and explain that the borrower will be considered to be in default on the loan unless the borrower submits a written statement to the agency within 30 days stating that the borrower—
(
(
(v) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's written statement described in paragraph (e)(8)(iv)(B)(
(vi) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's request for review by the Secretary, the agency shall forward the claim file to the Secretary for his review and take the actions required under paragraph (e)(11) of this section.
(vii) The agency shall pay a default claim to the lender within 30 days after the borrower fails to return either of the written statements described in paragraph (e)(8)(iv)(B) of this section.
(9)
(ii) If the agency determines that the borrower satisfies the requirements for discharge under paragraph (e)(3) of this section, it shall immediately terminate any collection efforts against the borrower with respect to the discharged loan amount and any charges imposed or costs incurred by the agency related to the discharged loan amount that the borrower is, or was otherwise obligated to pay and, not later than 30 days after the agency makes the determination that the borrower satisfies the requirements for discharge—
(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the loan has been discharged;
(B) Report to all credit reporting agencies to which the agency previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan; and
(C) Refund to the borrower all amounts paid by the borrower to the lender or the agency with respect to the discharged loan amount, including any late fees or collection charges imposed by the lender or agency related to the discharged loan amount.
(iii) If the agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge, it shall, within 30 days after making that determination, notify the borrower that the borrower's liability with respect to the amount of the loan is not discharged, state the reasons for that conclusion, and if the borrower is not then making payments in accordance with a repayment arrangement with the agency on the loan, advise the borrower of the consequences of continued failure to reach such an arrangement, and that collection action will resume on the loan unless within 30 days the borrower—
(A) Acknowledges the debt and, if payments are due, reaches a satisfactory arrangement to repay the loan or
(B) Requests the Secretary to review the agency's decision.
(iv) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's request for review by the Secretary, the agency shall forward the borrower's discharge request and all relevant documentation to the Secretary for his review and take the actions required under paragraph (e)(11) of this section.
(v) The agency shall resume collection action if within 30 days of giving notice of its determination the borrower fails to seek review by the Secretary or agree to repay the loan.
(10)
(ii) If the agency determines that a borrower who asserts that he or she did not endorse the loan check satisfies the requirements for discharge under paragraph (e)(3)(iv) of this section, it shall refund to the Secretary the amount of reinsurance payment received with respect to the amount discharged on that loan less any repayments made by the lender under paragraph (e)(10)(ii)(D)(
(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged;
(B) Report to all credit reporting agencies to which the agency previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan;
(C) Refund to the borrower all amounts paid by the borrower to the lender or the agency with respect to the discharged loan amount, including any late fees or collection charges imposed by the lender or agency related to the discharged loan amount;
(D) Notify the lender to whom a claim payment was made that the lender must refund to the Secretary, within 30 days—
(
(
(E) Notify the lender to whom a claim payment was made that the lender must, within 30 days, reimburse the agency for the amount of the loan that was discharged, minus the amount of borrower payments made to the lender that were refunded to the borrower by the guaranty agency under paragraph (e)(10)(iii)(C) of this section; and
(F) Transfer to the lender the borrower's written assignment of any rights the borrower may have against third parties with respect to the loan disbursement that was discharged.
(iii) In the case of a borrower who requests a discharge because he or she did not sign the electronic funds transfer or master check authorization, if the agency determines that the borrower meets the conditions for discharge, it shall immediately terminate any collection efforts against the borrower with respect to the discharged loan amount and any charges imposed or costs incurred by the agency related to the discharged loan amount that the borrower is, or was, otherwise obligated to pay, and within 30 days after making that determination—
(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged;
(B) Refund to the borrower all amounts paid by the borrower to the lender or the agency with respect to the discharged loan amount, including any late fees or collection charges imposed by the lender or agency related to the discharged loan amount; and
(C) Report to all credit reporting agencies to which the lender previously reported the status of the loan, so as to
(iv) The agency shall take the actions required under paragraphs (e)(9) (iii) through (v) if the agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge.
(11)
(ii) The Secretary notifies the agency and the borrower of a determination on review. If the Secretary determines that the borrower is not eligible for a discharge under paragraph (e) of this section, within 30 days after being so informed, the agency shall take the actions described in paragraphs (e)(8) (iv) through (vii) or (e)(9)(iii) through (v) of this section, as applicable.
(iii) If the Secretary determines that the borrower meets the requirements for a discharge under paragraph (e) of this section, the agency shall, within 30 days after being so informed, take the actions required under paragraph (e)(7)(ii), (e)(8)(ii), (e)(8)(iii), (e)(9)(ii), (e)(10)(ii), or (e)(10)(iii) of this section, as applicable.
(12)
(ii) If the borrower fails to submit the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section within 60 days of being notified of that option, the lender shall resume collection and shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date the lender suspended collection activity. The lender may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.
(iii) The lender shall file a claim with the guaranty agency in accordance with § 682.402(g) no later than 60 days after the lender receives the borrower's written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section. If a lender receives a payment made by or on behalf of the borrower on the loan after the lender files a claim on the loan with the guaranty agency, the lender shall forward the payment to the guaranty agency within 30 days of its receipt. The lender shall assist the guaranty agency and the borrower in determining whether the borrower is eligible for discharge of the loan.
(iv) The lender shall comply with all instructions received from the Secretary or a guaranty agency with respect to loan discharges under paragraph (e) of this section.
(v) The lender shall review a claim that the borrower did not endorse and did not receive the proceeds of a loan check. The lender shall take the actions required under paragraphs (e)(8)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section if it determines that the borrower did not endorse the loan check, unless the lender secures persuasive evidence that the proceeds of the loan were received by the borrower or the student for whom the loan was made, as provided in paragraph (e)(1)(ii). If the lender determines that the loan check was properly endorsed or the proceeds were received by the borrower or student, the lender may consider the borrower's objection to repayment as a statement of intention not to repay the loan, and may file a claim with the guaranty agency for reimbursement on that ground, but shall not report the loan to credit bureaus as in default until the guaranty agency, or, as applicable, the Secretary, reviews the claim for relief. By filing such a claim, the lender shall be deemed to have agreed to the following—
(A) If the guarantor or the Secretary determines that the borrower endorsed
(B) If the guarantor or the Secretary determines that the borrower did not endorse the loan check and that the proceeds of the loan were not received by the borrower or the student, the lender will comply with the requirements specified in paragraph (e)(8)(ii)(B) of this section.
(vi) Within 30 days after being notified by the guaranty agency that the borrower's request for a discharge has been denied, the lender shall notify the borrower of the reasons for the denial and, if payments are due, resume collection against the borrower. The lender shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date the lender suspended collection activity, and may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.
(13)
(ii) A student not described in paragraph (e)(13)(i) of this section is considered to have the ability to benefit from training offered by the school if the student—
(A) For periods of enrollment beginning prior to July 1, 1987, was determined by the school to have the ability to benefit from the school's training in accordance with the requirements of 34 CFR 668.6;
(B) For periods of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1987, achieved a passing grade on a test—
(
(
(C) Successfully completed a program of developmental or remedial education provided by the school.
(13)
(ii) A student not described in paragraph (e)(13)(i) of this section is considered to have the ability to benefit from training offered by the school if the student—
(A) For periods of enrollment beginning prior to July 1, 1987, was determined by the school to have the ability to benefit from the school's training in accordance with the requirements of 34 CFR 668.6;
(B) For periods of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1987, achieved a passing grade on a test—
(
(
(C) Successfully completed a program of developmental or remedial education provided by the school.
(iii) Notwithstanding paragraphs (e)(13)(i) and (ii) of this section, a student did not have the ability to benefit from training offered by the school if—
(A) The school certified the eligibility of the student for a FFEL Program loan; and
(B) At the time of certification, the student would not meet the requirements for employment (in the student's State of residence) in the occupation for which the training program supported by the loan was intended because of a physical or mental condition, age, or criminal record or other reason accepted by the Secretary.
(f)
(2)
(i) Against any co-maker or endorser if the borrower has filed for relief under Chapters 12 or 13; and
(ii) Against any co-maker or endorser who has filed for relief in bankruptcy.
(3)
(4)
(i) 30 days after the lender receives a notice of first meeting of creditors unless, in the case of a proceeding under chapter 7, the notice states that the borrower has no assets; or
(ii) 30 days after the lender receives a notice from the court stating that a chapter 7 no-asset case has been converted to an asset case.
(5)
(A) The borrower has filed a petition for relief under chapters 12 or 13 of the Bankruptcy Code; or
(B) The borrower has filed a petition for relief under chapters 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and the loan has been in repayment for more than seven years (exclusive of any applicable suspension of the repayment period) from the due date of the first payment until the date of the filing of the petition for relief; or
(C) The borrower has begun an action to have the loan obligation determined to be dischargeable on grounds of undue hardship.
(ii) In cases not described in paragraph (d)(5)(i) of this section, the lender shall continue to hold the loan notwithstanding the bankruptcy proceeding. Once the bankruptcy proceeding is completed or dismissed, the lender shall treat the loan as if the lender had exercised forbearance as to repayment of principal and interest accrued from the date of the borrower's filing of the bankruptcy petition until the date the lender is notified that the bankruptcy proceeding is completed or dismissed.
(g)
(i) The original promissory note, or, if the lender no longer has the original promissory note, a copy of the note certified by the lender as a true and accurate copy;
(ii) The loan application.
(iii) In the case of a death claim, those documents that formed the basis for the determination of death.
(iv) In the case of a disability claim, a copy of the certification of disability described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
(v) In the case of a bankruptcy claim—
(A) Evidence that a bankruptcy petition has been filed, all pertinent documents sent to or received from the bankruptcy court by the lender, and an assignment to the guaranty agency of any proof of claim filed by the lender regarding the loan; and
(B) A statement of any facts of which the lender is aware that may form the basis for an objection or exception to the discharge of the borrower's loan obligation in bankruptcy and all documents supporting those facts.
(vi) In the case of a closed school claim, the documentation described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, or any other documentation as the Secretary may require;
(vii) In the case of a false certification claim, the documentation described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
(2)
(i) Within 60 days of the date on which the lender determines that a borrower (or the student on whose behalf a parent obtained a PLUS loan) has died, or the lender determines that the borrower is totally and permanently disabled.
(ii) In the case of a closed school claim, the lender shall file a claim with the guaranty agency no later than 60 days after the borrower submits to the lender the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section or after the lender is notified by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee or by the guaranty agency to do so.
(iii) In the case of a false certification claim, the lender shall file a claim with the guaranty agency no later than 60 days after the borrower submits to the lender the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section or after the lender is notified by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee or by the guaranty agency to do so.
(iv) A lender shall file a bankruptcy claim with the guaranty agency by the earlier of—
(A) 30 days after the date on which the lender receives notice of the first meeting of creditors or other information described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section; or
(B) 15 days after the lender is served with a complaint or motion to have the loan determined to be dischargeable on grounds of undue hardship, or, if the lender secures an extension of time within which an answer may be filed, 25 days before the expiration of that extended period, whichever is later.
(h)
(ii) In the case of a bankruptcy claim, the guaranty agency shall, upon receipt of the claim from the lender, immediately take those actions required under paragraph (g) of this section to oppose the discharge of the loan by the bankruptcy court.
(iii) In the case of a closed school claim or a false certification claim based on the determination that the borrower did not sign the loan application, the promissory note, or the authorization for the electronic transfer of loan funds, or that the school failed to test, or improperly tested, the student's ability to benefit, the guaranty agency shall document its determination that the borrower is eligible for discharge under paragraphs (d) or (e) of this section and pay the borrower or the holder the amount determined under paragraph (h)(2) of this section.
(2)
(ii) The amount of loss payable to a lender on a closed school claim or on a false certification claim is equal to the sum of the remaining principal balance and interest accrued on the loan, collection costs incurred by the lender and applied to the borrower's account within 30 days of the date those costs were actually incurred, and unpaid interest determined in accordance with paragraph (h)(3) of this section.
(iii) In the case of a claim filed by a lender on an outstanding loan owed by the borrower, on the same date that the agency pays a claim to the lender, the agency shall pay the borrower an amount equal to the amount paid on the loan by or on behalf of the borrower, less any school tuition refunds or payments received by the holder or the borrower from a tuition recovery fund, performance bond, or other third-party source.
(iv) In the case of a claim filed by a lender based on a request received from a borrower whose loan had been repaid in full by, or on behalf of the borrower to the lender, on the same date that the agency notifies the lender that the borrower is eligible for a closed school or false certification discharge, the agency shall pay the borrower an amount equal to the amount paid on
(v) In the case of a loan that has been included in a Federal Consolidation Loan, the agency shall pay to the holder of the borrower's Consolidation Loan, an amount equal to—
(A) The amount paid on the loan by or on behalf of the borrower at the time the loan was paid through consolidation;
(B) The amount paid by the consolidating lender to the holder of the loan when it was repaid through consolidation; minus
(C) Any school tuition refunds or payments received by the holder or the borrower from a tuition recovery fund, performance bond, or other third-party source if those refunds or payments were—
(
(
(3)
(i) During the period before the claim is filed, not to exceed the period provided for in paragraph (g)(2) of this section for filing the claim.
(ii) During a period not to exceed 30 days following the receipt date by the lender of a claim returned by the guaranty agency for additional documentation necessary for the claim to be approved by the guaranty agency.
(iii) During the period required by the guaranty agency to approve the claim and to authorize payment or to return the claim to the lender for additional documentation.
(i)
(A) Whether the first payment on the loan was due less than 7 years (exclusive of any applicable suspension of the repayment period) before the filing of the petition for relief commencing the bankruptcy case; and
(B) Whether repayment under either the current repayment schedule or any adjusted schedule authorized under this part would impose an undue hardship on the borrower and his or her dependents.
(ii) If the agency determines that repayment would not constitute an undue hardship, the agency shall then determine whether the expected costs of opposing the discharge petition would exceed one-third of the total amount owed on the loan, including principal, interest, late charges, and collection costs.
(iii) If the expected costs of opposing the discharge petition do not exceed one-third of the total amount owed on the loan, the agency shall—
(A) Oppose the borrower's petition for a determination of dischargeability; and
(B) If the borrower is in default on the loan, seek a judgment for the amount owed on the loan.
(iv) In opposing a petition for a determination of dischargeability on the grounds of undue hardship, a guaranty agency may agree to discharge of a portion of the amount owed on a loan if it reasonably determines that the agreement is necessary in order to obtain a judgment on the remainder of the loan.
(2)
(i) The agency is not required to respond to a proposed plan that—
(A) Provides for repayment of the full outstanding balance of the loan;
(B) Makes no provision with regard to the loan or to general unsecured claims.
(ii) In any other case, the agency shall determine, based on a review of its own records and documents filed by the debtor in the bankruptcy proceeding—
(A) What part of the loan obligation will be discharged under the plan as proposed;
(B) Whether the plan itself or the classification of the loan under the plan meets the requirements of 11 U.S.C. 1129, 1225, or 1325, as applicable; and
(C) Whether grounds exist under 11 U.S.C. 1112, 1208, or 1307, as applicable, to move for conversion or dismissal of the case.
(iii) If the agency determines that grounds exist to challenge the proposed plan, the agency shall, as appropriate, object to the plan or move to dismiss the case, if—
(A) The costs of litigation of these actions are not reasonably expected to exceed one-third of the amount of the loan to be discharged under the plan; and
(B) With respect to an objection under 11 U.S.C. 1325, the additional amount that may be recovered under the plan if an objection is successful can reasonably be expected to equal or exceed the cost of litigating the objection.
(iv) The agency shall monitor the debtor's performance under a confirmed plan. If the debtor fails to make payments required under the plan or seeks but does not demonstrate entitlement to discharge under 11 U.S.C. 1328(b), the agency shall oppose any requested discharge or move to dismiss the case if the costs of litigation together with the costs incurred for objections to the plan are not reasonably expected to exceed one-third of the amount of the loan to be discharged under the plan.
(3)
(i) If the debtor proposes a plan that is expected to end less than seven years (exclusive of applicable suspensions of the repayment period) after the first payment was due on the loan, the agency shall monitor the debtor's performance under a confirmed plan. If the debtor fails to make payments required under the plan and demonstrate entitlement to discharge under 11 U.S.C. 1328(b), the agency shall oppose any requested discharge and move to dismiss the case if the costs of litigation together with the costs incurred for objections to the plan are not reasonably expected to exceed one-third of the amount of the loan to be discharged under the plan.
(ii) If the debtor proposes a plan that is expected to end more than seven years (exclusive of applicable suspensions of the repayment period) after the first payment was due on the loan, the agency shall take the actions required under paragraph (h)(2) of this section.
(j)
(i) The entry of an order denying or revoking discharge or dismissing a proceeding under any chapter.
(ii) A ruling in a proceeding under chapter 7 or 11 that the loan is not dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8)(B) or other applicable law.
(iii) The entry of an order granting discharge under chapter 12 or 13, or confirming a plan of arrangement under chapter 11 in a proceeding begun less than 7 years (exclusive of any applicable suspension of the repayment period) after the first payment due date of the loan, unless the court determined that the loan is dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8)(B) on grounds of undue hardship.
(2) The lender may capitalize all outstanding interest accrued on a loan purchased under paragraph (j) of this
(k)
(A) A determination by the court that the loan is dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8)(B) with respect to a proceeding initiated under chapter 7 or chapter 11 begun less than 7 years (exclusive of any applicable suspension of the repayment period) after the first payment due date of the loan; or
(B) With respect to any other loan, after the agency pays the claim to the lender.
(ii) The guaranty agency shall refund to the Secretary the full amount of reimbursement received from the Secretary on a loan that a lender repurchases under this section.
(2) The Secretary pays a death, disability, bankruptcy, closed school, or false certification claim in an amount determined under § 682.402(k)(5) on a loan held by a guaranty agency after the agency has paid a default claim to the lender thereon and received payment under its reinsurance agreement. The Secretary reimburses the guaranty agency only if—
(i) The guaranty agency determines that the borrower (or the student for whom a parent obtained a PLUS loan or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has died, or the borrower (or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has become totally and permanently disabled since applying for the loan, or has filed for relief in bankruptcy, in accordance with the procedures in paragraphs (b), (c), or (f) of this section, or the student was unable to complete an educational program because the school closed, or the borrower's eligibility to borrow (or the student's eligibility in the case of a PLUS loan) was falsely certified by an eligible school. For purposes of this paragraph, references to the “lender” and “guaranty agency” in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section mean the guaranty agency and the Secretary respectively;
(ii) In the case of a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan, the guaranty agency determines that the borrower (or the student for whom a parent obtained a PLUS loan, or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has died, or the borrower (or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has become totally and permanently disabled since applying for the loan, or has filed the petition for relief in bankruptcy within 10 years of the date the borrower entered repayment, exclusive of periods of deferment or periods of forbearance granted by the lender that extended the 10-year maximum repayment period, or the borrower (or the student for whom a parent received a PLUS loan) was unable to complete an educational program because the school closed, or the borrower's eligibility to borrow (or the student's eligibility in the case of a PLUS loan) was falsely certified by an eligible school;
(iii) In the case of a Consolidation loan, the guaranty agency determines that the borrower (or each of the co-makers) has died, is determined to be totally and permanently disabled under § 682.402(c), or has filed the petition for relief in bankruptcy within the maximum repayment period described in § 682.209(h)(2), exclusive of periods of deferment or periods of forbearance granted by the lender that extended the maximum repayment period;
(iv) The guaranty agency has not written off the loan in accordance with the procedures established by the agency under § 682.410(b)(6)(x), except for closed school and false certification discharges; and
(v) The guaranty agency has exercised due diligence in the collection of the loan in accordance with the procedures established by the agency under § 682.410(b)(6)(x), until the borrower (or the student for whom a parent obtained a PLUS loan, or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has died, or the borrower (or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has become totally and permanently disabled or filed a Chapter 12 or Chapter 13 petition, or had the loan discharged in bankruptcy,
(3) [Reserved]
(4) Within 30 days of receiving reimbursement for a closed school or false certification claim, the guaranty agency shall pay—
(i) The borrower an amount equal to the amount paid on the loan by or on behalf of the borrower, less any school tuition refunds or payments received by the holder, guaranty agency, or the borrower from a tuition recovery fund, performance bond, or other third-party source; or
(ii) The amount determined under paragraph (h)(2)(iv) of this section to the holder of the borrower's Consolidation Loan.
(5) The Secretary pays the guaranty agency a percentage of the outstanding principal and interest that is equal to the complement of the reinsurance percentage paid on the loan. This interest includes interest that accrues during—
(i) For death, disability, or bankruptcy claims, the shorter of 60 days or the period from the date the guaranty agency determines that the borrower (or the student for whom a parent obtained a PLUS loan, or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) died, became totally and permanently disabled, or filed a petition for relief in bankruptcy until the Secretary authorizes payment; or
(ii) For closed school or false certification claims, the period from the date on which the guaranty agency received payment from the Secretary on a default claim to the date on which the Secretary authorizes payment of the closed school or false certification claim.
(l)
(1) If the guaranty agency receives any payments from or on behalf of the borrower on or attributable to a loan that has been discharged in bankruptcy on which the Secretary previously paid a bankruptcy claim, the guaranty agency shall return 100 percent of these payments to the sender. The guaranty agency shall promptly return, to the sender, any payment on a cancelled or discharged loan made by the sender and received after the Secretary pays a closed school or false certification claim. At the same time that the agency returns the payment, it shall notify the borrower that there is no obligation to repay a loan discharged on the basis of death, disability, bankruptcy, false certification, or closing of the school.
(2) The guaranty agency shall remit to the Secretary all payments received from a tuition recovery fund, performance bond, or other third party with respect to a loan on which the Secretary previously paid a closed school or false certification claim.
(3) If the guaranty agency has returned a payment to the borrower, or the borrower's representative, with the notice described in paragraph (l)(2) of this section, and the borrower (or representative) continues to send payments to the guaranty agency, the agency shall remit all of those payments to the Secretary.
(m)
(1) Includes any period, including a period of deferment, during which the lender, at the request of the borrower, does not require the borrower to make payments on the loan;
(2) Begins on the date on which the borrower qualifies for the requested deferment or the lender grants the requested forbearance;
(3) Closes on the later of the date on which—
(i) The condition for which the requested deferment or forbearance was received ends; or
(ii) The lender receives notice of the end of the condition for which the requested deferment or forbearance was received, if the condition ended earlier than represented by the borrower at the time of the request and the borrower did not notify timely the lender of the date on which the condition actually ended;
(4) Includes the period between the end of the borrower's grace period and the first payment due date established
(5) Includes the period between the filing of the petition for relief and the date on which the proceeding is completed or dismissed, unless payments have been made during that period in amounts sufficient to meet the amount owed under the repayment schedule in effect when the petition was filed.
(a) The Secretary makes an advance to a guaranty agency that has a reinsurance agreement. The advance may be used only to pay guarantee claims. The Secretary makes an advance to—
(1) A State guaranty agency; or
(2) 1 or more private nonprofit guarantee agencies in a State if, during a fiscal year—
(i) The State does not have a guaranty agency program;
(ii) The Secretary consults the chief executive officer of the State and finds it unlikely that the State will have a program for that year; and
(iii) Each private nonprofit guaranty agency—
(A) Agrees to establish at least 1 office in the State with sufficient staff to handle written and telephone inquiries from students, eligible lenders, and other persons in the State;
(B) Agrees to encourage maximum commercial lender participation within the State and to conduct periodic visits to at least the major lenders within the State;
(C) Agrees that the benefit of its loan guarantees will not be denied to students because of their choice of schools or lack of need; and
(D) Certifies that it is not an eligible educational institution and that it does not have any substantial affiliation with an eligible educational institution.
(b) A guaranty agency shall apply to the Secretary in order to receive an initial advance.
(c)(1) An advance may be made to a new guaranty agency for each of five consecutive calendar years. A new agency is an agency that entered into a basic agreement on or after October 12, 1976, or that was not actively carrying on a loan guarantee program on or before October 12, 1976.
(2)(i) A guaranty agency may request that the initial advance be made on a specified date. The Secretary pays subsequent advances on the same day that the initial advance was made for each of the four succeeding calendar years.
(ii) An additional advance may be made to a private nonprofit guaranty agency only if the agency continues to qualify under paragraph (a) of this section.
(d) The Secretary makes an advance on terms and conditions specified in a Federal advances for claim payments agreement between the Secretary and the guaranty agency.
(e) In the case of a private nonprofit guaranty agency, the repayment of advances is determined separately for each State for which the agency has received in advance under this section, in accordance with section 422(c)(4) of the Act.
(f) A guaranty agency shall return advances provided under this section in accordance with the provisions of sections 422 (c) and (d) of the Act.
(a)
(ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, the Secretary reimburses a guaranty agency for 100 percent of its losses on default claim payments—
(A) For loans made prior to October 1, 1993;
(B) For loans made under an approved lender-of-last-resort program;
(C) For loans transferred under a plan approved by the Secretary from an insolvent guaranty agency or a guaranty agency that withdraws its participation in the FFEL Program;
(D) For a guaranty agency that entered into a basic program agreement under section 428(b) of the Act after September 30, 1976, or was not actively carrying on a loan guarantee program covered by a basic program agreement on October 1, 1976 for five consecutive fiscal years beginning with the first year of its operation.
(2) For purposes of this section—
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(3)(i) If an account has been subject to supplemental preclaims assistance and is not submitted as a default claim by the lender to the guaranty agency by the 150th day after the loan becomes 120 days delinquent, the Secretary will pay the guaranty agency $50.
(ii) If a guaranty agency contracts with an outside entity to perform any supplemental preclaims assistance activity, that entity may not—
(A) Hold or service the loan;
(B) Own, control, or share common ownership with the holder or servicer of the loan; or
(C) Hold a contract with the agency to perform collection services on the loan in the event of default.
(iii) For purposes of paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, an “account” includes 1 or more FFEL programs loans that were—
(A) Made to the same borrower;
(B) Held by the same lender;
(C) Guaranteed by the same guaranty agency;
(D) Subject to preclaims assistance by the same agency; and
(E) Covered by the same supplemental preclaims assistance request.
(4) A guaranty agency's loss on a loan that was outstanding when a reinsurance agreement was executed is covered by the reinsurance agreement only if the default on the loan occurs after the effective date of the agreement.
(5) If a lender has requested preclaims assistance as described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section upon request of the school, the agency shall notify the school for attendance at which the borrower received the loan of the lender's request by providing the school with a copy of that request, or by other means.
(b)
(i) 90 percent of its losses for loans made before October 1, 1993 or transferred under a plan approved by the Secretary from an insolvent guaranty agency or a guaranty agency that withdraws its participation in the FFEL Program; or
(ii) 88 percent of its losses for loans made on or after October 1, 1993.
(2) If the total of reinsurance claims paid by the Secretary to a guaranty agency during any fiscal year reaches 9 percent of the amount of loans in repayment at the end of the preceding fiscal year, the Secretary's reinsurance payment on a default claim subsequently paid by the guaranty agency during that fiscal year equals—
(i) 80 percent of its losses for loans made before October 1, 1993 or transferred under a plan approved by the Secretary from an insolvent guaranty agency or a guaranty agency that withdraws its participation in the FFEL Program; or
(ii) 78 percent of its losses for loans made on or after October 1, 1993.
(3) For purposes of this section, the total of reinsurance claims paid by the Secretary to a guaranty agency during any fiscal year does not include amounts paid on claims by the guaranty agency—
(i) On loans considered in default under § 682.412(e);
(ii) Under a policy established by the agency that is consistent with § 682.509(a)(1); or
(iii) That were filed by lenders at the direction of the Secretary;
(iv) On loans made under a guaranty agency's approved lender-of-last-resort program.
(4) For purposes of this section,
(i) The sum of—
(A) The original principal amount of all loans guaranteed by the agency; and
(B) The original principal amount of any loans on which the guarantee was transferred to the agency from another agency;
(ii) Minus the original principal amount of all loans on which—
(A) The loan guarantee was canceled;
(B) The loan guarantee was transferred to another agency;
(C) The borrower has not yet reached the repayment period;
(D) Payment in full has been made by the borrower;
(E) The borrower was in deferment status at the time repayment was scheduled to begin and remains in deferment status;
(F) Reinsurance coverage has been lost and cannot be regained; and
(G) The agency paid claims, excluding the amount of those claims—
(
(
(
(c)
(d)
(i) 0.25 percent of the total principal amount of the Stafford, SLS, and PLUS loans on which guarantees were issued by that agency during that fiscal year; or
(ii) 0.5 percent of the total principal amount of the Stafford, SLS, and PLUS loans on which guarantees were issued by that agency during that fiscal year if the agency's reinsurance claims paid reach the amount described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section at any time during that fiscal year.
(2) The agency that is the original guarantor of a loan shall pay the reinsurance fee to the Secretary even if the guaranty agency transfers its guarantee obligation on the loan to another guaranty agency.
(3) The guaranty agency shall pay the reinsurance fee required by paragraph (d)(1) of this section due the Secretary for each calendar quarter ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, within 90 days after the end of the applicable quarter or within 30 days after receiving written notice from the Secretary that the fees are due, whichever is earlier.
(e)
(1) Efforts by the guaranty agency and the lenders to which it provides guarantees to collect outstanding loans as required by § 682.410(b) (6) or (7), and § 682.411;
(2) Efforts by the guaranty agency to make FFEL loans available to all eligible borrowers; and
(3) Other relevant aspects of the guaranty agency's program operations.
(f)
(g)
(2) For purposes of this section,
(i) An amount equal to the complement of the reinsurance percentage that was in effect when the reinsurance payment was made by the Secretary; and
(ii) 30 percent of borrower payments.
(3) Unless the Secretary approves otherwise, the guaranty agency shall pay to the Secretary the Secretary's equitable share of borrower payments within 45 days of its receipt of the payments.
(h)
(2) For purposes of this section a guaranty agency is deemed to be serving a State if it guarantees a loan that is—
(i) Made by a lender located in a State not served by the agency;
(ii) Made to a borrower who is a resident of a State not served by the agency; and
(iii) Made for attendance at a school located in the State.
(i)
(1) Promote the purposes of the FFEL programs and to protect the United States from unreasonable risks of loss;
(2) Ensure proper and efficient administration of the loan guarantee program; and
(3) Ensure that due diligence will be exercised in the collection of loans.
(a)
(2) A loan is considered to be rehabilitated only after the borrower has made one voluntary reasonable and affordable full payment each month and the payment is received by a guaranty agency or its agent within 15 days of the scheduled due date for 12 consecutive months in accordance with this section, and the loan has been sold to an eligible lender.
(3) After the loan has been rehabilitated, the borrower regains all benefits of the program, including any remaining deferment eligibility under section 428(b)(1)(M) of the Act, from the date of the rehabilitation.
(4) A borrower who wishes to rehabilitate a loan on which a judgment has been entered must sign a new promissory note prior to the sale of the loan to an eligible lender.
(b)
(1) A borrower may request the rehabilitation of the borrower's defaulted FFEL loan held by the guaranty agency. The borrower must make one voluntary full payment each month for 12 consecutive months to be eligible to have the defaulted loans rehabilitated. For purposes of this section, “full payment” means a reasonable and affordable payment agreed to by the borrower and the agency. The required amount of such monthly payment may be no more than is reasonable and affordable based upon the borrower's total financial circumstances. Voluntary payments are those made directly by the borrower regardless of whether there is a judgment against the borrower, and do not include payments obtained by income tax off-set, garnishment, or income or asset execution. A guaranty agency must attempt to secure a lender to purchase the loan at the end of the twelve-(12-)month payment period.
(i) For purposes of this section, the determination of reasonable and affordable must—
(A) Include a consideration of the borrower's and spouse's disposable income and reasonable and necessary expenses including, but not limited to, housing, utilities, food, medical costs, work-related expenses, dependent care costs and other Title IV repayment;
(B) Not be a required minimum payment amount, e.g. $50, if the agency determines that a smaller amount is reasonable and affordable based on the borrower's total financial circumstances. The agency must include documentation in the borrower's file of the basis for the determination if the monthly reasonable and affordable payment established under this section is less than $50.00 or the monthly accrued interest on the loan, whichever is greater. However, $50.00 may not be the minimum payment for a borrower if the agency determines that a smaller amount is reasonable and affordable; and
(C) Be based on the documentation provided by the borrower or other sources including, but not be limited to—
(
(
(
(ii) The agency must include any payment made under § 682.401(b)(4) in determining whether the 12 consecutive payments required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section have been made.
(iii) A borrower may request that the monthly payment amount be adjusted due to a change in the borrower's total financial circumstances only upon providing the documentation specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(C) of this section.
(iv) A guaranty agency must provide the borrower with a written statement confirming the borrower's reasonable and affordable payment amount, as determined by the agency, and explaining
(v) A guaranty agency must provide the borrower with an opportunity to object to terms of the rehabilitation of the borrower's defaulted loan.
(2) The guaranty agency must report to all national credit bureaus within 90 days of the date the loan was rehabilitated that the loan is no longer in a default status.
(3) An eligible lender purchasing a rehabilitated loan must establish a repayment schedule that meets the same requirements that are applicable to other FFEL Program loans made under the same loan type and provides for the borrower to make monthly payments at least as great as the average of the 12 consecutive monthly payments received by the guaranty agency. For the purposes of the maximum loan repayment period, the lender must treat the first payment made under the 12 consecutive payments as the first payment under the 10-year maximum.
(a) A guaranty agency is entitled to reinsurance payments on a loan only if—
(1) The lender exercised due diligence in making, disbursing, and servicing the loan as prescribed by the rules of the agency;
(2) With respect to the reinsurance payment on the portion of a loan represented by a single disbursement of loan proceeds—
(i) The check for the disbursement was cashed within 120 days after disbursement; or
(ii) The proceeds of the disbursement made by electronic funds transfer or master check in accordance with § 682.207(b)(1)(ii) (B) and (C) have been released from the restricted account maintained by the school within 120 days after disbursement;
(3) The lender provided an accurate collection history and an accurate payment history to the guaranty agency with the default claim filed on the loan showing that the lender exercised due diligence in collecting the loan through collection efforts meeting the requirements of § 682.411, including collection efforts against each endorser;
(4) The loan was in default before the agency paid a default claim filed thereon;
(5) The lender filed a default claim thereon with the guaranty agency within 90 days of default;
(6) The lender resubmitted a properly documented default claim to the guaranty agency not later than 60 days from the date the agency had returned that claim due solely to inadequate documentation, except that interest accruing beyond the 30th day after the date the guaranty agency returned the claim is not reinsured unless the lender files a claim for loss on the loan with the guarantor together with all required documentation, prior to the 30th day;
(7) The lender satisfied all conditions of guarantee coverage set by the agency, unless the agency reinstated guarantee coverage on the loan following the lender's failure to satisfy such a condition pursuant to written policies and procedures established by the agency;
(8) The agency paid or returned to the lender for additional documentation a default claim thereon filed by the lender within 90 days of the date the lender filed the claim or, if applicable, the additional documentation, except that interest accruing beyond the 60th day after the date the lender originally filed the claim is not reinsured;
(9) The agency submitted a request for the payment on a form required by
(10) The loan was legally enforceable by the lender when the agency paid a claim on the loan to the lender;
(11) The agency exercised due diligence in collection of the loan in accordance with § 682.410(b)(6) or (7);
(12) The agency and lender complied with all other Federal requirements with respect to the loan including the payment of origination fees and compliance with all preclaims assistance requirements in § 682.404(a)(2)(ii);
(13) The agency assigns the loan to the Secretary, if so directed, in accordance with the requirements of § 682.409; and
(14) The guaranty agency certifies to the Secretary that diligent attempts have been made by the lender and the guaranty agency under § 682.411(g) to locate the borrower through the use of reasonable skip-tracing techniques.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary may waive his right to refuse to make or require repayment of a reinsurance payment if, in the Secretary's judgment, the best interests of the United States so require. The Secretary's waiver policy for violations of paragraph (a)(3) or (a)(5) of this section is set forth in appendix D to this part.
(a)
(2) The agreement must provide that—
(i) The lender may make payments into an escrow account that is administered by the escrow agent in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section and § 682.207(b)(1)(iv);
(ii) The lender shall promptly notify the borrower's school when funds are escrowed for the borrower; and
(iii) The escrow agent is authorized to—
(A) Transmit the proceeds according to the note evidencing the loan;
(B) Commingle the proceeds of the loans paid to it pursuant to an escrow agreement;
(C) Invest the loan proceeds only in obligations of the Federal Government or obligations that are insured or guaranteed by the Federal Government; and
(D) Retain for its own use interest or other earnings on those investments.
(b)
(c)
(2) The escrow agent shall transmit PLUS loan proceeds received from a lender under this section to a borrower in accordance with the requirements of § 682.207(b)(1) (ii) and (iv) not later than 21 days after the agent receives the funds from the lender.
(d)
(a)(1) If the Secretary determines that action is necessary to protect the Federal fiscal interest, the Secretary will direct a guaranty agency to promptly assign to the Secretary any loan held by the agency on which the agency has received payment under § 682.402(d), 682.402(i), or 682.404. An orderly transition from the FFEL program to the Federal Direct Student Loan (FDSL) Program and the collection of unpaid loans owed by Federal employees by Federal salary offset are, among other things, deemed to be in the Federal fiscal interest. Unless the Secretary notifies an agency, in writing, that other loans must be assigned to the Secretary, an agency must assign any loan that meets all of the following criteria as of April 15 of each year:
(i) The unpaid principal balance is at least $100.
(ii) For each of the two fiscal years following the fiscal year in which these regulations are effective, the loan, and any other loans held by the agency for that borrower, have been held by the agency for at least four years; for any subsequent fiscal year such loan must have been held by the agency for at least five years.
(iii) A payment has not been received on the loan in the last year.
(iv) A judgment has not been entered on the loan against the borrower.
(2) If the agency fails to meet a fiscal year recovery rate standard under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section for a loan type, and the Secretary determines that additional assignments are necessary to protect the Federal fiscal interest, the Secretary may require the agency to assign in addition to those loans described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, loans in amounts needed to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(iii) or (a)(3)(i) of this section.
(i)
(ii)
(B) In any subsequent fiscal year the loan type recovery rate standard for a loan program must be 90 percent of the average recovery rate of all active guaranty agencies.
(iii)
(A) Unless the Secretary determines under paragraph (a)(2)(iv) of this section that protection of the Federal fiscal interest requires that a lesser amount be assigned, upon notice from the Secretary, an agency with a fiscal year loan type recovery rate described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section must promptly assign to the Secretary a sufficient amount of defaulted loans, in addition to loans to be assigned in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section, to cause the fiscal year loan type recovery rate of the agency that fiscal year to equal or exceed the average rate of all agencies described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section
(B) The Secretary, in consultation with the guaranty agency, may require the amount of loans to be assigned under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to include particular categories of loans that share characteristics that make the performance of the agency fall below the appropriate percentage of the loan type recovery rate as described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section.
(iv)
(3)(i)
(A) For each of the two fiscal years following the fiscal year in which these regulations are effective, the Secretary considers information presented by an agency with a fiscal year loan type recovery rate above the average rate of all active agencies to demonstrate that the protection of the Federal fiscal interest will be served if any amounts of loans of the loan type required to be assigned to the Secretary under paragraph (a)(1) of this section are retained by that agency. For any subsequent fiscal year, the Secretary considers information presented by an agency with a fiscal year recovery rate 10 percent above the average rate of all active agencies.
(B) The Secretary considers information presented by an agency that is required to assign loans under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to demonstrate that the protection of the Federal fiscal interest will be served if the agency demonstrates that its compliance with § 682.401(b)(4) and § 682.405 has reduced substantially its fiscal year loan type recovery rate or rates or if the agency is not required to assign amounts of loans that would otherwise have to be assigned.
(C) The information provided by an agency pursuant to paragraphs (a)(3)(i)(A) and (B) of this section may include, but is not limited to the following:
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(ii)
(b)(1) A guaranty agency that assigns a defaulted loan to the Secretary under this section thereby releases all rights and title to that loan. The Secretary does not pay the guaranty agency any
(2) The guaranty agency does not share in any amounts received by the Secretary on a loan assigned under this section, regardless of the reinsurance percentage paid on the loan or the agency's previous collection costs.
(c)(1) A guaranty agency must assign a loan to the Secretary under this section at the time, in the manner, and with the information and documentation that the Secretary requires. The agency must submit this information and documentation in the form (including magnetic media) and format specified by the Secretary.
(2) The guaranty agency shall execute an assignment to the United States of America of all right, title, and interest in the promissory note or judgment evidencing a loan assigned under this section.
(3) If the agency does not provide the required information and documentation in the form and format required by the Secretary, the Secretary may, at his option—
(i) Allow the agency to revise the agency's submission to include the required information and documentation in the specified form and format;
(ii) In the case of an improperly formatted computer tape, reformat the tape and assess the cost of the activity against the agency;
(iii) Reorganize the material submitted and assess the cost of that activity against the agency; or
(iv) Obtain from other agency records and add to the agency's submission any information from the original submission, and assess the cost of that activity against the agency.
(4) For each loan assigned, the agency shall submit to the Secretary the following documents associated for each loan, assembled in the order listed below:
(i) The promissory note.
(ii) Any documentation of a judgment entered on the loan.
(iii) A written assignment of the loan or judgment, unless this assignment is affixed to the promissory note.
(iv) The loan application.
(v) A payment history for the loan, as described in § 682.414(a)(1)(ii)(C).
(vi) A collection history for the loan, as described in § 682.414(a)(1)(ii)(D).
(5) The agency may submit certified copies of required documents in lieu of originals if no originals exist.
(6) The Secretary may accept the assignment of a loan without all of the documents listed in paragraph (c)(4) of this section. If directed to do so, the agency must retain these documents for submission to the Secretary at some future date.
(d)(1) If the Secretary determines that the agency has not submitted a document or record required by paragraph (c) of this section, and the Secretary decides to allow the agency an additional opportunity to submit the omitted document under paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, the Secretary notifies the agency and provides a reasonable period of time for the agency to submit the omitted record or document.
(2) If the omitted document is not submitted within the time specified by the Secretary, the Secretary determines whether that omission impairs the Secretary's ability to collect the loan.
(3) If the Secretary determines that the ability to collect the loan has been impaired under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the Secretary assesses the agency the amount paid to the agency under the reinsurance agreement and accrued interest at the rate applicable to the borrower under § 682.410(b)(3).
(4) The Secretary reassigns to the agency that portion of the loan determined to be unenforceable by the Department.
(a)
(i) The total amount of insurance premiums collected;
(ii) Funds received from a State for the agency's guaranty activities, including matching funds under section 422(a) of the Act;
(iii) Federal advances obtained under sections 422(a) and (c) of the Act;
(iv) Federal payments for default, bankruptcy, death, disability, closed schools, and false certification claims;
(v) Supplemental preclaims assistance payments;
(vi) Administrative cost allowance payments received under § 682.407 and transitional support payments received under section 458(a) of the Act;
(vii) Funds collected by the guaranty agency on FFEL Program loans on which a claim has been paid;
(viii) Investment earnings on the reserve fund; and
(ix) Other funds received by the guaranty agency from any source for the agency's guaranty activities.
(2)
(i) Insurance claims;
(ii) Costs that are reasonable, as defined under § 682.410(a)(11)(iii), and that are ordinary and necessary for the agency to fulfill its responsibilities under the HEA, including costs of collecting loans, providing preclaims assistance, monitoring enrollment and repayment status, and carrying out any other guaranty activities. Those costs must be—
(A) Allocable to the FFEL Program;
(B) Not higher than the agency would incur under established policies, regulations, and procedures that apply to any comparable non-Federal activities of the guaranty agency;
(C) Not included as a cost or used to meet cost sharing or matching requirements of any other federally supported activity, except as specifically provided by Federal law;
(D) Net of all applicable credits; and
(E) Documented in accordance with applicable legal and accounting standards;
(iii) Lenders for their participation in a loan referral service under section 428(e) of the Act;
(iv) The Secretary's equitable share of collections;
(v) Federal advances and other funds owed to the Secretary;
(vi) Reinsurance fees;
(vii) Insurance premiums related to cancelled loans;
(viii) Borrower refunds, including those arising out of student or other borrower claims and defenses;
(ix) (A) The repayment, on or after December 29, 1993, of amounts credited under paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) or (a)(1)(ix) of this section, if the agency provides the Secretary 30 days prior notice of the repayment and demonstrates that—
(
(
(
(B) The repayment, prior to December 29, 1993, of amounts credited under paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) or (a)(1)(ix) of this section, if the agency demonstrates that—
(
(
(x) Any other costs or payments ordinary and necessary to perform functions directly related to the agency's responsibilities under the HEA and for their proper and efficient administration;
(xi) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any other payment that was allowed by law or regulation at the time it was made, if the agency acted in good faith when it made the payment or the agency would otherwise be unfairly prejudiced by the nonallowability of the payment at a later time; and
(xii) Any other amounts authorized or directed by the Secretary.
(3)
(4)
(ii) A guaranty agency may reverse prior credits to its reserve fund if—
(A) The agency gives the Secretary prior notice setting forth a detailed justification for the action;
(B) The Secretary determines that such credits were made erroneously and in good faith; and
(C) The Secretary determines that the action would not unfairly prejudice other parties.
(iii) A guaranty agency shall correct any other errors in its accounting or reporting as soon as practicable after the errors become known to the agency.
(iv) If a general reconstruction of a guaranty agency's historical accounting records is necessary to make a change under paragraphs (a)(4)(ii) and (a)(4)(iii) of this section or any other retroactive change to its accounting records, the agency may make this reconstruction only upon prior approval by the Secretary and without any deduction from its reserve fund for the cost of the reconstruction.
(5)
(6)
(A) Correct this allocation under paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section; or
(B) Correct the recorded ownership of the asset under paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section so that—
(
(
(ii) If the agency uses funds or assets described in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section in the manner described in that paragraph and makes a cost and maintenance allocation erroneously and in good faith, it shall correct the allocation under paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section.
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(i) .5 percent of the amount of loans outstanding, for the fiscal year of the agency that begins in calendar year 1993;
(ii) .7 percent of the amount of loans outstanding, for the fiscal year of the agency that begins in calendar year 1994;
(iii) .9 percent of the amount of loans outstanding, for the fiscal year of the agency that begins in calendar year 1995; and
(iv) 1.1 percent of the amount of loans outstanding, for each fiscal year of the agency that begins on or after January 1, 1996.
(11)
(i)
(A) The total of reserve fund assets as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section;
(B) Minus the total amount of the reserve fund assets used in accordance with paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section; and
(ii)
(A) The sum of—
(
(
(B) Minus the original principal amount of all loans on which—
(
(
(
(
(
(iii)
(A) Whether the cost is of a type generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the proper and efficient performance and administration of the guaranty agency's responsibilities under the HEA;
(B) The restraints or requirements imposed by factors such as sound business practices, arms-length bargaining, Federal, State, and other laws and regulations, and the terms and conditions of the guaranty agency's agreements with the Secretary; and
(C) Market prices of comparable goods or services.
(b)
(i) With regard to a guaranty agency that is an agency of a State government, an audit must be conducted in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 7502 and 34 CFR part 80, appendix G.
(ii) With regard to a guaranty agency that is a nonprofit organization, an audit must be conducted in accordance with OMB Circular A-133, Audits of Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit Organizations and 34 CFR 74.61(h)(3). If a nonprofit guaranty agency meets the criteria in Circular
(A) The audit must examine the agency's compliance with the Act, applicable regulations, and agreements entered into under this part.
(B) The audit must examine the agency's financial management of its FFEL program activities.
(C) The audit must be conducted in accordance with the standards for audits issued by the United States General Accounting Office's (GAO) Government Auditing Standards. Procedures for audits are contained in an audit guide developed by, and available from, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department.
(D) The audit must be conducted annually and must be submitted to the Secretary within six months of the end of the audit period. The first audit must cover the agency's activities for a period that includes July 23, 1992, unless the agency is currently submitting audits on a biennial basis, and the second year of its biennial cycle starts on or before July 23, 1992. Under these circumstances, the agency shall submit a biennial audit that includes July 23, 1992 and submit its next audit as an annual audit.
(2)
(i) The amount the same borrower would be charged for the cost of collection under the formula in 34 CFR 30.60; or
(ii) The amount the same borrower would be charged for the cost of collection if the loan was held by the U.S. Department of Education.
(3)
(i) The rate established by the terms of the borrower's original promissory note;
(ii) In the case of a loan for which a judgment has been obtained, the rate provided for by State law.
(4)
(5)
(A) The total amount of loans made to the borrower and the remaining balance of those loans;
(B) The date of default;
(C) Information concerning collection of the loan, including the repayment status of the loan;
(D) Any changes or corrections in the information reported by the agency that result from information received after the initial report; and
(E) The date the loan is fully repaid by or on behalf of the borrower or discharged by reason of the borrower's death, bankruptcy, or total and permanent disability.
(ii) The guaranty agency, promptly after it pays a default claim on a loan but before it reports the default to a credit bureau or assesses collection costs against a borrower, shall provide the borrower with—
(A) Written notice that meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(5)(vi) of this section regarding the proposed actions;
(B) An opportunity to inspect and copy agency records pertaining to the loan obligation;
(C) An opportunity for an administrative review of the legal enforceability or past-due status of the loan obligation; and
(D) An opportunity to enter into a repayment agreement on terms satisfactory to the agency.
(iii) The procedures set forth in 34 CFR 30.20-30.33 (administrative offset) satisfy the requirements of paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section.
(iv)(A) In response to a request submitted by a borrower, after the deadlines established under agency rules, for access to records, an administrative review, or for an opportunity to enter into a repayment agreement, the agency shall provide the requested relief but may continue reporting the debt to credit bureaus until it determines that the borrower has demonstrated that the loan obligation is not legally enforceable or that alternative repayment arrangements satisfactory to the agency have been made with the borrower.
(B) The deadline established by the agency for requesting administrative review under paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(C) of this section must allow the borrower at least 60 days from the date the notice described in paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(A) of this section is sent to request that review.
(v) An agency may not permit an employee, official, or agent to conduct the administrative review required under this paragraph if that individual is—
(A) Employed in an organizational component of the agency or its agent that is charged with collection of loan obligations; or
(B) Compensated on the basis of collections on loan obligations.
(vi) The notice sent by the agency under paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(A) of this section must—
(A) Advise the borrower that the agency has paid a default claim filed by the lender and has taken assignment of the loan;
(B) Identify the lender that made the loan and the school for attendance at which the loan was made;
(C) State the outstanding principal, accrued interest, and any other charges then owing on the loan;
(D) Demand that the borrower immediately begin repayment of the loan;
(E) Explain the rate of interest that will accrue on the loan, that all costs incurred to collect the loan will be charged to the borrower, the authority for assessing these costs, and the manner in which the agency will calculate the amount of these costs;
(F) Notify the borrower that the agency will report the default to all national credit bureaus to the detriment of the borrower's credit rating;
(G) Explain the opportunities available to the borrower under agency rules to request access to the agency's records on the loan, to request an administrative review of the legal enforceability or past-due status of the loan, and to reach an agreement on repayment terms satisfactory to the agency to prevent the agency from reporting the loan as defaulted to credit bureaus and provide deadlines and method for requesting this relief;
(H) Unless the agency uses a separate notice to advise the borrower regarding other proposed enforcement actions, describe specifically any other enforcement action, such as offset against Federal or state income tax refunds or wage garnishment that the agency intends to use to collect the debt, and explain the procedures available to the borrower prior to those other enforcement actions for access to records, for an administrative review, or for agreement to alternative repayment terms;
(I) Describe the grounds on which the borrower may object that the loan obligation as stated in the notice is not a legally enforceable debt owed by the borrower;
(J) Describe any appeal rights available to the borrower from an adverse decision on administrative review of the loan obligation;
(K) Describe any right to judicial review of an adverse decision by the agency regarding the legal enforceability or past-due status of the loan obligation; and
(L) Describe the collection actions that the agency may take in the future if those presently proposed do not result in repayment of the loan obligation, including the filing of a lawsuit against the borrower by the agency and assignment of the loan to the Secretary for the filing of a lawsuit
(6)
If, after initiating wage garnishment procedures, the agency terminates those procedures for a particular borrower, the agency shall, within 30 days, commence collection efforts at least as forceful as those described in paragraphs (b)(6) (iii) through (xii) of this section. The agency's collection efforts shall begin with the same collection activities as those that immediately preceded the initiation of garnishment procedures, or, if no collection activities had been performed, the agency shall begin with the activities described in paragraph (b)(6)(iii) of this section, except that the agency may engage in the collection activities described in paragraph (b)(7) of this section in lieu of the activities described in paragraphs (b)(6) (iii) through (vi) of this section.
(ii)(A) The periods of time set forth in paragraphs (b)(6)(iii)-(xii) and (b)(7) of this section refer to the number of days that elapse from the date the agency pays a default claim on a loan or on multiple loans for a borrower. These periods of time do not include any periods during which the agency is engaged in activities related to administrative wage garnishment, or is receiving a payment through garnishment at least once every 60 days during the period specified in paragraph (5)(iv)(B) of this section, or during which the agency is engaged in an administrative review of the borrower's indebtedness on the loan pursuant to a request by the borrower under paragraph (b)(5)(iv) of this section. References to the “borrower” in this paragraph and paragraph (b)(7) of this section include all endorsers on a loan.
(B) The agency may institute a civil suit against the borrower earlier than the first day of the period described in paragraph (b)(6)(vii) of this section. Upon instituting suit, the agency is not required thereafter to follow the procedures in paragraphs (b)(6)(iii) or (b)(7) of this section.
(C) Upon receipt of a payment from a borrower during a period described in paragraphs (b)(6)(iii) or (iv) of this section, or, in the case of a borrower whom the agency locates through the use of a skip-tracing under paragraph (b)(6)(xii) of this section, the agency is not required to follow the specific collection efforts described in paragraphs (b)(6)(iii)-(vii) of this section if the written notice described in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section has been sent but shall diligently attempt to collect the loan for 60-days following receipt of the payment or receipt of confirmation of the borrower's address as applicable. If the agency receives no payments during the 60-day period, the agency shall resume its use of the collection efforts described in paragraphs (b)(6)(iv)-(ix) of this section, treating the first day after the end of the 60-day period as the first day of the period described in paragraph (b)(6)(iv) of this section.
(iii) One-45 days: During this period, the agency shall—
(A) Send to the borrower the written notice described in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section, and a written notice stating that the agency either will initiate procedures to garnish the borrower's wages, or institute a civil suit to compel repayment of the amount that the borrower owes plus related collection costs; and
(B) Diligently attempt to contact the borrower by telephone, as defined in § 682.411(1) (with references to “the lender” understood to mean “the agency”), to demand payment of the loan.
(iv) 46-180 days: During this period the agency shall—
(A) Engage in at least two diligent attempts to contact the borrower by telephone, as defined in § 682.411(1) (with references to “the lender” understood to mean “the agency”) to demand repayment of the loan; and
(B) Send at least three written notices to the borrower forcefully demanding that the borrower immediately commence repayment of the loan, and informing the borrower that the default has been reported to all national credit bureaus (if that is the case) and that the borrower's credit rating may thereby have been damaged. The final notice also must indicate that it is the final notice the borrower will receive before the agency will take more forceful action, including the initiation of procedures to garnish the borrower's wages, or to offset the borrower's state and Federal income tax refunds, or instituting a civil suit to compel repayment of the amount that the borrower owes plus related collection costs.
(v) At no point during the periods described in paragraphs (b)(6) (iii) and (iv) of this section may the agency permit the occurrence of a gap in collection activity of more than 60 days.
(vi) For purposes of paragraph (b)(6)(v) of this section, the term
(A) Beginning on the date that is the day after—
(
(
(
(B) Ending on the date of the earliest of —
(
(
(
(vii) After 181 days:
(A) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(6)(vii)(B) of this section, during this period but not sooner than 30 days after sending the notice described in paragraph (b)(5)(vi) of this section, the agency shall initiate proceedings to offset the borrower's state and Federal income tax refunds and other payments made by the Federal Government to a borrower, and shall initiate administrative wage garnishment proceedings against the borrower by the 225th day. If the agency determines that the borrower has insufficient income to satisfy the debt through wage garnishment, but has assets from which the debt can be satisfied, the agency shall assign the loan to the Department. The agency must not file suit to collect a loan from a borrower unless directed to do so by the Secretary.
(B) The agency need not file suit if the agency determines and documents in the borrower's file that—
(
(
(viii)(A) If as a result of a determination made pursuant to paragraph (B)(6)(vii)(D)(
(B) If the agency determines that the borrower has acquired the means to satisfy at least a substantial portion of the debt and that the cost of litigation would not exceed the amount likely to be obtained if litigation were begun, then, if subsequent collection efforts are not successful, the agency, no later than 60 days after the determination, shall institute a civil suit against the borrower for repayment of the loan.
(C) The guaranty agency shall document in the borrower's file determinations made pursuant to this paragraph.
(ix)(A) The agency shall attempt diligently to enforce a judgment obtained against a borrower on a loan and shall ensure that the judgment is renewed as permitted by applicable law. If, despite diligent attempts, the agency cannot
(B) If the agency determines that the borrower has acquired sufficient attachable assets or income to satisfy the remainder of the judgment and that the cost of enforcing the judgment would not exceed the likely recovery, the agency, not later than 60 days thereafter, shall notify the borrower in writing of its intention to resume enforcement efforts on the judgment unless the borrower makes payment in full of all outstanding amounts.
(C) If the borrower does not make payment in full within 30 days of the date the agency sends the notice described in paragraph (b)(6)(ix)(B) of this section, the agency, within 30 days thereafter, shall proceed to enforce the remainder of the judgment.
(x) The agency may discontinue conducting the semi-annual inquiries concerning a borrower's means required by paragraphs (b)(6) (viii) and (ix) of this section only in accordance with criteria and procedures approved by the Secretary.
(xi) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b)(6)(vii)-(x) of this section, the agency shall file a civil suit against the borrower for repayment of the loan, and shall enforce a judgment obtained thereon unless the agency—
(A) Determines and documents in the borrower's file that the cost of litigation would exceed the judgment amount likely to be obtained if litigation were begun, or, in the case of a proceeding to enforce a judgment, that the cost of such a proceeding would exceed the likely recovery from the debtor; or
(B) Previously has discontinued semi-annual inquiries on the debt in accordance with paragraph (b)(6)(x) of this section.
(xii) Not later than 10 days after its receipt of information indicating that it does not know the current address of a borrower on a loan on which the agency has neither declined to sue under paragraph (b)(6)(vii)(B) of this section nor discontinued semi-annual inquiries under paragraph (b)(6)(x) of this section, or the 60th day after its payment of a default claim on the loan, whichever is later, the agency shall attempt diligently to locate the borrower through the use of all available skip-tracing techniques, including, but not limited to, any skip-tracing assistance available from the IRS, credit bureaus, and state motor vehicle departments. A guaranty agency shall use any information provided by a school about a borrower's location in conducting skip-tracing activities.
(7)
(ii) Upon receipt of a payment from a borrower, the agency is not required to follow the specific collection efforts described in paragraphs (b)(7)(iii)-(vi) of this section but shall diligently attempt to collect the loan for 60 days following receipt of the payment. If the agency receives no payments during the 60-day period, the agency shall resume its use of the collection efforts described in paragraphs (b)(7)(iii)-(vi) of this section, treating the first day after the end of the 60-day period as the first day of the period described in paragraph (b)(7)(iv) of this section.
(iii) 1-30 days: During this period the agency shall send to the borrower the written notice described in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section.
(iv)(A) 31-180 days: During this period the guaranty agency shall attempt diligently to collect the loan using such collection tools and activities as it deems appropriate, provided, however, that the agency must make at least one diligent effort to contact the borrower by telephone, as defined in § 682.411(l) (with references to “the lender” understood to mean “the agency”), and send at least two forceful collection letters to the borrower.
(B) By the end of this period, the agency shall refer the loan to a collection contractor in accordance with paragraph (b)(7)(iv)(C) of this section.
(C) The collection contractor to whom the agency refers a loan under paragraph (b)(7)(iv)(B) of this section must—
(
(
(
(v) Notwithstanding the deadline for instituting a civil suit set forth in paragraph (b)(6)(vii) of this section, an agency that uses the procedures in paragraphs (b)(7)(i)-(iv) of this section shall institute a civil suit required by that paragraph prior to the earliest of—
(A) The 90th day following the collection contractor's return of the loan to the agency; or
(B) The 365th day following the later of the agency's referral of the loan to the collection contractor, or the contractor's receipt of a payment on the loan.
(8)
(ii) Upon the payment of a claim under a policy described in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section, the guaranty agency shall—
(A) Perform the loan servicing functions required of a lender under § 682.208, except that the agency is not required to follow the credit bureau reporting requirements of that section;
(B) Perform the functions of the lender during the repayment period of the loan, as required under § 682.209;
(C) If the borrower is delinquent in repaying the loan at the time the agency pays a claim thereon to the lender or becomes delinquent while the agency holds the loan, exercise due diligence in accordance with § 682.411 in attempting to collect the loan from the borrower and any endorser or co-maker; and
(D) After the date of default on the loan, if any, comply with paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section with respect to collection activities on the loan, with the date of default treated as the claim payment date for purposes of those paragraphs.
(9)
(10)
(A) The employer shall deduct and pay to the agency from a borrower's wages an amount that does not exceed the lesser of 10 percent of the borrower's disposable pay for each pay period or the amount permitted by 15 U.S.C. 1673, unless the borrower provides the agency with written consent to deduct a greater amount. For this purpose, the term “disposable pay” means that part of the borrower's compensation from an employer remaining after the deduction of any amounts required by law to be withheld.
(B) At least 30 days before the initiation of garnishment proceedings, the guaranty agency shall mail to the borrower's last known address, a written notice of the nature and amount of the debt, the intention of the agency to initiate proceedings to collect the debt through deductions from pay, and an explanation of the borrower's rights.
(C) The guaranty agency shall offer the borrower an opportunity to inspect and copy agency records related to the debt.
(D) The guaranty agency shall offer the borrower an opportunity to enter into a written repayment agreement with the agency under terms agreeable to the agency.
(E) The guaranty agency shall offer the borrower an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with paragraph (b)(10)(i)(J) of this section concerning the existence or the amount of the debt and, in the case of a borrower whose proposed repayment schedule under the garnishment order is established other than by a written agreement under paragraph (b)(10)(i)(D) of this section, the terms of the repayment schedule.
(F) The guaranty agency shall sue any employer for any amount that the employer, after receipt of the garnishment notice provided by the agency under paragraph (b)(10)(i)(H) of this section, fails to withhold from wages owed and payable to an employee under the employer's normal pay and disbursement cycle.
(G) The guaranty agency may not garnish the wages of a borrower whom it knows has been involuntarily separated from employment until the borrower has been reemployed continuously for at least 12 months.
(H) Unless the guaranty agency receives information that the agency believes justifies a delay or cancellation of the withholding order, it shall send a withholding order to the employer within 20 days after the borrower fails to make a timely request for a hearing, or, if a timely request for a hearing is made by the borrower, within 20 days after a final decision is made by the agency to proceed with garnishment.
(I) The notice given to the employer under paragraph (b)(10)(i)(H) of this section must contain only the information as may be necessary for the employer to comply with the withholding order.
(J) The guaranty agency shall provide a hearing, which, at the borrower's option, may be oral or written, if the borrower submits a written request for a hearing on the existence or amount of the debt or the terms of the repayment schedule. The time and location of the hearing shall be established by the agency. An oral hearing may, at the borrower's option, be conducted either in-person or by telephone conference. All telephonic charges must be the responsibility of the guaranty agency.
(K) If the borrower's written request is received by the guaranty agency on or before the 15th day following the borrower's receipt of the notice described in paragraph (b)(10)(i)(B) of this section, the guaranty agency may not issue a withholding order until the borrower has been provided the requested hearing. For purposes of this paragraph, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, a borrower shall be considered to have received the notice described in paragraph (b)(10)(i)(B) of this section 5 days after it was mailed by the agency. The guaranty agency shall provide a hearing to the borrower in sufficient time to permit a decision, in accordance with the procedures that the agency may prescribe, to be rendered within 60 days.
(L) If the borrower's written request is received by the guaranty agency after the 15th day following the borrower's receipt of the notice described in paragraph (b)(10)(i)(B) of this section, the guaranty agency shall provide a hearing to the borrower in sufficient time that a decision, in accordance with the procedures that the agency may prescribe, may be rendered within 60 days, but may not delay issuance of a withholding order unless the agency determines that the delay in filing the request was caused by factors over which the borrower had no control, or the agency receives information that the agency believes justifies a delay or cancellation of the withholding order. For purposes of this paragraph, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, a borrower shall be considered to have received the notice described in paragraph (b)(10)(i)(B) of this section 5 days after it was mailed by the agency.
(M) The hearing official appointed by the agency to conduct the hearing may be any qualified individual, including an administrative law judge, not under the supervision or control of the head of the guaranty agency.
(N) The hearing official shall issue a final written decision at the earliest practicable date, but not later than 60 days after the guaranty agency's receipt of the borrower's hearing request.
(O) As specified in section 488A(a)(8) of the HEA, the borrower may seek judicial relief, including punitive damages, if the employer discharges, refuses to employ, or takes disciplinary action against the borrower due to the issuance of a withholding order.
(ii) References to “the borrower” in this paragraph include all endorsers on a loan.
(11)
(A) Prohibit any employee, officer, director, trustee, or agent from participating in the selection, award, or decision-making related to the administration of a contract or agreement supported by the reserve fund described in paragraph (a) of this section, if that participation would create a conflict of interest. Such a conflict would arise if the employee, officer, director, trustee, or agent, or any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization that employs or is about to employ any of those parties has a financial or ownership interest in the organization selected for an award or would benefit from the decision made in the administration of the contract or agreement. The prohibitions described in this paragraph do not apply to employees of a State agency covered by codes of conduct established under State law;
(B) Ensure sufficient separation of responsibility and authority between its lender claims processing as a guaranty agency and its lending or loan servicing activities, or both, within the guaranty agency or between that agency and one or more affiliates, including independence in direct reporting requirements and such management and systems controls as may be necessary to demonstrate, in the independent audit required under § 682.410(b)(1), that claims filed by another arm of the guaranty agency or by an affiliate of that agency receive no more favorable treatment than that accorded the claims filed by a lender or servicer that is not an affiliate or part of the guaranty agency; and
(C) Prohibit the employees, officers, directors, trustees, and agents of the guaranty agency, his or her partner, or any member of his or her immediate family, from soliciting or accepting gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors or parties to agreements, except that nominal and unsolicited gratuities, favors, or items may be accepted.
(ii)
(c)
(1) Conducting comprehensive biennial on-site program reviews, using statistically valid techniques to calculate liabilities to the Secretary that each review indicates may exist, of at least—
(i)(A) Each participating lender whose dollar volume of FFEL loans made or held by the lender and guaranteed by the agency in the preceding year—
(
(
(
(B) Each lender described in section 435(d)(1)(D) or (J) of the Act that is located in any State in which the agency is the principal guarantor as defined in § 682.800(d), and, at the option of each guaranty agency, the Student Loan Marketing Association; and
(C) Each participating school, located in a State for which the guaranty agency is the principal guaranty agency, that has a cohort default rate, as defined in 34 CFR 668.15, for either of the two immediately preceding fiscal years, as defined in § 668.15, that exceeds 20 percent, unless the school is under a mandate from the Secretary under § 668.15 to take specific default reduction measures or if the total dollar amount of loans entering repayment in each fiscal year on which the default rate over 20 percent is based does not exceed $100,000; or
(ii) The schools and lenders selected by the agency as an alternative to the reviews required by paragraphs (c)(1)(A)-(C) of this section if the Secretary approves the agency's proposed alternative selection methodology.
(2) Demanding prompt repayment by the responsible parties to lenders, borrowers, the agency, or the Secretary, as appropriate, of all funds found in those reviews to be owed by the participants with regard to loans guaranteed by the agency, whether or not the agency holds the loans, and monitoring the implementation by participants of corrective actions, including these repayments, required by the agency as a result of those reviews.
(3) Referring to the Secretary for further enforcement action any case in which repayment of funds to the Secretary is not made in full within 60 days of the date of the agency's written demand to the school, lender, or other party for payment, together with all supporting documentation, any correspondence, and any other documentation submitted by that party regarding the repayment.
(4) Adopting procedures for identifying fraudulent loan applications.
(5) Undertaking or arranging with State or local law enforcement agencies for the prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations and indications of criminal or other programmatic misconduct by its program participants, including violations of Federal law or regulations.
(6) Promptly referring to appropriate State and local regulatory agencies and to nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations for investigation information received by the guaranty agency that may affect the retention or renewal of the license or accreditation of a program participant.
(7) Promptly reporting all of the allegations and indications of misconduct having a substantial basis in fact, and the scope, progress, and results of the agency's investigations thereof to the Secretary.
(8) Referring appropriate cases to State or local authorities for criminal prosecution or civil litigation.
(9) Promptly notifying the Secretary of—
(i) Any action it takes affecting the FFEL program eligibility of a participating lender or school;
(ii) Information it receives regarding an action affecting the FFEL program eligibility of a participating lender or school taken by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, association, or a State licensing agency;
(iii) Any judicial or administrative proceeding relating to the enforceability of FFEL loans guaranteed by the agency or in which tuition obligations of a school's students are directly at issue, other than a proceeding relating to a single borrower or student; and
(iv) Any petition for relief in bankruptcy, application for receivership, or corporate dissolution proceeding brought by or against a school or lender participating in its loan guarantee program.
(10) Cooperating with all program reviews, investigations, and audits conducted by the Secretary relating to the agency's loan guarantee program.
(11) Taking prompt action to protect the rights of borrowers and the Federal fiscal interest respecting loans that the agency has guaranteed when the agency learns that a participating school or holder of loans is experiencing problems that threaten the solvency of the school or holder, including—
(i) Conducting on-site program reviews;
(ii) Providing training and technical assistance, if appropriate;
(iii) Filing a proof of claim with a bankruptcy court for recovery of any funds due the agency and any refunds due to borrowers on FFEL loans that it has guaranteed when the agency learns that a school has filed a bankruptcy petition;
(iv) Promptly notifying the Secretary that the agency has determined that a school or holder of loans is experiencing potential solvency problems; and
(v) Promptly notifying the Secretary of the results of any actions taken by the agency to protect Federal funds involving such a school or holder.
(a)
(b)
(2) At no point during the periods specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section may the lender permit the occurrence of a gap in collection activity, as defined in paragraph (i) of this section, of more than 45 days (60 days in the case of a transfer).
(c)
(d)
(2) At least two of the collection letters required under paragraph (d)(1) of
(3) Following the lender's receipt of a payment on the loan or a correct address for the borrower, the lender's receipt from the drawee of a dishonored check received as a payment on the loan, the lender's receipt of a correct telephone number for the borrower, or the expiration of an authorized deferment or forbearance period, the lender is required to engage in only—
(i) Two diligent efforts to contact the borrower by telephone during this period, if the loan is less than 91 days delinquent (121 days delinquent for a loan repayable in installments less frequent than monthly) upon receipt of the payment, correct address, or returned check, or expiration of the deferment or forbearance; or
(ii) One diligent effort to contact the borrower by telephone if the loan is 91-120 days delinquent (121-180 days delinquent for a loan repayable in installments less frequent than monthly) upon receipt of the payment, correct address, or returned check, or expiration of the deferment of forbearance.
(4) A lender need not attempt to contact by telephone any borrower—
(i) Who is incarcerated;
(ii) Who is residing outside of a State, Mexico or Canada;
(iii) Whose telephone number is unknown;
(iv) Who is more than 120 days delinquent (180 days delinquent for a loan repayable in installments less frequent than monthly) following the lender's receipt of—
(A) A payment on the loan;
(B) A correct address for the borrower;
(C) A dishonored check received from the drawee as a payment on the loan; or
(D) The expiration of an authorized deferment or forbearance.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(2) Upon receipt of information indicating that it does not know the borrower's current address, the lender shall discontinue the collection efforts
(3) If the lender is unable to ascertain the borrower's current address despite its performance of the activities described in paragraph (g)(1) of this section, the lender is excused thereafter from performance of the collection activities described in paragraphs (c)-(e) and (k)(1) through (k)(3) and (k)(5) of this section unless it receives communication indicating the borrower's address before the 151st day of delinquency (the 211th day for loans payable in less frequent installments than monthly).
(4) The activities specified by paragraphs (l)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section (with references to “the borrower” understood to mean endorser, reference, relative, individual or entity as appropriate) meet the requirement that the lender make a diligent effort to contact each individual identified in the borrower's loan file.
(h)
(i)
(1) Beginning on the date that is the day after—
(i) The due date of a payment unless the lender does not know the borrower's address on that date;
(ii) The day on which the lender receives a payment on a loan that remains delinquent notwithstanding the payment;
(iii) The day on which the lender receives the correct address for a delinquent borrower;
(iv) The day on which the lender completes a collection activity;
(v) The day on which the lender receives a dishonored check submitted as a payment on the loan;
(vi) The expiration of an authorized deferment or forbearance period on a delinquent loan; or
(vii) The day the lender receives information indicating it does not know the borrower's current address; and
(2) Ending on the date of the earliest of—
(i) The day on which the lender receives the first subsequent payment or completed deferment request or forbearance agreement;
(ii) The day on which the lender begins the first subsequent collection activity;
(iii) The day on which the lender receives written communication from the borrower relating to his or her account; or
(iv) Default.
(j)
(k)
(1) Mailing or otherwise transmitting to the borrower at an address that the lender reasonably believes to be the borrower's current address a collection letter or final demand letter that satisfies the timing and content requirements of paragraphs (c), (d), or (e) of this section;
(2) Making an attempt to contact the borrower by telephone to urge the borrower to begin or resume repayment;
(3) Conducting skip-tracing efforts, in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this section, to locate a borrower whose correct address or telephone number is unknown to the lender;
(4) Mailing or otherwise transmitting to the guaranty agency a request for preclaims assistance available from the agency on the loan at the time the request is transmitted; or
(5) Any telephone discussion or personal contact with the borrower so long as the borrower is apprised of the account's past-due status.
(l)
(i) A successful effort to contact the borrower by telephone;
(ii) At least two unsuccessful attempts to contact the borrower by telephone at a number that the lender reasonably believes to be the borrower's correct telephone number; or
(iii) An unsuccessful effort to ascertain the correct telephone number of a borrower, including, but not limited to, a directory assistance inquiry as to the borrower's telephone number, and a diligent effort to contact each reference, relative, and individual identified in the most recent loan application for that borrower held by the lender. The lender may contact a school official other than the financial aid administrator who reasonably may be expected to know the borrower's address.
(2) If the lender is unable to ascertain the borrower's correct telephone number despite its performance of the activities described in paragraph (l)(1)(iii) of this section, the lender is excused thereafter from attempting to contact the borrower by telephone unless it receives a communication indicating the borrower's current telephone number before the 120th day of delinquency (the 150th day for loans repayable in installments less frequent than monthly).
(3) The activities specified by paragraphs (l)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section (with references to “the borrower” understood to mean endorser, reference, relative or individual as appropriate), meet the requirement that the lender make a diligent effort to contact each endorser or each reference, relative or individual identified on the borrower's most recent loan application.
(m)
(i) Make a diligent effort to contact the endorser by telephone; and
(ii) Send the endorser on the loan two letters advising the endorser of the delinquent status of the loan and urging the endorser to make the required payments on the loan with at least one letter containing the information described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section (with references to “the borrower” understood to mean the endorser).
(2) On or after the 151st day of delinquency, (the 211th day for loans payable in less frequent installments than monthly) the lender shall send a final demand letter to the endorser requiring repayment of the loan in full and notifying the endorser that a default will be reported to a national credit bureau. The lender shall allow the endorser at least 30 days after the date the letter is mailed to respond to the final demand letter and to bring the loan current before filing a default claim on the loan.
(3) Unless the letter specified under paragraph (m)(2) of this section has already been sent, upon receipt of information indicating that it does not know the endorser's current address or telephone number, the lender must diligently attempt to locate the endorser through the use of normal commercial skip-tracing techniques. This effort must include an inquiry to directory assistance.
(n)
(a) The lender shall immediately send to the borrower a final demand letter meeting the requirements of § 682.411(e) when it learns and can substantiate that the borrower or the student on whose behalf a parent has borrowed, without the lender or school's knowledge at the time the loan was made, provided false or erroneous information or took actions that caused the student or borrower—
(1) To be ineligible for all or a portion of a loan made under this part;
(2) To receive a Stafford loan subject to payment of Federal interest benefits as provided under § 682.301 for which he or she was ineligible; or
(3) To receive loan proceeds for a period of enrollment from which he or she has withdrawn or been expelled prior to the first day of classes or during which he or she failed to attend school and has not paid those funds to the school or repaid them to the lender.
(b) The lender shall neither bill the Secretary for nor be entitled to interest benefits on a loan after it learns that one of the conditions described in paragraph (a) of this section exists with respect to the loan.
(c) In the final demand letter transmitted under paragraph (a) of this section, the lender shall demand that within 30 days from the date the letter is mailed the borrower repay in full any principal amount for which the borrower is ineligible and any accrued interest, including interest and all special allowance paid by the Secretary.
(d) If the borrower repays the amounts described in paragraph (c) of this section within the 30-day period, the lender shall—
(1) On its next quarterly interest billing submitted under § 682.305, refund to the Secretary the interest benefits and special allowance repaid by the borrower and all other interest benefits and special allowance previously paid by the Secretary on the ineligible portion of the loan; and
(2) Treat that payment of the principal amount of the ineligible portion of the loan as a prepayment of principal.
(e) If a borrower fails to comply with the terms of a final demand letter described in paragraph (a) of this section, the lender shall treat the entire loan as in default, and—
(1) With its next quarterly interest billing submitted under § 682.305, refund to the Secretary the amount of the interest benefits received from the Secretary on the ineligible portion of the loan, whether or not repaid by the borrower; and
(2) Within the time specified in § 682.406(a)(5), file a default claim thereon with the guaranty agency for the entire unpaid balance of principal and accrued interest.
(a)(1) The Secretary requires a lender and its third-party servicer administering any aspect of the FFEL programs under a contract with the lender to repay interest benefits and special allowance or other compensation received on a loan guaranteed by a guaranty agency, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section—
(i) For any period beginning on the date of a failure by the lender or servicer, with respect to the loan, to comply with any of the requirements set forth in § 682.406(a)(1)-(a)(6), (a)(9), and (a)(12);
(ii) For any period beginning on the date of a failure by the lender or servicer, with respect to the loan, to meet a condition of guarantee coverage established by the guaranty agency, to the date, if any, on which the guaranty agency reinstated the guarantee coverage pursuant to policies and procedures established by the agency;
(iii) For any period in which the lender or servicer, with respect to the loan, violates the requirements of subpart C of this part; and
(iv) For any period beginning on the day after the Secretary's obligation to pay special allowance on the loan terminates under § 682.302(d).
(2) For purposes of this section, a lender and any applicable third-party servicer shall be considered jointly and severally liable for the repayment of any interest benefits and special allowance paid as a result of a violation of applicable requirements by the servicer in administering the lender's FFEL programs.
(3) For purposes of paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the relevant third-party
(i) The Secretary has determined that the servicer is jointly and severally liable for the liabilities; and
(ii) (A) The lender has not repaid in full the amount of the liability within 30 days from the date the lender receives notice from the Secretary of the liability;
(B) The lender has not made other satisfactory arrangements to pay the amount of the liability within 30 days from the date the lender receives notice from the Secretary of the liability; or
(C) The Secretary is unable to collect the liability from the lender by offsetting the lender's bill to the Secretary for interest benefits or special allowance, if—
(
(
(b)(1) The Secretary requires a guaranty agency to repay reinsurance payments received on a loan if the lender, third-party servicer, if applicable, or the agency failed to meet the requirements of § 682.406(a).
(2) The Secretary may require a guaranty agency to repay reinsurance payments received on a loan or to assign FFEL loans to the Department if the agency fails to meet the requirements of § 682.410.
(c)(1) In addition to requiring repayment of reinsurance payments pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, the Secretary may take one or more of the following remedial actions against a guaranty agency or third-party servicer administering any aspect of the FFEL programs under a contract with the guaranty agency, that makes an incomplete or incorrect statement in connection with any agreement entered into under this part or violates any applicable Federal requirement:
(i) Require the agency to return payments made by the Secretary to the agency.
(ii) Withhold payments to the agency.
(iii) Limit the terms and conditions of the agency's continued participation in the FFEL programs.
(iv) Suspend or terminate agreements with the agency.
(v) Impose a fine on the agency or servicer. For purposes of assessing a fine on a third-party servicer, a repeated mechanical systemic unintentional error shall be counted as one violation, unless the servicer has been cited for a similar violation previously and had failed to make the appropriate corrections to the system.
(vi) Require repayment from the agency and servicer pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section, of interest, special allowance, and reinsurance paid on Consolidation loan amounts attributed to Consolidation loans that violate § 682.206(f)(1).
(vii) Require repayment from the agency or servicer, pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section, of any related payments that the Secretary became obligated to make to others as a result of an incomplete or incorrect statement or a violation of an applicable Federal requirement.
(2) For purposes of this section, a guaranty agency and any applicable third-party servicer shall be considered jointly and severally liable for the repayment of any interest benefits, special allowance, reinsurance paid, or other compensation on Consolidation loan amounts attributed to Consolidation loans that violate § 682.206(f)(1) as a result of a violation by the servicer administering any aspect of the FFEL programs under a contract with that guaranty agency.
(3) For purposes of paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the relevant third-party servicer shall repay any outstanding liabilities under paragraph (c)(2) of this section only if—
(i) The Secretary has determined that the servicer is jointly and severally liable for the liabilities; and
(ii) (A) The guaranty agency has not repaid in full the amount of the liability within 30 days from the date the guaranty agency receives notice from the Secretary of the liability;
(B) The guaranty agency has not made other satisfactory arrangements to pay the amount of the liability
(C) The Secretary is unable to collect the liability from the guaranty agency by offsetting the guaranty agency's first reinsurance claim to the Secretary, if—
(
(
(d)(1) The Secretary follows the procedures described in 34 CFR part 668, subpart G, applicable to fine proceedings against schools, in imposing a fine against a lender, guaranty agency, or third-party servicer. References to “the institution” in those regulations shall be understood to mean the lender, guaranty agency, or third-party servicer, as applicable, for this purpose.
(2) The Secretary also follows the provisions of section 432(g) of the Act in imposing a fine against a guaranty agency or lender.
(e)(1) The Secretary's decision to require repayment of funds, withhold funds, or to limit, suspend, or terminate a lender, agency, or third-party servicer from participation in the FFEL programs does not become final until the Secretary provides the lender, agency, or servicer with written notice of the intended action and an opportunity to be heard thereon, at a time and in a manner the Secretary determines to be appropriate to the resolution of the issues on which the lender, agency, or servicer requests an opportunity to be heard.
(2)(i) The Secretary may withhold payments from an agency or suspend an agreement with an agency prior to giving notice and an opportunity to be heard if the Secretary finds that emergency action is necessary to prevent substantial harm to Federal interests.
(ii) The Secretary follows the notice and show cause procedures described in § 682.704 applicable to emergency actions against lenders in taking an emergency action against a guaranty agency.
(3) The Secretary follows the procedures in 34 CFR 30.20-30.32 in collecting a debt by offset against payments otherwise due a guaranty agency or lender.
(f) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a)-(e) of this section, the Secretary may waive the right to require repayment of funds by a lender or agency if in the Secretary's judgment the best interests of the United States so require. The Secretary's waiver policy for violations of § 682.406(a)(3) or (a)(5) is set forth in appendix D to this part.
(g) The Secretary's final decision to require repayment of funds or to take other remedial action, other than a fine, against a lender or guaranty agency under this section is conclusive and binding on the lender or agency.
A decision by the Secretary under this section is subject to judicial review under 5 U.S.C. 706 and 41 U.S.C. 321-322.
(a)
(ii) The agency shall maintain—
(A) All documentation supporting the claim filed by the lender;
(B) Notices of changes in a borrower's address;
(C) A payment history showing the date and amount of each payment received from or on behalf of the borrower by the guaranty agency, and the amount of each payment that was attributed to principal, accrued interest, and collection costs and other charges, such as late charges;
(D) A collection history showing the date and subject of each communication between the agency and the borrower or endorser relating to collection of a defaulted loan, each communication between the agency and a credit bureau regarding the loan, each effort to locate a borrower whose address was unknown at any time, and each request by the lender for preclaims and supplemental preclaims assistance on the loan;
(E) Documentation regarding any wage garnishment actions initiated by the agency on the loan;
(F) Documentation of any matters relating to the collection of the loan by tax-refund offset; and
(G) Any additional records that are necessary to document its right to receive or retain payments made by the Secretary under this part and the accuracy of reports it submits to the Secretary.
(2) The guaranty agency shall retain records for each loan for at least five years after the loan is paid in full or has been determined to be uncollectible in accordance with the agency's write-off procedures. However, in particular cases the Secretary may require the retention of records beyond this minimum period. For the purpose of this section, the term “paid in full” includes loans paid by the Secretary due to the borrower's death (or student's death in the case of a PLUS loan), the borrower's permanent and total disability or bankruptcy, the discharge of the borrower's loan obligation because of attendance at a closed school, or because the student's eligibility to borrow had been falsely certified by the school.
(3) A guaranty agency shall retain a copy of the audit report required under § 682.410(b) for not less than five years after the report is issued.
(4)(i) The guaranty agency shall require a participating lender to maintain current, complete, and accurate records of each loan that it holds, including, but not limited to, the records described in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section. The records must be maintained in a system that allows ready identification of each loan's current status.
(ii) The lender shall keep—
(A) A copy of the loan application;
(B) A copy of the signed promissory note, including the repayment instrument;
(C) The repayment schedule;
(D) A record of each disbursement of loan proceeds;
(E) Notices of changes in a borrower's address and status as at least a half-time student;
(F) Evidence of the borrower's eligibility for a deferment;
(G) The documents required for the exercise of forbearance;
(H) Documentation of the assignment of the loan;
(I) A payment history showing the date and amount of each payment received from or on behalf of the borrower, and the amount of each payment that was attributed to principal, interest, late charges, and other costs;
(J) A collection history showing the date and subject of each communication between the lender and the borrower or endorser relating to collection of a delinquent loan, each communication other than regular reports by the lender showing that an account is current, between the lender and a credit bureau regarding the loan, each effort to locate a borrower whose address is unknown at any time, and each request by the lender for preclaims assistance on the loan; and
(K) Any additional records that are necessary to document the validity of a claim against the guarantee or the accuracy of reports submitted under this part.
(iii) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(4)(iv) of this section, a lender shall retain the records required for each loan for not less than five years following the date the loan is repaid in full by the borrower or the lender is reimbursed on a claim. However, in particular cases, the Secretary or the guaranty agency may require the retention of records beyond this minimum period.
(iv) A lender shall retain a copy of the audit report required under § 682.305(c) for not less than five years after the report is issued.
(5)(i) A guaranty agency or lender may store the records specified in paragraphs (a)(4)(ii)(C)-(K) of this section
(ii) A lender or guaranty agency holding a promissory note shall retain the original note until the loan is paid in full or assigned to the Secretary. When a loan is paid in full by the borrower, the lender or guaranty agency shall either return the original note to the borrower or notify the borrower under an alternate procedure that is acceptable under State law that the loan is paid in full, and retain a copy for the prescribed period.
(iii) Either the lender or guaranty agency shall retain the original loan application and, until the loan is fully repaid, the promissory note.
(b)
(1) A report concerning the status of the agency's reserve fund and the operation of the agency's loan guarantee program at the time and in the manner that the Secretary may reasonably require. The Secretary does not pay the agency any funds, the amount of which are determined by reference to data in the report, until a complete and accurate report is received.
(2) Annually, for each State in which it operates, a report of the total guaranteed loan volume, default volume, and default rate for each of the following categories of originating lenders on all loans guaranteed after December 31, 1980:
(i) Schools.
(ii) State or private nonprofit lenders.
(iii) Commercial financial institutions (banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions).
(iv) All other types of lenders.
(3) By July 1 of each year, a report on—
(i) Its eligibility criteria for schools and lenders;
(ii) Its procedures for the limitation, suspension, and termination of schools and lenders;
(iii) Any actions taken in the preceding 12 months to limit, suspend, or terminate the participation of a school or lender in the agency's program; and
(iv) The steps the agency has taken to ensure its compliance with § 682.410(c), including the identity of any law enforcement agency with which the agency has made arrangements for that purpose.
(4) Information consisting of those extracts from its computer data base, and supplied in the medium and the format, prescribed in the Stafford, SLS, and PLUS Loan Tape Dump Procedures (ED Forms 1070 and 1071).
(5) Any other information concerning its loan insurance program requested by the Secretary.
(c)
(2) A guaranty agency shall require in its agreement with a lender or in its published rules or procedures that the lender or its agent give the Secretary or the Secretary's designee and the guaranty agency access to the lender's records for inspection and copying in order to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the lender pursuant to § 682.401(b) (21) and (22), and the right of the lender to receive or retain payments made under this part, or to permit the Secretary or the agency to enforce any right acquired by the Secretary or the agency under this part.
(a)(1) A lender or lender servicer (as an agent for an eligible lender) designated for exceptional performance under paragraph (b) of this section shall receive 100 percent reimbursement on all claims submitted for insurance during the 12-month period following the date the lender or lender servicer and appropriate guaranty agencies receive notification of the designation of the eligible lender or lender servicer under paragraph (b) of this section. A guaranty agency or a
(2) To receive a designation for exceptional performance under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a lender, servicer, and guaranty agency must submit to the Secretary—
(i) A written request for designation for exceptional performance that includes—
(A) The applicant's name and address;
(B) A contact person;
(C) Its ED identification number, if applicable;
(D) The name and address of applicable guarantors; and
(E) A copy of an annual financial audit performed in accordance with the Audit Guide developed by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, or one of the following as appropriate:
(
(
(
(ii) If the applicant is a servicer, a statement signed by the owner or chief executive officer of the applicant certifying that the applicant meets the definition of a servicer contained in paragraph (d)(3) of this section; and
(iii)(A) A compliance audit of its loan portfolio, conducted by a qualified independent organization meeting the criteria in paragraph (b)(9) of this section, that yields a compliance performance rating of 97 percent or higher of all due diligence requirements applicable to each loan, on average, with respect to the collection of delinquent or defaulted loans and satisfying the requirements in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section or, if applicable, paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. The audit period may end no more than 90 days prior to the date the lender, servicer or guaranty agency submits its request for designation.
(B) To satisfy the requirement of paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(A) of this section, a servicer may submit its annual compliance audit under 34 CFR 682.416(e), if the servicer includes in its report a measure of its compliance performance rating required under paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(A) of this section, if this audit is performed in accordance with an audit guide developed by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General.
(3) The cost of audits for determining eligibility and continued compliance under this section is the responsibility of the lender, servicer, or guaranty agency.
(4) A lender or servicer shall also submit the information in paragraph (a)(2) (i), (ii), or (iii) of this section to each appropriate guaranty agency.
(5) A lender may be designated for exceptional performance for loans that it services itself. A lender servicer may be designated for exceptional performance only for all loans it services.
(6)(i) To prevent a lapse of a lender's, servicer's, or guaranty agency's exceptional performance status after the end of the 12-month period, the lender, servicer, or guaranty agency shall submit updated information required under paragraph (a)(2) of this section
(ii) Upon the Secretary's determination that the lender, servicer, or guaranty agency maintained at least a 97 percent compliance performance rate and satisfies the other requirements for designation, the Secretary notifies the lender, servicer, or guaranty agency that its redesignation for exceptional performance begins on the date following the last day of the previous 12-month period for which it received designation for exceptional performance. However, a lender's, servicer's, or guaranty agency's designation for exceptional performance continues until it receives notification from the Secretary that its request for redesignation is approved, or that its designation is revoked, under the provisions of paragraph (b)(8)(iii) of this section.
(iii) The Secretary notifies the lender or lender servicer and the appropriate guaranty agency within 60 days after the date the Secretary receives the information, listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, from the eligible lender or lender servicer, that the lender's or lender servicer's reapplication for designation for exceptional performance has been approved or denied. A notice under paragraph (a)(6) of this section is determined to have been received by the lender, servicer, or guaranty agency no later than 3 days after the notice is mailed, unless the lender, servicer, or guaranty agency is able to prove otherwise.
(b)
(i) The annual compliance audit of collection activities required for FFEL Program loans under § 682.411(c) through (h), and (m), if applicable, serviced during the audit period;
(ii) Information from any guaranty agency regarding an eligible lender or lender servicer desiring designation, including, but not limited to, any information suggesting that the lender's or lender servicer's request for designation should not be approved;
(iii) Any other information in the possession of the Secretary, or submitted to the Secretary by any other agency or office of the Federal Government; and
(iv) Evidence indicating that the lender or lender servicer has complied with the requirements for converting FFEL Program loans to repayment under § 682.209(a), and the timely filing requirements under §§ 682.402(e)(2) and 682.406(a)(5), in accordance with the audit guide as published by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. The audit submitted under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section may satisfy this requirement, if a separate sample of loans is used.
(2) The Secretary informs the eligible lender or lender servicer, and the appropriate guaranty agency, that the lender's or lender servicer's request for designation as an exceptional lender or lender servicer has been approved, unless the results of the audit are persuasively rebutted by information under paragraphs (b) (1)(ii) or (iii) of this section. If the request for designation is not approved, the Secretary informs the lender or lender servicer and the appropriate guaranty agency or agencies of the reason the application is not approved.
(3) In calculating a lender's or lender servicer's compliance rating, as referenced in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, the universe for the audit must include all loans in the lender's or lender servicer's FFEL Program portfolio that are serviced during the audit period performed under the Department's regulations in §§ 682.411, 682.209(a), 682.402(e)(2), and 682.406(a)(5). The calculation may consider only due diligence activities applicable to the audit period. The numerator must include the total number of collection activities successfully completed, in accordance with program regulations, that are serviced during the audit period. The denominator must include the total number of collection activities required to be performed, in compliance with program regulations, that are serviced during the audit period. Using statistical sampling and evaluation techniques identified in an audit guide prepared by the Department's Office of Inspector General, a random sample of loans must be selected and evaluated.
(4) The Secretary notifies the lender or lender servicer and the appropriate guaranty agency within 60 days after the date the Secretary receives the information, listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, from the eligible lender or lender servicer, that the lender's or lender servicer's application for designation for exceptional performance has been approved or denied.
(5)(i) Except as provided under paragraph (b)(8) of this section, a guaranty agency may not refuse, solely on the basis of a violation of repayment conversion, due diligence requirements, or timely filing requirements, to pay an eligible lender or lender servicer, designated for exceptional performance, 100 percent of the unpaid principal and interest of all loans for which eligible claims are submitted for insurance payment by that eligible lender or lender servicer. The designation of a lender or lender servicer for exceptional performance applies to loans that have been serviced by the lender or lender servicer for the last 180 days prior to a borrower's default or earlier in the case of death, disability, or bankruptcy.
(ii) A guaranty agency or the Secretary may require the lender or lender servicer to repurchase a loan if the agency determines the loan should not have been submitted as a claim. A guaranty agency may not require repurchase of a loan based solely on the lender's violation of the requirement relating to repayment conversion, due diligence, or timely filing. The guaranty agency must pay claims to a lender or lender servicer designated for exceptional performance in accordance with this paragraph for the one-year period following the date the guaranty agency receives notification of the lender's or lender servicer's designation under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, unless the Secretary notifies the guaranty agency that the lender's or lender servicer's designation for exceptional performance has been revoked.
(6)(i) To maintain its designation for exceptional performance, the lender or lender servicer must have a quarterly compliance audit of the due diligence in collection activities required for FFEL Program loans under § 682.411(c)-(h), and (m), if applicable, and for converting FFEL Program loans to repayment under § 682.209(a) and timely filing requirements under §§ 682.402(e)(2) and 682.406(a)(5) conducted by a qualified independent organization meeting the criteria in paragraph (b)(9) of this section that results in a compliance rating for the quarter of not less than 97 percent. The audit must indicate a compliance performance rating of not less than 97 percent for two consecutive months or 90 percent for any month. The quarterly audit may not include any period covered by the annual financial and compliance audit under paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The results of the quarterly compliance audit must be submitted to the Secretary and to the appropriate guaranty agencies within 90 days following the end of each quarter.
(ii) If a lender or lender servicer has been designated for exceptional performance for at least 15 months, a lender or lender servicer may petition the Secretary for permission to have its internal auditors perform the subsequent quarterly compliance audits required by paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section. If the Secretary approves the request, the lender's or lender servicer's annual audit must assess the reliability of the procedures used by the lender's or lender servicer's internal auditor in performing the quarterly audits.
(iii) The lender or lender servicer shall perform three quarterly audits and one annual audit that includes a representative sample of fourth quarter collection activities to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph.
(7)(i) Insurance payments made on eligible claims submitted by a lender or lender servicer designated for exceptional performance are not subject to additional review of repayment conversion, due diligence, and timely filing requirements, or to required repurchase by the lender or lender servicer, unless the Secretary determines that the eligible lender or lender servicer engaged in fraud or other purposeful misconduct in obtaining designation for exceptional performance. Notwithstanding the payment requirements in this paragraph, nothing prohibits the guaranty agency or the Secretary from reviewing the lender's or lender servicer's activities in regard to the
(ii) A lender or lender servicer designated under this section that fails to service loans or otherwise comply with applicable program regulations is considered in violation of 31 U.S.C. 3729.
(8)(i) The Secretary revokes the designation of a lender or lender servicer for exceptional performance if—
(A) The quarterly compliance audit required under paragraph (b)(6) of this section is submitted to the Secretary and indicates that the lender or lender servicer failed to maintain not less than 97 percent compliance with due diligence standards for the quarter, or not less than 97 percent compliance for 2 consecutive months, or 90 percent for any month; or
(B) Any quarterly audit required in paragraph (b)(6) of this section is not received by the Secretary within 90 days following the end of each quarter.
(ii) The Secretary may revoke the designation of an exceptional lender or lender servicer if—
(A) The Secretary determines the eligible lender or lender servicer failed to maintain an overall level of regulatory compliance consistent with the audit submitted by the lender or lender servicer;
(B) The Secretary has reason to believe the lender or lender servicer may have engaged in fraud in securing its designation for exceptional performance; or
(C) The lender or lender servicer fails to service loans in accordance with program regulations. For purposes of this paragraph, a lender or lender servicer fails to service loans in accordance with program regulations if the Secretary determines that the lender or lender servicer has committed serious and material violations of the regulations.
(iii) The date on which the event or condition occurred is the effective date of the revocation, except for revocation under paragraph (a)(6) of this section, which is effective at the close of the 12-month period for which the lender or lender servicer received designation for exceptional performance.
(9) Public accountants, public accounting firms, and external government audit organizations that meet the qualification and independence standards contained in Government Auditing Standards published by the Comptroller General of the United States are acceptable entities to perform the audits required under paragraphs (a)(3)(iii)(A) and (b)(6) of this section.
(c)(1)(i) Except as provided under paragraph (c)(8) of this section, the Secretary pays the applicable reinsurance rate under section 428(b)(1)(G) of the Act on all claims submitted by a guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer that has been designated for exceptional performance.
(ii) A guaranty agency may be designated for exceptional performance for loans that it services itself.
(iii) A guaranty agency servicer may be designated for exceptional performance for loans it services.
(iv) A guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer is designated for exceptional performance for a 12-month period following the receipt, by the guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer, of the Secretary's notification of designation.
(v) A notice under this paragraph is determined to have been received no later than 3 days after the date the notice is mailed, unless the guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer is able to prove otherwise.
(2) The Secretary determines whether to designate a guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer for exceptional performance based upon—
(i) The annual financial audit and a compliance audit of collection activities, including timely claim payment and timely reinsurance filing required for FFEL Program loans under §§ 682.410(b)(6) (iii) through (xii), and 682.406 (a)(8) and (a)(9), or §§ 682.410(b)(7) and 682.406 (a)(8) and (a)(9); and
(ii) Any other information in the possession of the Secretary.
(3) The Secretary informs the guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer that its request for designation for exceptional performance has been approved, unless the results of the audit are persuasively rebutted by other information received by the Secretary. If the Secretary does not approve the guaranty agency's or guaranty agency servicer's request for designation, the Secretary informs the guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer of the reason the application was not approved.
(4) In calculating a guaranty agency's or guaranty agency servicer's compliance rating, as referenced in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, the Secretary requires that the universe of loans in the audit sample must consist of all loans in the guaranty agency's or guaranty agency servicer's FFEL Program portfolio that are serviced during the audit period performed under the Department's regulations in §§ 682.410(b)(6) (iii) through (xii) and 682.406 (a)(8) and (a)(9) or §§ 682.410(b)(7) and 682.406 (a)(8) and (a)(9). The calculation may consider only the due diligence activities that were or should have been conducted during the audit period. The numerator must include the total number of collection activities successfully completed in accordance with program regulations on loans that were serviced during the audit period. The denominator must include the total number of collection activities required to be performed in compliance with program regulations on loans that were serviced during the audit period. Using statistical sampling and evaluation techniques identified in an audit guide prepared by the Department's Office of Inspector General, a random sample of loans must be selected and evaluated.
(5) The Secretary notifies a guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer, within 60 days after the date the Secretary receives the information listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section whether the guaranty agency's or guaranty agency servicer's application for designation for exceptional performance has been approved or denied.
(6)(i) To maintain its status as an exceptional guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer, the guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer must have a quarterly compliance audit of the due diligence in collection activities of defaulted FFEL Program loans under §§ 682.410(b)(6) (iii) through (xii) and 682.406 (a)(8) and (a)(9) or 682.410(b)(7) and 682.406(a)(8) and (a)(9) conducted by a qualified independent organization meeting the criteria in paragraph (c)(9) of this section. The audit must yield a compliance performance rating of not less than 97 percent. The quarterly audit may not include any period covered by the annual financial and compliance audit required under paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The results of the quarterly compliance audit must be submitted to the Secretary within 90 days following the end of each quarter.
(ii) If the guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer has been designated for exceptional performance for at least 15 months, the guaranty agency or a guaranty agency servicer may petition the Secretary for permission to have its internal auditors perform subsequent quarterly compliance audits required by paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this section. If the Secretary approves the request, the guaranty agency's or guaranty agency servicer's annual audit must assess the reliability of the procedures used by the guaranty agency's or the guaranty agency servicer's internal auditor in performing the quarterly audits.
(7)(i) Payments of reinsurance made on claims, under the FFEL Program, submitted by a guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer designated for exceptional performance are not subject to repayment based on additional review of due diligence activities, including timely claim payment, or timely filing for reinsurance covering a period during which the guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer was designated for any reason other than a determination by the Secretary that the eligible guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer engaged in fraud or other purposeful misconduct in obtaining designation for exceptional performance.
(ii) A guaranty agency designated under this section that fails to servicer loans or otherwise comply with applicable program regulations is considered in violation of 31 U.S.C. 3729.
(8)(i) The Secretary may revoke the designation of a guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer for exceptional performance if the Secretary has reason to believe the guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer fraudulently obtained its designation for exceptional performance.
(ii) The Secretary may revoke the designation for exceptional performance upon 30 days’ notice, and an opportunity for a hearing before the Secretary, if the Secretary finds that the guaranty agency or guaranty agency servicer failed to maintain an acceptable overall level of regulatory compliance.
(9) A qualified independent organization is an organization that meets the criteria in paragraph (b)(9) of this section.
(d)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(i) Has substantial experience in servicing and collecting consumer loans or student loans;
(ii) Has an annual independent financial audit that is furnished to the Secretary and any other parties designated by the Secretary;
(iii) Has business systems capable of meeting the requirements of part B of title IV of the Act and applicable regulations;
(iv) Has adequate personnel knowledgeable about the student loan programs authorized by part B of title IV of the Act; and
(v) Does not knowingly have any owner, majority shareholder, director, or officer of the entity who has been convicted of a felony.
(a)
(1) Provides the services and administrative resources necessary to fulfill its contract with a lender or guaranty agency, and conducts all of its contractual obligations that apply to the FFEL programs in accordance with FFEL programs regulations;
(2) Has business systems including combined automated and manual systems, that are capable of meeting the requirements of part B of Title IV of the Act and with the FFEL programs regulations; and
(3) Has adequate personnel who are knowledgeable about the FFEL programs.
(b)
(c)
(2) In response to a request from the Secretary, the servicer shall provide evidence to demonstrate that it meets the administrative capability and financial responsibility standards in this section.
(3) The servicer may also provide evidence of why administrative action is unwarranted if it is unable to demonstrate that it meets the standards of this section.
(4) Based on the review of the materials provided by the servicer, the Secretary determines if the servicer meets the standards in this part. If the servicer does not, the Secretary may initiate an administrative proceeding under subpart G.
(d)
(1)(i) The servicer; its owner, majority shareholder, or chief executive officer; any person employed by the servicer in a capacity that involves the administration of a Title IV, HEA program or the receipt of Title IV, HEA program funds; any person, entity, or officer or employee of an entity with which the servicer contracts where that person, entity, or officer or employee of the entity acts in a capacity that involves the administration of a Title IV, HEA program or the receipt of Title IV, HEA program funds has been convicted of, or has pled
(A) The funds that were fraudulently obtained, or criminally acquired, used, or expended have been repaid to the United States, and any related financial penalty has been paid;
(B) The persons who were convicted of, or pled
(C) At least five years have elapsed from the date of the conviction,
(ii) The servicer, or any principal or affiliate of the servicer (as those terms are defined in 34 CFR part 85), is—
(A) Debarred or suspended under Executive Order (E.O.) 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; or
(B) Engaging in any activity that is a cause under 34 CFR 85.305 or 85.405 for debarment or suspension under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; and
(2) Upon learning of a conviction, plea, or administrative or judicial determination described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the servicer does not promptly remove the person, agency, or organization from any involvement in the administration of the servicer's participation in Title IV, HEA programs, including, as applicable, the removal or elimination of any substantial control, as determined under 34 CFR 668.15, over the servicer.
(e)
(i) The servicer contracts with only one lender or guaranty agency; and
(ii) The audit of that lender's or guaranty agency's FFEL programs involves every aspect of the servicer's administration of those FFEL programs.
(2) The audit must—
(i) Examine the servicer's compliance with the Act and applicable regulations;
(ii) Examine the servicer's financial management of its FFEL program activities;
(iii) Be conducted in accordance with the standards for audits issued by the United States General Accounting Office's (GAO's)
(iv) Except for the initial audit, be conducted at least annually and be submitted to the Secretary within six months of the end of the audit period. The initial audit must be an annual audit of the servicer's first full fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 1994, and include any period from the beginning of the first full fiscal year. The audit report must be submitted to the Secretary within six months of the end of the audit period. Each subsequent
(3) With regard to a third-party servicer that is a governmental entity, the audit required by this paragraph must be conducted in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 7502 and 34 CFR part 80, appendix G.
(4) With regard to a third-party servicer that is a nonprofit organization, the audit required by this paragraph must be conducted in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133, “Audit of Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit Institutions,” as incorporated in 34 CFR 74.61(h)(3).
(f)
(a)
(1) A guaranty agency must return to the Secretary a portion of its reserve funds which the Secretary has determined is unnecessary to pay the program expenses and contingent liabilities of the agency; and
(2) A guaranty agency must require the return to the agency or the Secretary of reserve funds or assets within the meaning of section 422(g)(1) of the Act held by or under the control of any other entity, which the Secretary determines are necessary to pay the program expenses and contingent liabilities of the agency or which are required for the orderly termination of the guaranty agency's operations and the liquidation of its assets.
(b)
(2) If the Secretary initiates a process to recover unnecessary reserve funds, the Secretary requires the return of a portion of the reserve funds that the Secretary determines will permit the agency to—
(i) Have a reserve fund ratio of at least 2.0 percent under § 682.410(a)(10) at the time of the determination; and
(ii) Meet the minimum reserve fund requirements under § 682.410(a)(10) and retain sufficient additional reserve funds to perform its responsibilities as a guaranty agency during the current Federal fiscal year and the four succeeding Federal fiscal years.
(3)(i) The Secretary makes a determination of the amount of the reserve funds needed by the guaranty agency under paragraph (b)(2) of this section on the basis of financial projections for the period described in that paragraph. If the agency provides projections for a period longer than the period referred to in that paragraph, the Secretary may consider those projections.
(ii) The Secretary may require a guaranty agency to provide financial projections in a form and on the basis of assumptions prescribed by the Secretary. If the Secretary requests the
(c)
(2) The notice—
(i) Informs the guaranty agency of the Secretary's determination that the reserve funds or assets must be returned;
(ii) Describes the basis for the Secretary's determination and contains sufficient information to allow the guaranty agency to prepare and present an appeal;
(iii) States the date by which the return of reserve funds or assets must be completed;
(iv) Describes the process for appealing the determination, including the time for filing an appeal and the procedure for doing so; and
(v) Identifies any actions that the guaranty agency must take to ensure that the reserve funds or assets that are the subject of the notice are maintained and protected against use, expenditure, transfer, or other disbursement after the date of the Secretary's determination, and the basis for requiring those actions. The actions may include, but are not limited to, directing the agency to place the reserve funds in an escrow account. If the Secretary has directed the guaranty agency to require the return of reserve funds or assets held by or under the control of another entity, the guaranty agency shall ensure that the agency's claims to those funds or assets and the collectability of the agency's claims will not be compromised or jeopardized during an appeal. The guaranty agency shall also comply with all other applicable regulations relating to the use of reserve funds and assets.
(d)
(2) A guaranty agency shall submit the information described in paragraph (d)(4) of this section within 45 days of the date of the guaranty agency's receipt of the notice of the Secretary's determination unless the Secretary agrees to extend the period at the agency's request. If the agency does not submit that information within the prescribed period, the Secretary's determination is final.
(3) A guaranty agency's appeal of a determination that reserve funds or assets must be returned is considered and decided by a Departmental official other than the official who issued the determination or a subordinate of that official.
(4) In an appeal of the Secretary's determination, the guaranty agency shall—
(i) State the reasons the guaranty agency believes the reserve funds or assets need not be returned;
(ii) Identify any evidence on which the guaranty agency bases its position that the reserve funds or assets need not be returned;
(iii) Include copies of the documents that contain this evidence;
(iv) Include any arguments that the guaranty agency believes support its position that the reserve funds or assets need not be returned; and
(v) Identify the steps taken by the guaranty agency to comply with the requirements referred to in paragraph (c)(2)(v) of this section.
(5)(i) In its appeal, the guaranty agency may request the opportunity to make an oral argument to the deciding official for the purpose of clarifying
(ii) The agency may not submit new evidence at or after the oral argument unless the deciding official determines otherwise. A transcript of the oral argument is made a part of the record of the appeal and is promptly provided to the agency.
(6) The guaranty agency has the burden of production and the burden of persuading the deciding official that the Secretary's determination should be modified or withdrawn.
(e)
(2) If the guaranty agency to which the determination relates files a notice of appeal of the determination, the deciding official may consider any information submitted in response to the
(f)
(g)
(2) A guaranty agency may not seek judicial review of the Secretary's determination to require the return of reserve funds or assets until the deciding official issues a decision.
(3) The deciding official's written decision includes the basis for the decision. The deciding official bases the decision only on evidence described in the notice of the Secretary's determination and on information properly submitted and considered by the deciding official under this section. The deciding official is bound by all applicable statutes and regulations and may neither waive them nor rule them invalid.
(h)
(2) If the guaranty agency fails to comply with the decision, the Secretary may recover the reserve funds from any funds due the agency from the Department without any further notice or procedure and may take any other action permitted or authorized by law to compel compliance.
(a)
(2) All guaranty agency contracts with respect to its reserve fund or assets must include a provision stating that the contract is terminable by the Secretary upon 30 days notice to the contracting parties if the Secretary determines that the contract includes an impermissible transfer of the reserve fund or assets or is otherwise inconsistent with the terms and purposes of section 422 of the HEA.
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(c)
(a) The Secretary may guarantee all—
(1) FISL, Federal SLS, and Federal PLUS loans made by lenders located in a State in which no State or private nonprofit guaranty agency has in effect an agreement with the Secretary under § 682.401 to serve as guarantor in that State;
(2) Federal Consolidation loans made by the Student Loan Marketing Association and Federal Consolidation
(3) FISL, Federal SLS, Federal PLUS, and Federal Consolidation loans made by lenders located in a State in which a guaranty agency program is operating but is not reasonably accessible to students who meet the agency's residency requirements.
(b) The Secretary may guarantee FISL, Federal SLS, Federal PLUS and Federal Consolidation loans made by a lender located in a State where a guaranty agency operates a program that is reasonably accessible to students who meet the residency requirements of that program only for—
(1) A student who does not meet the agency's residency requirements;
(2) A lender who is not able to obtain a guarantee from the guaranty agency for at least 80 percent of the loans the lender intends to make over a 12-month period because of the agency's residency requirements;
(3) With the approval of the guaranty agency, a student who has previously received from the same lender a FISL loan that has not been repaid; or
(4) All students at a school located in the State if the Secretary finds that—
(i) No single guaranty agency program is reasonably accessible to students at that school as compared to students at other schools during a comparable period of time; and
(ii) Guaranteeing loans made in the State to students attending that school would significantly increase the access of students at that school to FFEL Program loans. The Secretary may guarantee loans made to those students by a lender in that State if—
(A) The guaranty agency does not recognize the school as being eligible, but the school is eligible under the FISL program; or
(B) A majority of the persons enrolled at the school meet the conditions of student eligibility for FISL loans but are not recognized as eligible under the guaranty agency program.
(c) For purposes of paragraph (b) of this section, a lender is considered to be located in the same State as a school if the lender—
(1) Has an origination relationship with the school;
(2) Has a majority of its voting stock held by the school; or
(3) Has common ownership or management with the school and more than 50 percent of the loans made by that lender are made to students at that school.
(d) As a condition for guaranteeing loans under the Federal FFEL programs, the Secretary may require the lender to submit evidence of circumstances that would justify loan guarantees under the provisions of this section.
(e) With regard to a school lender that has entered into an agreement with the Secretary under § 682.600, the Secretary denies loan guarantees on the basis of this section only if the Secretary first determines that all eligible students at that school who make a conscientious effort to obtain a loan from another lender will find a loan to be reasonably available. For purposes of this paragraph, the determination of loan availability is based on studies and surveys that the Secretary considers satisfactory.
(a)
(b)
(i) If the total of default claims under the Federal GSL programs paid by the Secretary to a State lender during any fiscal year reaches five percent of the amount of the Federal GSL loans in repayment at the end of the preceding fiscal year, the Secretary's guarantee liability on a claim subsequently paid during that fiscal year is 90 percent of
(ii) If the total of default claims under the Federal GSL programs paid by the Secretary to a State lender during any fiscal year reaches nine percent of the amount of the Federal GSL loans in repayment at the end of the preceding fiscal year, the Secretary's guarantee liability on a claim subsequently paid during that fiscal year is 80 percent of the amount of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest.
(iii) For purposes of this paragraph, the total default claims paid by the Secretary during any fiscal year do not include paid claims filed by the lender under the provisions of § 682.412(e) or § 682.509.
(2) The potential reduction in guarantee liability does not apply to a State lender during the first Federal fiscal year of its operation as a Federal GSL Program lender and during each of the four succeeding fiscal years.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the term “amount of the Federal GSL loans in repayment” means the original principal amount of all loans guaranteed by the Secretary less—
(i) The original principal amount of loans on which—
(A) Under the FISL program, the borrower has not yet reached the repayment period;
(B) Payment in full has been made by the borrower;
(C) The borrower was in deferment status at the time repayment of principal was scheduled to begin and remains in deferment status; or
(D) The Secretary has paid a claim filed under section 437 of the Act; and
(ii) The amount paid by the Secretary for default claims on loans, exclusive of paid claims filed by the lender under § 682.412(e) or § 682.509.
(4) For the purposes of this paragraph, payments by the Secretary on a loan that the original lender assigned to a subsequent holder are considered payments made to the original lender.
(5) State lenders shall consolidate Federal GSL loans for the purpose of calculating the amount of the Secretary's guarantee liability under this section.
(a) To be considered for participation in the Federal GSL programs, a lender shall submit an application to the Secretary.
(b) In determining whether to enter into a guarantee agreement with an applicant, and, if so, what the terms of the agreement will be, the Secretary considers—
(1) Whether the applicant meets the definition of an “eligible lender” in section 435(d) of the Act and the definition of “lender‘’ in § 682.200;
(2) Whether the applicant is capable of complying with the regulations in this part as they apply to lenders;
(3) Whether the applicant is capable of implementing adequate procedures for making, servicing, and collecting loans;
(4) Whether the applicant has had prior experience with a similar Federal, State, or private nonprofit student loan program, and the amount and percentage of loans that are currently delinquent or in default under that program;
(5) The financial resources of the applicant; and
(6) In the case of a school that is seeking approval as a lender, its accreditation status.
(c) The Secretary may require an applicant to submit sufficient materials with its application so that the Secretary may fairly evaluate it in accordance with the criteria in this section.
(d)(1) If the Secretary decides not to approve the application for a guarantee agreement, the Secretary's response includes the reason for the decision.
(2) The Secretary provides the lender an opportunity for the lender to meet with a designated Department official if the lender wishes to appeal the Secretary's decision.
(3) However, the Secretary need not explain the reasons for the denial or grant the lender an opportunity to appeal if the lender submits its application within six months of a previous denial.
(a)(1) To participate in the Federal GSL programs, a lender must have a guarantee agreement with the Secretary. The Secretary does not guarantee a loan unless it is covered by such an agreement.
(2) In general, under a guarantee agreement the lender agrees to comply with all laws, regulations, and other requirements applicable to its participation as a lender in the Federal GSL programs. In return, the Secretary agrees to guarantee each eligible Federal GSL loan held by the lender against the borrower's default, death, total and permanent disability, or bankruptcy.
(3) The Secretary may include in an agreement a limit on the duration of the agreement and the number or amount of Federal GSL loans the lender may make or hold.
(b)(1) Except as otherwise approved by the Secretary, a guarantee agreement with a school lender limits the Federal GSL loans made by that school lender that will be covered by the Federal guarantee to those loans made to students, or to parents borrowing on behalf of students, who are—
(i) In attendance at that school;
(ii) In attendance at other schools under the same ownership as that school; or
(iii) Employees or dependents of employees, or whose parents are employees, of that school lender or other schools under the same ownership, under circumstances the Secretary considers appropriate for loan guarantees.
(2) The Secretary may on a school-by-school basis impose limits under paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section on a school lender that makes loans to students or to parents of students in attendance at other schools under the same ownership, or to employees, or to dependents or parents of employees, of those other schools.
(a) A lender having a guarantee agreement shall submit an application to the Secretary for a Federal loan guarantee on each intended loan that the lender determines to be eligible for a guarantee. The application must be on a form prescribed by the Secretary. The Secretary notifies the lender whether the loan will be guaranteed and of the amount of the guarantee. No disbursement on a loan made prior to the Secretary's approval of that loan is covered by the guarantee.
(b) The Secretary issues a guarantee on a Federal GSL loan in reliance on the implied representations of the lender that all requirements for the initial eligibility of the loan for guarantee coverage have been met. As described in § 682.513, the continuance of the guarantee is conditioned upon compliance by all holders of the loan with the regulations in this part.
(a)
(b)
(i) Counting the number of months beginning with the month following the month in which each disbursement on the loan is to be made and ending 12 months after the borrower's anticipated graduation from the school for attendance at which the loan is sought;
(ii) Dividing one-fourth of one percent of the principal amount of the loan by 12; and
(iii) Multiplying the result obtained in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section by that obtained in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section.
(2) If the lender disburses the loan in multiple installments, the insurance premium is calculated for each disbursement from the month following
(d)
(1) Using the projected repayment period as a base;
(2) Amortizing the loan in equal monthly installments over the repayment period;
(3) Determining one-fourth of one percent of each monthly declining principal balance; and
(4) Computing the total of monthly amounts calculated under paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
(e)
(2) The Secretary's guarantee on a loan ceases to be effective if the lender fails to pay the insurance premium within 60 days of the date payment is due. However, the Secretary may excuse late payment of an insurance premium and reinstate the guarantee coverage on a loan if the Secretary is satisfied that at the time the premium is paid—
(i) The loan is not in default and the borrower is not delinquent in making installment payments; or
(ii) The loan is in default, or the borrower is delinquent, under circumstances where the borrower has entered the repayment period without the lender's knowledge.
(g)
(a) The Secretary does not guarantee a FISL, Federal SLS, or Federal PLUS loan in an amount that would—
(1) Result in an annual loan amount in excess of the student's estimated cost of attendance for the period of enrollment for which the loan is intended less—
(i) The student's estimated financial assistance; and
(ii) The student's expected family contribution for that period, in the case of a FISL loan; or
(2) Result in an annual or aggregate loan amount in excess of the permissible annual and aggregate loan limits described in § 682.204.
(b) The Secretary does not guarantee a Federal Consolidation loan in an amount greater than that required to discharge loans eligible for consolidation under § 682.100(a)(4).
(a)
(2) If two borrowers are liable for repayment of a Federal PLUS or Consolidation loan as co-makers, the lender must follow these procedures with respect to both borrowers.
(3) For purposes of this section, the borrower's delinquency begins on the day after the due date of an installment payment not paid when due, except that if the borrower entered the repayment period without the lender's knowledge, the delinquency begins 30 days after the day the lender receives notice that the borrower has entered the repayment period.
(4) In lieu of the procedures described in this section, a lender may use the due diligence procedures in § 682.411 in collecting a Federal GSL loan.
(b)
(1) At last six more times at regular intervals during the remainder of the six-month period that started on the date of delinquency for loans repayable in monthly installments; or
(2) At least eight more times during the remainder of the eight-month period that started on the date of delinquency for loans repayable in installments less frequent than monthly.
(c)
(2) If the lender does not know the borrower's address when a borrower is first delinquent in making a payment, but subsequently obtains the borrower's address prior to the date on which the loan goes into default, the lender shall attempt to contact the borrower in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, with the first contact occurring within 15 days of the date the lender obtained knowledge of the borrower's address, and shall attempt to contact the borrower at least once during each succeeding 30-day period until default.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) Prior to bringing suit the lender shall—
(i) Obtain the Secretary's approval; and
(ii) Notify the borrower or endorser in writing that it has received the Secretary's approval to bring suit on the loan, and that unless the borrower or endorser makes payments sufficient to bring the account out of default the lender will seek a judgment under which the borrower or endorser will be liable for payment of late charges, attorneys’ fees, collection agency charges, court costs, and other reasonable collection costs in addition to the unpaid principal and interest on the loan. The lender shall mail the notice to the borrower or endorser by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(3) The lender may bring suit if the borrower or endorser does not make payments sufficient to bring the account out of default within 10 days following the date of delivery of the notice described in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section to the borrower or endorser indicated on the receipt.
(4) A lender may first apply the proceeds of any judgment against its attorneys’ fees, court costs, collection agency charges, and other reasonable collection costs, whether or not the
(a)
(b)(1)
(i) The assignment;
(ii) The identity of the assignee;
(iii) The name and address of the party to whom subsequent payments must be sent; and
(iv) The telephone numbers of both the assignor and the assignee.
(2) The assignor and assignee shall provide the notice required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section separately. Each notice must indicate that a corresponding notice will be sent by the other party to the assignment.
(c)
(d)
(2) The warranty may cover only reductions that are attributable to an act or failure to act of the seller or other previous holder.
(3) The warranty may not cover matters the buyer is responsible for under the regulations in this part.
(a) A lender shall cease collection activity on a loan and file a claim with the Secretary within the time specified in § 682.511(e)(3), if—
(1) In the case of a loan that was not made or originated by the school, the lender learns that while the student was enrolled at the school the school terminated its teaching activities for that student during the academic period covered by the loan; or
(2) The Secretary directs that the claim be filed.
(b) A lender may not as a result of a claim filed with the Secretary under this section report a borrower's loan as in default to any credit bureau or other third party.
(a) The procedures in § 682.402(a)-(d) for determining whether a borrower has died, become totally and permanently disabled, or filed a bankruptcy petition apply to the Federal GSL programs.
(b) For purposes of this section, references to the “guaranty agency” in § 682.402(d)(5) shall be understood to refer to the Secretary.
(a)
(i) The loan is in default, as defined in § 682.200.
(ii) Any of the conditions exist for filing a claim without collection efforts, as set forth in § 682.412(e)(2) or § 682.509.
(iii) The borrower has died, become totally and permanently disabled, or filed a bankruptcy petition, as determined by the lender in accordance with § 682.510.
(2) If a Federal PLUS loan was obtained by two eligible parents as co-makers, or a Consolidation loan was obtained jointly by a married couple, the reason for filing a claim must hold true for both applicants, or each applicant must have satisfied a claimable criterion at the time of the request for discharge of the loan.
(3) A lender may file a claim against the Secretary's guarantee only on a form provided by the Secretary. The lender shall attach to the claim all documents required by the Secretary. If the lender fails to do so, the Secretary denies the claim.
(b)
(i) The original promissory note.
(ii) The loan application.
(iii) The repayment instrument.
(iv) A payment history, as described in § 682.414(a)(3)(ii)(I).
(v) A collection history, as described in § 682.414(a)(3)(ii)(J).
(vi) A copy of the final demand letter if required by § 682.507(e).
(vii) The original or a copy of all correspondence addressed to, from, or on behalf of the borrower that is relevant to the loan, whether that correspondence involved the original lender, a subsequent holder, or a servicing agent.
(viii) If applicable, evidence of the lender's requests to the Department for skip-tracing assistance under § 682.507(c) and for preclaims assistance under § 682.507(d).
(ix) Any additional documentation that the Secretary determines is relevant to a claim.
(2) The documentation requirements for death, total and permanent disability, or bankruptcy claims in § 682.402(e)(1) apply to the Federal GSL programs. For purposes of this section, references to the “guaranty agency” in § 682.402(e)(1) mean the Secretary.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(a)
(i) Prior to July 1, 1972, or from August 19, 1972 through February 28, 1973, the amount payable on a valid claim is equal to the unpaid balance of the original principal loan amount disbursed; or
(ii) From July 1 through August 18, 1972, or after February 28, 1973, the amount payable on a valid claim is equal to the unpaid balance of the principal and interest in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The unpaid principal amount of the loan may include capitalized interest to the extent authorized by § 682.202(b).
(2)
(i) During the period before the claim is filed, not to exceed the period provided for in § 682.511(e) for filing the claim.
(ii) During a period not to exceed 30 days following the return of the claim to the lender by the Secretary for additional documentation necessary for the claim to be approved by the Secretary.
(iii) During the period, after the claim is filed, that is required by the Secretary to approve the claim and to authorize payment or to return the claim to the lender for additional documentation.
(3)
(b)
(i) Is equal to the unpaid balance of the original principal loan amount disbursed if the loan was disbursed prior to December 15, 1968; or
(ii) Is calculated in accordance with § 682.402(f)(2) and (f)(3) if the loan was disbursed after December 14, 1968.
(2) In the case of a bankruptcy claim, the amount of loss is calculated in accordance with § 682.402(f)(2) and (f)(3).
(3) For purposes of this section, references to the “guaranty agency” in § 682.402(f)(3) mean the Secretary.
(c)
(a)(1) In determining whether to approve for payment a claim against the Secretary's guarantee, the Secretary considers matters affecting the enforceability of the loan obligation and whether the loan was made and administered in accordance with the Act and applicable regulations.
(2) The Secretary deducts from a claim any amount that is not a legally enforceable obligation of the borrower, except to the extent that the defense of infancy applies.
(3) Except as provided in § 682.509, the Secretary does not pay a claim unless—
(i) All holders of the loan have complied with the requirements of this part, including, but not limited to, those concerning due diligence in the making, servicing, and collecting of a loan;
(ii) The current holder has complied with the deadlines for filing a claim established in § 682.511(e); and
(iii) The current holder complies with the requirements for submitting documents with a claim as established in § 682.511(b).
(b) Except as provided in § 682.509, the Secretary does not pay a death, disability, or bankruptcy claim for a loan after a default claim for that loan has been disapproved by the Secretary or if it would not be payable as a default claim by the Secretary.
(c) The Secretary's determination of the amount of loss payable on a default claim under this part, once final, is conclusive and binding on the lender that filed the claim.
A determination of the Secretary under this section is subject to judicial review under 5 U.S.C. 706 and 41 U.S.C. 321-322.
(a) The Secretary may waive the right to recover or refuse to make an interest benefits, special allowance, or claim payment, or may permit a lender to cure certain defects in a specified manner if, in the Secretary's judgment, the best interests of the United States so require.
(b) To receive payment on a default claim or to resume eligibility to receive interest benefits and special allowance on a loan as to which a lender has committed a violation of the requirements of this part regarding due diligence in collection or timely filing of claims, the lender shall meet the conditions described in appendix C to this part.
(a)
(2) A lender shall retain the records required for each loan for not less than five years following the date the loan is repaid in full by the borrower or the lender is reimbursed on a claim. However, in particular cases the Secretary may require the retention of records beyond this minimum period.
(3)(i) The lender may store the records specified in § 682.414(a)(3)(ii)(C)-(K) on microfilm, optical disk, or other machine readable format.
(ii) The holder of the promissory note shall retain the original note and repayment instrument until the loan is fully repaid. At that time the holder shall return the original note and repayment instrument to the borrower and retain copies for the prescribed period.
(iii) The lender shall retain the original or a copy of the loan application.
(b)
(c)
(1) Providing timely access for examination and copying to the records (including computerized records) required by applicable regulations and to any other pertinent books, documents, papers, computer programs, and records; and
(2) Providing reasonable access to lender personnel associated with the lender's administration of the Title IV, HEA programs for the purpose of obtaining relevant information. In providing reasonable access, the institution may not—
(i) Refuse to supply any relevant information;
(ii) Refuse to permit interviews with those personnel that do not include the presence of representatives of the lender's management; and
(iii) Refuse to permit personnel interviews with those personnel that are not recorded by the lender.
(a)
(1) The school shall employ full-time at least one person whose responsibilities are limited to the administration of financial aid programs for students attending the school;
(2) The school may not be a correspondence school;
(3) The school may not make or originate loans that would be outstanding to or on behalf of more than 50 percent of the undergraduates in attendance at that school on at least a half-time basis unless the Secretary waives this rule pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section;
(4) The school shall inform any undergraduate student who has not previously obtained a loan that was made or originated by the school and who seeks to obtain such a loan that he or she must first make a good faith effort to obtain a loan from a commercial lender;
(5)(i) The school may not make or originate a loan for an academic period to a student described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section until the student provides the school with evidence under paragraph (b) of this section of denial of a loan by a commercial lender for the same academic period.
(ii) In determining whether a school has complied with the requirement set paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section, the Secretary may take into consideration any patterns reflected by the letters of denial or the students’ sworn statements referred to in paragraph (b) of this section that indicate that the school has not given sufficient counseling to students to seek loans from a commercial lender first. An example of an unacceptable pattern would be if all denials of loans to a school's students were made by a small number of lenders; and
(6) The school's cohort default rate as calculated under § 668.17 may not exceed 15 percent; and
(7) Except for reasonable administrative expenses directly related to the FFEL Program, the school must use payments received under § 682.300 and § 682.302 for need-based grant programs for its students.
(b)
(i) A written statement from a commercial lender indicating that the lender denied the borrower a loan for that academic period; or
(ii) The borrower's sworn statement, indicating both the refusal of a loan by a commercial lender and the lender's refusal to provide a written statement of the denial.
(2) If the borrower's statement is used to establish the denial of a loan, the statement must include—
(i) The name and address of the lender that denied the loan;
(ii) The approximate date on which the loan was denied;
(iii) The name and telephone number of the official who communicated the denial to the borrower; and
(iv) The borrower's signature.
(3) If the school determines that the denial of a loan to an eligible borrower by a commercial lender is based upon the lender's refusal to lend more than a part of the amount requested by the borrower, the school may either—
(i) Make or originate a loan to the borrower for the entire amount; or
(ii) Supplement the loan that the commercial lender is willing to make with a second loan to the borrower.
(c)
(1) The extent to which the school provides and expects to continue providing educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged students, as measured by the percentage of those students enrolled at the school who—
(i) Are in families that fall within the “low-income family” category used by the Bureau of the Census;
(ii) Would not be able to enroll or continue their enrollment at that school without Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loans made or originated by the school; and
(iii) Would not be able to obtain a comparable education at another school;
(2) The extent to which the school offers educational programs that—
(i) Are unique in the geographical area the school serves; and
(ii) Would not be available to some students if the school adhered to the 50 percent lending limit; and
(3) The quality of the school's—
(i) Management of student financial assistance programs; and
(ii) Conformance with sound business practices.
(a) A school shall certify that the information it provides in connection with a loan application about the borrower and, in the case of a parent borrower, the student for whom the loan is intended, is complete and accurate. Except as provided in 34 CFR part 668, subpart E, a school may rely in good faith upon statements made on the application by the student.
(b) The information to be provided by the school about the borrower making application for the loan pertains to—
(1) The borrower's eligibility for a loan, as determined in accordance with § 682.201 and § 682.401(b) (1) and (2);
(2) The student's estimated cost of attendance for the period for which the loan is sought;
(3) The student's estimated financial assistance for the period for which the loan is sought;
(4) For a Stafford loan, the student's eligibility for interest benefits, based on information provided by the student upon which the school can rely and as determined in accordance with § 682.301; and
(5) The schedule for disbursement of the loan proceeds, which must reflect the delivery of the loan proceeds as set forth in § 682.604(c)(6).
(c) [Reserved]
(d) A school may not certify a Stafford, PLUS, or SLS loan application, or combination of loan applications, for a loan amount that—
(1) The school has reason to know would result in the borrower exceeding the annual or maximum loan amounts in § 682.204; or
(2) Exceeds the student's estimated cost of attendance, less—
(i) The student's estimated financial assistance for that period; and
(ii) In the case of a Stafford loan that is eligible for interest benefits, the borrower's expected family contribution for that period.
(e) A school may refuse to certify a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan application or may reduce the borrower's determination of need for the loan if the reason for that action is documented and provided to the student in writing, provided—
(1) The determination is made on a case-by-case basis;
(2) The documentation supporting the determination is retained in the student's file; and
(3) The school does not engage in any pattern or practice that results in a denial of a borrower's access to FFEL loans because of the borrower's race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, handicapped status, income, or selection of a particular lender or guaranty agency.
(f)(1) The minimum period of enrollment for which a school may certify a loan application is—
(i) At a school that measures academic progress in credit hours and uses a semester, trimester, or quarter system, a single academic term (e.g., a semester or quarter); or
(ii) At a school that measures academic progress in clock hours, or measures academic progress in credit hours but does not use a semester, trimester, or quarter system, the lesser of—
(A) The length of the student's program at the school; or
(B) The academic year as defined by the school in accordance with 34 CFR 668.2, (See paragraphs (b) and (c) of the definition of “Academic year.”)
(2) The maximum period for which a school may certify a loan application is generally an academic year, as defined by 34 CFR 668.2, except that a guaranty agency may allow schools to use a longer period of time, not to exceed 12 months, corresponding to the period to which the agency applies the annual loan limits under § 682.401(b)(2)(ii).
(3) In certifying a Stafford or SLS loan amount in accordance with § 682.204—
(i) A program of study must be considered at least one full academic year if—
(A) The number of weeks of instruction time is at least 30 weeks; and
(B) The number of clock hours is at least 900, the number of semester or trimester hours is at least 24, or the number of quarter hours is at least 36.
(ii) A program of study must be considered two-thirds
(A) The number of weeks of instruction is at least 20 weeks; and
(B) The number of clock hours is at least 600, the number of semester or trimester hours is at least 16, or the number of quarter hours is at least 24.
(iii) A program of study must be considered one-third
(A) The number of weeks of instruction time is at least 10 weeks; and
(B) The number of clock hours is at least 300, the number of semester or trimester hours is at least 8, or the number of quarter hours is at least 12.
(4) In prorating a loan amount for a student enrolled in a program of study with less than a full academic year remaining, the school need not recalculate the amount of the loan if the number of hours for which an eligible student is enrolled changes after the school certifies the loan.
(g) A school may not assess the borrower, or the student in the case of a PLUS loan, a fee for the completion or certification of any FFEL Program form or information or for providing any information necessary for a student or parent to receive a loan under part B of the Act or any benefits associated with such a loan.
(h)
(2) For a borrower who is enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate program of study and who has not previously received a Stafford or SLS loan, earlier than the 24th day of the student's period of enrollment.
(a)
(2) Prior to a school delivering or crediting an FFEL loan account by EFT or master check, the school must provide the student or parent borrower with the notice as described under § 668.165.
(3) If the school is placed under the reimbursement payment method as provided under § 668.162, a school shall
(b)
(2)(i) Except in the case of a late disbursement under paragraph (e) of this section or as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) or (iv) of this section, a school may release the proceeds of any disbursement of a loan only to a student whom the school determines, after the school receives those proceeds from the lender, continuously has maintained eligibility in accordance with the provisions of § 682.201, from the beginning of the loan period certified by the school on the student's loan application.
(ii) [Reserved]
(iii) If, after the proceeds of the first disbursement are transmitted to the student, the student becomes ineligible due solely to the school's loss of eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs, the school may transmit the proceeds of the second or subsequent disbursement to the borrower as permitted by § 668.26.
(iv) If, prior to the transmittal of the proceeds of a disbursement to the student, the student temporarily ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis, the school may transmit the proceeds of that disbursement and any subsequent disbursement to the student if the school subsequently determines and documents in the student's file—
(A) That the student has resumed enrollment on at least a half-time basis;
(B) The student's revised cost of attendance; and
(C) That the student continues to qualify for the entire amount of the loan, notwithstanding any reduction in the student's cost of attendance caused by the student's temporary cessation of enrollment on at least a half-time basis.
(c)
(2)(i) Except as provided in § 682.207(b)(1)(v)(C)(
(ii) If the loan proceeds are disbursed by means of a check that requires the endorsement of both the student and the school, the school shall—
(A) In the case of the initial disbursement on a loan, endorse the check on its own behalf, and, after the student has registered, deliver it to the student subject to paragraph (d)(2) of this section, within 30 days of the school's receipt of the check; or
(B) Obtain the student borrower's endorsement on the check, endorse the check on its own behalf and, after the student has registered, credit the student's account, in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) of this section, and deliver the remaining loan proceeds to the student, as specified in § 668.164(e).
(3) If the loan proceeds are disbursed by electronic funds transfer to an account of the school in accordance with § 682.207(b)(1)(ii)(B), or by master check in accordance with § 682.207(b)(1)(ii)(C), the school must, unless authorization was provided in the loan application, not more than 30 days prior to the first day of classes of the period of enrollment for which the loan is intended, obtain the student's, or in the case of a Federal PLUS loan, the parent borrower's written authorization for the release of the initial and any subsequent disbursement of each FFEL loan to be made, and after the student has registered either—
(i) Deliver the proceeds to the student or parent borrower as specified in § 668.164; or
(ii) Credit the student's account in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) of this section and § 668.164, notify the student or parent borrower in writing that it has so credited that account, and deliver to the student or parent borrower the remaining loan proceeds
(4) A school may not credit a student's account or release the proceeds of a loan to a student who is on a leave of absence, as described in § 668.22(j).
(5) A school may not release the first installment of a Stafford or SLS loan for endorsement to a student who is enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate program of study and who has not previously received a Stafford or SLS loan until 30 days after the first day of the student's program of study.
(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, unless § 682.207(c) (4) or (5) applies—
(i) If a loan period is more than one payment period, the school shall deliver loan proceeds at least once in each payment period; and
(ii) If a loan period is one payment period, the school shall make at least two deliveries of loan proceeds during that payment period. The school may not make the second delivery until the calendar midpoint between the first and last scheduled days of class of the loan period.
(7) If an educational program measures academic progress in credit hours and does not use semesters, trimesters, or quarters, the school may not deliver a second disbursement until the later of—
(i) The calendar midpoint between the first and last scheduled days of class of the loan period; or
(ii) The date, as determined by the school, that the student has completed half of the academic coursework in the loan period.
(8) If an educational program measures academic progress in clock hours, the school may not deliver a second disbursement until the later of—
(i) The calendar midpoint between the first and last scheduled days of class of the loan period; or
(ii) The date, as determined by the school, that the student has completed half of the clock hours in the loan period.
(9) The school must deliver loan proceeds in substantially equal installments, and no installment may exceed one-half of the loan.
(d)
(ii)(A) The school may credit a registered student's account with only those loan proceeds covering costs specified in § 668.165(b)(2).
(B) [Reserved]
(2) For purposes of paragraphs (c)(2)(i), (c)(2)(ii) and (c)(3) of this section, a school may not deliver loan proceeds earlier than the timeframe specified in § 668.164.
(3) If a student does not register for the period of enrollment for which the loan was made, or a registered student withdraws or is expelled prior to the first day of classes of the period of enrollment for which the loan is made, the school shall return the proceeds to the lender no later than the period specified in § 668.167.
(4) If the school is unable for any other reason to document that a registered student attended school during the period of enrollment for which the loan is made, the school must determine the student's withdrawal date as required under § 682.605(b)(1)(ii), and by the deadline described under § 682.605(b)(1)(A) and (B), within 30 days of the period described in § 682.607(c) shall notify the lender of the student's withdrawal, expulsion, or failure to attend school, if applicable, and return to the lender—
(i) Any loan proceeds credited directly by the school to the student's account; and
(ii) The amount of payments made directly by the student to the school, to the extent that they do not exceed the amount of any loan proceeds delivered by the school to the student.
(e)
(2) If the total amount of the late disbursement and all prior disbursements is greater than that portion of the borrower's educational charges, the school shall return the balance of the borrower's loan proceeds to the lender with a notice certifying—
(i) The beginning and ending dates of the period during which the borrower
(ii) The borrower's corrected financial need for the loan for that period of enrollment or payment period.
(f)
(2) In conducting the initial counseling, the school must—
(i) Emphasize to the borrower the seriousness and importance of the repayment obligation the borrower is assuming;
(ii) Describe in forceful terms the likely consequences of default, including adverse credit reports and litigation; and
(iii) In the case of a borrower of a Stafford or SLS loan (other than a loan made or originated by the school), emphasize that the borrower is obligated to repay the full amount of the loan even if the borrower does not complete the program, is unable to obtain employment upon completion, or is otherwise dissatisfied with or does not receive the educational or other services that the borrower purchased from the school.
(3) Additional matters that the Secretary recommends that a school include in the initial counseling session or materials are set forth in appendix D to 34 CFR part 668.
(g)
(i) In the case of a correspondence school, the school shall provide the borrower with written counseling materials by mail within 30 days after the borrower completes the program; and
(ii) If the borrower withdraws from school without the school's prior knowledge or fails to attend an exit counseling session as scheduled, the school shall mail written counseling material to the borrower at the borrower's last known address within 30 days after learning that the borrower has withdrawn from school or failed to attend the scheduled session.
(2) In conducting the exit counseling, the school shall—
(i) Inform the student of the average anticipated monthly repayment amount based on the student's indebtedness or on the average indebtedness of students who have obtained Stafford or SLS loans for attendance at that school or in the borrower's program of study.
(ii) Review for the borrower available repayment options (e.g., loan consolidation, refinancing);
(iii) Suggest to the borrower debt-management strategies that the school determines would best assist repayment by the borrower;
(iv) Include the matters described in paragraph (f)(2) of this section;
(v) Review with the borrower the conditions under which the borrower may defer repayment or obtain partial cancellation of a loan; and
(vi) Require the borrower to provide corrections to the institution's records concerning name, address, social security number, references, and driver's license number, as well as the name and address of the borrower's expected employer that will then be provided within 60 days to the guaranty agency or agencies listed in the borrower's records.
(3) Additional matters that the Secretary recommends that a school include in the exit counseling session or
(4) The school shall maintain in the student borrower's file documents substantiating the school's compliance with paragraphs (f)-(g) of this section as to that borrower.
(h)
(1) Using the student's SLS, PLUS, nonsubsidized Stafford, or State-sponsored or private loan to cover the expected family contribution, if not already done;
(2)(i) Returning the entire undelivered disbursement to the lender or escrow agent; and
(ii) Providing the lender with a written statement—
(A) Describing the reason for the return of the funds, if any;
(B) Setting forth the student's revised financial need; and
(C) Directing the lender to re-disburse a revised amount and, if necessary, revise subsequent disbursements to eliminate the overaward; or
(3) Returning to the lender only the portion of the disbursement for which the student is ineligible and providing the lender with a written statement explaining the return of the funds.
(i) For purposes of paragraph (h) of this section, funds obtained from any Federal College Work-Study employment that do not exceed the borrower's financial need by more than $300 may not be considered as excess loan proceeds.
(a) Except in the case of a student who does not return for the next scheduled term following a summer break, which includes any summer term(s) in which classes are offered but students are not generally required to attend, a school shall follow the procedures in 34 CFR 668.22(j) for determining the student's date of withdrawal. In the case of a student who does not return from a summer break, the school must follow the procedures in 34 CFR 668.22(j) except that the school shall determine the student's withdrawal date no later than 30 days after the first day of the next scheduled term.
(b) The school shall use the withdrawal date determined under 34 CFR 668.22(j) for the purpose of reporting to the lender the date that the student has withdrawn from the school.
(c) For the purpose of a school's reporting to a lender, a student's withdrawal date is the month, day and year of the withdrawal date.
(a)
(1) Shall pay that portion of the student's refund that is allocable to a FFEL loan to—
(i) The original lender; or
(ii) A subsequent holder, if the loan has been transferred and the school knows the new holder's identity; and
(2) Shall provide simultaneous written notice to the borrower if the school pays a refund to a lender on behalf of that student.
(b)
(c)
(1) Within 60 days of the date that the student officially withdraws, is expelled, or the institution determines that a student has unofficially withdrawn, as determined in accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(j) and § 682.605.
(2) In the case of a student who does not return to school at the expiration of an approved leave of absence under 34 CFR 668.22(j), within 30 days of the earlier of the date of expiration of the leave of absence or the date the student notifies the institution that the student will not be returning to the institution after the expiration of an approved leave of absence.
(a)
(b)
(i) The original principal amount of all loans the school has ever made that went into default during that period.
(ii) The original principal amount of all loans the school has ever made, including loans in deferment status that—
(A) Were in repayment status at the beginning of that period; or
(B) Entered repayment status during that period.
(2) In making the determination under this section, the Secretary considers the status of all FFEL loans made by the school whether the loans are held by the school or by a subsequent holder.
(c)
(1) Termination is not justified in light of recent improvements the school has made in its collection capabilities that will reduce the school's loan default rate significantly within the next year. Examples of these improvements include—
(i) Adopting more efficient collection procedures; or
(ii) Employing increased collection staff; or
(2) Termination would cause a substantial hardship to the school's current or prospective students or their parents based on—
(i) The extent to which the school provides, and expects to continue to provide educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged students as measured by the percentage of students enrolled at the school who—
(A) Are in families that fall within the “low-income family” category used by the Bureau of the Census;
(B) Would not be able to enroll or continue their enrollment at that
(C) Would not be able to obtain a comparable education at another school;
(ii) The extent to which the school offers educational programs that—
(A) Are unique in the geographical area that the school serves; and
(B) Would not be available to some students if they or their parents could not obtain loans from the school; and
(iii) The quality of improvements the school has made in its—
(A) Management of student financial assistance programs; and
(B) Conformance with sound business practices.
(d)
(2) The Secretary or his designee begins a termination action by sending a notice to the school. The notice is sent by certified mail with return receipt requested. The notice—
(i) Informs the school of the intent to terminate the school's lending eligibility because of the school's default experience;
(ii) Specifies the proposed date the termination becomes effective; and
(iii) Informs the school that it has 15 days to—
(A) Submit any written material it wants considered in determining whether its lending eligibility should be terminated under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, including written material in support of a hardship exception under paragraph (c) of this section; or
(B) Request an oral hearing to show why the school's lending eligibility should not be terminated.
(3) If the school does not request an oral hearing but submits written material, the Secretary or the designated official considers that material and notifies the school as to whether the termination action will be taken.
(4) The Secretary or the designated official (presiding officer) schedules the date and place of a hearing for a school that has requested an oral hearing. The date of the hearing is at least 15 days from the date of receipt of the request. A presiding officer—
(i) Conducts the hearing;
(ii) Considers all written material presented before the hearing and any other material presented during the hearing; and
(iii) Determines if termination of the school's lending eligibility is warranted.
(5) The decision of the designated official is subject to review by the Secretary.
(e)
(1) Make further loans under this part until it has entered into a new guarantee agreement with the Secretary; or
(2) Enter into a new guarantee agreement with the Secretary until at least one year after the school's lending eligibility has been terminated under this section.
(f)
(1) Treating all of the schools as one school; or
(2) Treating each school on an individual basis.
(a) The Secretary may require a school to repay funds paid to other program participants by the Secretary. The Secretary also may require a school to purchase from the holder of a FFEL loan that portion of the loan that is unenforceable, that the borrower was ineligible to receive, or for which the borrower was ineligible to receive interest benefits contrary to the school's certification, and to make arrangements acceptable to the Secretary for reimbursement of the amounts the Secretary will be obligated to pay to program participants respecting that loan in the future. The repayment of funds and purchase of loans may be required if the Secretary
(1) The school's violation of a Federal statute or regulation; or
(2) The school's negligent or willful false certification.
(b) In requiring a school to repay funds to the Secretary or to another party or to purchase loans from a holder in connection with an audit or program review, the Secretary follows the procedures described in 34 CFR part 668, subpart H.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary may waive the right to require repayment of funds or repurchase of loans by a school if, in the Secretary's judgment, the best interest of the United States so requires.
(d) The Secretary may impose a fine or take an emergency action against a school or limit, suspend, or terminate a school's participation in the FFEL programs, in accordance with 34 CFR part 668, subpart G.
(e) A school shall comply with any emergency action, limitation, suspension, or termination imposed by a guaranty agency in accordance with the agency's standards and procedures. A school shall repay funds to the Secretary or other party or purchase loans from a holder if a guaranty agency determines that the school improperly received or retained the funds in violation of a Federal law or regulation or a guaranty agency rule or regulation.
(a)
(1) Establish and maintain proper administrative and fiscal procedures and all necessary records as set forth in the regulations in this part and in 34 CFR part 668;
(2) Follow the record retention and examination provisions in this part and in 34 CFR 668.24; and
(3) Submit all reports required by this part and 34 CFR part 668 to the Secretary.
(b)
(1) The name of the lender;
(2) The address of the lender;
(3) The amount of the loan and the period of enrollment for which the loan was intended;
(4) For loans delivered to the school by check, the date the school endorsed each loan check, if required;
(5) The date or dates of delivery of the loan proceeds by the school to the student or to the parent borrower; and
(6) For loans delivered by electronic funds transfer or master check, a copy of the borrower's written authorization required under § 682.604(c)(3) to deliver the initial and subsequent disbursements of each FFEL program loan.
(c)
(1) Upon receipt of a student status confirmation report form from the Secretary or a similar student status confirmation report form from any guaranty agency, complete and return that report within 30 days of receipt to the Secretary or the guaranty agency, as appropriate; and
(2) Unless it expects to submit its next student status confirmation report to the Secretary or the guaranty agency within the next 60 days, notify the guaranty agency or lender within 30 days—
(i) If it discovers that a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan has been made to or on behalf of a student who enrolled at that school, but who has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis;
(ii) If it discovers that a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan has been made to or on behalf of a student who has been accepted for enrollment at that school, but who failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended;
(iii) If it discovers that a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan has been made to or on behalf of a full-time student who
(iv) If it discovers that a student who is enrolled and who has received a Stafford or SLS loan has changed his or her permanent address.
A foreign school is required to comply with the provisions of this part, except to the extent that the Secretary states in this part or in other official publications or documents that those schools need not comply with those provisions.
(a) This subpart governs the limitation, suspension, or termination by the Secretary of the eligibility of an otherwise eligible lender to participate in the FFEL programs or the eligibility of a third-party servicer to enter into a contract with an eligible lender to administer any aspect of the lender's FFEL programs. The regulations in this subpart apply to a lender or third-party servicer that violates any statutory provision governing the FFEL programs or any regulations, special arrangements, agreements, or limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA prescribed under the FFEL programs. These regulations apply to lenders that participate only in a guaranty agency program, lenders that participate in the FFEL programs, and third-party servicers that administer aspects of a lender's FFELP portfolio. These regulations also govern the Secretary's disqualification of a lender or school from participation in the FFEL programs under section 432(h)(2) and (h)(3) of the Act.
(b) This subpart does not apply—
(1)(i) To a determination that an organization fails to meet the definition of “eligible lender” in section 435(d)(1) of the Act or the definition of “lender” in § 682.200, for any reason other than a violation of the prohibitions in section 435(d)(5) of the Act; or
(ii) To a determination that an organization fails to meet the standards in § 682.416;
(2) To a school's loss of lending eligibility under § 682.608; or
(3) To an administrative action by the Department of Education based on any alleged violation of—
(i) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act), which is governed by 34 CFR part 99;
(ii) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is governed by 34 CFR parts 100 and 101;
(iii) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (relating to discrimination on the basis of handicap), which is governed by 34 CFR part 104; or
(iv) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (relating to sex discrimination), which is governed by 34 CFR part 106.
(c) This subpart does not supplant any rights or remedies that the Secretary may have against participating lenders or schools under other authorities.
The following definitions apply to terms used in this subpart:
(i) By a guaranty agency; or
(ii) By the Secretary, based on an action taken by the Secretary, or a designated Departmental official under § 682.706; or
(2) The removal of a third-party servicer's eligibility to contract with a lender or guaranty agency for an indefinite period of time by the Secretary based on an action taken by the Secretary, or a designated Departmental official under § 682.706.
(a) Limitation, suspension, or termination proceedings by the Secretary do not affect a lender's responsibilities or rights to benefits and claim payments that are based on the lender's prior participation in the program, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section and in § 682.709.
(b) A limitation imposes on a lender—
(1) A limit on the number or total amount of loans that a lender may make, purchase, or hold under the FFEL programs;
(2) A limit on the number or total amount of loans a lender may make to, or on behalf of, students at a particular school under the FFEL programs; or
(3) Other reasonable requirements or conditions, including those described in § 682.709.
(c) A limitation imposes on a third-party servicer—
(1) A limit on the number of loans or accounts or total amount of loans that the servicer may service;
(2) A limit on the number of loans or accounts or total amount of loans that the servicer is administering under its contract with a lender or guaranty agency; or
(3) Other reasonable requirements or conditions, including those described in § 682.709.
(d) After the date the termination of a lender's eligibility becomes effective, the Secretary does not guarantee new loans made by that lender or pay interest benefits, special allowance, or reinsurance on new loans guaranteed by a guaranty agency after that date. The Secretary may also prohibit the lender from making further disbursements on a loan for which a guarantee commitment has already been issued.
(a) The Secretary may use the informal compliance procedure in paragraph (b) of this section if the Secretary receives a complaint or other reliable information indicating that a lender or third-party servicer may be in violation of applicable laws, regulations, special arrangements, agreements, or limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA.
(b) Under the informal compliance procedure, the Secretary gives the lender or servicer a reasonable opportunity to—
(1) Respond to the complaint or information; and
(2) Show that the violation has been corrected or submit an acceptable plan for correcting the violation and preventing its recurrence.
(c) The Secretary does not delay limitation, suspension, or termination procedures during the informal compliance procedure if—
(1) The delay would harm the FFEL programs; or
(2) The informal compliance procedure will not result in correction of the alleged violation.
(a) The Secretary, or a designated Departmental official, may take emergency action to stop the issuance of guarantee commitments by the Secretary and guarantee agencies and to withhold payment of interest benefits and special allowance to a lender if the Secretary—
(1) Receives reliable information that the lender or a third-party servicer with which the lender contracts is in violation of applicable laws, regulations, special arrangements, agreements, or limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA pertaining to the lender's portfolio of loans;
(2) Determines that immediate action is necessary to prevent the likelihood of substantial losses by the Federal Government, parent borrowers, or students; and
(3) Determines that the likelihood of loss exceeds the importance of following the procedures for limitation, suspension, or termination.
(b) The Secretary begins an emergency action by notifying the lender or third-party servicer, by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the action and the basis for the action.
(c) The action becomes effective on the date the notice is mailed to the lender or third-party servicer.
(d)(1) An emergency action does not exceed 30 days unless a limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding is begun before that time expires.
(2) If a limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding is begun before the expiration of the 30-day period—
(i) The emergency action may be extended until completion of the proceeding, including any appeal to the Secretary; and
(ii) Upon the written request of the lender or third-party servicer, the Secretary may provide the lender or servicer with an opportunity to demonstrate that the emergency action is unwarranted.
(a)
(i) The lender or servicer and the Secretary agree to an extension of the suspension period, if the lender or third-party servicer has not requested a hearing; or
(ii) The Secretary begins a limitation or a termination proceeding.
(2) If the Secretary begins a limitation or a termination proceeding before the suspension period ends, the Secretary may extend the suspension period until the completion of that proceeding, including any appeal to the Secretary.
(3) A suspension described in 34 CFR 85.201(c) lasts for a period of 60 days, beginning on the effective date specified in the notice by the Secretary under 34 CFR 85.201(b), except as provided in paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section.
(b)
(2) The notice—
(i) Informs the lender or servicer of the Secretary's intent to suspend the lender's or servicer's eligibility for a period not to exceed 60 days;
(ii) Describes the consequences of a suspension;
(iii) Identifies the alleged violations on which the proposed suspension is based;
(iv) States the proposed date the suspension becomes effective, which is at least 20 days after the date of mailing of the notice;
(v) Informs the lender or servicer that the suspension will not take effect on the proposed date, except as provided in paragraph (c)(8) of this section, if the Secretary receives at least five days prior to that date a request for an oral hearing or written material showing why the suspension should not take effect; and
(vi) Asks the lender or servicer to correct voluntarily any alleged violations.
(c)
(i) Dismisses the proposed suspension; or
(ii) Determines that the proposed suspension should be implemented and notifies the lender or servicer of the effective date of the suspension.
(2) If the lender or servicer requests an oral hearing within the time specified in paragraph (b)(2)(v) of this section, the Secretary schedules the date and place of the hearing. The date is at least 15 days after receipt of the request from the lender or servicer. No proposed suspension takes effect until a hearing is held.
(3) The oral hearing is conducted by a presiding officer who—
(i) Ensures that a written record of the hearing is made;
(ii) Considers relevant written material presented before the hearing and other relevant evidence presented during the hearing; and
(iii) Issues a decision based on findings of fact and conclusions of law that may suspend the lender's or servicer's eligibility only if the presiding officer is persuaded that the suspension is warranted by the evidence.
(4) The formal rules of evidence do not apply, and no discovery, as provided in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, (28 U.S.C. Appendix) is required.
(5) The presiding officer shall base findings of fact only on evidence considered at or before the hearing and matters given official notice.
(6) In a suspension action against a lender or third-party servicer based on a suspension under Executive Order 12549 or a proposed debarment under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, that does not meet the standards described in 34 CFR 85.201(c), the presiding official finds that the suspension or proposed debarment constitutes prima facie evidence that cause for suspension under this subpart exists.
(7) The initial decision of the presiding officer is mailed to the lender or servicer.
(8) The Secretary automatically reviews the initial decision of the presiding officer. The Secretary notifies the lender or servicer of the Secretary's decision by mail.
(9) A suspension takes effect on either a date that is at least 20 days after the date the notice of a decision imposing the suspension is mailed to the lender or servicer, or on the proposed effective date stated in the notice sent under paragraph (b) of this section, whichever is later.
(a)
(2) The notice—
(i) Informs the lender or servicer of the Secretary's intent to limit or terminate the lender's or servicer's eligibility;
(ii) Describes the consequences of a limitation or termination;
(iii) Identifies the alleged violations on which the proposed limitation or termination is based;
(iv) States the limits which may be imposed, in the case of a limitation proceeding;
(v) States the proposed date the limitation or termination becomes effective, which is at least 20 days after the date of mailing of the notice;
(vi) Informs the lender or servicer that the limitation or termination will not take effect on the proposed date if the Secretary receives, at least five
(vii) Asks the lender or servicer to correct voluntarily any alleged violations; and
(viii) Notifies the lender or servicer that the Secretary may collect any amount owed by means of offset against amounts owed to the lender by the Department and other Federal agencies.
(b)
(i) Dismisses the proposed limitation or termination; or
(ii) Notifies the lender or servicer of the date the limitation or termination becomes effective.
(2) If the lender or servicer requests a hearing within the time specified in paragraph (a)(2)(vi) of this section, the Secretary schedules the date and place of the hearing. The date is at least 15 days after receipt of the request from the lender or servicer. No proposed limitation or termination takes effect until a hearing is held.
(3) The hearing is conducted by a presiding officer who—
(i) Ensures that a written record of the hearing is made;
(ii) Considers relevant written material presented before the hearing and other relevant evidence presented during the hearing; and
(iii) Issues an initial decision, based on findings of fact and conclusions of law, that may limit or terminate the lender's or servicer's eligibility if the presiding officer is persuaded that the limitation or termination is warranted by the evidence.
(4) The formal rules of evidence do not apply, and no discovery, as provided in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 U.S.C. appendix), is required.
(5) The presiding officer shall base findings of fact only on evidence presented at or before the hearing and matters given official notice.
(6) If a termination action is brought against a lender or third-party servicer and the presiding officer concludes that a limitation is more appropriate, the presiding officer may issue a decision imposing one or more limitations on a lender or third-party servicer rather than terminating the lender's or servicer's eligibility.
(7) In a termination action against a lender or third-party servicer based on a debarment under Executive Order 12549 or under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4 that does not meet the standards described in 34 CFR 85.201(c), the presiding official finds that the debarment constitutes prima facie evidence that cause for debarment and termination under this subpart exists.
(8) The initial decision of the presiding officer is mailed to the lender or servicer.
(9) Any time schedule specified in this section may be shortened with the approval of the presiding officer and the consent of the lender or servicer and the Secretary or designated Departmental official.
(10) The presiding officer's initial decision automatically becomes the Secretary's final decision 20 days after it is issued and received by both parties unless the lender, servicer, or designated Departmental official appeals the decision to the Secretary within this period.
(c) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, if a lender or a lender's owner or officer or third-party servicer or servicer's owner or officer, respectively, is convicted of or pled
(a) If the lender, third-party servicer, or designated Departmental official appeals the initial decision of the presiding officer in accordance with § 682.706(b)(9)—
(1) An appeal is made to the Secretary by submitting to the Secretary
(2) The opposing party shall submit its brief or other written material to the Secretary and the appealing party within 15 days of its receipt of the brief or written material of the appealing party.
(b) The Secretary issues a final decision affirming, modifying, or reversing the initial decision, including a statement of the reasons for the Secretary's decision.
(c) Any party submitting material to the Secretary shall provide a copy to each party that participates in the hearing.
(d) If the presiding officer's initial decision would limit or terminate the lender's or servicer's eligibility, it does not take effect pending the appeal unless the Secretary determines that a stay of the date it becomes effective would seriously and adversely affect the FFEL programs or student or parent borrowers.
(a) All mailing dates and receipt dates referred to in this subpart must be substantiated by the original receipts from the U.S. Postal Service.
(b) If a lender or third-party servicer refuses to accept a notice mailed under this subpart, the Secretary considers the notice as being received on the date that the lender or servicer refuses to accept the notice.
(a) As part of a limitation or termination proceeding, the Secretary, or a designated Departmental official, may require a lender or third-party servicer to take reasonable corrective action to remedy a violation of applicable laws, regulations, special arrangements, agreements, or limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA.
(b) The corrective action may include payment to the Secretary or recipients designated by the Secretary of any funds, and any interest thereon, that the lender, or, in the case of a third-party servicer, the servicer or the lender that has a contract with a third-party servicer, improperly received, withheld, disbursed, or caused to be disbursed. A third-party servicer may be held liable up to the amounts specified in § 682.413(a)(2).
(c) If a final decision requires a lender, a lender that has a contract with a third-party servicer, or a third-party servicer to reimburse or make any payment to the Secretary, the Secretary may, without further notice or opportunity for a hearing, proceed to offset or arrange for another Federal agency to offset the amount due against any interest benefits, special allowance, or other payments due to the lender, the lender that has a contract with the third-party servicer, or the third-party servicer. A third-party servicer may be held liable up to the amounts specified in § 682.413(a)(2).
(a) A lender or third-party servicer may request removal of a limitation imposed by the Secretary in accordance with the regulations in this subpart at any time more than 12 months after the date the limitation becomes effective.
(b) The request must be in writing and must show that the lender or servicer has corrected any violations on which the limitation was based.
(c) Within 60 days after receiving the request, the Secretary—
(1) Grants the request;
(2) Denies the request; or
(3) Grants the request subject to other limitations.
(d)(1) If the Secretary denies the request or establishes other limitations, the lender or servicer, upon request, is
(2) A lender or third-party servicer may continue to participate in the FFEL programs, subject to any limitation imposed by the Secretary under paragraph (c)(3) of this section, pending a decision by the Secretary on a request under paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
(a) A lender or third-party servicer whose eligibility has been terminated by the Secretary in accordance with the procedures of this subpart may request reinstatement of its eligibility after the later of—
(1) Eighteen months from the effective date of the termination; or
(2) The expiration of the period of debarment under Executive Order 12459 or the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4.
(b) The request must be in writing and must show that—
(1) The lender or servicer has corrected any violations on which the termination was based; and
(2) The lender or servicer meets all requirements for eligibility.
(c) A school lender whose eligibility as a participating school has been terminated under 34 CFR part 668 may not be considered for reinstatement as a lender until it is reinstated as a participating school. However, the school may request reinstatement as both a school and a lender at the same time.
(d) Within 60 days after receiving a request for reinstatement, the Secretary—
(1) Grants the request;
(2) Denies the request; or
(3) Grants the request subject to limitations.
(e)(1) If the Secretary denies the lender's or servicer's request or allows reinstatement subject to limitations, the lender or servicer, upon request, is given an opportunity to show why its eligibility should be reinstated and all limitations removed.
(2) A lender or third-party servicer whose eligibility to participate in the FFEL programs is reinstated subject to limitations imposed by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (d)(3) of this section, may participate in those programs, subject to those limitations, pending a decision by the Secretary on a request under paragraph (e)(1) of this section.
(a) The Secretary reviews a limitation, suspension, or termination action taken by a guaranty agency against a lender participating in the FFEL programs to determine if national disqualification is appropriate. Upon completion of the Secretary's review, the Secretary notifies the guaranty agency and the lender of the Secretary's decision by mail.
(b) The Secretary disqualifies a lender from participation in the FFEL programs if—
(1) The lender waives review by the Secretary; or
(2) The Secretary conducts the review and determines that the limitation, suspension, or termination was imposed in accordance with section 428(b)(1)(U) of the Act.
(c)(1) Disqualification by the Secretary continues until the Secretary is satisfied that—
(i) The lender has corrected the failure that led to the limitation, suspension, or termination; and
(ii) There are reasonable assurances that the lender will comply with the requirements of the FFEL programs in the future.
(2) Revocation of disqualification by the Secretary does not remove any limitation, suspension, or termination imposed by the agency whose action resulted in the disqualification.
(d) A guaranty agency shall refer a limitation, suspension, or termination action that it takes against a lender to
(e) The Secretary reviews an agency's limitation, suspension, or termination of a lender's eligibility only when the guaranty agency's action is final, e.g, the lender is not entitled to any further appeals within the guaranty agency. A subsequent court challenge to an agency's action does not by itself affect the timing of the Secretary's review.
(f) The guaranty agency's notice to the Secretary regarding a termination action must include a certified copy of the administrative record compiled by the agency with regard to the action. The record must include certified copies of the following documents:
(1) The guaranty agency's letter initiating the action.
(2) The lender's response.
(3) The transcript of the agency's hearing.
(4) The decision of the agency's hearing officer.
(5) The decision of the agency on appeal from the hearing officer's decision, if any.
(6) The regulations and written procedures of the agency under which the action was taken.
(7) The audit or lender review report or documented basis that led to the action.
(8) All other documents relevant to the action.
(g) The guaranty agency's referral notice to the Secretary regarding a limitation or suspension action must include—
(1) The documents described in paragraph (f) of this section; and
(2) Documents describing and substantiating the existence of one or more of the circumstances described in paragraph (j) of this section.
(h)(1) Within 60 days of the Secretary's receipt of a referral notice described in paragraph (f) or (g) of this section, the Secretary makes an initial assessment, based on the agency's record, as to whether the agency's action appears to comply with section 428(b)(1)(U) of the Act.
(2) In the case of a referral notice described in paragraph (g) of this section, the Secretary also determines whether one or more of the circumstances described in paragraph (j) of this section exist.
(3) If the Secretary concludes that the agency's action appears to comply with section 428(b)(1)(U) of the Act and, if applicable, one or more of the circumstances described in paragraph (j) of this section exist, the Secretary notifies the lender that the Secretary will review the guaranty agency's action to determine whether to disqualify the lender from further participation in the FFEL programs and affords the lender an opportunity—
(i) To waive the review and be disqualified immediately; or
(ii) To request a review.
(i) The Secretary's review of the guaranty agency's action is limited to whether the agency action was taken in accordance with procedures that were substantially the same as procedures applicable to the limitation, suspension, or termination of eligibility of a lender under the FISL Program (34 CFR part 682, subpart G).
(j) In the case of an action by an agency that limits or suspends a lender's eligibility to participate in the agency's program, the agency shall provide the Secretary with a referral as described in paragraph (g) of this section only if—
(1) The lender has not corrected the violation. A violation is corrected if, among other things, the lender has satisfied fully all liabilities incurred by the lender as a result of the violation, including its liability to the Secretary, or the lender has arranged to satisfy those liabilities in a manner acceptable to the parties to whom the liabilities are owed;
(2) The lender has not provided satisfactory assurances to the agency of future compliance with program requirements; or
(3) The guaranty agency determines that special circumstances warrant disqualification of the lender from the
(a) The Secretary reviews a limitation, suspension, or termination action taken by a guaranty agency against a school participating in the FFEL programs to determine if national disqualification is appropriate. Upon completion of the Secretary's review, the Secretary notifies the guaranty agency and the school of his decision by mail.
(b) The Secretary disqualifies a school from participation in the FFEL programs if—
(1) The school waives review by the Secretary; or
(2) The Secretary conducts the review and determines that the limitation, suspension, or termination was imposed in accordance with section 428(b)(1)(T) of the Act.
(c)(1) Disqualification by the Secretary continues until the Secretary is satisfied that—
(i) The school has corrected the failure that led to the limitation, suspension, or termination; and
(ii) There are reasonable assurances that the school will comply with the requirements of the FFEL programs in the future.
(2) Revocation of disqualification by the Secretary does not remove any limitation, suspension, or termination imposed by the agency whose action resulted in the disqualification.
(d) A guaranty agency shall refer a limitation, suspension, or termination action that it takes against a school to the Secretary within 30 days of its final decision to limit, suspend, or terminate the school's eligibility to participate in the agency's program.
(e) The Secretary reviews an agency's limitation, suspension, or termination of a school's eligibility only when the guaranty agency's action is final, i.e., the institution is not entitled to any further appeals within the guaranty agency. A subsequent court challenge to an agency's action does not by itself affect the timing of the Secretary's review.
(f) The guaranty agency's notice to the Secretary regarding a termination action must include a certified copy of the administrative record compiled by the agency with regard to the action. The record must include certified copies of the following documents:
(1) The guaranty agency's letter initiating the action.
(2) The school's response.
(3) The transcript of the agency's hearing.
(4) The decision of the agency's hearing officer.
(5) The decision of the agency on appeal from the hearing officer's decision, if any.
(6) The regulations and written procedures of the agency under which the action was taken.
(7) The audit or program review report or documented basis that led to the action.
(8) All other documents relevant to the action.
(g) The guaranty agency's referral notice to the Secretary regarding a limitation or suspension action must include—
(1) The documents described in paragraph (f) of this section; and
(2) Documents describing and substantiating the existence of one or more of the circumstances described in paragraph (j) of this section.
(h)(1) Within 60 days of the Secretary's receipt of a referral notice described in paragraph (f) or (g) of this section, the Secretary makes an initial assessment, based on the agency's record, as to whether the agency's action appears to comply with section 428(b)(1)(T) of the Act.
(2) In the case of a referral notice described in paragraph (g) of this section, the Secretary also determines whether one or more of the circumstances described in paragraph (j) of this section exist.
(3) If the Secretary concludes that the agency's action appears to comply
(i) To waive the review and be disqualified immediately; or
(ii) To request a review.
(i) The Secretary's review of the guaranty agency's action is limited to—
(1) A review of the written record of the agency's proceedings; and
(2) Whether the agency action was taken in accordance with procedures that were substantially the same as procedures established by the Secretary in 34 CFR part 668, subpart G.
(j) In the case of an action by an agency that limits or suspends a school's eligibility to participate in the agency's program, the agency shall provide the Secretary with a referral as described in paragraph (g) of this section only if—
(1) The school has not corrected the violation. A violation is corrected if, among other things, the school has fully satisfied all liabilities incurred by the school as a result of the violation, including its liability to the Secretary, or the school has arranged to satisfy those liabilities in a manner acceptable to the parties to whom the liabilities are owed;
(2) The school has not provided assurances satisfactory to the agency of future compliance with program requirements; or
(3) The guaranty agency determines that special circumstances warrant disqualification of the school from the FFEL programs for a significant period, notwithstanding the agency's decision not to terminate the school's eligibility to participate in the agency's program.
(a) The Secretary pays a special allowance on a loan that was made or acquired with the proceeds of an obligation exempt from taxation under section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is held by or on behalf of an Authority if—
(1) For loans financed by an obligation issued after December 31, 1980 and before November 16, 1986, the Secretary approved—
(i) The Plan for Doing Business of the Authority that issued the obligation; and
(ii) The justification of need for the obligation if the obligation was issued after August 14, 1983; or
(2) The Plan for Doing Business of the Authority that issued the obligations has been approved by the Governor of the State from which the Authority received or will seek an allocation under section 103(n) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 after consultation with the principal guaranty agency for the State.
(b) The Secretary pays a special allowance—
(1) For loans described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section from the latest of—
(i) The date the Secretary approved the Plan for Doing Business of the Authority;
(ii) The date the Secretary approved the justification of need for the obligation, if issued after August 14, 1983; or
(iii) The date the loan was made or acquired by or on behalf of the Authority with proceeds of a tax-exempt obligation.
(2) For a loan described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, from the latest of—
(i) The date the Governor approved the Plan for Doing Business of the Authority;
(ii) The date the loan was made or acquired by or on behalf of the Authority with proceeds of a tax-exempt obligation; or
(iii) November 16, 1986, if the loan was made or acquired with the proceeds of a tax-exempt obligation issued before that date by an Authority that did not receive before that date approval from the Secretary for its Plan for Doing Business, and, if applicable, its justification of need.
(c) The Authority shall submit a copy of the Plan for Doing Business to the Secretary under paragraph (a)(2) of this section within 60 days after receiving the Governor's approval.
(d) As used in this paragraph, the term
(1) The guaranty agency in the State with which the Secretary has signed a Basic Program Agreement under § 682.401; or
(2) If the Secretary has signed agreements with more than one agency in the State, the agency that has issued the majority of loan guarantees for students who are attending school in the State during the most recently ended Federal fiscal year.
Each Plan submitted for the approval of the Governor must contain provisions necessary to ensure that—
(a) If an Authority acts as a secondary market for student loans, it shall exclude no eligible lender in the service area from participation in its program, and shall permit all eligible lenders to participate in its program on the same terms and conditions;
(b) No director, officer, or staff member of the Authority who receives compensation from the Authority may own stock in, or receive compensation of any kind from, any agency or organization that contracts to service and collect the loans in which the Authority has a legal or equitable interest;
(c) The Authority shall not pay transfer fees in excess of the costs of transferring a loan portfolio or a portion of it from the lender to the Authority;
(d) The Authority shall, within the limits of funds available and subject to applicable State and Federal law, make loans to, or purchase loans made to, all eligible borrowers who are residents of or who seek loans for a student to attend a school within the service area of the Authority;
(e) The Authority has a plan under which the Authority shall pursue both the recruitment of new lenders to participate in a continuing program of benefits to students under the FFEL, SLS, and PLUS programs and the maintenance of existing lender commitments to the program.
(f) The Authority shall not purchase student loans at a premium amounting to more than one percent of the unpaid principal amount borrowed plus interest accrued to the date of acquisition.
An Authority shall submit with or include in each Plan submitted for the approval of the Governor the following:
(a) If the Authority is a secondary market, a description of the procedures used to inform eligible lenders of the program of the Authority, samples of announcements to lenders regarding the program, and a listing of the types of lenders and numbers of each type so informed.
(b) If the Authority contracts with an agent to service or collect loans in which the Authority has a legal or equitable interest, a sample of the form signed by all directors, officers, and staff of the Authority who receive compensation from the Authority certifying that these persons do not own stock in or receive compensation of any kind from that agent and a list of the persons who have signed the form.
(c) If the Authority is a secondary market, a schedule of the amount of loan transfer fees paid or to be paid by the Authority to parties from whom it purchases loans and, if the amount of the loan transfer fee is based on an estimate, an explanation of how that estimated amount was determined.
(d) A copy of any Federal or State law that the Authority believes limits its ability to make or purchase loans made to any eligible borrowers who are residents of, or who obtained loans for a student to attend a school located within, its service area.
(e) A copy of the plan under which the Authority pursues both the recruitment of new lenders to participate in a continuing program of benefits to students under each of the FFEL programs and the maintenance of existing lender commitments to the programs.
(f) A copy of the most recent independent audit of the Authority performed in accordance with the audit standards found in § 682.830.
(g) A copy of any survey instrument or written inquiry form to be used to solicit from schools, lenders, and secondary markets information by which the Authority measures unmet need for student loan credit.
(h) A certification that the Authority is in compliance with section 438(d)(2) of the Act (regarding patterns or practices resulting in denial of access to student loan credit for certain borrowers).
(a) After a Plan is approved, an Authority shall submit to the Governor or the Secretary amendments to the Plan or such documentation as may be needed to reflect accurately the policy and practice of the Authority within 30 days of the date that—
(1) An Authority amends any provision of a Plan that had previously been approved by that Governor or the Secretary; or
(2) Any documentation or representation previously submitted pursuant to § 682.802 is revised or rendered inaccurate in any material aspect.
(b) An Authority shall promptly amend its Plan to comply with changes in applicable statutes and regulations.
(a) If the Secretary finds that an Authority has failed to comply with any requirement of its Plan or of this subpart, the Secretary takes actions necessary to protect the interests of the United States. These actions may include the following:
(1) Withholding payment of special allowances.
(2) Suspending or revoking approval of the Plan.
(3) Determining that loans made or purchased with the proceeds of a tax-exempt obligation by the Authority or any entity acting for the Authority after the date of suspension or revocation are ineligible for payments of special allowances.
(4) Requiring reimbursement from the Authority of special allowances paid on loans made or purchased by the Authority or any entity acting for the Authority.
(b) The Secretary's decision to require repayment of funds by an Authority, to withhold payments of special allowance, or to suspend or revoke approval of a Plan does not become final until the Secretary provides the Authority with written notice of the intended action and an opportunity to be heard thereon. However, the Secretary may withhold payments or suspend approval of the Plan prior to giving notice and opportunity to be heard if the Secretary finds that emergency action necessary to prevent substantial harm to Federal interests.
(c) Once final, the Secretary's decision to require a repayment of funds or to take other remedial action against an Authority under this section is conclusive and binding on the Authority.
(a) If at any time the Secretary determines that the submission for approval of a tax-exempt obligation or a Plan for Doing Business contains or contained a material misrepresentation, the Secretary may to the extent provided in paragraph (b) of this section—
(1) Require reimbursement from the Authority of special allowance payments to the Authority or to any other party on loans made or purchased with the proceeds of the issue with respect to which the misrepresentation was made; and
(2) Determine to be ineligible for special allowance payments any loans to be made or purchased by the Authority or any entity acting for the Authority with the unexpended proceeds of the issue with respect to which the misrepresentation was made.
(b) If an Authority uses funds from sources other than a tax-exempt obligation to retire an issue with respect to which the Secretary has determined that a material misrepresentation was made, the Secretary takes the adverse actions described in paragraph (a) of this section only with regard to those special allowance payments which accrued earlier than ninety days before that issue was retired.
(c) The Secretary's decision to require repayment of funds by an Authority, to withhold payments of special allowance, or to take any of the actions in § 682.804 does not become final until the Secretary provides the Authority with written notice of the intended action and an opportunity to be heard thereon. However, the Secretary may withhold payments or suspend approval of the Plan prior to giving notice and opportunity to be heard if the Secretary finds such emergency action necessary to prevent substantial harm to Federal interests.
(d) Once final, the Secretary's decision to require repayment of funds or to take other remedial action against an Authority under this section is conclusive and binding on the Authority.
(a) An Authority that is a governmental entity must be audited regarding its lending and loan purchasing program for compliance with its Plan and the provisions of § 682.801 in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 7502 and 34 CFR part 80, appendix G.
(b) An Authority that is a nonprofit organization must undergo an audit of its lending and loan purchasing program for compliance with its Plan and the provisions of § 682.801—
(1) Conducted in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 and any supplementary compliance guidelines issued by OMB and the Secretary; or
(2) If the Authority qualifies to submit a program-specific audit under criteria in OMB Circular A-133 and chooses to have such an audit performed, conducted in accordance with standards issued by the General Accounting Office (GAO) publication,
(c) The audit must be conducted annually and the audit report must be submitted within 30 days of the completion of the audit report but no later than six months after the close of the audit period.
(d) Audits must be submitted to the regional office of the Office of Inspector General of the Department, to the Governor who approved the Plan of the Authority, and to the principal guaranty agency consulted by the Governor in approving that Plan.
(a) For an Authority to receive special allowance payments on loans made or acquired with the proceeds of a tax-exempt obligation, the Authority or its agent may not engage in any pattern or practice that results in a denial of a borrower's access to loans under the FFEL programs because of the borrower's race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, handicapped status, income, attendance at a particular institution within the area served by the Authority, length of the borrower's education program, or the borrower's academic year in school.
(b) The Secretary considers an Authority that makes or acquires loans guaranteed by an agency or organization that discriminates on one or more grounds listed in paragraph (a) of this section to have adopted a practice of
This appendix sets forth the required format and data elements for guarantee agencies to use in implementing a manual or automated Student Status Confirmation Report system as required by § 682.401(b)(18).
The following definitions apply to the SSCR data elements.
The following is a reprint of Bulletin L-77a, issued on January 7, 1983, with minor modifications made to reflect changes in the program regulations since that date. All references to “the date of this bulletin” refer to that date. All references made to the Federal
This bulletin prescribes procedures for lenders to use (1) to cure violations of the requirements for due diligence in collection (“due diligence”) and timely filing of claims under the Federal Insured Student Loan Program (FISLP), and (2) to repay interest and special allowance overbillings made on loans evidencing such violations. See 34 CFR 682.507, 682.511.
The due diligence and timely filing requirements governing the FISLP were established in response to requests from some lenders for more detailed regulatory guidance on the proper handling of FISLP loans. Despite the promulgation of these provisions, a number of lenders have failed to exercise the requisite care in their treatment of these loans, thereby increasing the risk of default thereon and, in many cases, prejudicing the Secretary's ability to collect from the borrowers. At the time the current due diligence and timely filing rules were issued, the Secretary anticipated that violations of these rules would be so infrequent as to permit requests for cures to be handled individually. However, the unexpectedly high incidence of violations of these rules has made continued case-by-case treatment of all cure requests administratively unmanageable. After carefully considering the views of lenders and other program participants, the Secretary has decided to exercise his authority under 20 U.S.C. 1082(a)(5), (6), and institute uniform procedures by which lenders with loans involving violations of the due diligence or timely filing requirements may cure these violations.
Collection activity is required to begin immediately upon delinquency by the borrower in honoring the repayment obligation. This holds true whether or not the borrower received a repayment schedule or signed a repayment agreement. Under 34 CFR 682.200, default on a FISLP loan occurs when a borrower fails to make a payment when due, provided this failure persists for 120 days for loans payable in monthly installments, or for 180 days for loans payable in less frequent installments. If, however, the lender has added the optional provision to the promissory note requiring the borrower to execute a repayment agreement not later than 120 days prior to the expiration of the grace period, the loan entered repayment prior to September 4, 1985 (see 50 FR 35970), the lender sends the agreement to the borrower 150 days or more before the end of the grace period, and the agreement is not executed before the end of the grace period, default occurs at that time. One exception to this rule is as follows: If the holder of the loan is not the lender that made the loan, the holder may choose to forego enforcement of the optional 120-day provision in the note.
The 120/180 day default period applies regardless of whether payments were missed consecutively or intermittently. For example, if the borrower, on a loan payable in monthly installments, makes his January 1st payment on time, his February 1st payment two months late (April 1st), his March 1st payment three months late (June 1st), and makes no further payments, the default period begins on February 1st, with the first delinquency, and ends on August 1st, when the April 1st payment becomes 120 days past due. The lender must treat the payment made on April 1st as the February 1st payment, since the February 1st payment had not been made prior to that time. Similarly, the lender must treat the payment made on June 1st as the March 1st payment, since the March payment had not been made prior to that time.
Lenders are strongly encouraged to exercise forbearance,
The 90-day filing period applicable to FISLP default claims is set forth in 34 CFR 682.511(e) (1) and (3). The 90-day filing period begins at the end of the 120/180 day default period. The lender must file a default claim on a loan in default by the end of the filing
In addition, for any loan less than 210 days delinquent on the date of this bulletin, the lender need not file a claim on that loan before the 210th day of delinquency (120-day default period plus 90-day filing period) if the borrower brings the account less than 120 days delinquent before such 210th day. Thus, in the above example, if the borrower makes the April 1st payment on August 2nd, the 90-day filing period continues to run from August 1st, unless the loan was less than 210 days delinquent on the date of this bulletin. If the loan was less than 210 days delinquent on the date of this bulletin, then the August 2nd payment makes the loan 91 days delinquent, and the lender may, but need not file a default claim on the loan at that time. If, however, that loan again becomes 120 days delinquent, the lender must file a default claim within 90 days thereafter (unless the loan is again brought to less than 120 days delinquent prior to the end of that 90 day period). In other words, for any loan less than 210 days delinquent on the date of this bulletin, the Secretary will permit a lender to treat payments made during the filing period as “curing” the default if such payments are sufficient to make the loan less than 120 days delinquent.
If a lender fails to comply with either the due diligence or timely filing requirements, the affected loan ceases to be insured; that is, the lender loses its right to receive interest benefits, special allowance and claim payments thereon. Some examples of violations of the due diligence requirements are set out in section I.C. below.
The following definitions apply to terms used throughout Section I of this bulletin.
The cure procedures applicable to loans involving due diligence violations also apply to loans involving violations of both the timely filing and due diligence requirements.
The Secretary will also excuse a due diligence violation by a lender if the account was brought current by the borrower (or another, other than the lender, on the borrower's behalf) prior to the 120th/180th day of the delinquency period during which the violation occurred.
For any loan involving “cured” due diligence violations, the lender may capitalize unpaid interest accruing on the loan from the commencement of the 120/180 day default period to the date of the reinstatement of insurance coverage. See sections I.C. and D. below. However, if the lender later files a claim on that loan, the lender must deduct this capitalized interest from the amount of the claim. This deduction must be reflected in column 15 on the ED Form 1207, Lender's Application for Insurance Claim on Federal Insured Student Loan, filed with the claim evidencing the cure.
For any default claim involving a “cured” timely filing violation, if insurance coverage is later reinstated, the lender may capitalize unpaid interest accruing on the loan from the commencement of the original 120/180 day default period to the date of the reinstatement of insurance coverage. See sections I.C. and D. below. However, if the lender later files a claim, on that loan, the lender must deduct this capitalized interest from the amount of the claim, except that the lender need not deduct from the claim unpaid interest that accrued on the loan during the original 120/180 day default period. This deduction must be reflected in Column 15 of the ED Form 1207, Lender's Application for Insurance Claim on Federal Insured Student Loan, filed with the claim evidencing the cure.
Some timely filing cures will not reinstate insurance coverage. For treatment of accrued interest in such cases, see Section I.D.1.c.
For all “cured” claims, the lender must submit:
• For loans on which a claim was previously rejected, all documents sent by the regional office with the original claim (when the claim was rejected and returned to the lender), including without limitation, the original ED Form 1207 and all documents showing the reason(s) for the original rejection;
• All documents ordinarily required in connection with the submission of a default claim, including, without limitation, the promissory note, which must bear a valid assignment to the United States of America;
• A new ED Form 1207; and
• All documents showing that the lender has complied with the applicable cure procedures and requirements.
A violation of the due diligence in collection rules occurs when a lender fails to meet requirements found in 34 CFR 682.507. For example, a violation occurs if the lender fails to:
• Remind the borrower of the date a missed payment was due within 15 days of delinquency;
• Attempt to contact the borrower and any endorser at least 3 times at regular intervals during the rest of the 120/180 day default period;
• Request preclaims assistance from the Department of Education;
• Request skip-tracing assistance from the Secretary, if required, or
• Send a final demand letter to the borrower exercising the option to accelerate the due date for the outstanding balance of the loan, unless the lender does not know the borrower's address as of the 90th day of delinquency.
(a) The lender obtains a new repayment agreement signed by the borrower which complies with the ten and fifteen year repayment limitations set out in 34 CFR 682.209(a)(7); or
(b) The lender obtains 3 full payments. If the borrower later defaults, the lender must
If, within 30 days after the lender sends these items, the borrower fails to make a full payment or to sign and return the new repayment agreement, the lender shall, within 5 working days thereafter, send the borrower a copy of the attached “48 hour” collection letter, on the lender's letterhead. (See attachment A.)
(i) Postal receipt signed by the borrower not more than 25 days prior to the date on which the lender sent the new repayment agreement, indicating acceptance of correspondence from the lender by the borrower at the address shown on the receipt;
(ii) A completed “Certification of Borrower Location” form (Attachment B).
The Secretary has determined that, in the vast majority of cases, the failure of a lender to comply with the timely filing requirement applicable to
It has always been the Secretary's interpretation of the FISLP statute and regulations that a lender's right to receive interest and special allowance payments on a FISLP loan terminates immediately following the lender's violation of the due diligence or timely filing requirements. This applies whether or not the lender has filed a claim on the loan. In other words, lenders may receive interest and special allowance only on loans which are insured by the Secretary. Since these violations result in the termination of insurance, they also result in the termination of FISLP benefits.
Any lender currently billing the Secretary for interest and special allowance on a loan that the lender knows involves a due diligence or timely filing violation must cease doing so immediately. However, lenders are not required at this time to review their loan portfolios for due diligence and timely filing violations.
A lender must make the repayments of interest and/or special allowance discussed in II.C. above, by way of an adjustment during the two quarters immediately following the discovery of the violation. These adjustments must be reported on the normal Lender‘s Interest and Special Allowance Request and Report (ED Form 799). Lenders are requested not to send a check with the adjustment; the overpaid amount will be deducted by the Secretary from the lender's next regular interest and special allowance payment. For five years after any loan for which an adjustment is made is repaid in full, the lender shall retain a record of the basis for the adjustment showing the amount(s) of the overbilling(s), and the date it used for cessation of interest or special allowance eligibility in calculating the overbilled amount. See 34 CFR 682.515(a)(2).
As an employee or agent of
I hereby certify as follows:
1. On (Date), I spoke with or received written communication from (copy attached):
(a) the borrower on the loan underlying the default claim, or
(b) a parent, spouse, or sibling of the borrower.
2. The borrower, parent, spouse, or sibling represented to me that the borrower's address and telephone number are—
3. Within 15 days thereafter, this institution sent the borrower a new repayment agreement along with a collection letter of the type described in section I.D.1.a.ii of Bulletin L-77a, dated January 7, 1983, to the address set out in 2, above.
4. (Applicable only if 1(b), above, is used.) The letter and agreement referenced in 3, above, has not been returned undelivered.
The following is a reprint of Bulletin 88-G-138, issued on March 11, 1988, with modifications made to reflect changes in the program regulations. For a loan that has lost reinsurance prior to December 1, 1992, this policy applies only through November 30, 1995. For a loan that loses reinsurance on or after December 1, 1992, this policy applies until three years after the default claim filing deadline.
This letter sets forth the circumstances under which the Secretary, pursuant to sections 432(a) (5) and (6) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and 34 CFR §§ 682.406(b) and 682.413(f), will waive certain of his rights and claims with respect to Stafford Loans, PLUS, Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS), and Consolidation Program loans made under a guaranty agency program that involve violations of Federal regulations pertaining to due diligence in collection or timely filing. (These programs are collectively referred to in this letter as the FFEL Programs.) This policy applies to due diligence violations on loans for which the first day of delinquency occurred on or after March 10, 1987 (the effective date of the November 10, 1986 due diligence regulations) and to timely filing violations occurring on or after December 26, 1986, whether or not the affected loans have been submitted as claims to the guaranty agency.
The Secretary has been implementing a variety of regulatory and administrative actions to minimize defaults in the FFEL Programs. As a part of this effort, the Secretary published final regulations on November 10, 1986 requiring lenders and guaranty agencies to undertake specific due diligence activities to collect delinquent and defaulted loans, and establishing deadlines for the filing of claims by lenders with guaranty agencies. In recognition of the time required for agencies and lenders to modify their internal procedures, the Secretary delayed for four months the date by which lenders were required to comply with the new due diligence requirements. Thus, § 682.411 of the regulations, which established minimum due diligence procedures that a lender must follow in order for a guaranty agency to receive reinsurance on a loan, became effective for loans for which the first day of delinquency occurred on or after March 10, 1987. The regulations make clear that compliance with these minimum requirements, and with the new timely filing deadlines, is a condition for an agency's receiving or retaining reinsurance payments made by the Secretary on a loan. See 34 CFR 682.406(a)(3), (a)(5), 682.413(b). The regulations also specify that a lender must comply with § 682.411 and with the applicable filing deadline, as a condition for its right to receive or retain interest benefits and special allowance on a loan for certain periods.
The Department has received inquiries regarding the procedures by which a lender may “cure” a violation of § 682.411 regarding diligent loan collection, or of the 90-day deadline for the filing of default claims found in § 682.406(a)(3) and (a)(5), in order to reinstate the agency's right to reinsurance, and the lender's right to interest benefits and special allowance. Preliminarily, please note that, absent an exercise of the Secretary's waiver authority, a guaranty agency may not receive or retain reinsurance payments on a loan on which the lender has violated the Federal due diligence or timely filing requirements, even if the lender has followed a cure procedure established by the agency. Under §§ 682.406(b) and 682.413(f), the Secretary—not the guaranty agency—decides whether to reinstate reinsurance coverage on a loan involving such a violation, or any other violation of Federal regulations. A lender's violation of a guaranty agency's requirement that affects the agency's guarantee coverage also affects reinsurance coverage. See §§ 682.406(a)(7); and 682.413(b). As §§ 682.406(a)(7) and 682.413(b) make clear, a guaranty agency's cure procedures are relevant to reinsurance coverage only insofar as they allow for cure of violations of requirements established by the
References throughout this letter to “due diligence and timely filing” rules, requirements, and violations should be understood to mean only the Federal rules cited above, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
This letter outlines the Secretary's waiver policy regarding certain violations of Federal due diligence or timely filing requirements on a loan insured by a guaranty agency. Unless your agency receives notification to the contrary, or the lender's violation involves fraud or other intentional misconduct, you may treat as reinsured any otherwise reinsured loan involving such a violation that has been cured in accordance with this letter.
As noted above, a lender's violation of a guaranty agency's requirement that affects the agency's guarantee coverage also affects reinsurance coverage. Thus, as a general rule, an agency that fails to enforce such a requirement and pays a default claim involving a violation is not eligible to receive reinsurance on the underlying loan. However, in light of the waiver policy outlined below, which provides more stringent cure procedures for violations occurring on or after May 1, 1988 than for pre-May 1, 1988 violations, some guarantee agencies with more stringent policies than the policy outlined below for the pre-May 1 violations have indicated that they wish to relax their own policies for violations of agency rules during that period. While the Secretary does not encourage any agency to do so, the Secretary will permit an agency to take either of the following approaches to its enforcement of its own due diligence and timely filing rules for violations occurring before May 1, 1988.
(1) The agency may continue to enforce its rules, even if they result in the denial of guarantee coverage by the agency on otherwise reinsurable loans;
(2) The agency may decline to enforce its rules as to any loan that would be reinsured under the retrospective waiver policy outlined below. In other words, for violations of a guaranty agency's due diligence and timely filing rules occurring before May 1, 1988, a guaranty agency is authorized, but not required, to retroactively revise its own due diligence and timely filing standards to treat as guaranteed any loan amount that is reinsured under the retrospective enforcement policy outlined in section I.C.1., below. However, for any violation of an agency's due diligence or timely filing rules occurring on or after May 1, 1988, the agency must resume enforcing those rules in accordance with their terms, in order to receive reinsurance payments on the underlying loan. For these post-April 30 violations, and for any other violation of an agency's rule affecting its guarantee coverage, the Secretary will treat as reinsured all loans on which the agency has engaged in, and documented, a case-by-case exercise of reasonable discretion allowing for guarantee coverage to be continued or reinstated notwithstanding the violation. But any agency that otherwise fails, or refuses, to enforce such a rule does so without the benefit of reinsurance coverage on the affected loans, and the lenders continue to be ineligible for interest benefits and special allowance thereon.
Under 34 CFR 682.200, default on a FFEL Program loan occurs when a borrower fails to make a payment when due, provided this failure persists for 180 days for loans payable in monthly installments, or for 240 days for loans payable in less frequent installments. The 180/240-day default period applies regardless of whether payments were missed consecutively or intermittently. For example, if the borrower, on a loan payable in monthly installments, makes his January 1st payment on time, his February 1st payment two months late (April 1st), his March 1st payment three months late (June 1st), and makes no further payments, the delinquency period begins on February 2nd, with the first delinquency, and default occurs on September 29th, when the April payment becomes 180 days past due. The lender must treat the payment made on April 1st as the February 1st payment, since the February 1st payment had not been made prior to that time. Similarly, the lender must treat the payment made on June 1st as the March 1st payment, since the March payment had not been made prior to that time.
Lenders are strongly encouraged to exercise forbearance, prior to default, for the benefit of borrowers who have missed payments intermittently but have otherwise indicated willingness to repay their loans. See 34 CFR 682.211. The forbearance process helps to reduce the incidence of default, and serves to emphasize for the borrower the importance of compliance with the repayment obligation.
The 90-day filing period applicable to FFEL Program default claims is set forth in 34 CFR 682.406(a)(5). The 90-day filing period begins at the end of the 180/240-day default period. The lender ordinarily must file a default claim on a loan in default by the end of the filing period. However, the lender may, but need not, file a claim on that loan before the 270th day of delinquency (180-day default period plus 90-day filing period) if the borrower brings the account less than 180 days delinquent before such 270th day. Thus, in the above example, if the borrower makes the April 1st payment on September 30th, that payment makes the loan 151 days delinquent, and the lender may, but need not, file a default claim on the loan at that time. If,
Section I of this letter outlines the Secretary's waiver policy for due diligence and timely filing violations. As noted above, to the extent that it results in the imposition of a lesser sanction than that available to the Secretary by statute or regulation, this policy reflects the exercise of the Secretary's authority to waive the Secretary's rights and claims in this area. Section II discusses the issue of the due date of the first payment on a loan, and the application of the waiver policy to that issue. Section III provides guidance on several issues related to due diligence and timely filing as to which clarification has been requested by some program participants.
A. Definitions
The following definitions apply to terms used throughout this letter:
“Gap” in collection activity on a loan means:
the concept of “gap” is used herein simply as one measure of collection activity. This definition applies to loans subject to the FFEL and PLUS programs regulations published on November 10, 1986. For such loans, not all gaps are violations of the due diligence rules.
(1) The guaranty agency and lender shall ensure that the lender repays all interest benefits and special allowance received on loans involving violations occurring prior to May 1, 1988, for which the lender is ineligible under the waiver policy for the “retrospective period” described in section I.C.1., below, or under the waiver policy for timely filing violations described in section I.E.1., below, by an adjustment to one of the next three quarterly billings for interest benefits and special allowance submitted by the lender in a timely manner after May 1, 1988. The guaranty agency's responsibility in this regard is satisfied by receipt of a certification from the lender that this repayment has been made in full.
(2) The guaranty agency, on or before October 1, 1988, shall repay all reinsurance received on loans involving violations occurring prior to May 1, 1988, for which the agency is ineligible under the waiver policy for the “retrospective period” described in section I.C.1., below, or under the waiver policy for timely filing violations described in section I.E.1., below. Pending completion of the repayment described above, a lender or guaranty agency may submit billings to the Secretary on loans that are eligible for reinsurance under the waiver policy in this letter until it learns that repayment in full will not be made, or until the deadline for a repayment has passed without it being made, whichever is earlier. Of course, a lender or guaranty agency is prohibited from billing the Secretary for program payments on any loan amount that is not eligible for reinsurance under the waiver policy outlined in this letter. In addition to the repayments required above, any amounts received in the future in violation of this prohibition must immediately be repaid to the Secretary.
A violation of the due diligence in collection rules occurs when a lender fails to meet the requirements found in 34 CFR 682.411. However, if a lender makes all required calls and sends all required letters during any of the delinquency periods described in that section, the lender is considered to be in compliance with that section for that period, even if the letters were sent before the calls were made.
The special provisions for transfers set forth below apply whenever the violation(s) and, if applicable, the gap, were due to a transfer, as defined in section I.A., above.
a. There will be no reduction or recovery by the Secretary of payments to the lender or guaranty agency if no gap of 46 days or more (61 days or more for a transfer) exists.
b. If a gap of 46-60 days (61-75 days for a transfer) exists, principal will be reinsured, but accrued interest, interest benefits, and special allowance otherwise payable by the Secretary for the delinquency period are limited to amounts accruing through the date of default.
c. If a gap of 61 days or more (76 days or more for a transfer) exists, the borrower must be located after the gap, either by the agency or the lender, in order for reinsurance on the loan to be reinstated. (
a. There will be no reduction or recovery by the Secretary of payments to the lender or guaranty agency if there is no violation of Federal requirements of 6 days or more (21 days or more for a transfer.)
b. If there exists not more than 2 violations of 6 days or more each (21 days or more for a transfer), and no gap of 46 days or more (61 days or more for a transfer) exists, principal will be reinsured, but accrued interest, interest benefits, and special allowance otherwise payable by the Secretary for the delinquency period will be limited to amounts accruing through the date of default.
However, the lender must complete all required activities before the claim filing deadline, except that a preclaims assistance request must be made before the 240th day of delinquency. If the lender fails to make this request by the 240th day, the Secretary will not pay any accrued interest, interest benefits, and special allowance for the most recent 180 days prior to default. If the lender fails to complete any other required activity before the claim filing deadline, accrued interest, interest benefits, and special allowance otherwise payable by the Secretary for the delinquency period will be limited to amounts accruing through the 90th day before default.
c. If there exists 3 violations of 6 days or more each (21 days or more for a transfer) and no gap of 46 days or more (61 days or more for a transfer), the lender must satisfy the requirements outlined in I.E.1., or receive a full payment or a new signed repayment agreement in order for reinsurance on the loan to be reinstated. The Secretary does not pay any interest benefits or special allowance for the period beginning with the lender's earliest unexcused violation occurring after the last payment received before the cure is accomplished, and ending with the date, if any, that reinsurance on the loan is reinstated.
d. If there exists more than three violations of 6 days or more each (21 days or more for a transfer) of any type, or a gap of 46 days (61 days for a transfer) or more and at least one violation, the lender must satisfy the requirement outlined in section I.D.1., for reinsurance on the loan to be reinstated. The Secretary does not pay any interest benefits or special allowance for the period beginning with the lender's earliest unexcused violation occurring after the last payment received before the cure is accomplished, and ending with the date, if any, that reinsurance on the loan is reinstated.
a. After the violations occur, the lender obtains a new repayment agreement signed by the borrower. The repayment agreement must comply with the ten-year repayment limitations set out in 34 CFR 682.209(a)(7); or
b. After the violations occur, the lender obtains one full payment. If the borrower later defaults, the guaranty agency must obtain evidence of this payment (e.g., a copy of the check) from the lender.
2.
1.
If, within 15 days after the lender sends these items, the borrower fails to make a full payment or to sign and return the new repayment agreement, the lender shall, within 5 days thereafter, diligently attempt to contact the borrower by telephone. Within 5-10 days after completing these efforts, the lender shall again diligently attempt to contact the borrower by telephone. Finally, within 5-10 days after completing these efforts, the lender shall send a forceful collection letter indicating that the entire unpaid balance of the loan is due and payable, and that, unless the borrower immediately contacts the lender to arrange repayment, the lender will be filing a default claim with the guaranty agency.
In the case of a timely filing violation on a loan for which the borrower is deemed current under this paragraph, the lender is ineligible to receive interest benefits and special allowance accruing from the date of the violation to the date of reinstatement of reinsurance coverage on the loan.
In the case of a timely filing violation on a loan for which the borrower is deemed in default under this paragraph, the lender is ineligible to receive interest benefits and special allowance accruing from the date of the violation.
(1) A postal receipt signed by the borrower not more than 15 days prior to the date on which the lender sent the new repayment agreement, indicating acceptance of correspondence from the lender by the borrower at the address shown on the receipt; or
(2) Documentation submitted by the lender showing—
(i) The name, identification number, and address of the lender;
(ii) The name and Social Security number of the borrower; and
(iii) A signed certification by an employee or agent of the lender, that—
(A) On a specified date, he or she spoke with or received written communication (attached to the certification) from the borrower on the loan underlying the default claim, or a parent, spouse, sibling, roommate, or neighbor of the borrower;
(B) The address and, if available, telephone number of the borrower were provided to the lender in the telephone or written communication; and
(C) In the case of a borrower whose address or telephone number was provided to the lender by someone other than the borrower, the new repayment agreement and the letter sent by the lender pursuant to section I.E.1.a., above, had not been returned undelivered as of 20 days after the date those items were sent, for due diligence violations described in section I.C.1.c. where the lender holds the loan on the date of this letter, and as of the date the lender filed a default claim on the cured loan, for all other violations.
The Secretary had determined that, in the vast majority of cases, the failure of a lender to comply with the timely filing requirement applicable to bankruptcy claims (§ 682.402(e)(2)(ii)) causes irreparable harm to the guaranty agency's ability to contest the discharge of the loan by the court, or to otherwise collect from the borrower. Therefore, the Secretary has decided not to excuse violations of the timely filing requirement applicable to bankruptcy claims, except when the lender can demonstrate that the bankruptcy action has concluded and that the loan has not been discharged in bankruptcy, or, if previously discharged, has been the subject of a reversal of the discharge. In that case, the lender shall return the borrower to the appropriate status that existed prior to the filing of the bankruptcy claim. The Secretary will not reimburse the guaranty agency for interest accruing beyond the filing deadline for the bankruptcy claim.
Section 682.411(b)(1) refers to the “due date of the first missed payment not later made” as one way to determine the first day of delinquency on a loan. Section 682.209(a)(3) states that, generally, the repayment period on a FFEL programs loan begins some number of months after the month in which the borrower ceases at least half-time study. Where the borrower enters the repayment period with the lender's knowledge, the first payment due date may be set by the lender, provided it falls within a reasonable time after the first day of the month in which the repayment period begins. In this situation, the Secretary generally permits a lender to allow the borrower up to 45 days from the first day of repayment to make the first payment. (Unless the lender establishes the first day of repayment under § 682.209(a)(3)(ii)(E).)
In cases where the lender learns that the borrower has entered the repayment period after the fact, current § 682.411 treats the 30th day after the lender receives this information as the first day of delinquency. In the course of discussion with lenders, the Secretary has learned that many lenders have not been using the 30th day after receipt of notice that the repayment period has begun (“the notice”) as the first payment due date. In recognition of this apparently widespread practice, the Secretary has decided that, both retrospectively and prospectively, a lender should be allowed to establish a first payment due date within 60 days after receipt of the notice, to capitalize interest accruing up to the first payment due date, and to exercise forbearance with respect to the period during which the borrower was in the repayment period but made no payment. In effect, this means that, if the lender sends the borrower a coupon book, billing notice, or other correspondence establishing a new first payment due date, on or before the 60th day after receipt of the notice, the lender is deemed to have exercised forbearance up to the new first payment due date. The new first payment due date must fall no later than 75 days after receipt of the notice. (Unless the lender establishes the first day of repayment under § 682.209(a)(3)(ii)(E).) In keeping with the 5-day tolerance permitted under section I.C.2.a., for the “prospective period”, a lender that sends the above-described material on or before the 65th day after receipt of the notice will be held harmless. However, a lender that does so on the 66th day will have failed by more than 5 days to send both of the collection letters required by § 682.411(c) to be sent within the first 30 days of delinquency, and will thus have committed
If the lender fails to send the material establishing a new first payment due date on or before the 65th day after receipt of the notice, it may thereafter send material establishing a new first payment due date falling not more than 45 days after the materials are sent, and will be deemed to have exercised forbearance up to the new first payment due date. However, all violations and gaps occurring prior to the date on which the material is sent are subject to the waiver policies described in section I for violations falling in either the retrospective or prospective periods. This is an exception to the general policy set forth in section I.B.5., above, that only violations occurring during the most recent 180 days of the delinquency period on a loan are relevant to the Secretary's examination of due diligence.
Please Note: References to the “65th day after receipt of the notice” and “66th day” in the preceding paragraphs should be amended to read “95th day” and “96th day” respectively for lenders subject to § 682.209(a)(3)(ii)(E).
The waiver policy outlined in this letter was developed after extensive discussion and consultation with participating lenders and guarantee agencies. In the course of these discussions, lenders and agencies raised a
Note: The answer to questions 1 and 4 are applicable only to loans subject to § 682.411 of the FFEL snd PLUS program regulations published on November 10, 1986.
20 U.S.C. 1087a
(a) Under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program (formerly known as the Federal Direct Student Loan Program), the Secretary makes loans to enable a student or parent to pay the costs of the student's attendance at a postsecondary school. This part governs the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program, the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan Program, the Federal Direct PLUS Program, and the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program. The Secretary makes loans under the following program components:
(1) Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program (formerly known as the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program), which provides loans to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The Secretary subsidizes the interest while the borrower is in an in-school, grace, or deferment period.
(2) Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan Program (formerly known as the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program), which provides loans to undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues during any period.
(3) Federal Direct PLUS Program, which provides loans to parents of dependent students. The borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues during any period.
(4) Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program, which provides loans to borrowers to consolidate certain Federal educational loans.
(b) The Secretary makes a Direct Subsidized Loan, a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, or a Direct PLUS Loan only to a student or a parent of a student enrolled in a school that has been selected by the Secretary to participate in the Direct Loan Program.
(c) The Secretary makes a Direct Consolidation Loan only to—
(1) A borrower with a loan made under the Direct Loan Program; or
(2) A borrower with a loan made under the Federal Family Education Loan Program who is not able to receive—
(i) A Federal Consolidation Loan; or
(ii) A Federal Consolidation Loan with income-sensitive repayment terms that are satisfactory to the borrower.
(a)(1) Colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, vocational schools, and proprietary schools selected by the Secretary may participate in the Direct Loan Program. Participation in the Direct Loan Program enables an eligible student or parent to obtain a loan to pay for the student's cost of attendance at the school.
(2) The Secretary may permit a school to participate in both the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, as defined in 34 CFR part 600, and the Direct Loan Program. A school permitted to participate in both the FFEL Program and the Direct Loan Program may certify loan applications under the FFEL Program according to the terms of its agreement with the Secretary.
(b) An eligible student who is enrolled at a school participating in the Direct Loan Program may borrow under the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford
(a) (1) The definitions of the following terms used in this part are set forth in subpart A of the Student Assistance General Provisions, 34 CFR part 668:
(2) The following definitions are set forth in the regulations for Institutional Eligibility under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 34 CFR part 600:
(3) The following definitions are set forth in the regulations for the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, 34 CFR part 682:
(b) The following definitions also apply to this part:
(i) Veterans' educational benefits paid under chapters 30, 31, 32, and 35 of title 38 of the United States Code;
(ii) Educational benefits paid under chapters 106 and 107 of title 10 of the United States Code (Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program);
(iii) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships and subsistence allowances awarded under chapter 2 of title 10 and chapter 2 of title 37 of the United States Code;
(iv) Benefits paid under Public Law 97-376, section 156: Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (or Quayle benefits);
(v) Benefits paid under Public Law 96-342, section 903: Educational Assistance Pilot Program;
(vi) Any educational benefits paid because of enrollment in a postsecondary education institution;
(vii) The estimated amount of other Federal student financial aid, including but not limited to a Federal Pell Grant, campus-based aid, and the gross amount (including fees) of a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Direct PLUS Loan.
(2) Estimated financial assistance does not include—
(i) Those amounts used to replace the expected family contribution, including—
(A) Direct PLUS Loan amounts;
(B) Direct Unsubsidized Loan amounts; and
(C) Non-Federal loan amounts; and
(ii) Federal Perkins loan and Federal Work-Study funds that the student has declined.
(1) Direct Subsidized Consolidation Loans. Subsidized title IV education loans may be consolidated into a Direct Subsidized Consolidation Loan. Interest is not charged to the borrower during in-school, grace, and deferment periods.
(2) Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loans. Certain Federal education loans may be consolidated into a Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loan. The borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues during any period.
(3) Direct PLUS Consolidation Loans. Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students, Federal PLUS, Direct PLUS, and Direct PLUS Consolidation Loans may be consolidated into a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan. The borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues during any period.
(2) For the purpose of consolidating a defaulted loan under 34 CFR 685.215(d)(1)(ii)(E), the making of three consecutive, voluntary, on-time, full monthly payments on a defaulted loan.
(3) The required monthly payment amount may not be more than is reasonable and affordable based on the borrower's total financial circumstances. “On-time” means a payment made within 15 days of the scheduled due date, and voluntary payments are those payments made directly by the borrower, regardless of whether there is a judgment against the borrower, and do not include payments obtained by income tax offset, garnishment, or income or asset execution.
(a) Subpart A contains general provisions regarding the purpose and scope of the Direct Loan Program.
(b) Subpart B contains provisions regarding borrowers in the Direct Loan Program.
(c) Subpart C contains certain requirements regarding schools in the Direct Loan Program.
(d) Subpart D contains provisions regarding school eligibility for participation and origination in the Direct Loan Program.
(a)
(i) The student is enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, on at least a half-time basis in a school that participates in the Direct Loan Program.
(ii) The student meets the requirements for an eligible student under 34 CFR part 668.
(iii) In the case of an undergraduate student who seeks a Direct Subsidized Loan or a Direct Unsubsidized Loan at a school that participates in the Federal Pell Grant Program, the student has received a determination of Federal Pell Grant eligibility for the period of enrollment for which the loan is sought.
(iv) In the case of a borrower whose previous loan was cancelled due to total and permanent disability, the student—
(A) Obtains a certification from a physician that the borrower is able to engage in substantial gainful activity; and
(B) Signs a statement acknowledging that the Direct Loan the borrower receives cannot be cancelled in the future on the basis of any impairment present when the new loan is made, unless that impairment substantially deteriorates.
(v) In the case of any student who seeks a loan but does not have a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, the student meets the requirements under 34 CFR 668.7(b).
(2)(i) A Direct Subsidized Loan borrower must demonstrate financial need in accordance with title IV, part F of the Act.
(ii) The Secretary considers a member of a religious order, group, community, society, agency, or other organization who is pursuing a course of study at an institution of higher education to have no financial need if that organization—
(A) Has as its primary objective the promotion of ideals and beliefs regarding a Supreme Being;
(B) Requires its members to forego monetary or other support substantially beyond the support it provides; and
(C)(
(
(b)
(i) The parent is borrowing to pay for the educational costs of a dependent undergraduate student who meets the requirements for an eligible student under 34 CFR part 668.
(ii) The parent provides his or her and the student's social security number.
(iii) The parent meets the requirements pertaining to citizenship and residency that apply to the student under 34 CFR 668.7.
(iv) The parent meets the requirements concerning defaults and overpayments that apply to the student in 34 CFR 668.7.
(v) The parent complies with the requirements for submission of a Statement of Educational Purpose that apply to the student under 34 CFR part 668, except for the completion of a Statement of Selective Service Registration Status.
(vi) The parent meets the requirements that apply to a student under paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of this section.
(vii)(A) The parent—
(
(
(
(B) For purposes of paragraph (b)(1)(vii)(A) of this section, an adverse credit history means that as of the
(
(
(C) For the purposes of (b)(1)(vii)(A) of this section, the Secretary does not consider the absence of a credit history as an adverse credit history and does not deny a Direct PLUS loan on that basis.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a “parent” includes the individuals described in the definition of “parent” in 34 CFR 668.2 and the spouse of a parent who remarried, if that spouse's income and assets would have been taken into account when calculating a dependent student's expected family contribution.
(c)
(d)
(a)
(2) If the student is eligible for a Direct Subsidized Loan or a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the Secretary or the school in which the student is enrolled shall perform specific functions. Unless a school's agreement with the Secretary specifies otherwise, the school shall perform the following functions:
(i) A school participating under school origination option 2 shall create a loan origination record, obtain a completed promissory note from the student, draw down funds, and disburse the funds.
(ii) A school participating under school origination option 1 shall create a loan origination record, obtain a completed promissory note from the student, and transmit the record and promissory note to the Servicer. The Servicer initiates the drawdown of funds, and the school disburses the funds.
(iii) If the student is attending a school participating under standard origination, the school shall create a loan origination record and transmit the record to the alternative originator, which prepares the promissory note and sends it to the student and receives the completed promissory note from the student. The Servicer initiates the drawdown of funds, and the school disburses the funds.
(b)
(c)
(2) Once the applicant has submitted the completed application and promissory note to the Servicer, the Secretary makes the Direct Consolidation Loan under the procedures specified in § 685.215.
(a)
(ii)
(A)
(B)
(2)
(b)
(2) For a Direct Unsubsidized Loan or a Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loan that qualifies for a grace period, the Secretary capitalizes the unpaid interest that accrues on the loan when the borrower enters repayment.
(3) Notwithstanding § 685.208(g)(5) and § 685.209(d)(3), for a Direct Loan not eligible for interest subsidies during periods of deferment, and for all Direct Loans during periods of forbearance, the Secretary capitalizes the unpaid interest that has accrued on the loan upon the expiration of the deferment or forbearance.
(4) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section and in § 685.208(g)(5), and § 685.209(d)(3), the Secretary annually capitalizes unpaid interest when the borrower is paying under the alternative or income contingent repayment plans and the borrower's scheduled payments do not cover the interest that has accrued on the loan.
(5) The Secretary may capitalize unpaid interest when the borrower defaults on the loan.
(c)
(1) Charges a borrower a loan fee of four percent of the principal amount of the loan on a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Direct PLUS Loan;
(2) Deducts the loan fee from the proceeds of the loan;
(3) In the case of a loan disbursed in multiple installments, deducts a pro rated portion of the fee from each disbursement; and
(4) Applies to a borrower's loan balance the portion of the loan fee previously deducted from the loan that is attributable to any portion of the loan that is—
(i) Repaid or returned within 120 days of disbursement, unless—
(A) The borrower has no Direct Loans in repayment status and has requested, in writing, that the repaid or returned funds be used for a different purpose; or
(B) The borrower has a Direct Loan in repayment status, in which case the payment is applied in accordance with § 685.211(a) unless the borrower has requested, in writing, that the repaid or returned funds be applied as a cancellation of all or part of the loan; or
(ii) Returned by a school in order to comply with the Act or with applicable regulations.
(d)
(2) The late charge may be assessed if the borrower fails to pay all or a portion of a required installment payment within 30 days after it is due.
(e)(1)
(2)
(a)
(i) $2,625 for a program of study of at least a full academic year in length.
(ii) $1,750 for a program of study of at least two-thirds but less than a full academic year in length.
(iii) $875 for a program of study of at least one-third but less than two-thirds of an academic year in length.
(2) In the case of an undergraduate student who has successfully completed the first year of an undergraduate program but has not successfully completed the second year of an undergraduate program, the total amount the student may borrow for any academic year of study under the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program in combination with the Federal Stafford Loan Program may not exceed the following:
(i) $3,500 for a program of study of at least a full academic year in length.
(ii) If the student is enrolled in a program of study with less than a full academic year remaining, an amount that bears the same ratio to $3,500 as the number of semester, trimester, quarter, or clock hours for which the student enrolls bears to one academic year.
(3) In the case of an undergraduate student who has successfully completed the first and second years of a program of study of undergraduate education but has not successfully completed the remainder of the program, or in the case of a student in a program who has an associate or baccalaureate degree which is required for admission into the program, the total amount the student may borrow for any academic year of study under the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program in combination with the Federal Stafford Loan Program may not exceed the following:
(i) $5,500 for a program of study of at least an academic year in length.
(ii) For a student enrolled in a program of study with less than a full academic year remaining, an amount that bears the same ratio to $5,500 as the number of semester, trimester, quarter, or clock hours for which the student enrolls bears to one academic year.
(4) In the case of a graduate or professional student, the total amount the student may borrow for any academic year of study under the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program in combination with the Federal Stafford Loan Program may not exceed $8,500.
(b)
(c)
(ii) In order for a dependent undergraduate student to receive this additional loan amount, the financial aid administrator must determine that the student's parent likely will be precluded by exceptional circumstances from borrowing under the Federal Direct PLUS Program or the Federal PLUS Program and the student's family is otherwise unable to provide the student's expected family contribution. The financial aid administrator shall base the determination on a review of the family financial information provided by the student and consideration of the student's debt burden and shall document the determination in the school's file.
(iii) “Exceptional circumstances” under paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section include but are not limited to circumstances in which the student's parent receives only public assistance or disability benefits, the parent is incarcerated, the parent has an adverse credit history, or the parent's whereabouts are unknown. A parent's refusal to borrow a Federal PLUS Loan or Direct PLUS Loan does not constitute “exceptional circumstances.”
(2) The additional amount that a student described in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section may borrow under the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan Program and the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program for any academic year of study may not exceed the following:
(i) In the case of a student who has not successfully completed the first and second year of a program of undergraduate education—
(A) $4,000 for enrollment in a program of study of at least a full academic year in length;
(B) $2,500 for enrollment in a program of study of at least two-thirds but less than a full academic year in length; and
(C) $1,500 for enrollment in a program of study of at least one-third but less than two-thirds of an academic year in length.
(ii) In the case of a student who has successfully completed the first and second year of an undergraduate program but has not completed the remainder of the program of study—
(A) For a student enrolled in a program of study of at least a full academic year, $5,000; and
(B) For a student enrolled in a program of study with less than a full academic year remaining, an amount that bears the same ratio to $5,000 as the number of semester, trimester, quarter, or clock hours for which the student enrolls bears to one academic year.
(iii) In the case of a graduate or professional student, $10,000.
(d)
(1) $23,000 in the case of any student who has not successfully completed a
(2) $65,500 in the case of a graduate or professional student, including loans for undergraduate study.
(e)
(1) For a dependent undergraduate student, $23,000 minus any Direct Subsidized Loan and Federal Stafford Loan amounts, unless the student qualifies under paragraph (c) of this section for additional eligibility or qualified for that additional eligibility under the Federal SLS Program.
(2) For an independent undergraduate or a dependent undergraduate who qualifies for additional eligibility under paragraph (c) of this section or qualified for this additional eligibility under the Federal SLS Program, $46,000 minus any Direct Subsidized Loan and Federal Stafford Loan amounts.
(3) For a graduate or professional student, $138,500 including any loans for undergraduate study, minus any Direct Subsidized Loan, Federal Stafford Loan, and Federal SLS Program loan amounts.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(1) For Direct Subsidized Loans, the percentage equals the percentage of the original amount of the Direct Consolidation Loan or Federal Consolidation Loan attributable to the Direct Subsidized and Federal Stafford Loans.
(2) For Direct Unsubsidized Loans, the percentage equals the percentage of the original amount of the Direct Consolidation Loan or Federal Consolidation Loan attributable to the Direct Unsubsidized, Federal SLS, and Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.
(j)
(1) The student's estimated financial assistance for that period; and
(2) In the case of a Direct Subsidized Loan, the borrower's expected family contribution for that period.
(a)(1) A Direct Loan borrower whose loan is eligible for interest subsidies and who meets the requirements described in paragraph (b) of this section is eligible for a deferment during which periodic installments of principal and interest need not be paid.
(2) A Direct Loan borrower whose loan is not eligible for interest subsidies and who meets the requirements described in paragraph (b) of this section is eligible for a deferment during which periodic installments of principal need not be paid but interest does accrue and is capitalized or paid by the borrower.
(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, a Direct Loan borrower is eligible for a deferment during any period during which the borrower meets any of the following requirements:
(1)(i) The borrower—
(A) Is carrying at least one-half the normal full-time work load for the course of study that the borrower is pursuing, as determined by the eligible school the borrower is attending;
(B) Is pursuing a course of study pursuant to a graduate fellowship program approved by the Secretary; or
(C) Is pursuing a rehabilitation training program, approved by the Secretary, for individuals with disabilities; and
(ii) The borrower is not serving in a medical internship or residency program, except for a residency program in dentistry.
(2)(i) The borrower is seeking and unable to find full-time employment.
(ii) For purposes of paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, the Secretary determines whether a borrower is eligible for a deferment due to the inability to find full-time employment using the standards and procedures set forth in 34 CFR 682.210(h) with references to the lender understood to mean the Secretary.
(3)(i) The borrower has experienced or will experience an economic hardship.
(ii) For purposes of paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, the Secretary determines whether a borrower is eligible for a deferment due to an economic hardship using the standards and procedures set forth in 34 CFR 682.210(s)(6) with references to the lender understood to mean the Secretary.
(c) No deferment under paragraphs (b) (2) or (3) of this section may exceed three years.
(d) If, at the time of application for a borrower's first Direct Loan, a borrower has an outstanding balance of principal or interest owing on any FFEL Program loan that was made, insured, or guaranteed prior to July 1, 1993, the borrower is eligible for a deferment during—
(1) the periods described in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(2) the periods described in 34 CFR 682.210(b), including those periods that apply to a “new borrower” as that term is defined in 34 CFR 682.210(b)(7).
(e) A borrower whose loan is in default is not eligible for a deferment, unless the borrower has made payment arrangements satisfactory to the Secretary.
(a)
(1) The Secretary determines that, due to poor health or other acceptable reasons, the borrower or endorser is currently unable to make scheduled payments;
(2) The borrower's payments of principal are deferred under § 685.204 and the Secretary does not subsidize the interest benefits on behalf of the borrower.
(3) The borrower is in a medical or dental internship or residency that must be successfully completed before the borrower may begin professional practice or service, or the borrower is serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program leading to a degree or certificate awarded by an institution of higher education, a hospital, or a health care facility that offers postgraduate training;
(4) The borrower is serving in a national service position for which the borrower is receiving a national service educational award under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993;
(5) The borrower is eligible for loan forgiveness under the Federal Stafford Loan Forgiveness Demonstration Program, if the program is funded, for performing the type of service described in § 682.215(b); or
(6) For not more than three years during which the borrower or endorser—
(i) Is currently obligated to make payments on loans under title IV of the Act; and
(ii) The sum of these payments each month (or a proportional share if the payments are due less frequently than monthly) is equal to or greater than 20
(b)
(1) A properly granted period of deferment for which the Secretary learns the borrower did not qualify;
(2) The period for which payments are overdue at the beginning of an authorized deferment period;
(3) The period beginning when the borrower entered repayment until the first payment due date was established;
(4) The period prior to a borrower's filing of a bankruptcy petition;
(5) A period after the Secretary receives reliable information indicating that the borrower (or the student in the case of a Direct PLUS Loan) has died, or the borrower has become totally and permanently disabled, until the Secretary receives documentation of death or total and permanent disability;
(6) Periods necessary for the Secretary to determine the borrower's eligibility for discharge—
(i) Under § 685.213;
(ii) Under § 685.214; or
(iii) Due to the borrower's or endorser's (if applicable) bankruptcy;
(7) A period of up to three years in cases where the effect of a variable interest rate on a fixed-amount or graduated repayment schedule causes the extension of the maximum repayment term; or
(8) A period during which the Secretary has authorized forbearance due to a national military mobilization or other local or national emergency.
(c)
(2) The forbearance is renewable, upon request of the borrower, for the duration of the period in which the borrower meets the condition required for the forbearance.
(a) The borrower shall give the school the following information as part of the origination process for a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Direct PLUS Loan:
(1) A statement, as described in 34 CFR part 668, that the loan will be used for the cost of the student's attendance.
(2) Information demonstrating that the borrower is eligible for the loan.
(3) Information concerning the outstanding FFEL Program and Direct Loan Program loans of the borrower and, for a parent borrower, of the student, including any Federal Consolidation Loan or Direct Consolidation Loan.
(4) A statement authorizing the school to release to the Secretary information relevant to the student's eligibility to borrow or to have a parent borrow on the student's behalf (e.g., the student's enrollment status, financial assistance, and employment records).
(b)(1) The borrower shall promptly notify the Secretary of any change of name, address, student status to less than half-time, employer, or employer's address; and
(2) The borrower shall promptly notify the school of any change in address during enrollment.
(c)
(i) Tax refund offset proceedings under 34 CFR 30.33.
(ii) Wage garnishment proceedings under section 488A of the Act.
(iii) Salary offset proceedings for Federal employees under 34 CFR part 31.
(iv) Credit bureau reporting proceedings under 31 U.S.C. 3711(f).
(2) If the borrower's defense against repayment is successful, the Secretary notifies the borrower that the borrower is relieved of the obligation to repay
(i) Reimbursing the borrower for amounts paid toward the loan voluntarily or through enforced collection.
(ii) Determining that the borrower is not in default on the loan and is eligible to receive assistance under title IV of the Act.
(iii) Updating reports to credit bureaus to which the Secretary previously made adverse credit reports with regard to the borrower's Direct Loan.
(3) The Secretary may initiate an appropriate proceeding to require the school whose act or omission resulted in the borrower's successful defense against repayment of a Direct Loan to pay to the Secretary the amount of the loan to which the defense applies. However, the Secretary does not initiate such a proceeding after the period for the retention of records described in § 685.309(c) unless the school received actual notice of the claim during that period.
(a)
(2) The borrower's repayment of a Direct Loan may also be subject to the deferment provisions in § 685.204, the forbearance provisions in § 685.205, and the discharge provisions in § 685.212.
(b)
(i) The loan entered repayment before the in-school period began; and
(ii) The borrower has not been granted a deferment under § 685.204.
(2)(i) When a borrower ceases to be enrolled at an eligible school on at least a half-time basis, a six-month grace period begins, unless the grace period has been previously exhausted.
(ii) During a grace period, the borrower is not required to make payments on a Direct Subsidized Loan.
(3) A borrower is not obligated to pay interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan for in-school or grace periods unless the borrower is required to make payments on the loan during those periods under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(4) The repayment period for a Direct Subsidized Loan begins the day after the grace period ends. A borrower is obligated to repay the loan under paragraph (a) of this section during the repayment period.
(c)
(i) The loan entered repayment before the in-school period began; and
(ii) The borrower has not been granted a deferment under § 685.204.
(2)(i) When a borrower ceases to be enrolled at an eligible school on at least a half-time basis, a six-month grace period begins, unless the grace period has been previously exhausted.
(ii) During a grace period, the borrower is not required to make any principal payments on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
(3) A borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during in-school and grace periods. Interest begins to accrue on the day the first installment is disbursed. Interest that accrues may be capitalized or paid by the borrower.
(4) The repayment period for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan begins the day after
(d)
(e)
(2) A borrower who obtains a Direct Subsidized Consolidation Loan during an in-school period will be subject to the repayment provisions in paragraph (b) of this section.
(3) A borrower who obtains a Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loan during an in-school period will be subject to the repayment provisions in paragraph (c) of this section.
(f)
(1) The borrower completes the program;
(2) The borrower falls 60 days behind the due date for submission of a scheduled assignment, according to the schedule required in § 685.302. However, a school may grant the borrower one restoration to in-school status if the borrower fails to submit a lesson within this 60-day period after the due date for submission of a particular assignment if, within the 60-day period, the borrower declares, in writing, an intention to continue in the program and an understanding that the required lessons must be submitted on time; or
(3) That is 60 days following the latest allowable date established by the school for completing the program under the schedule required under § 685.302.
(a)
(2) A borrower may repay a Direct PLUS Loan or a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan under the standard repayment plan, the extended repayment plan, or the graduated repayment plan.
(3) The Secretary may provide an alternative repayment plan in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.
(4) All Direct Loans obtained by one borrower must be repaid together under the same repayment plan, except that a borrower of a Direct PLUS Loan or a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan may repay the Direct PLUS Loan or the Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan separately from other Direct Loans obtained by that borrower.
(b)
(2) Periods of authorized deferment or forbearance are not included in the ten-year repayment period.
(3) A borrower's payments under the standard repayment plan are at least $50 per month, except that a borrower's final payment may be less than $50.
(4) The number of payments or the fixed monthly repayment amount may be adjusted to reflect changes in the variable interest rate identified in § 685.202(a).
(c)
(2) Periods of deferment and forbearance are not included in the number of years of repayment.
(3) A borrower makes fixed monthly payments of at least $50, except that a borrower's final payment may be less than $50.
(4) The number of payments or the fixed monthly repayment amount may be adjusted to reflect changes in the variable interest rate identified in § 685.202(a).
(d)
(2) Periods of deferment and forbearance are not included in the number of years of repayment.
(3) The number of payments or the monthly repayment amount may be adjusted to reflect changes in the variable interest rate identified in § 685.202(a).
(4) No scheduled payment under the graduated repayment plan may be less than the amount of interest accrued on the loan between monthly payments, less than 50 percent of the payment amount that would be required under the standard repayment plan, or more than 150 percent of the payment amount that would be required under the standard repayment plan.
(e)
(1) Less than $10,000, the borrower shall repay the loans within 12 years of entering repayment;
(2) Greater than or equal to $10,000 but less than $20,000, the borrower shall repay the loans within 15 years of entering repayment;
(3) Greater than or equal to $20,000 but less than $40,000, the borrower shall repay the loans within 20 years of entering repayment;
(4) Greater than or equal to $40,000 but less than $60,000, the borrower shall repay the loans within 25 years of entering repayment; and
(5) Greater than or equal to $60,000, the borrower shall repay the loans within 30 years of entering repayment.
(f)
(2) The regulations in effect at the time a borrower enters repayment and selects the income contingent repayment plan or changes into the income contingent repayment plan from another plan govern the method for determining the borrowers's monthly repayment amount for all of the borrower's Direct Loans, unless—
(i) The Secretary amends the regulations relating to a borrower's monthly repayment amount under the income contingent repayment plan; and
(ii) The borrower submits a written request that the amended regulations apply to the repayment of the borrower's Direct Loans.
(3) Provisions governing the income contingent repayment plan are set out in § 685.209.
(g)
(2) The Secretary may require a borrower to provide evidence of the borrower's exceptional circumstances before permitting the borrower to repay a loan under an alternative repayment plan.
(3) If the Secretary agrees to permit a borrower to repay a loan under an alternative repayment plan, the Secretary notifies the borrower in writing
(4) A borrower shall repay a loan under an alternative repayment plan within 30 years of the date the loan entered repayment, not including periods of deferment and forbearance.
(5) If the amount of a borrower's monthly payment under an alternative repayment plan is less than the accrued interest on the loan, the unpaid interest is capitalized until the outstanding principal amount is 10 percent greater than the original principal amount. After the outstanding principal amount is 10 percent greater than the original principal amount, interest continues to accrue but is not capitalized. For purposes of this paragraph, the original principal amount is the amount owed by the borrower when the borrower enters repayment.
(a)
(2) The annual amount payable under the income contingent repayment plan by a borrower is the lesser of—
(i) The amount the borrower would repay annually over 12 years using standard amortization multiplied by an income percentage factor that corresponds to the borrower's adjusted gross income (AGI) as shown in the income percentage factor table in appendix A to this part; or
(ii) 20 percent of discretionary income.
(3) For purposes of this section, discretionary income is defined as a borrower's AGI minus the amount of the “HHS Poverty Guidelines for all States (except Alaska and Hawaii) and the District of Columbia” as published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services on an annual basis.
(4) For exact incomes not shown in the income percentage factor table in Appendix A, an income percentage factor is calculated, based upon the intervals between the incomes and income percentage factors shown on the table.
(5) Each year, the Secretary recalculates the borrower's annual payment amount based on changes in the borrower's AGI, the variable interest rate, the income percentage factors in the table in appendix A, and updated HHS Poverty Guidelines (if applicable).
(6) If a borrower's monthly payment is calculated to be greater than $0 but less than or equal to $5.00, the amount payable by the borrower shall be $5.00.
(7) For purposes of the annual recalculation described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, after periods in which a borrower makes payments that are less than interest accrued on the loan, the payment amount is recalculated based upon unpaid accrued interest and the highest outstanding principal loan amount (including amount capitalized)
(8) For each calendar year after calendar year 1996, the Secretary publishes in the
(9) Examples of the calculation of monthly repayment amounts and tables that show monthly repayment amounts for borrowers at various income and debt levels are included in appendix A to this part.
(b)
(2) Married borrowers may repay their loans jointly. The outstanding balances on the loans of each borrower are added together to determine the borrowers’ payback rate under (a)(1) of this section.
(3) The amount of the payment applied to each borrower's debt is the proportion of the payments that equals the same proportion as that borrower's debt to the total outstanding balance, except that the payment is credited toward outstanding interest on any loan before any payment is credited toward principal.
(c)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(ii) The repayment period includes periods in which the borrower makes payments under the standard repayment plan and under extended repayment plans in which payments are based on a repayment period that is up to 12 years. The repayment period does not include periods in which the borrower makes payments under the graduated and alternative repayment plans or periods of authorized deferment or forbearance. The repayment period also does not include periods in which the borrower makes payments under an extended repayment plan in which payments are based on a repayment period that is longer than 12 years.
(iii) If a borrower repays more than one loan under the income contingent repayment plan, a separate repayment period for each loan begins when that loan enters repayment.
(iv) If a borrower has not repaid a loan in full at the end of the 25-year repayment period under the income contingent repayment plan, the Secretary cancels the unpaid portion of the loan.
(v) At the beginning of the repayment period under the income contingent repayment plan, a borrower shall make monthly payments of the amount of interest that accrues on the borrower's Direct Loans until the Secretary calculates the borrower's monthly repayment amount on the basis of the borrower's income.
(5)
(6)
(i) That the Internal Revenue Service will disclose certain tax return information to the Secretary or the Secretary's agents; and
(ii) That if the borrower believes that special circumstances warrant an adjustment to the borrower's repayment obligations, as described in § 685.209(c)(3), the borrower may contact the Secretary and obtain the Secretary's determination as to whether an adjustment is appropriate.
(7)
(ii) The borrower shall consent to disclosure of the borrower's taxpayer identity information as defined in 26 U.S.C. 6103(b)(6), tax filing status, and AGI.
(iii) The borrower shall provide consent for a period of five years from the date the borrower signs the consent form. The Secretary provides the borrower a new consent form before that period expires. The IRS does not disclose tax return information after the IRS has processed a borrower's withdrawal of consent.
(iv) The Secretary designates the standard repayment plan for a borrower who selects the income contingent repayment plan but—
(A) Fails to provide the required written consent;
(B) Fails to renew written consent upon the expiration of the five-year period for consent; or
(C) Withdraws consent and does not select another repayment plan.
(v) If a borrower defaults and the Secretary designates the income contingent repayment plan for the borrower but the borrower fails to provide the required written consent, the Secretary mails a notice to the borrower establishing a repayment schedule for the borrower.
(a)
(2) If a borrower does not select a repayment plan, the Secretary designates the standard repayment plan described in § 685.208(b) for the borrower.
(b)
(i) The borrower was required to and did make a payment under the income
(ii) The borrower was not required to make payments but made three reasonable and affordable payments in each of the prior three months; and
(iii) The borrower makes and the Secretary approves a request to change plans.
(2)(i) A borrower may not change to a repayment plan that has a maximum repayment period of less than the number of years the loan has already been in repayment, except that a borrower may change to the income contingent repayment plan at any time.
(ii) If a borrower changes plans, the repayment period is the period provided under the borrower's new repayment plan, calculated from the date the loan initially entered repayment. However, if a borrower changes to the income contingent repayment plan, the repayment period is calculated as described in § 685.209(d)(2).
(a)
(2) A borrower may prepay all or part of a loan at any time without penalty. If a borrower pays any amount in excess of the amount due, the excess amount is a prepayment.
(3) If a prepayment equals or exceeds the monthly repayment amount under the borrower's repayment plan, the Secretary—
(i) Applies the prepaid amount according to paragraph (a)(1) of this section;
(ii) Advances the due date of the next payment unless the borrower requests otherwise; and
(iii) Notifies the borrower of any revised due date for the next payment.
(4) If a prepayment is less than the monthly repayment amount, the Secretary applies the prepayment according to paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(b)
(c)
(2)
(3)
(ii) If a borrower defaults on a Direct Subsidized Loan, a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, a Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loan or a Direct Subsidized Consolidation Loan, the Secretary may designate the income contingent repayment plan for the borrower.
(d)
(i) To receive a loan for which the borrower is wholly or partially ineligible;
(ii) To receive interest benefits for which the borrower was ineligible; or
(iii) To receive loan proceeds for a period of enrollment for which the borrower was not eligible.
(2) If the Secretary makes the determination described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the Secretary sends an ineligible borrower a demand letter that requires the borrower to repay some or all of a loan, as appropriate. The demand letter requires that within 30 days from the date the letter is mailed, the borrower repay any principal amount for which the borrower is ineligible and any accrued interest, including interest subsidized by the Secretary, through the previous quarter.
(3) If a borrower fails to comply with the demand letter described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the borrower is in default on the entire loan.
(4) A borrower may not consolidate a loan under § 685.215 for which the borrower is wholly or partially ineligible.
(e)
(a)
(b)
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, a borrower is not considered totally and permanently disabled based on a condition that existed at the time the borrower applied for the loan unless the borrower's condition substantially deteriorated after the loan was made so as to render the borrower totally and permanently disabled.
(3)(i) For a Direct Consolidation Loan, a borrower is considered totally and permanently disabled if he or she would be considered totally and permanently disabled under paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of this section for all of the loans that were included in the Direct Consolidation Loan if those loans had not been consolidated.
(ii) For the purposes of discharging a loan under paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, provisions in paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of this section apply to each loan included in the Direct Consolidation Loan, even if the loan is not a Direct Loan Program loan.
(iii) If requested, a borrower seeking to discharge a loan obligation under paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section must provide the Secretary with the disbursement dates of the underlying loans.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
At 62 FR 63435, Nov. 28, 1997, § 685.212 was amended by revising paragraph (b), effective July 1, 1998. This
(a)
(2) For purposes of this section—
(i) A school's closure date is the date that the school ceases to provide educational instruction in all programs, as determined by the Secretary; and
(ii) “School” means a school's main campus or any location or branch of the main campus.
(b)
(2) The discharge of a loan under this section qualifies the borrower for reimbursement of amounts paid voluntarily or through enforced collection on the loan.
(3) The Secretary does not regard a borrower who has defaulted on a loan discharged under this section as in default on the loan after discharge, and such a borrower is eligible to receive assistance under programs authorized by title IV of the Act.
(4) The Secretary reports the discharge of a loan under this section to all credit reporting agencies to which the Secretary previously reported the status of the loan.
(c)
(1) State that the borrower (or the student on whose behalf a parent borrowed)—
(i) Received the proceeds of a loan to attend a school;
(ii) Did not complete the program of study at that school because the school closed while the student was enrolled, or the student withdrew from the school not more than 90 days before the school closed (or longer in exceptional circumstances); and
(iii) Did not complete the program of study through a teach-out at another school or by transferring academic credits or hours earned at the closed school to another school;
(2) State whether the borrower (or student) has made a claim with respect to the school's closing with any third party, such as the holder of a performance bond or a tuition recovery program, and, if so, the amount of any payment received by the borrower (or student) or credited to the borrower's loan obligation; and
(3) State that the borrower (or student)—
(i) Agrees to provide to the Secretary upon request other documentation reasonably available to the borrower that demonstrates that the borrower meets the qualifications for discharge under this section; and
(ii) Agrees to cooperate with the Secretary in enforcement actions in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section and to transfer any right to recovery against a third party to the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
(d)
(i) Provide testimony regarding any representation made by the borrower to support a request for discharge;
(ii) Produce any documents reasonably available to the borrower with respect to those representations; and
(iii) If required by the Secretary, provide a sworn statement regarding those documents and representations.
(2) The Secretary denies the request for a discharge or revokes the discharge of a borrower who—
(i) Fails to provide the testimony, documents, or a sworn statement required under paragraph (d)(1) of this section; or
(ii) Provides testimony, documents, or a sworn statement that does not support the material representations made by the borrower to obtain the discharge.
(e)
(2) The provisions of this section apply notwithstanding any provision of State law that would otherwise restrict transfer of those rights by the borrower (or student), limit or prevent a transferee from exercising those rights, or establish procedures or a scheme of distribution that would prejudice the Secretary's ability to recover on those rights.
(3) Nothing in this section limits or forecloses the borrower's (or student's) right to pursue legal and equitable relief regarding disputes arising from matters unrelated to the discharged Direct Loan.
(f)
(2) If the borrower's current address is known, the Secretary mails the borrower a discharge application and an explanation of the qualifications and procedures for obtaining a discharge. The Secretary also promptly suspends any efforts to collect from the borrower on any affected loan. The Secretary may continue to receive borrower payments.
(3) If the borrower's current address is unknown, the Secretary attempts to locate the borrower and determines the borrower's potential eligibility for a discharge under this section by consulting with representatives of the closed school, the school's licensing agency, the school's accrediting agency, and other appropriate parties. If the Secretary learns the new address of a borrower, the Secretary mails to the borrower a discharge application and explanation and suspends collection, as described in paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
(4) If a borrower fails to submit the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (c) of this section within 60 days of the Secretary's mailing the discharge application, the Secretary resumes collection and grants forbearance of principal and interest for the period in which collection activity was suspended. The Secretary may capitalize any interest accrued and not paid during that period.
(5) If the Secretary determines that a borrower who requests a discharge meets the qualifications for a discharge, the Secretary notifies the borrower in writing of that determination.
(6) If the Secretary determines that a borrower who requests a discharge does not meet the qualifications for a discharge, the Secretary notifies that borrower in writing of that determination and the reasons for the determination.
(a)
(i) Certified the student's eligibility for a Direct Loan on the basis of ability to benefit from its training and the student did not meet the eligibility requirements described in 34 CFR part 668 and section 484(d) of the Act, as applicable;
(ii) Signed the borrower's name on the loan application or promissory note without the borrower's authorization; or
(iii) Certified the eligibility of a student who, because of a physical or mental condition, age, criminal record, or other reason accepted by the Secretary, would not meet the requirements for employment (in the student's State of residence when the loan was originated) in the occupation for which the training program supported by the loan was intended.
(2)
(b)
(2) Discharge for unauthorized payment under paragraph (a)(2) of this section relieves the borrower of the obligation to repay the amount of the payment discharged.
(3) The discharge under this section qualifies the borrower for reimbursement of amounts paid voluntarily or through enforced collection on the discharged loan or payment.
(4) The Secretary does not regard a borrower who has defaulted on a loan discharged under this section as in default on the loan after discharge, and such a borrower is eligible to receive assistance under programs authorized by title IV of the Act.
(5) The Secretary reports the discharge under this section to all credit reporting agencies to which the Secretary previously reported the status of the loan.
(c)
(1)
(i) Received a disbursement of a loan to attend a school;
(ii) Received a Direct Loan at that school on the basis of an ability to benefit from the school's training and did not meet the eligibility requirements described in 34 CFR part 668 and section 484(d) of the Act, as applicable; and
(iii) Either—
(A) Withdrew from the school and did not find employment in the occupation for which the training program was intended; or
(B) Completed the training program for which the loan was made, made reasonable attempts to obtain employment in the occupation for which the program was intended, and was not able to find employment in that occupation or obtained employment in that
(2)
(i) State that he or she did not sign the document in question or authorize the school to do so; and
(ii) Provide five different specimens of his or her signature, two of which must be within one year before or after the date of the contested signature.
(3)
(i) State that he or she did not endorse the loan check or sign the authorization for electronic funds transfer or authorize the school to do so;
(ii) Provide five different specimens of his or her signature, two of which must be within one year before or after the date of the contested signature;
(iii) State that the proceeds of the contested disbursement were not delivered to the student or applied to charges owed by the student to the school.
(4)
(5)
(i) Agrees to provide to the Secretary upon request other documentation reasonably available to the borrower that demonstrates that the borrower meets the qualifications for discharge under this section; and
(ii) Agrees to cooperate with the Secretary in enforcement actions as described in § 685.213(d) and to transfer any right to recovery against a third party to the Secretary as described in § 685.213(e).
(d)
(2) If the borrower fails to submit the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (c) of this section within 60 days of the Secretary's mailing the disclosure application, the Secretary resumes collection and grants forbearance of principal and interest for the period in which collection activity was suspended. The Secretary may capitalize any interest accrued and not paid during that period.
(3) If the borrower submits the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (c) of the section, the Secretary determines whether to grant a request for discharge under this section by reviewing the request and sworn statement in light of information available from the Secretary's records and from other sources, including guaranty agencies, State authorities, and cognizant accrediting associations.
(4) If the Secretary determines that the borrower meets the applicable requirements for a discharge under paragraph (c) of this section, the Secretary notifies the borrower in writing of that determination.
(5) If the Secretary determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge, the Secretary notifies the borrower in writing of that determination and the reasons for the determination.
(a)
(b)
(1) Federal Stafford Loans.
(2) Guaranteed Student Loans.
(3) Federal Insured Student Loans (FISL).
(4) Direct Subsidized Loans.
(5) Direct Subsidized Consolidation Loans.
(6) Federal Perkins Loans.
(7) National Direct Student Loans (NDSL).
(8) National Defense Student Loans (NDSL).
(9) Federal PLUS Loans.
(10) Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).
(11) Direct PLUS Loans.
(12) Direct PLUS Consolidation Loans.
(13) Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.
(14) Federal Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS).
(15) Federal Consolidation Loans.
(16) Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
(17) Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loans.
(18) Auxiliary Loans to Assist Students (ALAS).
(19) Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL) and Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS) made under subpart II of part A of title VII of the Public Health Service Act.
(20) Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL).
(21) Nursing loans made under subpart II of part B of title VIII of the Public Health Service Act.
(c)
(2) The loans identified in paragraphs (b)(9) through (12) of this section may be consolidated into a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan.
(3) The loans identified in paragraphs (b)(13) through (21) of this section may be consolidated into a Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loan. In addition, Federal Consolidation Loans under (b)(15) of this section may be consolidated into a Direct Subsidized Consolidation Loan, if they are eligible for interest benefits during a deferment period under Section 428C(b)(4)(C) of the Act.
(d)
(i) The borrower either—
(A) Has an outstanding balance on a Direct Loan; or
(B) Has an outstanding balance on an FFEL loan and asserts either—
(
(
(ii) On the loans being consolidated, the borrower is—
(A) In an in-school period and seeks to consolidate loans made under both the FFEL Program and the Direct Loan Program;
(B) In an in-school period at a school participating in the Direct Loan Program and seeks to consolidate loans made under the FFEL Program;
(C) In a six-month grace period;
(D) In a repayment period but not in default;
(E) In default but has made satisfactory repayment arrangements, as defined in paragraph (2) of that term under § 685.102(b), on the defaulted loan; or
(F) In default but agrees to repay the consolidation loan under the income contingent repayment plan described in § 685.208(f) and signs the consent form described in § 685.209(d)(5).
(iii) The borrower certifies that no other application to consolidate any of the borrower's loans listed in paragraph (b) of this section is pending with any other lender.
(iv) The borrower agrees to notify the Secretary of any change in address.
(v) In the case of a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan—
(A) The borrower may not have an adverse credit history as defined in § 685.200(b)(7)(ii); or
(B) If the borrower has such an adverse credit history, the borrower shall obtain an endorser for the consolidation loan who does not have an adverse credit history or provide documentation satisfactory to the Secretary that extenuating circumstances relating to the borrower's credit history exist.
(vi) In the case of a defaulted Direct Consolidation Loan, the borrower obtains the approval of the Secretary.
(vii) In the case of a loan on which the holder has obtained a judgment, the borrower obtains the approval of the Secretary.
(2) Two married borrowers may consolidate their loans together if they meet the following requirements:
(i) At least one spouse meets the requirements of paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (d)(1)(v) of this section.
(ii) Both spouses meet the requirements of paragraphs (d)(1) (ii) through (d)(1)(iv) of this section.
(iii) Each spouse agrees to be held jointly and severally liable for the repayment of the total amount of the consolidation loan and to repay the loan regardless of any change in marital status.
(e)
(f)
(ii) If the Secretary approves an application for a consolidation loan, the Secretary pays to each holder of a loan selected for consolidation the amount necessary to discharge the loan.
(iii) For a Direct loan or FFEL Program loan that is in default, the Secretary limits collection costs that may be charged to the borrower to no more than those authorized under the FFEL Program and may impose reasonable limits on collection costs paid to the holder.
(2) Upon receipt of the proceeds of a Direct Consolidation Loan, the holder of a consolidated loan shall promptly apply the proceeds to fully discharge the borrower's obligation on the consolidated loan. The holder of a consolidated loan shall notify the borrower that the loan has been paid in full.
(3) The principal balance of a Direct Consolidation Loan is equal to the sum of the amounts paid to the holders of the consolidated loans.
(4) If the amount paid by the Secretary to the holder of a consolidated loan exceeds the amount needed to discharge that loan, the holder of the consolidated loan shall promptly refund the excess amount to the Secretary to be credited against the outstanding balance of the Direct Consolidation Loan.
(5) If the amount paid by the Secretary to the holder of the consolidated loan is insufficient to discharge that loan, the holder shall notify the Secretary in writing of the remaining amount due on the loan. The Secretary promptly pays the remaining amount due.
(g)
(h)
(1) A borrower may not repay a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan under the income contingent repayment plan; and
(2) A borrower who became eligible to consolidate a defaulted loan under paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(E) of this section shall repay the consolidation loan under the income contingent repayment plan unless—
(i) The borrower was required to and did make a payment under the income contingent repayment plan in each of the prior three (3) months; or
(ii) The borrower was not required to make payments but made three reasonable and affordable payments in each of the prior three (3) months; and
(iii) The borrower makes and the Secretary approves a request to change plans.
(i)
(2) Under the extended or graduated repayment plan, the Secretary determines the repayment period under § 685.208(e) on the basis of the outstanding balances on all of the borrower's loans that are eligible for consolidation and the balances on other education loans except as provided in paragraph (i)(3) of this section.
(3)(i) The total amount of outstanding balances on the other education loans used to determine the repayment period under the graduated or extended repayment plan may not exceed the amount of the Direct Consolidation Loan.
(ii) The borrower may not be in default on the other education loan unless the borrower has made satisfactory repayment arrangements with the holder of the loan.
(iii) The lender of the other educational loan may not be an individual.
(4) A Direct Consolidation Loan receives a grace period if it includes a Direct Loan or FFEL Program loan for which the borrower is in an in-school period at the time of consolidation. The repayment period begins the day after the grace period ends.
(j)
(2) If a borrower adds an eligible loan to the consolidation loan under paragraph (e) of this section, the Secretary makes appropriate adjustments to the borrower's monthly repayment amount and repayment period.
(k)
(l)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(ii) If a borrower meets the requirements for discharge under § 685.212(d) or (e) on a loan that was consolidated into a joint Direct Consolidation Loan and the borrower's spouse does not meet the requirements for any type of discharge described in § 685.212, the Secretary discharges a portion of the consolidation loan equal to the amount of the loan that would have been eligible for discharge under the provisions of § 685.212(d) or (e), as applicable.
(a)
(i) Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the school meets the requirements for eligibility under the Act and applicable regulations; and
(ii) Enter into a written program participation agreement with the Secretary.
(2) The chief executive officer of the school shall sign the program participation agreement on behalf of the school.
(b)
(1) Identify eligible students who seek student financial assistance at the institution in accordance with section 484 of the Act;
(2) Estimate the need of each of these students as required by part F of the Act for an academic year. For purposes of estimating need, a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, a Direct PLUS Loan, or any loan obtained under any State-sponsored or private loan program may be used to offset the expected family contribution of the student for that year;
(3) Certify that the amount of the loan for any student under part D of the Act is not in excess of the annual limit applicable for that loan program and that the amount of the loan, in combination with previous loans received by the borrower, is not in excess of the aggregate limit for that loan program;
(4) Set forth a schedule for disbursement of the proceeds of the loan in installments, consistent with the requirements of section 428G of the Act;
(5) Provide timely and accurate information to the Secretary for the servicing and collecting of loans—
(i) Concerning the status of student borrowers (and students on whose behalf parents borrow) while these students are in attendance at the school;
(ii) Upon request by the Secretary, concerning any new information of which the school becomes aware for these students (or their parents) after the student leaves the school; and
(iii) Concerning student eligibility and need, for the alternative origination of loans to eligible students and parents in accordance with part D of the Act;
(6) Provide assurances that the school will comply with requirements established by the Secretary relating to student loan information with respect to loans made under the Direct Loan Program;
(7) Provide that the school will accept responsibility and financial liability stemming from its failure to perform its functions pursuant to the agreement;
(8) Provide that eligible students at the school and their parents may participate in the programs under part B of the Act at the discretion of the Secretary for the period during which the school participates in the Direct Loan Program under part D of the Act, except that a student may not receive loans under both part D of the Act and part B of the Act for the same period of enrollment and a parent (borrowing for the same student) may not receive loans under both part D of the Act and part B of the Act for the same period of enrollment;
(9) Provide for the implementation of a quality assurance system, as established by the Secretary and developed in consultation with the school, to ensure that the school is complying with program requirements and meeting program objectives;
(10) Provide that the school will not charge any fees of any kind, however described, to student or parent borrowers for origination activities or the provision of any information necessary for a student or parent to receive a loan under part D of the Act or any benefits associated with such a loan; and
(11) Comply with other provisions that the Secretary determines are necessary to protect the interests of the United States and to promote the purposes of part D of the Act.
(c)
(i) Provides that the school or consortium will originate loans to eligible students and parents in accordance with part D of the Act; and
(ii) Provides that the note or evidence of obligation on the loan is the property of the Secretary.
(2) The chief executive officer of the school shall sign the supplemental agreement on behalf of the school.
(a)
(2) A school shall provide to the Secretary borrower information that includes but is not limited to—
(i) The borrower's eligibility for a loan, as determined in accordance with § 685.200 and § 685.203;
(ii) The student's loan amount; and
(iii) The anticipated and actual disbursement date or dates and disbursement amounts of the loan proceeds.
(3) A school may not originate a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Direct PLUS Loan, or a combination of loans, for an amount that—
(i) The school has reason to know would result in the borrower exceeding the annual or maximum loan amounts in § 685.203; or
(ii) Exceeds the student's estimated cost of attendance less—
(A) The student's estimated financial assistance for that period; and
(B) In the case of a Direct Subsidized Loan, the borrower's expected family contribution for that period.
(4)(i) A school determines a Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loan amount in accordance with § 685.203 and the definitions in 34 CFR 668.2 for the proration of loan amounts required for undergraduate students.
(ii) When prorating a loan amount for a student enrolled in a program of study with less than a full academic year remaining, the school need not recalculate the amount of the loan if the number of hours for which an eligible student is enrolled changes after the school originates the loan.
(5) The date of loan origination is the date a school creates the electronic loan origination record.
(6) If a student has received a determination of need for a Direct Subsidized Loan that is $200 or less, a school may choose not to originate a Direct Subsidized Loan for that student and to include the amount as part of a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
(7) A school may refuse to originate a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Direct PLUS Loan or may reduce the borrower's determination of need for the loan if the reason for that action is documented and provided to the student in writing, and if—
(i) The determination is made on a case-by-case basis;
(ii) The documentation supporting the determination is retained in the student's file; and
(iii) The school does not engage in any pattern or practice that results in a denial of a borrower's access to Direct Loans because of the borrower's race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, disability status, or income.
(8) A school may not assess a fee for the completion or certification of any Direct Loan Program forms or information or for the origination of a Direct Loan.
(b)
(2) Unless paragraph (b)(5), (6), or (7) of this section applies, an institution shall disburse the loan proceeds on a payment period basis in accordance with 34 CFR 668.164(b).
(3) Unless paragraph (b)(4), (5), or (6) of this section applies—
(i) If a loan period is more than one payment period, the school shall disburse loan proceeds at least once in each payment period; and
(ii) If a loan period is one payment period, the school shall make at least two disbursements during that payment period. The school may not make the second disbursement until the calendar midpoint between the first and last scheduled days of class of the loan period.
(4)(i) If one or more payment periods have elapsed before a school makes a disbursement, the school may include in the disbursement loan proceeds for completed payment periods; or
(ii) If the loan period is equal to one payment period and more than one-half of it has elapsed, the school may include in the disbursement loan proceeds for the entire payment period.
(5) If an educational program measures academic progress in credit hours and does not use semesters, trimesters, or quarters, the school may not make a second disbursement until the later of—
(i) The calendar midpoint between the first and last scheduled days of class of the loan period; or
(ii) The date, as determined by the institution, that the student has completed half of the academic coursework in the loan period.
(6) If an educational program measures academic progress in clock hours, the school may not make a second disbursement until the later of—
(i) The calendar midpoint between the first and last scheduled days of class of the loan period; or
(ii) The date, as determined by the institution, that the student has completed half of the clock hours in the loan period.
(7) The school must disburse loan proceeds in substantially equal installments, and no installment may exceed one-half of the loan.
(8) A school not in a State is not required to make more than one disbursement.
(c)
(2) A school that originates a loan shall provide to the Secretary an executed, legally enforceable promissory note as proof of the borrower's indebtedness.
(d)
(2) A school that participates under standard origination must submit the initial and subsequent disbursement record to the Secretary no later than 30 days following the date of disbursement. A school must submit the disbursement record to the Secretary no later than 30 days following the date of disbursement for each subsequent disbursement.
(a) This section contains requirements relating to the enrollment status of students in schools that offer programs of study by correspondence.
(b) A school that offers a course of study by correspondence shall establish a schedule for submission of lessons by its students and provide it to a prospective student prior to the student's enrollment.
(c) The school shall include in its schedule—
(1) A due date for each lesson in the course;
(2) A description of the options, if any, available to the student for altering the sequence of lesson submissions from the sequence in which they are otherwise required to be submitted;
(3) The date by which the course is to be completed; and
(4) The date by which any resident training must begin, the location of any resident training, and the period of time within which that resident training must be completed.
(a)
(b)
(ii)
(2)(i) Except in the case of a late disbursement under paragraph (d) of this section, or as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section, a school may disburse loan proceeds only to a student, or a parent in the case of a PLUS Loan, if the school determines the student has continuously maintained eligibility in accordance with the provisions of § 685.200 from the beginning of the loan period described in the promissory note.
(ii) In the event a student delays attending school for a period of time, the school may consider that student to have maintained eligibility for the loan from the first day of the period of enrollment. However, the school must comply with the requirements under paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
(iii) If, after a school makes the first disbursement to a borrower, the student becomes ineligible due solely to the school's loss of eligibility to participate in the title IV programs or the Direct Loan Program, the school may make subsequent disbursements to the borrower as permitted by 34 CFR part 668.
(iv) If, prior to making any disbursement to a borrower, the student temporarily ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis, the school may make a disbursement and any subsequent disbursement to the student if the school determines and documents in the student's file—
(A) That the student has resumed enrollment on at least a half-time basis;
(B) The student's revised cost of attendance; and
(C) That the student continues to qualify for the entire amount of the loan, notwithstanding any reduction in the student's cost of attendance caused by the student's temporary cessation of enrollment on at least a half-time basis.
(3) If a registered student withdraws or is expelled prior to the first day of classes of the period of enrollment for which the loan is made, or fails to attend school during that period, or if the school is unable for any other reason to document that the student attended school during that period, the school shall notify the Secretary, within 30 days of the date described in § 685.305(a), of the student's withdrawal, expulsion, or failure to attend school, as applicable, and return to the Secretary—
(i) Any loan proceeds credited by the school to the student's account; and
(ii) The amount of payments made by the student to the school, to the extent that they do not exceed the amount of any loan proceeds disbursed by the school to the student.
(4) If a student is enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate program of study and has not previously received a Federal Stafford, Federal Supplemental Loans for Students, Direct Subsidized, or Direct Unsubsidized Loan, a school may not disburse the proceeds
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) Using the student's Direct Unsubsidized, Direct PLUS, or State-sponsored or another non-Federal loan to cover the expected family contribution, if not already done; or
(2) Reducing one or more subsequent disbursements to eliminate the overaward.
(a)
(i) The borrower is enrolled in a correspondence program or a study-abroad program approved for credit at the home school; or
(ii) The borrower has received a prior Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Federal Stafford, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford, or Federal SLS Loan.
(2) The counseling must be in person, by audiovisual presentation, or by computer-assisted technology. In each case, the school shall ensure that an individual with knowledge of the title IV programs is reasonably available shortly after the counseling to answer the borrower's questions regarding those programs. In the case of a student enrolled in a correspondence program or a study-abroad program approved for credit at the home school, the school shall provide the borrower with written counseling materials by mail prior to disbursing the loan proceeds.
(3) In conducting the initial counseling, the school shall—
(i) Emphasize to the borrower the seriousness and importance of the repayment obligation the borrower is assuming;
(ii) Describe in forceful terms the likely consequences of default, including adverse credit reports, garnishment of wages, and litigation;
(iii) Provide the borrower with general information with respect to the average indebtedness of students who have obtained Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loans for attendance at that school or in the borrower's program of study; and
(iv) Inform the student as to the average anticipated monthly repayment for those students based on the average indebtedness provided under paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this section.
(4) Additional matters that the Secretary recommends that a school include in the initial counseling session or materials are set forth in appendix D to 34 CFR part 668.
(5) A school may adopt an alternative approach for initial counseling as part of the school's quality assurance plan described in § 685.300(b)(9). If a school adopts an alternative approach, it is not required to meet the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1)-(3) of this section unless the Secretary determines that the alternative approach is not adequate for the school. The alternative approach must—
(i) Ensure that each borrower subject to initial counseling under paragraph (a)(1) of this section is provided written counseling materials that contain the information described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section;
(ii) Be designed to target those students who are most likely to default on
(iii) Include performance measures that demonstrate the effectiveness of the school's alternative approach. These performance measures must include objective outcomes, such as levels of borrowing, default rates, and withdrawal rates.
(b)
(i) In the case of a correspondence program, the school shall provide the borrower with written counseling materials by mail within 30 days after the borrower completes the program; and
(ii) If the borrower withdraws from school without the school's prior knowledge or fails to attend an exit counseling session as scheduled, the school shall mail written counseling materials to the borrower at the borrower's last known address within 30 days after the school learns that the borrower has withdrawn from school or failed to attend the scheduled session.
(2) In conducting the exit counseling, the school shall—
(i) Inform the student of the average anticipated monthly repayment amount based on the student's indebtedness or on the average indebtedness of students who have obtained Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loans for attendance at that school or in the borrower's program of study.
(ii) Review for the borrower available repayment options including the standard repayment, extended repayment, graduated repayment, and income contingent repayment plans, and loan consolidation;
(iii) Provide options to the borrower concerning those debt-management strategies that the school determines would facilitate repayment by the borrower;
(iv) Explain to the borrower how to contact the party servicing the student's Direct Loans;
(v) Meet the requirements described in paragraphs (a)(3) (i) and (ii) of this section;
(vi) Review with the borrower the conditions under which the borrower may defer repayment or obtain cancellation of a loan; and
(vii) Require the borrower to provide corrections to the school's records concerning name, address, social security number, references, and driver's license number and State of issuance, as well as the name and address of the borrower's expected employer (if known). The school shall provide this information to the Secretary within 60 days.
(3) Additional matters that the Secretary recommends that a school include in the exit counseling session or materials are set forth in appendix D to 34 CFR part 668.
(4) The school shall maintain in the student borrower's file documentation substantiating the school's compliance with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section as to that borrower.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a school shall follow the procedures in 34 CFR 668.22(j) for determining the student's date of withdrawal.
(b) For a student who does not return for the next scheduled term following a summer break, which includes any summer term(s) in which classes are offered but students are not generally required to attend, a school shall follow the procedures in 34 CFR 668.22(j) for determining the student's date of withdrawal except that the school must determine the student's date of withdrawal no later than 30 days after the start of the next scheduled term.
(c) The school shall use the date determined under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section for the purpose of reporting to the Secretary the student's date of withdrawal and for determining when a refund must be paid under § 685.306.
(a)
(1) Shall pay that portion of the student's refund that is allocable to a Direct Loan to the Secretary; and
(2) Shall provide simultaneous written notice to the borrower if the school pays a refund to the Secretary on behalf of that student.
(b)
(a) A school participating in the Direct Loan Program may withdraw from the program by providing written notice to the Secretary.
(b) A participating school that intends to withdraw from the Direct Loan Program shall give at least 60 days notice to the Secretary.
(c) Unless the Secretary approves an earlier date, the withdrawal is effective on the later of—
(1) 60 days after the school notifies the Secretary; or
(2) The date designated by the school.
(a)
(1) The school's violation of a Federal statute or regulation; or
(2) The school's negligent or willful false certification.
(b) In requiring a school to repay funds to the Secretary or to purchase loans from the Secretary in connection with an audit or program review, the Secretary follows the procedures described in 34 CFR part 668, subpart H.
(c) The Secretary may impose a fine or take an emergency action against a school or limit, suspend, or terminate a school's participation in the Direct Loan Program in accordance with 34 CFR part 668, subpart G.
(a)
(1) Establish and maintain proper administrative and fiscal procedures and all necessary records as set forth in this part and in 34 CFR part 668; and
(2) Submit all reports required by this part and 34 CFR part 668 to the Secretary.
(b)
(1) Upon receipt of a student status confirmation report from the Secretary, complete and return that report to the Secretary within 30 days of receipt; and
(2) Unless it expects to submit its next student status confirmation report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, notify the Secretary within 30 days if it discovers that a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Direct PLUS Loan has been made to or on behalf of a student who—
(i) Enrolled at that school but has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis;
(ii) Has been accepted for enrollment at that school but failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(iii) Has changed his or her permanent address.
(3) The Secretary provides student status confirmation reports to a school at least semi-annually.
(4) The Secretary may provide the student status confirmation report in either paper or electronic format.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(a)(1) In order to qualify for initial participation in the Direct Loan Program, a school must meet the eligibility requirements in section 435(a) of the Act, including the requirement that it have a cohort default rate of less than 25 percent for at least one of the three most recent fiscal years for which data are available unless the school is exempt from this requirement under section 435(a)(2)(C) of the Act.
(2) In order to continue to participate in the Direct Loan Program, a school must continue to meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section for years for which cohort default rate data represent the years prior to the school's participation in the Direct Loan Program.
(b) In order to qualify for initial participation, the school must not be subject to an emergency action or a proposed or final limitation, suspension, or termination action under sections 428(b)(1)(T), 432(h), or 487(c) of the Act.
(c) If schools apply as a consortium, each school in the consortium must meet the requirements in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
(a) The Secretary selects schools to participate in the Direct Loan Program for an academic year beginning in 1996-1997 from among those that apply to participate.
(b) In evaluating an application from an eligible school, the Secretary—
(1) To the extent possible, selects schools that are reasonably representative of the schools that are participating in the FFEL Program in terms of anticipated loan volume, length of academic program, control of the school, highest degree offered, size of student enrollment, geographic location, annual loan volume, and default experience; and
(2) In order to ensure an expeditious but orderly transition from the FFEL Program to the Direct Loan Program, selects schools that the Secretary believes will make the transition as smooth as possible.
(a)
(2)
(i) Have participated in the Federal Perkins Loan Program, the Federal Pell Grant Program, or, for a graduate and professional school, a similar program for the three most recent years preceding the date of application to participate in the Direct Loan Program.
(ii) If participating in the Federal Pell Grant Program, not be on the reimbursement system of payment.
(iii) In the opinion of the Secretary, have had no severe performance deficiencies for any of the programs under title IV of the Act, including deficiencies demonstrated by the most recent audit or program review.
(iv) Be financially responsible in accordance with the standards of 34 CFR 668.15.
(v) Be current on program and financial reports and audits required under title IV of the Act for the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of application to participate in the Direct Loan Program.
(vi) Be current on Federal cash transaction reports required under title IV of the Act for the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of application to participate in the Direct Loan Program and have no final determination of cash on hand that exceeds immediate title IV program needs.
(vii) Have no material findings in any of the annual financial audits submitted for the three most recent years preceding the date of application to participate in the Direct Loan Program.
(viii) Provide an assurance that the school has no delinquent outstanding debts to the Federal Government, unless—
(A) Those debts are being repaid under or in accordance with a repayment arrangement satisfactory to the Federal Government; or
(B) The Secretary determines that the existence or amount of the debts has not been finally determined by the cognizant Federal agency.
(3) A school that meets the criteria to originate loans may participate under school origination option 1 or 2 or under standard origination.
(b)
(2)(i) At any time after the initial determination of a school's origination status, a school participating under origination option 2 may request to change to origination option 1 or standard origination, and a school participating under origination option 1 may request to change to standard origination.
(ii) The change in origination status becomes effective when the school receives notice of the Secretary's approval, unless the Secretary specifies a later date.
(3)(i) A school participating under origination option 1 may apply to participate under option 2, and a school participating in standard origination may apply to participate under either origination option 1 or 2 after one full year of participation in its initial origination status.
(ii) Applications to participate under another origination option are considered on an annual basis.
(iii) An application to participate under another origination option is evaluated on the basis of criteria and performance standards established by the Secretary, including but not limited to—
(A) Eligibility under paragraph (a)(2) of this section;
(B) Timely submission of accurate origination and disbursement records;
(C) Successful completion of reconciliation on a monthly basis; and
(D) Timely submission of completed and signed promissory notes, if applicable.
(iv) The change in origination status becomes effective when the school receives notice of the Secretary's approval, unless the Secretary specifies a later date.
(c)
(2) The Secretary may require a school to change origination status if the Secretary determines that such a change is necessary to ensure program integrity or if the school fails to meet the criteria and performance standards
(i) For an origination option 1 school, eligibility under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the timely submission of completed and signed promissory notes and accurate origination and disbursement records, and the successful completion of reconciliation on a monthly basis; and
(ii) For an origination option 2 school, the criteria and performance standards required of origination option 1 schools and accurate and timely drawdown requests.
(3) The change in origination status becomes effective when the school receives notice of the Secretary's approval, unless the Secretary specifies a later date.
(d)
(e)
(2) A school may request the Secretary to designate a different Servicer. Documentation of the unsatisfactory performance of the school's current Servicer must accompany the request. The Servicer requested must be one of those approved by the Secretary for participation in the Direct Loan Program.
(3) The Secretary grants the request if the Secretary determines that—
(i) The claim of unsatisfactory performance is accurate and substantial; and
(ii) The Servicer requested by the school can accommodate such a change.
(4) If the Secretary denies the school's request based on a determination under paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section, the school may request another Servicer.
(5) The change in Servicer is effective when the school receives notice of the Secretary's approval, unless the Secretary specifies a later date.
20 U.S.C. 1070a, unless otherwise noted.
The Federal Pell Grant Program awards grants to help financially needy students meet the cost of their postsecondary education.
(a) The definitions of the following terms used in this part are set forth in subpart A of the Student Assistance General Provisions, 34 CFR part 668:
(b) Definitions of the following terms used in this part are described in subpart A of the Student Assistance General Provisions, 34 CFR part 668:
(c) Other terms used in this part are:
(1) A student's expected family contribution, as determined in accordance with title IV, part F of the HEA; and
(2) A student's attendance costs as defined in title IV, part F of the HEA.
(3) The amount of funds available for making Federal Pell Grants.
(1) A student is able to transmit his or her application information to the central processor through his or her institution and an ISIR is transmitted back to the institution;
(2) A student through his or her institution is able to transmit any changes in application information to the central processor; and
(3) An institution is able to receive an ISIR from the central processor for a student.
(2) A student enrolled solely in a program of study by correspondence who is carrying a work load of at least 12 hours of work per week, or is earning at least 6 credit hours per semester, trimester or quarter. However, regardless of the work, no student enrolled solely in correspondence study is considered more than a half-time student.
(1) Personal identification information;
(2) Application data used to calculate the applicant's EFC; and
(3) EFC calculated by the central processor.
(1) The student's expected family contribution, as determined in accordance with part F of title IV of the HEA; and
(2) The student's cost of attendance as defined in part F of title IV of the HEA.
(1) Has not earned a baccalaureate or first professional degree; and
(2) Is in an undergraduate course of study which usually does not exceed 4 academic years, or is enrolled in a 4 to 5 academic year program designed to lead to a first degree. A student enrolled in a program of any other length is considered an undergraduate student for only the first 4 academic years of that program.
(a) A student is eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant for the period of time required to complete his or here first undergraduate baccalaureate course of study.
(b) An institution shall determine when the student has completed the academic curriculum requirements for that first undergraduate baccalaureate course of study. Any noncredit or remedial course taken by a student, including a course in English language instruction, is not included in the institution's determination of that student's period of Federal Pell Grant eligibility.
(a) If an institution begins participation in the Federal Pell Grant Program during an award year, a student enrolled and attending that institution is eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant for the payment period during which the institution enters into a program participation agreement with the Secretary and any subsequent payment period.
(b) If an institution becomes ineligible to participate in the Federal Pell Grant Program during an award year, an eligible student who was attending the institution and who submitted a valid SAR to the institution before the date the institution became ineligible is paid a Federal Pell Grant for that award year for—
(1) The payment periods that the student completed before the institution became ineligible; and
(2) The payment period in which the institution became ineligible.
(c) An institution which becomes ineligible shall, within 45 days after the effective date of loss of eligibility, provide to the Secretary—
(1) The name and enrollment status of each eligible student who, during the award year, submitted a valid SAR to the institution before it became ineligible;
(2) The amount of funds paid to each Federal Pell Grant recipient for that award year;
(3) The amount due each student eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant through the end of the payment period during which the institution became ineligible; and
(4) An accounting of the Federal Pell Grant expenditures for that award year to the date of termination.
(a) If, in addition to regular coursework, a student takes correspondence courses from either his or her own institution or another institution having an agreement for this purpose with the student's institution, the correspondence work may be included in determining the student's enrollment status to the extent permitted under paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) Except as noted in paragraph (c) of this section, the correspondence work that may be included in determining a student's enrollment status is that amount of work which—
(1) Applies toward a student's degree or certificate or is remedial work taken by the student to help in his or her course of study;
(2) Is completed within the period of time required for regular course work; and
(3) does not exceed the amount of a student's regular course work for the payment period for which the student's enrollment status is being calculated.
(c)(1) Notwithstanding the limitation in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, a student who would be a half-time student based solely on his or her correspondence work is considered a half-time student unless the calculation in paragraph (b) of this section produces an enrollment status greater than half-time.
(2) A student who would be a less-than-half-time student based solely on his or her correspondence work or a combination of correspondence work and regular course work is considered a less-than-half-time student.
(d) The following chart provides examples of the rules set forth in this section. It assumes that the institution defines full-time enrollment as 12 credits per term, making the half-time enrollment equal to 6 credits per term.
(a) A student who is enrolled in an eligible program at one eligible institution and taking courses at one or more other eligible institutions which apply
(1) The institution at which the student is enrolled and expects to receive his or her degree or certificate shall determine and pay the student's Federal Pell Grant assistance. However, the other institution may determine and pay the student's Federal Pell Grant assistance if the institutions agree in writing to that arrangement.
(2) The institution which determines and pays the Federal Pell Grant assistance shall—
(i) Take into account all courses which apply to the student's degree or certificate taken by the student at each eligible institution participating in the agreement when determining the student's enrollment status and cost of attendance; and
(ii) Maintain all records regarding the student's eligibility for and receipt of Federal Pell Grant assistance.
(a) Subject to available appropriations, the Secretary pays to each participating institution $5.00 for each student who receives a Federal Pell Grant at that institution for an award year.
(b) All funds an institution receives under this section must be used solely to pay the institution's cost of administering the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant programs.
(c) If an institution enrolls a significant number of students who are attending less-than-full-time or are independent students, the institution shall use a reasonable proportion of these funds to make financial aid services available during times and in places that will most effectively accommodate the needs of those students.
A student is not entitled to receive Federal Pell Grant payments concurrently from more than one institution or from the Secretary and an institution.
(a) As the first step to receiving a Federal Pell Grant, a student shall apply on an approved application form to the Secretary to have his or her expected family contribution calculated. A copy of this form is not acceptable.
(b) The student shall submit an application to the Secretary by—
(1) Providing the application form, signed by all appropriate family members, to the institution at which the student attends or plans to attend so that the institution can transmit electronically the application information to the Secretary under EDE; or
(2) Sending an approved application form to the Secretary.
(c) The student shall provide the address of his or her residence unless the student is incarcerated and the educational institution has made special arrangements with the Secretary to receive relevant correspondence on behalf of the student. If such an arrangement is made, the student shall provide the address indicated by the institution.
(d) For each award year the Secretary, through publication in the
The Secretary sends a student's application information and EFC as calculated by the central processor to the student on an SAR and allows each institution designated by the student to obtain an ISIR for that student.
(a) An applicant may request that the Secretary recalculate his or her expected family contribution if—
(1) He or she believes a clerical or arithmetic error has occurred; or
(2) The information he or she submitted was inaccurate when the application was signed.
(b) The applicant shall request that the Secretary make the recalculation described in paragraph (a) of this section by—
(1) Having his or her institution transmit that request to the Secretary under EDE; or
(2) Sending to the Secretary an approved form, certified by the student, and one of the student's parents if the student is a dependent student.
(c) If an institution transmits electronically the student's recalculation request to the Secretary, the corrected information must be supported by—
(1) Information contained on an approved form, that is certified by the student, and if the student is a dependent student, one of the student's parents; or
(2) Verification documentation provided by a student under 34 CFR 668.57.
(d) The recalculation request must be received by the Secretary no later than the deadline date established by the Secretary through publication in the
(a)
(i) The student submits a valid SAR to the institution; or
(ii) The institution obtains a valid ISIR for the student.
(A) Obtains a valid ISIR for that student; and
(B) For the 1995-96 award year, electronically or magnetically transmits Federal Pell Grant disbursement data to the Secretary.
(2) In determining a student's eligibility to receive his or her Federal Pell Grant, an institution is entitled to assume that SAR information or ISIR information is accurate and complete except under the conditions set forth in 34 CFR 668.16(f) and 668.60.
(b)
(1) The last date that the student is still enrolled and eligible for payment at that institution; or
(2) By the deadline date established by the Secretary through publication of a notice in the
(a) The amount of a student's Pell Grant for an academic year is based upon the payment and disbursement schedules published by the Secretary for each award year.
(b) No payment may be made to a student if the student's annual award is less than $200. However, a student who is eligible for an annual award that is equal to or greater than $200, but less than or equal to $400, shall be awarded a Federal Pell Grant of $400.
(a)(1)
(i) The student is enrolled in an eligible program that—
(A) Measures progress in credit hours;
(B) Is offered in semesters, trimesters, or quarters;
(C) Requires the student to enroll for at least 12 credit hours in each term in the award year to qualify as a full-time student; and
(D) Is not offered with overlapping terms; and
(ii) The institution offering the program—
(A) Provides the program using an academic calendar that includes two semesters or trimesters in the fall through the following spring, or three quarters in the fall, winter, and spring; and
(B) Provides at least 30 weeks of instructional time in the terms specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section.
(2)
(i) The student is enrolled in an eligible program that—
(A) Measures progress in credit hours;
(B) Is offered in semesters, trimesters, or quarters;
(C) Requires the student to enroll in at least 12 credit hours in each term in the award year to qualify as a full-time student; and
(D) Is not offered with overlapping terms; and
(ii) The institution offering the program—
(A) Provides the program using an academic calendar that includes two semesters or trimesters in the fall through the following spring, or three quarters in the fall, winter, and spring; and
(B) Does not provide at least 30 weeks of instructional time in the terms specified in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) of this section.
(3)
(i) Measures progress in credit hours; and
(ii) Is offered in academic terms other than those described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section.
(4)
(i) Is offered in credit hours but is not offered in academic terms; or
(ii) Is offered in clock hours.
(5)
(6)
(i) If the program is offered in terms and credit hours, the institution uses the methodology in—
(A) Paragraph (b) of this section provided that the program meets all the criteria in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, except that in lieu of paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section, the program provides at least the same number of weeks of instructional time in the terms specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section as are in the program's academic year; or
(B) Paragraph (d) of this section.
(ii) The institution uses the methodology described in paragraph (e) of this section if the program is offered in credit hours without terms or clock hours.
(iii) The institution uses the methodology described in § 690.66 if the program is correspondence study.
(b)
(1) Determining his or her enrollment status for the term;
(2) Based upon that enrollment status, determining his or her annual award from the Payment Schedule for full-time students or the Disbursement Schedule for three-quarter-time, half-time, or less-than-half-time students; and
(3) Dividing the amount described under paragraph (b)(2) of this section by—
(i) Two at institutions using semesters or trimesters or three at institutions using quarters; or
(ii) The number of terms over which the institution chooses to distribute the student's annual award if—
(A) An institution chooses to distribute all of the student's annual award determined under paragraph (b)(2) of this section over more than two terms at institutions using semesters or trimesters or more than three quarters at institutions using quarters; and
(B) The number of weeks of instructional time in the terms, including the additional term or terms, equals the weeks of instructional time in the program's academic year.
(c)
(1) Determining his or her enrollment status for the term;
(2) Based upon that enrollment status, determining his or her annual award from the Payment Schedule for full-time students or the Disbursement Schedule for three-quarter-time, half-time, or less-than-half-time students;
(3) Multiplying his or her annual award determined under paragraph (c)(2) of this section by the following fraction as applicable:
In a program using semesters or trimesters—
In a program using quarters—
(4)(i) Dividing the amount determined under paragraph (c)(3) of this section by two for programs using semesters or trimesters or three for programs using quarters; or
(ii) Dividing the student's annual award determined under paragraph (c)(2) of this section by the number of terms over which the institution chooses to distribute the student's annual award if—
(A) An institution chooses to distribute all of the student's annual award determined under paragraph (c)(2) of this section over more than two terms for programs using semesters or trimesters or more than three quarters for programs using quarters; and
(B) The number of weeks of instructional time in the terms, including the additional term or terms, equals the weeks of instructional time in the program's academic year definition.
(d)
(1)(i) For a student enrolled in a semester, trimester, or quarter, determining his or her enrollment status for the term; or
(ii) For a student enrolled in a term other than a semester, trimester, or quarter, determining his or her enrollment status for the term by—
(A) Dividing the number of weeks of instructional time in the term by the number of weeks of instructional time in the program's academic year;
(B) Multiplying the fraction determined under paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(A) of this section by the number of credit hours in the program's academic year to determine the number of hours required to be enrolled to be considered a full-time student; and
(C) Determining a student's enrollment status by comparing the number of hours in which the student enrolls in the term to the number of hours required to be considered full-time under paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(B) of this section for that term;
(2) Based upon that enrollment status, determining his or her annual award from the Payment Schedule for full-time students or the Disbursement Schedule for three-quarter-time, half-time, or less-than-half-time student;
(3) Multiplying his or her annual award determined under paragraph (d)(2) of this section by the following fraction:
(4) Paying the student the amount determined under paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
(e)
(1) Determining the student's Scheduled Federal Pell Grant using the Payment Schedule;
(2) Multiplying the amount determined under paragraph (e)(1) of this section by the lesser of—
(ii) One; and
(3) Multiplying the amount determined under paragraph (e)(2) of this section by—
(f) A single disbursement may not exceed 50 percent of any award determined under paragraph (d) or (e) of this section. If a payment for a payment period calculated under paragraphs (d) or (e) of this section would require the disbursement of more than 50 percent of a student's annual award in that payment period, the institution shall make at least two disbursements to the student in that payment period. The institution may not disburse an amount that exceeds 50 percent of the
(g)(1) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section and 34 CFR 668.66, the amount of a student's award for an award year may not exceed his or her Scheduled Federal Pell Grant award for that award year except as provided in § 690.67.
(2) For purposes of this section and § 690.66, an institution must define an academic year for each of its eligible programs in terms of the number of credit or clock hours and weeks of instructional time in accordance with the requirements of 34 CFR 668.2 and 668.3.
(a) If a student enrolls in a payment period which is scheduled to occur in two award years—
(1) The entire payment period must be considered to occur within one award year.
(2) The institution shall determine for each Federal Pell Grant recipient the award year in which the payment period will be placed subject to the restrictions set forth in paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
(3) The institution shall place a payment period with more than six months scheduled to occur within one award year in that award year.
(4) If an institution places the payment period in the first award year, it shall pay a student with funds from the first award year.
(5) If an institution places the payment period in the second award year, it shall pay a student with funds from the second award year.
(b) An institution may not make a payment which will result in the student receiving more than his or her Scheduled Federal Pell Grant for an award year.
(a) If a student who receives a Federal Pell Grant at one institution subsequently enrolls at a second institution in the same award year, the student may receive a Federal Pell Grant at the second institution only if—
(1) The student submits a valid SAR to the second institution; or
(2) The second institution obtains a valid ISIR.
(b) The second institution shall calculate the student's award according to § 690.63.
(c) The second institution may pay a Federal Pell Grant only for that portion of the academic year in which a student is enrolled at that institution. The grant amount must be adjusted, if necessary, to ensure that the grant does not exceed the student's Scheduled Federal Pell Grant for that award year except as provided under § 690.67.
(d) If a student's Scheduled Federal Pell Grant at the second institution differs from the Scheduled Federal Pell Grant at the first institution, the grant amount at the second institution is calculated as follows—
(1) The amount received at the first institution is compared to the Scheduled Federal Pell Grant at the first institution to determine the percentage of the Scheduled Federal Pell Grant that the student has received.
(2) That percentage is subtracted from 100 percent.
(3) The remaining percentage is the percentage of the Scheduled Federal Pell Grant at the second institution to which the student is entitled.
(e) The student's Federal Pell Grant for each payment period is calculated according to the procedures in § 690.63 unless the remaining percentage of the Scheduled Federal Pell Grant at the
(f) A transfer student shall repay any amount received in an award year that exceeds—
(1) His or her Scheduled Federal Pell Grant; or
(2) The amount which he or she was eligible to receive for the award year under § 690.67.
(a) An institution calculates the Federal Pell Grant for a payment period for a student in a program of study offered by correspondence courses without terms, but not including any residential component by—
(1) Determining the student's annual award using the half-time Disbursement Schedule;
(2) Determining the length of the correspondence program in weeks of instructional time by—
(i) Preparing a written schedule for submission of lessons that reflect a workload of at least 12 hours of preparation per week; and
(ii) Determining the number of weeks of instructional time in the program of study using the written schedule for submission of lessons;
(3) Multiplying the annual award determined from the Disbursement Schedule for a half-time student by the lesser of—
(ii) One; and
(4) Multiplying the amount determined under (a)(3) of this section by—
(b) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section—
(1) An academic year as measured in credit hours must consist of 2 payment periods—
(i) The first payment period must be the period of time in which the student completes the lesser of the first half of his or her academic year or program; and
(ii) The second payment period must be the period of time in which the student completes the lesser of the second half of the academic year or program; and
(2)(i) The institution shall make the first payment to a student for an academic year, as calculated under paragraph (a)(4) of this section, after the student submits 25 percent of the lessons or otherwise completes 25 percent of the work scheduled for the program or the academic year, whichever occurs last; and
(ii) The institution shall make the second payment to a student for an academic year, as calculated under (a)(4) of this section, after the student submits 75 percent of the lessons or otherwise completes 75 percent of the work scheduled for the program or the academic year, whichever occurs last.
(c) In a program of correspondence study offered by correspondence courses using terms but not including any residential component—
(1) The institution must prepare a written schedule for submission of lessons that reflects a workload of at least 30 hours of preparation per semester hour or 20 hours of preparation per quarter hour during the term;
(2)(i) If the student is enrolled in at least 6 credit hours that commence and are completed in that term, the Disbursement Schedule for a half-time student is used; or
(ii) If the student is enrolled in less than 6 credit hours that commence and are completed in that term the Disbursement Schedule for a less-than-half-time student is used;
(3) A payment for a payment period is calculated using the formula in
(4) The institution shall make the payment to a student for a payment period after that student completes 50 percent of the lessons or otherwise completes 50 percent of the work scheduled for the term, whichever occurs last.
(d) Payments for periods of residential training shall be calculated under § 690.63(d) if the residential training is offered using terms and credit hours or § 690.63(e) if the residential training is offered using credit hours without terms.
(a) The Secretary announces in the
(b) Based on the announcement described in paragraph (a) of this section, an institution may award up to a second Scheduled Federal Pell Grant award to a student in that award year if—
(1) The student is enrolled as a full-time student in an eligible program that is at least 2 academic years as measured in credit hours and weeks of instructional time and leads to an associate or baccalaureate degree at an institution;
(2) The student is enrolled only in coursework required for completing his or her associate or baccalaureate degree, including courses in his or her major area of study or electives that fulfill the student's graduation requirements, during any payment period in which the student is paid any portion of his or her second Scheduled Federal Pell Grant award;
(3) In the previous payment periods in the award year the student has completed the number of credit hours required in an academic year leading to his or her associate or baccalaureate degree program; and
(4) The student has completed the weeks of instructional time required for an academic year or will complete them in the first payment period for which he or she will receive a payment from his or her second Scheduled Federal Pell Grant award.
(c) If an institution awards a student up to a second Scheduled Federal Pell Grant award, the institution must make such awards to all students who qualify under paragraph (a) of this section.
This subpart deals with program administration by an institution of higher education.
(a) For each payment period, an institution may pay a Federal Pell Grant to an eligible student only after it determines that the financial aid transcript requirements of 34 CFR 668.19 have been met, and the student—
(1) Qualifies as an eligible student under 34 CFR 668.7;
(2) Is enrolled in an eligible program as an undergraduate student; and
(3)(i) Has completed the required clock hours for which he or she has been paid a Federal Pell Grant, if the student is enrolled in an eligible program that is measured in clock hours; or
(ii) Has completed the required credit hours for which he or she has been paid a Federal Pell Grant, if the student is enrolled in an eligible program that is measured in credit hours and that does not have academic terms.
(b) If an institution determines at the beginning of a payment period that
(c) If an institution determines at the beginning of a payment period that a student is not maintaining satisfactory progress, but reverses that determination after the end of the payment period, the institution may neither pay the student a Federal Pell Grant for that payment period nor make adjustments in subsequent Federal Pell Grant payments to compensate for the loss of aid for that period.
(d) A member of a religious order, community, society, agency of or organization who is pursuing a course of study in an institution of higher education is considered to have an expected family contribution amount at least equal to the maximum authorized award amount for the award year if that religious order—
(1) Has as a primary objective the promotion of ideals and beliefs regarding a Supreme Being; and
(2) Provides subsistence support to its members, or has directed the member to pursue the course of study.
(a) In each payment period, an institution may pay a student at such times and in such installments as it determines will best meet the student's needs.
(b) The institution may pay funds in one lump sum for all the prior payment periods for which the student was an eligible student within the award year. The student's enrollment status must be determined according to work already completed.
(a) An institution shall disburse funds to a student or the student's account in accordance with the provisions in § 668.164.
(b) The institution shall return to the Federal Pell Grant account any funds paid to a student who, before the first day of classes—
(1) Officially or unofficially withdraws; or
(2) Is expelled.
(c)(1) An institution that intends to pay a student directly must notify the student in accordance with § 668.165(a).
(2) If a student does not pick up the check on time, the institution shall still pay the student if he or she requests payment within 20 days after the last date that his or her enrollment ends in that award year.
(3) If the student has not picked up his or her payment at the end of the 20-day period, the institution may credit the student's account only for any outstanding charges for tuition and fees and room and board for the award year incurred by the student while he or she was eligible.
(4) A student forfeits the right to receive the payment if he or she does not pick up a payment by the end of the 20 day period.
(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (d)(4) of this section, the institution may, if it chooses, pay a student who did not pick up his or her payment, through the next payment period.
(6) An institution shall make a late disbursement to an ineligible student in accordance with the provisions in 34 CFR 668.164(g).
(a)(1) The student is liable for any Federal Pell Grant overpayment made to him or her.
(2) The institution is liable for any overpayment if the overpayment occurred because the institution failed to follow the procedures set forth in this part. The institution shall restore those funds to its Federal Pell Grant account even if it cannot collect the overpayment from the student.
(b) If an institution makes an overpayment for which it is not liable, it shall help the Secretary recover the overpayment by—
(1) Making a reasonable effort to contact the student and recover the overpayment; and, if unsuccessful,
(2) Providing the Secretary with the student's name, social security number, amount of overpayment, and other relevant information.
(c) If an institution refers a student who received an overpayment for which it is not liable to the Secretary for recovery, the student remains ineligible for further title IV, HEA program assistance for attendance at any institution until the student repays the overpayment or the Secretary determines the overpayment has been resolved.
(a)
(i) The correction of a clerical or arithmetic error under § 690.14; or
(ii) A correction based on information required as a result of verification under 34 CFR part 668, subpart E.
(2) Except as described in 34 CFR 668.60(c), the institution shall adjust the student's award when an overaward or underaward is caused by the change in the expected family contribution. That adjustment must be made—
(i) Within the same award year—if possible—to correct any overpayment or underpayment; or
(ii) During the next award year to correct any overpayment that could not be adjusted during the year in which the student was overpaid.
(b)
(2)(i) If the student's projected enrollment status changes during a payment period after the student has begun attendance in all of his or her classes for that payment period, the institution may (but is not required to) establish a policy under which the student's award for the payment period is recalculated. Any such recalculations must take into account any changes in the cost of attendance. If such a policy is established, it must apply to all students.
(ii) If a student's projected enrollment status changes during a payment period before the student begins attendance in all of his or her classes for that payment period, the institution shall recalculate the student's enrollment status to reflect only those classes for which the student actually began attendance.
(c)
(a) An institution shall follow provisions for maintaining general fiscal records in this part and in 34 CFR 668.24(b).
(b) An institution shall maintain funds received under this part in accordance with the requirements in § 668.164.
(a) An institution shall follow the record retention and examination provisions in this part and in 34 CFR 668.24.
(b) For any disputed expenditures in any award year for which the institution cannot provide records, the Secretary determines the final authorized level of expenditures.
(a) (1) An institution may receive either a payment from the Secretary for an award to a Federal Pell Grant recipient, or a corresponding reduction in the amount of Federal funds received in advance for which it is accountable, if—
(i) The institution submits to the Secretary the student's Payment Data for that award year in the manner and form prescribed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section by September 30 following the end of the award year in which the grant is made, or, if September 30 falls on a weekend, on the first weekday following September 30; and
(ii) The Secretary accepts the student's Payment Data.
(2) The Secretary accepts a student's Payment Data that is submitted in accordance with procedures established through publication in the
(3) An institution that does not comply with the requirements of this paragraph may receive a payment or reduction in accountability only as provided in paragraph (d) of this section.
(b) (1) An institution shall report to the Secretary any change in enrollment status, cost of attendance, or other event or condition that causes a change in the amount of a Federal Pell Grant for which a student qualifies by submitting to the Secretary the student's Payment Data that discloses the basis and result of the change in award for each student. Through publication in the
(2) An institution shall submit in accordance with deadline dates established by the Secretary, through publication in the
(3) An institution that timely submits, and has accepted by the Secretary, the Payment Data for a student in accordance with this section shall report a reduction in the amount of a Federal Pell Grant award that the student received when it determines that an overpayment has occurred, unless that overpayment is one for which the institution is not liable under § 690.79(a).
(c) In accordance with 34 CFR 668.84 the Secretary may impose a fine on the institution if the institution fails to comply with the requirements specified in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section.
(d) (1) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section, if an institution demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the institution has provided Federal Pell Grants in accordance with this part but has not received credit or payment for those
(2) The institution must demonstrate that it qualifies for a credit or payment by means of a finding contained in an audit report of an award year that was the first audit of that award year and that was conducted after December 31, 1988 and timely submitted to the Secretary under 34 CFR 668.23(c).
(3) An institution that timely submits the Payment Data for a student in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section but does not timely submit to the Secretary, or have accepted by the Secretary, the Payment Data necessary to document the full amount of the award to which the student is entitled, may receive a payment or reduction in accountability in the full amount of that award, if—
(i) A program review demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the student was eligible to receive an amount greater than that reported in the student's Payment Data timely submitted to, and accepted by the Secretary; and
(ii) The institution seeks an adjustment to reflect an underpayment for that award that is at least $100.
(4) In determining whether the institution qualifies for a payment or reduction in accountability, the Secretary takes into account any liabilities of the institution arising from that audit or program review or any other source. The Secretary collects those liabilities by offset in accordance with 34 CFR part 30.
20 U.S.C 1070c through 1070c-4, unless otherwise noted.
The State Student Incentive Grant Program assists States in providing grants and work-study assistance to eligible students who attend institutions of higher education and have substantial financial need. The work-study assistance is provided through campus-based community service work learning study programs, hereinafter referred to as community service-learning job programs.
(a)
(b)
The following regulations apply to the State Student Incentive Grant Program:
(a) The regulations in this part 692.
(b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) 34 CFR 75.60-75.62 (Ineligibility of Certain Individuals to Receive Assistance).
(2) 34 CFR part 76 (State-Administered Programs).
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions That Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 80 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments).
(6) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(7) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).
(8) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(c) The regulations in 34 CFR part 604 that implement section 1203 of the HEA (Federal-State Relationship Agreements).
(d) The Student Assistance General Provisions in 34 CFR part 668.
The following definitions apply to the regulations in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Coursework or other required activities, as determined by the institution that the student attends or by the State.
(2) The tuition and fees normally charged for full-time study by that institution.
(a)(1) The Secretary allots to each State participating in the SSIG program an amount which bears the same ratio to the Federal SSIG funds appropriated as the number of students in that State who are “deemed eligible”
(2) If the Federal SSIG funds appropriated for a fiscal year are not sufficient to allot to each State the amount of Federal SSIG funds it received in fiscal year 1979, the Secretary allots to each State an amount which bears the same ratio to the amount of Federal SSIG funds appropriated as the amount of Federal SSIG funds that State received in fiscal year 1979 bears to the amount of Federal SSIG funds all States received in fiscal year 1979.
(b) For the purpose of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the Secretary determines the number of students “deemed eligible” to participate in a State's SSIG Program by dividing the amount of that State's SSIG expenditures, including both its Federal allotment and the State-appropriated funds matching the allotment, by the average grant award per student of all participating States. The Secretary determines the “average grant award per student” by dividing the total number of student recipients for all States into the total amount of SSIG expenditures for all States, including both the Federal allotments and the State-appropriated funds matching those allotments. In making this determination, the Secretary uses the most current available data reported by each State.
A State may use the funds it receives under this part only to make grants to students and to pay wages or salaries to students in community service-learning jobs.
(a) To participate in the State Student Incentive Grant Program, a State shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary under section 1203 of the HEA (Federal-State Relationship Agreement).
(b) For each fiscal year that it wishes to participate, a State shall submit an application that contains information that shows that its State Student Incentive Grant Program meets the requirements of § 692.21.
(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the State shall submit its application through the State agency designated in its Federal-State Relationship Agreement to administer its State Student Incentive Grant Program as of July 1, 1985.
(2) If the Governor of the State so designates, and notifies the Secretary through a modification to the State's Federal-State Relationship Agreement, the State may submit its application under paragraph (b) of this section through an agency that did not administer its State Student Incentive Grant Program as of July 1, 1985.
See 34 CFR part 604, Federal-State Relationship Agreements.
To receive a payment under this program for any fiscal year, a State must have a program that—
(a) Is administered by a single State agency in accordance with the Federal-State Relationship Agreement under section 1203 of the HEA;
(b) Provides assistance only to students who meet the eligibility requirements in § 692.40;
(c) Provides that assistance under this program to a full-time student will not be more than $5,000 for each academic year;
(d) Provides for the selection of students to receive assistance on the basis of substantial financial need determined annually by the State on the basis of standards that the State establishes and the Secretary approves;
See § 692.41.
(e) Provides that no student or parent shall be charged a fee that is payable to an organization other than the State for the purpose of collecting data to make a determination of financial need in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section;
(f) Provides that all public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education and all postsecondary vocational institutions in the State are eligible to participate unless that participation is in violation of—
(1) The constitution of the State; or
(2) A State statute that was enacted before October 1, 1978;
(g) Provides that, if a State awards grants to independent students or to students who are less-than-full-time students enrolled in an institution of higher education, a reasonable portion of the State's allocation must be awarded to those students;
(h) Provides that—
(1) The State will pay an amount for grants and work-study jobs under this part for each fiscal year that is not less than the payment to the State under this part for that fiscal year; and
(2) The amount that the State expends during a fiscal year for grants and work-study jobs under this program represents an additional amount for grants and work-study jobs for students attending institutions of higher education over the amount expended by the State for those activities during the fiscal year two years prior to the fiscal year in which the State first received funds under this program;
(i) Provides for State expenditures under the State program of an amount that is not less than—
(1) The average annual aggregate expenditures for the preceding three fiscal years; or
(2) The average annual expenditure per full-time equivalent student for those years;
(j) Provides that, to the extent practicable, the proportion of the funds awarded to independent students in the SSIG Program shall be the same proportion of funds awarded to independent students as is in the State program or programs of which the State's SSIG Program is a part; and
(k) Provides for reports to the Secretary that are necessary to carry out the Secretary's functions under this part.
(a)(1) Each year, a State may use up to 20 percent of its allotment for a community service-learning job program that satisfies the conditions set forth in paragraph (b) of this section.
(2) A student who receives assistance under this section must receive compensation for work and not a grant.
(b)(1) The community service-learning job program must be administered by institutions of higher education in the State.
(2) Each student employed under the program must be employed in work in the public interest by an institution itself or by a Federal, State, or local public agency or a private nonprofit organization under an arrangement between the institution and the agency or organization.
(c) Each community service-learning job must—
(1) Provide community service as described in paragraph (d) of this section;
(2) Provide participating students community service-learning opportunities related to their educational or vocational programs or goals;
(3) Not result in the displacement of employed workers or impair existing contracts for services;
(4) Be governed by conditions of employment that are considered appropriate and reasonable, based on such factors as type of work performed, geographical region, and proficiency of the employee;
(5) Not involve the construction, operation, or maintenance of any part of a facility used or to be used for religious worship or sectarian instruction; and
(6) Not pay any wage to a student that is less than the current Federal minimum wage as mandated by section 6(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
(d) For the purpose of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, “community service” means direct service, planning, or applied research that is—
(1) Identified by an institution of higher education through formal or informal consultation with local nonprofit, governmental, and community-based organizations; and
(2) Designed to improve the quality of life for residents of the community served, particularly low-income residents, in such fields as health care, child care, education, literacy training, welfare, social services, public safety, crime prevention and control, transportation, recreation, housing and neighborhood improvement, rural development, and community improvement.
(e) For the purpose of paragraph (d)(2) of this section, “low-income residents” means—
(1) Residents whose taxable family income for the year before the year in which they are scheduled to receive assistance under this part did not exceed 150 percent of the amount equal to the poverty level determined by using criteria of poverty established by the United States Census Bureau; or
(2) Residents who are considered low-income residents by the State.
To be eligible for assistance, a student must—
(a) Meet the relevant eligibility requirements contained in 34 CFR 668.7; and
(b) Have substantial financial need as determined annually in accordance with the State's criteria approved by the Secretary.
(a) A State determines whether a student has substantial financial need on the basis of criteria it establishes that are approved by the Secretary. A State may define substantial financial need in terms of family income, expected family contribution, and relative need as measured by the difference between the student's cost of attendance and the resources available to meet that cost. To determine substantial need, the State may use—
(1) A system for determining a student's financial need under part F of title IV of the HEA;
(2) The State's own needs analysis system if approved by the Secretary; or
(3) A combination of these systems, if approved by the Secretary.
(b) The Secretary generally approves a need-analysis system under paragraph (a) (2) or (3) of this section only if the need-analysis system applies the term “independent student” as defined under section 480(d) of the HEA. However, for good cause shown, the Secretary may approve, on a case-by-case basis, a State's need analysis system that uses a definition for “independent student” that varies from that term as defined in section 480(d) of the HEA.
20 U.S.C. 1070a-21 through 1070a-27, unless otherwise noted.
Under the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) Program, the Secretary provides grants to States to—
(a) Encourage the States to provide or maintain a guaranteed amount of financial assistance necessary to permit eligible low-income students who obtain high school diplomas or the equivalent to attend an institution of higher education; and
(b) Provide financial incentives to enable States, in cooperation with local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, community organizations, and businesses, to provide—
(1) Additional counseling, mentoring, academic support, outreach, and supportive services to preschool, elementary, middle, and secondary school students who are at risk of dropping out of school; and
(2) Information to students and their parents about the advantages of obtaining a postsecondary education and their college financing options.
(a) States that meet the requirements of §§ 693.10, 693.11, 693.12, 693.13, 693.20 (formula grant program), 693.21, and 693.22 (discretionary grant program) are eligible to receive grants under this program.
(b) Under the early intervention component, students who meet the requirements of § 693.30 are eligible to participate in the State-administered programs under this part.
(c) Under the scholarship component, students who meet the requirements of § 693.40 are eligible to receive scholarships from States under this program.
Under the NEISP Program, a State may use its allotment under § 693.21 or § 693.22 to—
(a) Provide a variety of early intervention services such as comprehensive mentoring, counseling, outreach, and other supportive services to eligible students enrolled in preschool through grade 12, including prefreshman summer programs; and
(b) Award scholarships to eligible low-income students for attendance at any institution of higher education participating in the Federal Pell Grant Program.
The following regulations apply to the NEISP Program:
(a) The regulations in this part 693.
(b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
(1) If the amount appropriated for the program is less than $50,000,000, 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
(2) If the amount appropriated for the program is $50,000,000 or more, 34 CFR part 76 (State-Administered Programs).
(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions That Apply to Department Regulations).
(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).
(5) 34 CFR part 80 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments).
(6) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
(7) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
(8) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
(c) Institutional Eligibility Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as Amended in 34 CFR part 600.
(d) The Student Assistance General Provisions in 34 CFR part 668.
(a)
(b)
Award year
Institution of higher education
Recognized equivalent of a high school diploma
(c)
Academic year
(d)
(1) A student neither of whose parents completed a baccalaureate degree; or
(2) A student who regularly resides with and receives support from only one parent who did not complete a baccalaureate degree.
(1)(i) Who was not born in the United States;
(ii) Whose native language is other than English;
(iii) Who comes from an environment in which a language other than English is most relied on for communication; or
(iv) Who is an American Indian or Alaskan Native student and comes from an environment in which a language other than English has had a significant impact on his or her level of proficiency in English; and
(2) Who, as a result of the circumstances described in paragraph (1) of this definition, is unable to learn successfully in classrooms in which instruction is in English because he or she cannot adequately understand, speak, read, or write English.
(1) To be counted as attending an institution receiving Federal funds under chapter 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965;
(2) To receive free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Act; or
(3) To receive assistance under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Act.
(a) To obtain a grant, a State shall submit to the Secretary for review and approval an initial plan and annual application for carrying out the activities under the NEISP Program.
(b) The Secretary approves a State plan that—
(1) By direction of the State's Governor, designates as the State agency for administering the program under this part, either—
(i) The State agency that administers the State Student Incentive Grant Program under title IV, part A, subpart 4 of the HEA;
(ii) The State educational agency; or
(iii) Another appropriate State agency approved by the Secretary;
(2) Provides that the State program under this part shall be known as the “[insert name of the State] National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership Program” which may be referred to as the “[State name] NEISP Program,”;
(3) Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the State will provide for the conduct under the State's NEISP Program of both—
(i) An early intervention component meeting the requirements under § 693.11 as evaluated by the Secretary under the criteria in § 693.20 (formula grant program) and § 693.22 (discretionary grant program); and
(ii) A scholarship component meeting the requirements under § 693.12;
(4) Describes the administrative plan for implementing the State's NEISP Program, including those functions that will be carried out by public and private organizations; and
(5) Provides assurances that the State will—
(i) Ensure that the funds provided under this part supplement and do not supplant funds expended for State and local early intervention programs and State need- and non-need-based student financial grant assistance programs during the fiscal year 2 years prior to the fiscal year in which the State first received funds under this program;
(ii) Expend, from State, local, or private funds or other acceptable funding methods, not less than one-half of the cost of the program under this part;
(iii) Specify the methods by which such share of the costs will be paid;
(iv) Not use less than 25 percent or more than 50 percent of its total NEISP Program funds for the early intervention component, unless the State can satisfactorily demonstrate in its plan submitted to the Secretary that the State has additional means to provide scholarships to students, in accordance with the waiver provision in § 693.13(b);
(v) Expend all of the NEISP Program funds under the scholarship component only to provide scholarships to eligible students; and
(vi) Conduct and submit to the Secretary a biennial evaluation of the early intervention program assisted under this part in accordance with the requirements in § 693.52.
(c) With the exception of its initial year of participation when each State also must submit the application required under § 693.13 at the same time as the State plan under paragraph (b) of this section, the State shall submit annually an application to participate in the NEISP Program in accordance with the requirements in § 693.13.
(a) A State shall demonstrate to the Secretary in its plan submitted according to § 693.10(b) how its early intervention component provides services designed to meet the unique needs of the State's eligible students enrolled in preschool through grade 12. These services may include, but are not limited to, the following kinds of activities:
(1) A continuing system of mentoring and advising that—
(i) Is coordinated with the Federal and State community service initiatives; and
(ii) Includes such support services as—
(A) Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, and other subjects necessary for success in education beyond secondary school;
(B) After-school and summer tutoring;
(C) Assistance in obtaining summer jobs;
(D) Career mentoring;
(E) Academic counseling and assistance in secondary school course selection;
(F) Financial aid counseling that provides information on the opportunities for postsecondary student financial assistance;
(G) Instruction designed to prepare students participating in the program for careers in which students from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly underrepresented, as determined by the State; and
(H) Programs and activities specifically designed for students with limited proficiency in English.
(2) Activities designed to ensure high school completion and college enrollment of at-risk students by providing, in addition to the activities specified under paragraph (a) of this section, the following:
(i) Assessment to identify at-risk students.
(ii) Skills assessment.
(iii) Activities to encourage volunteer and parent involvement in the activities planned under this section.
(iv) Programs that involve the participation of former or current scholarship recipients as mentors or peer counselors.
(v) Personal and family counseling, including home visits.
(vi) Staff development to provide the services under this part.
(3) Activities that encourage students to complete secondary school and pursue postsecondary education by requiring each student to enter into an agreement under which the State will provide postsecondary tuition assistance to a student, during a period of time to be established by the State, if the student agrees to achieve certain academic milestones, such as—
(i) Completing the prescribed set of secondary courses required for an individual to be eligible for a Presidential Access Scholarship under chapter 3, subpart 2, part A, title IV of the HEA; and
(ii) Maintaining satisfactory academic progress according to the requirements in 34 CFR 668.7 in a postsecondary education program.
(4) Prefreshman summer programs that—
(i) Are at institutions of higher education that also have academic support services for disadvantaged students through projects regulated by 34 CFR part 646, Student Support Services, or through comparable projects as certified by the SEA or other appropriate State agency funded by the State or other sources;
(ii) Assure the participation of students who qualify as disadvantaged students or who are eligible for comparable programs funded by the State and certified under paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section;
(iii) Provide summer services, including—
(A) Instruction in remedial, developmental, or supportive courses;
(B) Counseling, tutoring, or orientation; and
(C) Grant aid to students to cover prefreshman summer costs for books, supplies, living costs, and personal expenses; and
(iv) Assure that participating students will receive financial aid during each academic year they are enrolled at the participating institution after the prefreshman summer.
(5) Other activities as the State proposes and the Secretary approves as supportive of the purposes of the NEISP Program.
(b) The State shall indicate to the Secretary which of the following permissible service providers will conduct the early intervention component activities:
(1) Community-based organizations.
(2) Elementary or secondary schools.
(3) Institutions of higher education.
(4) Public and private agencies.
(5) Nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.
(6) Businesses.
(7) Institutions and agencies sponsoring programs authorized under the State Student Incentive Grant Program, subpart 4, part A, title IV of the HEA.
(8) Institutions and agencies sponsoring programs authorized under the Federal TRIO Programs, chapter 1, subpart 2, part A, title IV of the HEA.
(9) Religious organizations.
(10) Other organizations proposed by the State that are subsequently deemed appropriate by the Secretary.
(c) The State shall describe how the service providers listed in paragraph (b) of this section will administer the early intervention component activities.
(d) The State shall propose for review by and approval of the Secretary the methods by which it will target its early intervention services on priority students.
A State shall provide for a scholarship component that—
(a) As described in the State's plan approved by the Secretary under 693.10, is closely coordinated with other Federal, State, local, and private scholarship programs within the State;
(b) Awards scholarships only to students who meet the eligibility requirements in 693.40;
(c) Places a priority on awarding scholarships to students who will receive Federal Pell Grant awards for the academic year in which the award is being made under this part by—
(1) Selecting those eligible students who will receive Federal Pell Grants and who—
(i) Have the lowest expected family contributions as calculated under part F of title IV of the HEA; or
(ii) Are the neediest students as prioritized under the State's criteria for low-income students if the State's criteria are approved by the Secretary; and
(2) If the State has NEISP Program scholarship funds remaining after making NEISP awards to all of the eligible Federal Pell Grant recipients, awarding the remaining NEISP Program scholarship funds to those eligible students who will not receive Federal Pell Grant awards and who—
(i) Have the lowest expected family contributions; or
(ii) Are the neediest students as prioritized under the State's criteria for low-income students if the State's criteria are approved by the Secretary;
(d) Awards continuation scholarships in successive award years to each student who received an initial scholarship and who continues to meet the student eligibility requirements under § 693.40;
(e) Establishes the maximum amount of a scholarship that each eligible student is to receive and ensures that no scholarship is less than the lesser of—
(1) 75 percent of the average cost of attendance, as determined under section 472, part F of the HEA, for an in-State student in a 4-year program of instruction at public institutions of higher education in the State; or
(2) The maximum Federal Pell Grant award funded for that fiscal year;
(f) Ensures that, for each recipient of a scholarship under this part who is eligible for and receiving other postsecondary student financial assistance, a Federal Pell Grant be awarded first, other public and private grant and scholarship assistance be awarded second, a scholarship under this part be awarded third, and then other financial assistance be awarded;
(g) Ensures that no scholarship awarded under this part, combined with other title IV, HEA financial assistance and any other grant or scholarship assistance exceeds the student's total cost of attendance, as determined under section 472, part F of the HEA;
(h) Expends all NEISP Program funds under the scholarship component, as determined according to § 693.10(b)(5)(iv), on scholarships to students;
(i) Notifies recipients of scholarships under this part that they are to be known as “[insert name of the State] National Partnership Scholars”; and
(j) Describes to the satisfaction of the Secretary the procedures the State will use to award scholarships to eligible students in the event that the State receives reduced or no Federal funding under the NEISP Program during any fiscal year.
(a) Each State desiring to participate in the program under this part shall submit an application annually through the State agency designated to administer the NEISP Program under § 693.10(b) that contains information required by the Secretary to demonstrate that the State meets its fund-matching assurances provided for in its plan, including—
(1) The total amount of non-Federal funds, listed by each source, that the State expects to expend during the next award year that will total one-
(i) The amount of the scholarships paid to students from State, local, or private funds under the NEISP Program;
(ii) The amount of tuition, fees, room, or board waived or reduced for recipients of grants under the NEISP Program; and
(iii) The amount expended on documented, targeted, long-term mentoring and counseling provided by volunteers or paid staff of nonschool organizations, including businesses, religious organizations, community groups, postsecondary educational institutions, nonprofit or philanthropic organizations, and other organizations proposed by the State and approved by the Secretary;
(2) A description of the specific methods by which the State's share of the costs under the NEISP Program will be paid;
(3) The percentage of the State's Federal allotment that it plans to expend for the early intervention component of its NEISP Program and, if the State requests a waiver from the Secretary under paragraph (b) of this section, the State shall submit supporting documentation, including the amount and source of its additional assistance;
(4) The documentation that assures the Secretary that the amount of funds provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section will supplement and not supplant funds expended for State and local early intervention programs and State need- and non-need-based student financial grant and scholarship assistance expended during the fiscal year 2 years prior to the fiscal year in which the State first received funds under this program; and
(5)(i) Proposed changes to the initial State plan that was approved by the Secretary, according to § 693.10(b), for the review and approval of the Secretary; or
(ii) If no changes to its initial plan are proposed, an assurance that the State will continue to operate its NEISP Program according to the existing State plan approved by the Secretary under § 693.10(b).
(b) The Secretary waives the requirement in § 693.10(b)(5)(iv) and allows the State to exceed the 50 percent limit on expenditure of its Federal allotment for the early intervention component if the State can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the State has another adequate means to provide scholarships to eligible students under the NEISP Program.
The Secretary uses the following criteria to determine whether a State's early intervention component proposed under § 693.10(b)(3)(i) meets the requirements of § 693.11:
(a)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) High quality in the design of the component;
(ii) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient administration of the component;
(iii) A clear description of how the State's proposed early intervention component relates to the purpose of the program;
(iv) The way that the State plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve the objectives of the component;
(v) A clear description of the methods that the State will use to target early intervention services to priority students. The State must base the proposed methods on the latest available State data. The State may target services on priority students by——
(A) Elementary and secondary schools with high concentrations of priority students within the State;
(B) Appropriate identifiable geographic areas such as counties or school districts (including both public and private schools) with high concentrations of priority students within the State; or
(C) Other methods proposed by a State and approved by the Secretary;
(vi) A clear description of the comprehensive long-term mentoring and advising that the State plans to provide to eligible students; and
(vii) The extent to which other State grant funds are available to eligible NEISP students for postsecondary educational scholarships if the Federal scholarship component of the program is unfunded or reduced.
(b)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The qualifications of the director of the early intervention component;
(ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the component; and
(iii) The amount of time each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section will spend working in the activities under this component.
(3) To determine the qualifications of the key personnel, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the early intervention component as well as other information the State provides.
(c)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the early intervention component activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the activities under the component.
(3) The Secretary reviews the State's budget for the early intervention component to verify that not more than 50 percent of the State's allotment is projected to be spent on its early intervention component unless the State requests and is granted a waiver under § 693.13(b).
(d)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The facilities that the State plans to use are adequate; and
(ii) The equipment and supplies that the State plans to use are adequate.
(e)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The number and percentage of students who are eligible to be served by the State's early intervention component, including students who are priority students and students who are disadvantaged;
(ii) The extent to which the State documents its need for the services and activities that the State proposes to provide under its early intervention component;
(iii) The ratio of secondary school counselors to all students and to early intervention eligible students, if the data is available;
(iv) For each of the 3 preceding years, if available, the estimated dropout rates for the State, including the dropout rate for all students and for students eligible for the early intervention component as proposed by the State; and
(v) For each of the 3 preceding years, if available, the estimated number and percentage of students in the State who enrolled in postsecondary institutions for—
(A) All students who were eligible to enroll; and
(B) Students who would have been eligible for the State's proposed early intervention component.
(f)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows the extent to which the State's early intervention component is likely to—
(i) Enable the participants to develop academic skills, such as reading, writing, mathematics, and study skills, that are essential for postsecondary education;
(ii) Improve academic skills and motivate the participants to complete a secondary educational program and subsequently gain admission to postsecondary education institutions; and
(iii) Increase the secondary and postsecondary readmission rates of those participants who have not completed secondary or postsecondary education.
(3) The Secretary also looks for information that shows how comprehensively the State's proposed early intervention component—
(i) Identifies and selects eligible participants;
(ii) Diagnoses each participant's need for academic support in order to successfully pursue a program of postsecondary education;
(iii) Develops a plan of program support to improve each participant's skills; and
(iv) Provides the services and activities listed in § 693.11(a) that relate to the goals of the NEISP Program.
(g)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The extent to which the State has received and has included in its plan written commitments by organizations that will provide early intervention services under § 693.11(b); and
(ii) The existence of a plan to inform the residents of the State of the NEISP Program services and eligibility criteria.
(h)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The extent to which the State has investigated early intervention program activity and included in its plan the number and types of currently operating public and private early intervention programs within the State;
(ii) The extent to which the State's proposed plan will supplement existing Federal, State, local, and private early intervention programs within the State, such as the Federal Head Start, Chapter 1 Program in Local Educational Agencies, and TRIO programs; and
(iii) The written plans and commitments submitted to the State by other early intervention program providers that the State plans to use as either early intervention service providers under § 693.11(b) or as support organizations for those service providers.
(i)
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The quality of the design of the component;
(ii) The extent that the methods of evaluation are appropriate for the program and the extent they are objective and produce useful data that are quantifiable;
(iii) The State's commitment to design an evaluation report to measure objectively performance against, at a minimum, the following standards:
(A) The effectiveness of the State's program in meeting the purposes of the program.
(B) The effect of the program on the student recipients being served by the program.
(C) The barriers to the effectiveness of the program and recommendations for changes or improvements to the program.
(D) The cost-effectiveness of the program.
(E) The extent to which the student recipients comply with the requirements of the program; and
(iv) Any other pertinent program measurements concerning the early intervention component that the State believes would be useful to the Secretary, which may be displayed through analytical charts, tables, and graphs.
(a) If the amount appropriated for the program under this part for a fiscal year is $50,000,000 or more, the Secretary allots to each State that has submitted an approved plan under § 693.10 and an approved application under § 693.13, an amount that bears the same ratio to the total appropriation as the amount allocated to the LEAs in the State under 34 CFR part 200 bears to the total amount allocated to all LEAs in all States using the most recently available data.
(b) If the amount appropriated for the program under this part for a fiscal year is less than $50,000,000, the Secretary allots funds to each State in accordance with the provisions in § 693.22.
(c) From the allotment calculated in this section, the Secretary disburses to a State an amount equal to not more than one-half of the total amount of funds from all sources the State projects that it will expend on its NEISP Program for a fiscal year as reported on its annual application under § 693.13(a).
(d) A State may expend from its Federal allotment no more than one-half of the total amount of funds the State expends under its NEISP Program for that fiscal year.
(a) The Secretary allots funds to States under this program on a competitive basis if the program appropriation for a fiscal year is less than $50,000,000.
(b) The Secretary conducts a grant competition for the States by means of a notice published in the
(c)(1) The Secretary uses the selection criteria in paragraph (d) of this section to evaluate applications for grants under this program.
(2) The maximum score, not including prior grant recipient priority points in paragraph (d)(12) of this section, for all of these criteria is 140 points.
(3) The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses in paragraph (d) of this section.
(4) In the final selection of similarly rated applications, the Secretary considers the extent to which a State provides—
(i) A comprehensive State-wide early intervention and postsecondary educational scholarship program;
(ii) Eligible students with comprehensive long-term mentoring and advising; and
(iii) Eligible students with State grant funds for their postsecondary education as compared to the other States who apply for grant funds.
(d)(1)
(i) The number and percentage of students who are eligible to be served by the State's early intervention component, including students who are priority students and students who are disadvantaged;
(ii) The extent to which the State documents its need for the services and activities that the State proposes to provide under its early intervention component;
(iii) The ratio of secondary school counselors to all students and to early intervention eligible students, if the data is available;
(iv) For each of the three preceding years, if available, the estimated dropout rates for the State, including the dropout rate for all students and for students eligible for the early intervention component as proposed by the State; and
(v) For each of the three preceding years, if available, the estimated number and percentage of students in the State who enrolled in postsecondary institutions for—
(A) All students who were eligible to enroll; and
(B) Students who would have been eligible for the State's proposed early intervention component; and
(vi) Describes the procedures the State will use to award postsecondary education scholarships to eligible students in the event that the State receives reduced or no Federal funding under the NEISP Program during any fiscal year.
(2)
(i) (3 points) The quality of the design of the component;
(ii) (3 points) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient administration of the component;
(iii) (3 points) A clear description of how the State's proposed early intervention component relates to the purpose of the program;
(iv) (3 points) The way that the State plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve the objectives of the component;
(v) (3 points) A clear description of the methods that the State will use to target early intervention services to priority students. The State must base the proposed methods on the latest available State data. The State may target services on priority students by—
(A) Elementary and secondary schools with high concentrations of priority students within the State;
(B) Appropriate identifiable geographic areas such as counties or school districts (including both public and private schools) with high concentrations of priority students within the State; or
(C) Other methods proposed by a State and approved by the Secretary;
(vi) (7 points) A clear description of the comprehensive long-term mentoring and advising that the State plans to provide to eligible students; and
(vii) (8 points) The extent to which other State grant funds are available to eligible NEISP students for their postsecondary education if the Federal scholarship component of the program is unfunded or reduced.
(3)
(A) The qualifications of the director of the early intervention component;
(B) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the component; and
(C) The amount of time each person referred to in paragraphs (d)(3)(i) (A) and (B) of this section will spend working in the activities under this component.
(ii) To determine the qualifications of the key personnel, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the early intervention component as well as other information the State provides.
(4)
(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the early intervention component activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the activities under the component.
(5)
(i) The facilities that the State plans to use are adequate; and
(ii) The equipment and supplies that the State plans to use are adequate.
(6)
(i) Enable the participants to develop academic skills, such as reading, writing, mathematics, and study skills, that are essential for postsecondary education;
(ii) Improve academic skills and motivate the participants to complete a secondary educational program and subsequently gain admission to postsecondary education institutions;
(iii) Increase the secondary and postsecondary readmission rates of those participants who have not completed secondary or postsecondary education;
(iv) Identify and select eligible participants;
(v) Diagnose each participant's need for academic support in order to successfully pursue a program of postsecondary education; and
(vi) Develop a plan of program support to improve each participant's skills.
(7)
(i) The extent to which the State has received and has included in its plan written commitments by organizations that will provide early intervention services; and
(ii) The existence of a plan to inform the residents of the State of the NEISP Program services and eligibility criteria.
(8)
(i) The extent to which the State has investigated early intervention program activity and included in its plan the number and types of currently operating public and private early intervention programs within the State;
(ii) The extent to which the State's proposed plan will supplement existing Federal, State, local, and private early intervention programs within the State, such as the Federal Head Start, Chapter 1 Program in Local Educational Agencies, and TRIO programs; and
(iii) The written plans and commitments submitted to the State by other early intervention program providers that the State plans to use as either early intervention service providers or as support organizations for those service providers.
(9)
(10)
(i) The quality of the design of the component;
(ii) The extent that the methods of evaluation are appropriate for the program and the extent they are objective and produce useful data that are quantifiable; and
(iii) The State's commitment to design an evaluation report to measure objectively performance against, at a minimum, the following standards:
(A) The effectiveness of the State's program in meeting the purposes of the program.
(B) The effect of the program on the student recipients being served by the program.
(C) The barriers to the effectiveness of the program and recommendations for changes or improvements to the program.
(D) The cost-effectiveness of the program.
(E) The extent to which the student recipients comply with the requirements of the program; and
(iv) Any other pertinent program measurements concerning the early intervention component that the State believes would be useful to the Secretary, which may be displayed through analytical charts, tables, and graphs.
(11)
(i) To determine the number of priority points to be awarded each eligible State applicant, the Secretary considers the State's prior experience of program participation in accordance with paragraphs (d)(11) (ii) and (iii) of this section.
(ii) The Secretary may add from one to twenty points to the point score obtained on the basis of the selection criteria, based on the State applicant's success in meeting the administrative requirements and programmatic objectives of paragraph (d)(11)(iii) of this section.
(iii) The Secretary—based on information contained in one or more of the following: Performance reports, audit reports, site visit reports, program evaluation reports, the previously funded application, the negotiated program plan or plans, previous State matching funds, and the application under consideration—considers information that shows—
(A) (5 points) The extent to which the State's program has served the number of student participants it was funded to serve;
(B) (5 points) The extent to which the State's program has achieved the goals and objectives as stated in the previously funded application or negotiated program plan;
(C) (5 points) The extent to which the State has met the administrative requirements—including recordkeeping, reporting, and financial accountability—under the terms of the previously funded award; and
(D) (5 points) The extent to which the State has provided funds to match its Federal allotment.
(e) The Secretary disburses to each State selected in the competition conducted under paragraph (b) of this section an amount equal to not more than one-half of the total amount of funds from all sources the State projects that it will expend on its NEISP Program for a fiscal year as reported on its annual application under § 693.13(a)(1).
The State agency administering the NEISP Program, as approved by the Secretary under § 693.10(b)(1), shall select students in preschool through grade 12 to participate in the State's early intervention component, each of whom—
(a)(1) Is a citizen or a national of the United States;
(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States;
(3) Provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service that he or she is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident; or
(4) Is a permanent resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands;
(b) Is, at the time of initial selection, a priority student, an at-risk student, a disadvantaged student, or a student with a limited proficiency in English;
(c) Has a need for academic support, as determined by the State, to pursue his or her education successfully;
(d) Resides within the State;
(e) Is not currently enrolled in a program of postsecondary education;
(f) Meets such other criteria as the State includes in its plan in order to meet the unique needs of the State and
(g) For an otherwise eligible student who is attending secondary school, is a student whom the State determines can reasonably be expected to meet the student eligibility requirements of 34 CFR 668.7 for Federal student financial assistance and such other requirements as necessary to qualify for State, local, or private student financial assistance, at such time as the student enrolls in postsecondary education.
To be eligible for a scholarship under the scholarship component of this program, a student must—
(a) Apply for the scholarship by following the application procedures and deadlines established by the State agency approved by the Secretary under § 693.10(b)(1) to administer the NEISP Program in the State in which the individual resides;
(b) Meet the relevant eligibility requirements contained in 34 CFR 668.7;
(c) Be less than 22 years old at the time his or her first scholarship is awarded;
(d) Have a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalence received on or after January 1, 1993;
(e) Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of instruction at an institution of higher education that is located within the State's boundaries, except that a State, at its option, may offer such a scholarship to a student who attends an eligible institution of higher education outside of the State;
(f) If a State includes academic milestones in a student agreement under § 693.11(a)(3) and requires the student to meet the milestones to be eligible for a scholarship, have met or exceeded the academic milestones to receive a scholarship; and
(g)(1) Have participated in the early intervention component of the program under this part;
(2) At the State's option, be a student whom the State documents as having successfully participated in a Federal Upward Bound Program funded under section 402C, chapter 1, subpart 2, part A of title IV of the HEA as determined by an administrator of the Federal Upward Bound program in which the student participated; or
(3) At the State's option, be a student whom the State determines as having successfully participated in an early intervention program comparable to the early intervention component of the program under this part.
A State may use its NEISP Program funds for the following allowable costs not specifically covered by 34 CFR parts 76 or 80 that are reasonably related to carrying out the early intervention component of the NEISP Program:
(a) In-service training of project staff.
(b) Transportation and meal costs for participants and staff for—
(1) Approved visits to postsecondary educational institutions in the area;
(2) Participation in “College Days” and “College Fair” activities; and
(3) Field trips to observe and meet with people who are employed in various career fields and who can act as role models for early intervention participants.
(c) Purchasing testing materials.
(d) Admission fees, transportation, and other costs necessary to participate in field trips, attend educational activities, visit museums, and attend other events that have as their purpose the intellectual, social, and cultural development of early intervention participants.
(e) Courses in English language instruction for participants with limited proficiency in English, if these classes are limited to early intervention component participants and if these classes
(f) For participants in an early intervention residential summer activity, room and board—computed on a weekly basis—not to exceed the weekly rate a host institution charges regularly enrolled students at the institution.
(g) Room and board for those people responsible for dormitory supervision of early intervention component participants during a residential summer activity.
(h) Transportation costs of early intervention component participants for regularly scheduled component activities.
(i) Transportation, meals, and overnight accommodations for staff members if they are required to accompany participants in program activities such as field trips.
(j) Costs of remedial and special classes if—
(1) These classes are limited to early intervention component participants; and
(2) Identical instruction is not readily available through another Federal program or a State, local, or privately funded program.
A State may not use its NEISP Program funds for costs incurred for the early intervention component of the NEISP Program such as—
(a) Duplication of services that are available to participants through—
(1) State, local, or private sources not included in the State plan under § 693.11; or
(2) Other Federal programs, such as projects under the Federal TRIO programs;
(b) Research not directly related to the evaluation or improvement of the program;
(c) Purchase of any equipment, unless the State demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that purchase is less expensive than renting or leasing;
(d) Meals for program staff except as provided in § 693.50.
(e) Clothing;
(f) Construction, renovation, or remodeling of any facilities; or
(g) Tuition, stipends, or any other form of student financial support for program staff.
(a) Each State receiving an allotment under this part shall prepare and submit to the Secretary every two years an evaluation of the early intervention component of its NEISP Program. The report must summarize and evaluate a State's activities under the program and the performance of the student participants. Each State's evaluation report design must include measures that permit the State to track all participating students progress throughout each student's participation in the program.
(b) The biennial evaluation report of the early intervention component of the program must include, but is not limited to—
(1) Quantifiable information on the extent to which the State's program is fulfilling the program objectives;
(2) The effect of the program on the student recipients being served by the program, including measurable outcomes such as improved academic performance, increased postsecondary education enrollment and retention, increased elementary and secondary school grade retention, reduced elementary and secondary school dropout rates, and reduced financial barriers to attendance at institutions of higher education;
(3) The barriers to the effectiveness of the program and recommendations for changes or improvements to the program;
(4) The cost-effectiveness of the program;
(5) The extent to which the student recipients comply with the requirements of the program;
(6) Key program information listed on an annual and biennial basis;
(7) Other pertinent program measurements concerning the early intervention component that the State believes would be useful to the Secretary, which
(8) Any other information required by the Secretary in order to carry out the evaluation report function.