Certification Procedures - Questions and Answers
Description
The Department released Questions and Answers guidance addressing public inquiries about the new certification procedures regulations effective July 1, 2024. These regulations require institutions to certify compliance for programs to be eligible for Title IV federal financial aid. The Department organized the guidance into three key areas: Gainful Employment Program Hours, Licensure and Disclosure Requirements, and Transcript Withholding.
Action to be taken
Licensure and disclosure requirements is the most a complex of the key areas addressed in this guidance as it poses high-risk for compliance. Institutions should implement ongoing review processes, ensure disclosures are accurate, and maintain cross-departmental accountability to protect Title IV eligibility and program approval. The processes must include the following steps:
- Identify all licensure programs subject to these regulations.
- Determine which programs are offered by distance education.
- Research and verify that the institution curriculum satisfies state educational requirements where the institution determines they will serve students.
- Document any state program approvals
- Document any state reviews of educational requirements.
- Develop Public and Individual Disclosures as directed in regulation for prospective and enrolled students.
- Create institutional policy and processes
- Review the location policy required since 2020 to determine where students are located
- Create an ongoing monitoring process for review and update of licensing requirements, accreditor guidance, and U.S. Department of education notices.
- Coordinate with faculty, registrar, advising, financial aid, and marketing staff to ensure advising, enrollment, and marketing is accurate.
Publication Date
- Fall 2024