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ED Forms Student Aid Enforcement Unit

2/22/2016

The Department of Education will create a new division to investigate allegations against institutions of higher education, the agency announced.

The Student Aid Enforcement Unit, as the division will be known, is set to have four subgroups:

  • The Investigations Group, focusing on "potential misconduct or high-risk activity" at institutions.
  • The Borrower Defense Group, focusing on federal Direct Loans.
  • The Administrative Actions and Appeals Service Group, focusing on program appeals and various actions against institutions.
  • The Clery Group, focusing on compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

President Obama asked for $13.6 million in his FY17 budget request for the new division, but ED officials said it will operate regardless of extra funds. According to press reports, it's unclear how much work the new division will tackle beyond anything ED doesn't already handle.

The division will be led by former Federal Trade Commission attorney Robert Kaye and is expected to employ 50 professionals at its outset. According to ED, the unit will work with state and federal agencies to investigate claims of institutional violations.

Contact

Liz Clark

Vice President, Policy and Research

202.861.2553

Contact

Bryan Dickson

Director, Student Financial Services and Educational Programs

202.861.2505

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