Provisional Status
CCSU Provisional Status Designation by the U.S. Department of Education for Undergraduate Students and Parents
WHAT IS PROVISIONAL STATUS?
Provisional status is a designation given to institutions that use federal financial
aid but have not adequately complied with all of the U.S. Department of Education's
(DOE) regulations. This status results from the DOE's review of policies and procedures
in areas such as Financial Aid, the Registrar, Student Accounts, Academic Affairs
and Information Technology. Institutions with provisional status are provided with
a timeline to correct deficiencies.
WHY IS CENTRAL ON PROVISIONAL STATUS?
The U.S. Department of Education has found non-compliance practices in primarily three
areas, the reporting of Return of Title IV (Federal Student Financial Aid) Funds,
Enrollment Reporting to the National Student Loan Data System, and the timing of returning
funds to the U.S. Department of Education. While recent improvements have been made,
the university has been informed that it will remain on provisional status until December
2019.
WHAT DOES THIS STATUS LIMIT CENTRAL FROM DOING?
Generally, provisional status requires the university to request and receive approval
before: 1) offering new academic programs, 2) delivering programs at an off-campus
location, or 3) making changes to programs such as offering them in an online format
or adding a post-graduate certificate to an existing program.
HOW DOES THIS STATUS IMPACT UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS?
This status does not restrict current Central undergraduates from receiving any form
of federal or state financial aid. The university remains fully eligible to participate
in all federal and state financial aid programs.
HOW DOES THIS STATUS IMPACT EXISTING PROGRAMS?
There is no impact on existing undergraduate degree programs. Some non-degree program
changes may occur as a result of the additional institutional review needed to ensure
compliance.
HOW LONG IS THE PROVISIONAL STATUS IN EFFECT, AND COULD THE INSTITUTION BE REMOVED
EARLIER?
The designation is in effect until December 2019, and a new application for review
will be submitted to the DOE in September 2019. There is no option to be removed before
the end date.
WHAT UNIVERSITY ACTIONS ARE BEING TAKEN TO ADDRESS THESE ONGOING CONCERNS?
President Zumma Toro has made compliance and subsequent removal of Central's provisional
status her number one priority. A consultant will soon be making a comprehensive assessment
of the university's Financial Aid operations, along with all related procedures and
systems impacted by federal and/or state regulations. Resources will be allocated
to address the adopted recommendations of the assessment.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
There is nothing for you or your parents to do regarding this issue. You should know,
that you may submit the FAFSA beginning October 1, instead of waiting until after
January. Please note that the priority deadline to submit the FAFSA remains March
1.
HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?
While provisional status does not impact our current undergraduate students, we do
believe it is important that you are aware of this issue. In the spirit of transparency
and partnership with our families, we wanted you to hear about it from us directly.
CCSU Provisional Status Designation by the U.S. Department of Education for Graduate Students
WHAT IS PROVISIONAL STATUS?
Provisional status is a designation given to institutions that use federal financial
aid but have not adequately complied with all of the U.S. Department of Education's
(DOE) regulations. This status results from the DOE's review of policies and procedures
in areas such as Financial Aid, the Registrar, Student Accounts, Academic Affairs
and Information Technology. Institutions with provisional status are provided with
a timeline to correct deficiencies.
WHY IS CENTRAL ON PROVISIONAL STATUS?
The U.S. Department of Education has found non-compliance practices in primarily three
areas, the reporting of Return of Title IV (Federal Student Financial Aid) Funds,
Enrollment Reporting to the National Student Loan Data System, and the timing of returning
funds to the U.S. Department of Education. While recent improvements have been made,
the university has been informed that it will remain on provisional status until December
2019.
WHAT DOES THIS STATUS LIMIT CENTRAL FROM DOING?
Generally, provisional status requires the university to request and receive approval
before: 1) offering new academic programs, 2) delivering programs at an off-campus
location, or 3) making changes to programs such as offering them in an online format
or adding a post-graduate certificate to an existing program.
HOW DOES THIS STATUS IMPACT GRADUATE STUDENTS?
There is no impact to students only enrolled in degree-seeking programs. The university
remains fully eligible to participate in all federal and state financial aid programs.
However, students in certain non-degree programs may no longer be eligible to receive
federal financial aid. All affected programs, changes and future effective dates(s)
will be clearly communicated to all students impacted.
HOW DOES THIS STATUS IMPACT EXISTING PROGRAMS?
Some non-degree program changes may occur as a result of the additional institutional
review needed to ensure compliance. These changes may result in current graduate certificate
programs with primarily undergraduate courses being reclassified at the under-graduate
post-baccalaureate level. A few educator certification preparation programs may also
become ineligible for financial aid.
HOW LONG IS THE PROVISIONAL STATUS IN EFFECT, AND COULD THE INSTITUTION BE REMOVED
EARLIER?
The designation is in effect until December 2019, and a new application for review
will be submitted to the DOE in September 2019. There is no option to be removed before
the end date.
WHAT UNIVERSITY ACTIONS ARE BEING TAKEN TO ADDRESS THESE ONGOING CONCERNS?
President Zumma Toro has made compliance and subsequent removal of Central's provisional
status her number one priority. A consultant will soon be making a comprehensive assessment
of the university's Financial Aid operations, along with all related procedures and
systems impacted by federal and/or state regulations. Resources will be allocated
to address the adopted recommendations of the assessment.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
There is nothing for you or your parents to do regarding this issue. You should know,
that you may submit the FAFSA beginning October 1, instead of waiting until after
January. Please note that the priority deadline to submit the FAFSA remains March
1.