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.