(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.

(5) The determination of—

(i) Borrower defense to repayment claims that are brought by the Department against an institution under § 685.206, § 685.222 or part 685, subpart D, of this chapter; and

(ii) Liability of an institution to the Secretary for losses to the Secretary arising from these claims.

(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) The proceedings described in this subpart provide the institution's sole opportunity for a hearing on the existence and amount of the debt that is required by applicable law prior to the Department collecting the debt from any available funds, including but not limited to offsetting the debt or any liability against funds to be provided to an institution pursuant to any Title IV, HEA program in which that institution participates.

(f) Nothing contained in this subpart limits the right of the Department to gather information, including by subpoena, or conduct any examination, audit, program review, investigation, or other review authorized by other applicable law.

(g) Unless directed by a court of competent jurisdiction, the hearing official, or the Secretary for good cause, if a collateral attack is brought in any court concerning all or any part of any proceeding under this subpart, the challenged proceeding shall continue without regard to the pendency of that court proceeding. No default or other failure to timely act as directed in a proceeding authorized by this subpart shall be excused based on the pendency of such court proceeding.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [51 FR 43325, Dec. 1, 1986, as amended at 55 FR 32183, Aug. 7, 1990; 58 FR 13344, Mar. 10, 1993; 59 FR 22443, Apr. 29, 1994; 59 FR 61186, Nov. 29, 1994; 63 FR 40626, July 29, 1998; 82 FR 6256, Jan. 19, 2017; 87 FR 66041, Nov. 1, 2022]

(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 nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds, or has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving those funds;

(B) A person who exercises substantial control over the servicer, as determined according to § 668.15, has been convicted of, or has pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds, or has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving those funds;

(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 nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds, or who has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving those funds; or

(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—

(1) Convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds; or

(2) Administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving Federal, State, or local government funds; and

(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 in the administration of the institution's participation in Title IV, HEA programs, or, as applicable, the removal or elimination of any substantial control, as determined according to § 668.15, over the servicer.

(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 2 CFR 180.700 or 180.800, as both those sections are adopted at 2 CFR 3485.12, 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 the procedures described in 2 CFR 3485.612(d) 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 the procedures described in 2 CFR 3485.612(d), 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 2 CFR 3485.612(c), 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 agency constitutes prima facie evidence in a proceeding under this subpart that cause for suspension or debarment and termination, as applicable, exists.

(Authority: E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189), E.O. 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235); 20 U.S.C. 1070, et seq., 1082(a)(1) and (h)(1), 1094(c)(1)(D) and (H), and 3474) [59 FR 22444, Apr. 29, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 33058, June 26, 1995; 68 FR 66615, Nov. 26, 2003; 77 FR 18679, Mar. 28, 2012]

(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 or Federal PLUS 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 make all required payments under § 668.22; 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—

(1) The legal authority of an institution to provide postsecondary education in the State in which the institution is located; or

(2) The accreditation or preaccreditation of an institution or any of the institution's educational programs or locations;

(D) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document submitted to a guaranty agency under the Federal Stafford Loan or Federal PLUS 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 or Federal PLUS programs—

(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 official. The initiating official does not act as the show-cause official for any emergency action that the initiating official has begun. The show-cause official is authorized to grant relief from the emergency action. The institution or servicer may make its presentation in writing or, upon its request, at an informal meeting with the show-cause official.

(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 § 668.91(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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [59 FR 22445, Apr. 29, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 34432, June 30, 1995; 63 FR 40626, July 29, 1998; 64 FR 59042, Nov. 1, 1999; 82 FR 6257, Jan. 19, 2017]

(a) Scope and consequences. (1) The Secretary may impose a fine of up to $69,733 1 per violation on a participating institution or third-party servicer that—

1 As adjusted in accordance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended (28 U.S.C. 2461 note).

(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 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) Procedures. (1) A designated department official begins a fine proceeding by sending the institution or servicer, as applicable, a notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. In the case of a fine proceeding against a third-party servicer, the official also sends the notice to each institution that is affected by the alleged violations identified as the basis for the fine action, and, to the extent possible, to each institution that contracts with the servicer for the same service affected by the violation. This notice—

(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 transmits the request for hearing and response to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, which 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 § 668.89.

(c) Expedited proceedings. With the approval of the hearing official and the consent of the designated department official and the institution or servicer, any time schedule specified in this section may be shortened.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [59 FR 22446, Apr. 29, 1994, as amended at 67 FR 69655, Nov. 18, 2002; 82 FR 6257, Jan. 19, 2017; 83 FR 2065, Jan. 15, 2018; 84 FR 974, Feb. 1, 2019; 85 FR 2036, Jan. 14, 2020; 86 FR 7977, Feb. 3, 2021; 87 FR 23453, Apr. 20, 2022; 88 FR 5787, Jan. 30, 2023; 89 FR 4833, Jan. 25, 2024]

(a) Scope and consequences. (1) The Secretary may suspend an institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program or the eligibility of a third-party servicer to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, if the institution or servicer—

(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) Procedures. (1) A designated department official begins a suspension proceeding by sending a notice to an institution or third-party servicer by certified mail, return receipt requested. In the case of a suspension proceeding against a third-party servicer, the official also sends the notice to each institution that contracts with the servicer. The designated department official may also transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means if practical. The notice—

(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) Specifies the proposed effective date of the suspension, which is at least 20 days after the date of 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 § 668.91(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 transmits the request for hearing and response to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, which sets the date and the place. The date is at least 15 days after the designated department official receives the request. The suspension does not take place until the requested hearing is held.

(4) A hearing official conducts a hearing in accordance with § 668.89.

(c) Expedited proceedings. With the approval of the hearing official and the consent of the designated department official and the institution or servicer, as applicable, any time period specified in this section may be shortened.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [59 FR 22447, Apr. 29, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 61773, Dec. 1, 1995; 65 FR 65637, Nov. 1, 2000; 82 FR 6257, Jan. 19, 2017]

(a) Scope and consequences. (1) The Secretary may limit or terminate an institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program or the eligibility of a third-party servicer to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, if the institution or servicer—

(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 §§ 668.94 and 668.95, respectively.

(b) Procedures. (1) A designated department official begins a limitation or termination proceeding by sending an institution or third-party servicer a notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. In the case of a limitation or termination proceeding against a third-party servicer, the official also sends the notice to each institution that contracts with the servicer. The designated department official may also transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means if practical. This notice—

(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) 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;

(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 transmits the request for hearing and response to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, which sets the date and place. The date is at least 15 days after the designated department official receives the request. The limitation or termination does not take place until after the requested hearing is held.

(4) A hearing official conducts a hearing in accordance with § 668.89.

(c) Expedited proceeding. With the approval of the hearing official and the consent of the designated department official and the institution or servicer, as applicable, any time schedule specified in this section may be shortened.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [59 FR 22447, Apr. 29, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 61774, Dec. 1, 1995; 65 FR 65637, Nov. 1, 2000; 82 FR 6257, Jan. 19, 2017]

(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.

(d) A non-dispositive motion shall be made, if at all, consistent with any procedures set forth by the hearing official. In the absence of such procedures, non-dispositive motions shall be permitted, and responses to such motions shall be permitted though not required.

(e)(1) A party may make a motion for summary disposition asserting that the undisputed facts, admissions, affidavits, stipulations, documentary evidence, matters as to which official notice may be taken, and any other evidentiary materials properly submitted in connection with a motion for summary disposition establish that—

(i) There is no genuine issue as to any material fact; and

(ii) The moving party is entitled to a decision in its favor as a matter of law.

(2) A motion for summary disposition must be accompanied by a statement of the material facts as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue. Such motion must be supported by evidence that the moving party contends support his or her position. The motion must be accompanied by a brief containing the points and authorities supporting the motion.

Any party may oppose such a motion by filing a response setting forth those material facts as to which he or she contends a genuine dispute exists. Such response must be supported by evidence of the same type as may be submitted in support of a motion for summary disposition and a brief containing the points and authorities in support of the contention that summary disposition would be inappropriate.

(f) A motion under consideration by the Secretary or the hearing official shall not stay proceedings before the hearing official unless the Secretary or the hearing official, as appropriate, so orders.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [82 FR 6258, Jan. 19, 2017]

(a) A hearing is an orderly presentation of arguments and evidence conducted by a hearing official. At the discretion of the hearing official, any right to a hearing may be satisfied by one or more of the following: Summary disposition pursuant to § 668.88(e), with or without oral argument; an oral evidentiary hearing conducted in person, by telephone, by video conference, or any combination thereof; or a review limited to written evidence.

(b)(1) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the hearing official sets the procedures to be used in the hearing, and may take steps to expedite the proceeding as appropriate.

(2) 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 to prove the validity or invalidity of any claim or defense.

(3)(i) The proponent of any factual proposition has the burden of proof with respect thereto.

(ii) The designated department official has the burden of persuasion in any fine, suspension, limitation, or termination proceeding under this subpart.

(iii) For borrower defenses under §§ 685.206(c) and (e) and 685.222 of this chapter, the designated department official has the burden of persuasion in a borrower defense and recovery action; however, for a borrower defense claim based on a substantial misrepresentation under § 682.222(d) of this chapter, the designated department official has the burden of persuasion regarding the substantial misrepresentation, and the institution has the burden of persuasion in establishing any offsetting value of the education under § 685.222(i)(2)(i).

(4) Discovery, as provided for under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, is not permitted.

(5) The hearing official accepts only evidence that is relevant and material to the proceeding and is not unduly repetitious.

(6) The hearing official may restrict the number of witnesses or exclude witnesses to avoid undue delay or presentation of cumulative evidence. Any witness permitted to appear may do so via telephonic, video, or other means, with the approval of the hearing official.

(7) Either party may call qualified expert witnesses. Each party will be limited to calling three expert witnesses, as a matter of right, including any rebuttal or surrebuttal witnesses. Additional expert witnesses shall be allowed only by order of the hearing official, granted only upon a showing of good cause.

(i) At a date set by the hearing official, each party shall serve the other with any report prepared by each of its expert witnesses. Each party shall serve the other party with a list of any rebuttal expert witnesses and a rebuttal report prepared by each such witness not later than 60 days after the deadline for service of expert reports, unless another date is set by the hearing official. A rebuttal report shall be limited to rebuttal of matters set forth in the expert report for which it is offered in rebuttal. If material outside the scope of fair rebuttal is presented, a party may file a motion not later than five days after the deadline for service of rebuttal reports, seeking appropriate relief with the hearing official, including striking all or part of the report, leave to submit a surrebuttal report by the party's own experts, or leave to call a surrebuttal witness and to submit a surrebuttal report by that witness.

(ii) No party may call an expert witness at the hearing unless the party has listed the expert and has provided reports as required by this section.

(iii) Each report shall be signed by the expert and contain a complete statement of all opinions to be expressed and the basis and reasons therefor; the data, materials, or other information considered by the witness in forming the opinions; any exhibits to be used as a summary of or support for the opinions; the qualifications of the witness, including a list of all publications authored or co-authored by the witness within the preceding ten years; the compensation to be paid for the study and testimony; and a listing of any other cases in which the witness has testified or sought to testify as an expert at trial or hearing, or by deposition, within the preceding four years. A rebuttal or surrebuttal report need not include any information already included in the initial report of the witness.

(8)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(8)(ii) of this section, if an institution has been required through compulsory process under section 490A of the HEA or other applicable law to submit to the United States or to the Department material regarding an express or an implied representation, the institution cannot thereafter, in any proceeding under this subpart in which it is alleged that the representation was false, erroneous, or misleading, and for any purpose relating to the defense of such allegation, introduce into the record, either directly or indirectly through references contained in documents or oral testimony, any material of any type that was required to be but was not timely submitted in response to that compulsory process.

(ii) The hearing official shall, upon motion at any stage, exclude all material that was required to be but was not timely submitted in response to a compulsory process described in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section, or any reference to such material, unless the institution demonstrates, and the hearing official finds, that by the exercise of due diligence the material could not have been timely submitted in response to the compulsory process, and the institution notified the Department or such other party that issued the order to produce, of the existence of the material immediately upon its discovery. The hearing official shall specify with particularity the evidence relied upon.

(9) When issues not raised in the notice of proposed action are tried without objection at the hearing, they will be treated in all respects as if they had been raised in the notice of proposed action, and no formal amendments are required.

(c) The hearing official makes a transcribed record of the proceeding and makes a copy of the record available to the designated Department official and to the institution or servicer.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [82 FR 6258, Jan. 19, 2017, as amended at 87 FR 66041, Nov. 1, 2022]

(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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [51 FR 43325, Dec. 1, 1986, as amended at 57 FR 47753, Oct. 19, 1992; 59 FR 22448, Apr. 29, 1994. Redesignated at 82 FR 6257, Jan. 19, 2017]

(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.

(2) The hearing official's initial decision states whether the imposition of the fine, limitation, suspension, or termination or recovery 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 § 668.14(b)(18), the hearing official also finds that termination of the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility is warranted;

(iii) In an action brought against an institution or third-party servicer that involves its failure to provide a letter of credit, or other financial protection under § 668.15 or § 668.171(c) or (d), the hearing official finds that the amount of the letter of credit or other financial protection established by the Secretary under § 668.175 is appropriate, unless the institution demonstrates that the amount was not warranted because—

(A) For financial protection demanded based on events or conditions described in § 668.171(c) or (d), the events or conditions no longer exist, have been resolved, or the institution demonstrates that it has insurance that will cover all potential debts and liabilities that arise from the triggering event or condition. The institution can demonstrate it has insurance that covers risk by presenting the Department with a copy of the insurance policy that makes clear the institution's coverage;

(B) For financial protection demanded based on the grounds identified in § 668.171(d), the action or event does not and will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, business, or results of operations of the institution;

(C) The institution has proffered alternative financial protection that provides students and the Department adequate protection against losses resulting from the risks identified by the Secretary. Adequate protection may consist of one or more of the following—

(1) An agreement with the Secretary that a portion of the funds due to the institution under a reimbursement or heightened cash monitoring funding arrangement will be temporarily withheld in such amounts as will meet, no later than the end of a six to 12 month period, the amount of the required financial protection demanded; or

(2) Other form of financial protection specified by the Secretary in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(iv) 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;

(v)(A) 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

(B) In a termination or limitation action against an institution based on the grounds that the institution is not financially responsible—

(1) Upon proof of the conditions in § 668.174(a), the hearing official finds that the limitation or termination is warranted unless the institution demonstrates that all the conditions in § 668.175(h)(2) have been met; and

(2) Upon proof of the conditions in § 668.174(b)(1), the hearing official finds that the limitation or termination is warranted unless the institution demonstrates that all applicable conditions described in § 668.174(b)(2) or § 668.175(h)(2) have been met; and

(vi) In a termination action against a GE program based upon the program's failure to meet the requirements in § 668.403 or § 668.404, the hearing official must terminate the program's eligibility unless the hearing official concludes that the Secretary erred in the applicable calculation.

(4) The hearing official bases findings of fact only on evidence considered at the hearing and on matters given judicial notice.

(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 notice of intent to suspend the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility.

(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.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1840-0537) [59 FR 22448, Apr. 29, 1994, as amended at 59 FR 34964, July 7, 1994; 60 FR 61774, Dec. 1, 1995; 65 FR 65637, Nov. 1, 2000. 81 FR 76072, Nov. 1, 2016. Redesignated and amended at 82 FR 6257, 6259, Jan. 19, 201 7; 84 FR 49910, Sept. 23, 2019; 87 FR 66041, Nov. 1, 2022; 88 FR 70188, Oct. 10, 2023]

(a) Filing of request for hearing, show-cause opportunity, or appeal. (1)(i) A request by an institution or third-party servicer for a hearing or show-cause opportunity, or other material submitted by an institution or third-party servicer in response to a notice of proposed action under this subpart, must be filed with the designated department official by hand-delivery, mail, or facsimile transmission.

(ii) An appeal to the Secretary by a party must be filed with the designated department official by hand-delivery, mail, facsimile transmission, or by use of the Office of Hearings and Appeals Electronic Filing System (OES).

(2) Documents filed by facsimile transmission must be transmitted to the designated department official identified, either in the notice initiating the action, or, for an appeal, in instructions provided by the hearing official, as the individual responsible to receive them. A party filing a document by facsimile transmission must confirm that a complete and legible copy of the document was received by the Department of Education, and may be required by the designated department official to provide a hard copy of the document.

(3) The Secretary discourages the use of facsimile transmission for documents longer than five pages.

(4)(i) A party may file an appeal to the Secretary, and any other pleading or other document submitted in a proceeding under this subpart, by use of the Office of Hearings and Appeals Electronic Filing System (OES), by hand-delivery, by mail, or by facsimile transmission.

(ii) A party must serve a copy on the other party of any pleading or other document it files, including an appeal to the Secretary, in a proceeding under this subpart. A party must do so by certified mail, return receipt requested; by hand-delivery; or, if agreed upon by the parties, service may also be made by use of the OES or any other means agreed to by the parties.

(iii) A party who agrees to receive a document by any means other than service by certified mail, return receipt requested or hand-delivery may limit that agreement to one or more particular documents.

(iv) A party who agrees to service of a document through the OES thereby agrees that the notice of such filing provided to the party by the OES suffices to meet any obligation of the filing party under these regulations to provide a copy of that document.

(5) Documents filed using the OES must be transmitted to the designated department official identified in instructions provided by the hearing official as the individual responsible to receive them. A party filing a document using the OES must ensure that the party has received an electronic confirmation that the document was accepted and approved for filing by the OES, and may be required by the designated department official to provide a hard copy of the document.

(6) Electronic documents must be formatted in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at www.adobe.com.

(b) Confirmation of mailing and receipt dates. (1) The mailing date of a notice from a designated department official initiating an action under this subpart is the date evidenced on the original receipt of mailing from the U.S. Postal Service.

(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.

(v) The date a document sent electronically via the OES is recorded as received by the OES as indicated in the confirmation of receipt email for E-filing.

(c) Refusals. If an institution 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 institution or servicer refuses to accept the notice.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [51 FR 43325, Dec. 1, 1986, as amended at 58 FR 13345, Mar. 10, 1993; 59 FR 22450, Apr. 29, 1994; 78 FR 48050, Aug. 7, 2013. Redesignated at 82 FR 6257, Jan. 19, 2017]

(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, including the treatment of title IV, HEA program funds when a student withdraws under § 668.22.

(c) Upon the request of the institution or third-party servicer, the Secretary may compromise the fine.

(d)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of statute or regulation, any individual described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, in addition to other penalties provided by law, is liable to the Secretary for amounts that should have been refunded or returned under § 668.22 of the title IV program funds not returned, to the same extent with respect to those funds that such an individual would be liable as a responsible person for a penalty under section 6672(a) of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the nonpayment of taxes.

(2) The individual subject to the penalty described in paragraph (d)(1) is any individual who—

(i) The Secretary determines, in accordance with § 668.174(c), exercises substantial control over an institution participating in, or seeking to participate in, a program under this title;

(ii) Is required under § 668.22 to return title IV program funds to a lender or to the Secretary on behalf of a student or borrower, or was required under § 668.22 in effect on June 30, 2000 to return title IV program funds to a lender or to the Secretary on behalf of a student or borrower; and

(iii) Willfully fails to return those funds or willfully attempts in any manner to evade that payment.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094 and 1099c) [59 FR 22450, Apr. 29, 1994, as amended at 64 FR 58618, Oct. 29, 1999; 64 FR 59042, Nov. 1, 1999. Redesignated at 82 FR 6257, Jan. 19, 2017]

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 change in the participation status of the institution from fully certified to participate to provisionally certified to participate under § 668.13(c).

(i) 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

(j) Other conditions as may be determined by the Secretary to be reasonable and appropriate.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [59 FR 22450, Apr. 29, 1994. 81 FR 76072, Nov. 1, 2016. Redesignated at 82 FR 6257, Jan. 17, 2017]

(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 Program or Federal PLUS programs 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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) [59 FR 22450, Apr. 29, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 40626, July 29, 1998. Redesignated at 82 FR 6257, Jan. 19, 2017]

(a) In an action to fine an institution or servicer, or to limit, suspend, or terminate the participation of an institution or the eligibility of a servicer, the designated department official, hearing official, or Secretary may require an institution or third-party servicer to take reasonable and appropriate corrective action to remedy the institution's or servicer's violation, as applicable, of 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.

(b) The corrective action under paragraph (a) of this section 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 or returns of title IV, HEA program funds required under program regulations when a student withdraws.

(ii) Any grants, work-study assistance, or loans made in violation of program regulations.

(c) If any final decision in any action under this subpart 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.

(d) If an institution's violation in paragraph (a) of this section results from an administrative, accounting, or recordkeeping error, and that error was not part of a pattern of error, and there is no evidence of fraud or misconduct related to the error, the Secretary permits the institution to correct or cure the error. If the institution corrects or cures the error, the Secretary does not limit, suspend, terminate, or fine the institution for that error.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094 and 1099c-1) [59 FR 22451, Apr. 29, 1994, as amended at 64 FR 58619, Oct. 29, 1999; 64 FR 59042, Nov. 1, 1999; Redsignated and amended at 82 FR 6257, 6259, Jan. 19, 2017]

(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.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1840-0537) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094; E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189), 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235)) [59 FR 22451, Apr. 29, 1994, as amended at 59 FR 34964, July 7, 1994. Redesignated at 82 FR 6257, Jan. 19, 2017]

(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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094; E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189), 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235)) [59 FR 22451, Apr. 29, 1994. Redesignated at 82 FR 6257, Jan. 19, 2017]

(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 as provided in § 668.92(a)(4). 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 in the manner provided in § 668.91(a)(4)(ii).

(e) A party's response to a petition or certification for interlocutory review must be filed within 7 days after service of the petition or statement, as applicable, and may not exceed 10 pages, double-spaced, in length. The response must be filed, and a copy served on the other party, as provided in § 668.91(a)(4).

(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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094) (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1801-0003) [57 FR 60034, Dec. 17, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 14153, Mar. 16, 1993; 78 FR 48051, Aug. 7, 2013. Redesignated and amended at 82 FR 6257, 6259, Jan. 19, 2017]

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the subpart or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice will not be affected thereby.

[87 FR 66041, Nov. 1, 2022]