GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT (GE)
EA – Posted June 11, 2015 – (Gainful Employment). Gainful Employment Electronic Announcement #54 – Certification Requirements for Gainful Employment Programs
ED reminds schools of two key points related to gainful employment (GE) programs. First, the point is made that schools are required to ensure that their “Application for Approval to Participate in Federal Student Aid Programs” (E-App) is updated in a timely manner to make certain their Eligibility and Certification Approval Report (ECAR) is current.
The other key reminder that ED brings to attention is the fact that schools that offer GE programs must submit a Transitional Certification to ED by no later than December 31, 2015. The Transitional Certification is the school’s affirmation and assertion that each GE program is included in the institution’s accreditation, and if applicable, the program itself is approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and/or State agency. Also, if the program prepares students for professional licensure or certification, the school must certify that the program satisfies the prerequisites for the student to take the licensure or certification examination needed to practice or find employment in an occupation the program prepares students to enter. The Transitional Certification is not required if the school has submitted an E-App that will result in a new Program Participation Agreement (PPA) between July 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015. Subsequent to the submission of the Transitional Certification, schools will again certify its accreditation and State approvals, etc., when renewing its E-App or making changes to program offerings, etc. Schools are encouraged to review this Electronic Announcement in detail for the specifics applicable to currently participating schools, as well as to new or returning schools to Title IV participation.
EA – Posted June 15, 2015 – (Gainful Employment). Gainful Employment Electronic Announcement #55 – Initial Chapters of Updated Gainful Employment Operations Manual Now Available
In this EA, schools are given the first of the chapters in the new Gainful Employment Operations Manual. These initial chapters are somewhat introductory in nature as to the requirements of reporting and disclosures, what constitutes a GE program, and so forth. However, the chapter, “Disclosures Required by Institutions,” does detail fairly well what makes up the various components of information that schools must disclose regarding their GE programs, and is worth a good review. This is especially true for those individuals at schools who may be newly responsible for GE information, as well as any others who want to refresh their understanding of GE information disclosure components. For emphasis, note that this is a new publication and is a work in progress. It is not to be confused with the NSLDS Gainful Employment User Guide. (See the next EA posting below.)
EA – Posted June 30, 2015 – (Gainful Employment). Gainful Employment Electronic Announcement #56 – Updated NSLDS Gainful Employment User Guide
The most recent update to the NSLDS Gainful Employment User Guide is announced in this posting. ED states that most updates were minor in nature from what was previously released in February 2015. Schools always should be certain to utilize the most recent edition. Schools are further reminded in this EA of the deadline to report GE Program data by July 31, 2015, for the award years 2008-2009 through 2013-2014. (There are limited scenarios where a school offering a medical or dental degree program also has to report data for 2007-2008. See the October 31, 2014 final GE regulations for more detailed information.)
