School Certifying Official Workshop Compliance Survey

1. School Certifying Official Workshop Compliance Survey April/May 2019 PA Department of Education Division of Veterans/Military Education VBA [and SAA] annually conduct compliance surveys at education and training programs approved to receive GI Bill funding.   The purpose of the compliance survey is to ensure that approved programs are in compliance with all applicable provisions of Title 38, U.S. Code administered by VA.

2. Goals School Certifying Official Workshop Compliance Survey The two primary goals of compliance survey visits are: To assist school or training establishment officials and veterans or eligible persons in understanding the provisions and requirements of the law; and To verify and assure the propriety of VA educational benefit payments to veterans and other eligible persons.

3. Priority Scheduling Mandatory Annual compliance surveys required by statute - “must conduct an annual compliance survey of educational institutions and training establishments offering one or more courses approved for the enrollment of eligible veterans or persons if at least 20 such veterans or persons are enrolled in any such course.” VA must survey each institution not less than once during every 2-year period or may waive the requirement if determined the record of compliance is in the best interest of the U.S. Government.

4. Priority Scheduling – Cont’d Highly Recommended • Compliance history—major findings/expansion • Newly approved facilities with active VA beneficiaries • Public Flight Programs  • Non-College Degree - Non-Accredited • Centralized surveys  • Data Analysis –VA system generated identifying negative impacts on beneficiaries, and/or identify a likelihood of fraud, and/or GI Bill integrity violation • Foreign Institutions.

5. Records Inspected Following chart determines number of records inspected: • 0 to 99 = 10 records • 100 to 199 = 15 records • 200 to 299 = 20 records • 300 to 399 = 25 records • 400 to 499 = 30 records • 500 and more = 35 records **Note** Will need at least one record of a non-veteran to validate tuition and fees are the same for veterans and non-veterans If Yellow Ribbon, 25% of reviewed records will be Yellow Ribbon.

6. Expansion of surveys Expansion of surveys 30% or more of the cases surveyed with major discrepancies 50% or more discrepant records Survey the same number and the original survey If expanded reveals 30% or more payment errors, 100% review Possible school liability

7. Process Process Set up meeting date Follow up email with requirements Day(s) of survey Results of survey

8. Common Errors Common Errors Beginning/end dates Reporting drop/adds Reporting “Net” tuition and fees Reporting appropriate fees Tuition assistance

9. Good Stuff Good Stuff Folders prepared prior to arrival with all required documents Staff available for questions Quick reaction to questions or problems as they arise

10. Quesitons Questions?

11. Contact Information State Approving Agency Harrisburg – (717) 787-2414 Pittsburgh – (412) 565-5364 Veteran’s Administration Philadelphia – (215) 381-3656 Pittsburgh – (412) 395-6054

12. Mission For more information please visit PDE’s website at www.education.pa.gov The mission of the Department of Education is to ensure that every learner has access to a world-class education system that academically prepares children and adults to succeed as productive citizens. Further, the Department seeks to establish a culture that is committed to improving opportunities throughout the commonwealth by ensuring that technical support, resources, and optimal learning environments are available for all students, whether children or adults.