No. 84-7 July 25, 1984

MEMORANDUM TO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
OF POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS IN NEW YORK STATE

SUBJECT: Guidelines Concerning "Matriculation" and "Approved Program" for Purposes of State Student Financial Aid

Audits of institutions participating in the Tuition Assistance Program conducted by the Office of the State Comptroller have identified a number of compliance problems with respect to the requirements that recipients of State student financial assistance be "matriculated" and enrolled in an "approved program." Following a review of these audit findings, the State agencies responsible for student financial aid programs (the Office of the State Comptroller, the Higher Education Services Corporation, the Division of the Budget, and the State Education Department) agreed that clarifying guidelines should be issued.

Since the requirements exist not only in Education Law but also in The Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, the attached guidelines are being issued by the Office of Higher and Professional Education of the State Education Department. They reflect, however, a consensus of the various agencies involved. The guidelines will be used by the Higher Education Services Corporation in administering State student aid and by the Office of the State Comptroller in conducting institutional audits of the programs, effective January 1, 1985.

The attached guidelines are intended to help ensure proper administration of State student financial aid programs. Institutional adherence to the guidelines will improve compliance with the requirements for matriculation and enrollment in an approved program, thereby minimizing the chance of possible future audit disallowances.

Any questions concerning the attached material should be directed to the Office of College and University Evaluation Room 5N Mezzanine, Education Building, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12234. Phone calls may be directed to (518) 474-2593.

Action Required: For your information.

Donald J. Nolan

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