130 likes | 233 Views
Professional Judgment (PJ) 101. MASFAA Conference, Charleston WV October 18, 2005 Michele & Jerry Wade. Starting Points…. There is no right or wrong action… within reason Inconvenience…hardship Document…document…document Define issue Collect information/Verification Resolution Action.
E N D
Professional Judgment (PJ) 101 MASFAA Conference, Charleston WV October 18, 2005 Michele & Jerry Wade
Starting Points… • There is no right or wrong action… within reason • Inconvenience…hardship • Document…document…document • Define issue • Collect information/Verification • Resolution • Action
Who determines use of PJ? • Federal Regs • Provide authorization under Higher Education Act • DOE • No regulatory responsibility • May monitor for auditing purposes • FAA • Is there a unique circumstance? • Does it warrant special consideration? • What should treatment be? • What supporting documentation is required?
What are examples of PJ? • Loss of employment • Medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance • Elementary/Secondary school tuition • Dependent care costs • Loss of child support or Social Security benefits • Divorce of parent or independent student • Death of parent or independent spouse • Dependency Override
Why is PJ Important? • Provides flexibility in dealing with unique circumstances of individual case • Allows for intervention of FAA in a subjective manner • Enables response to issues not anticipated in legislation or regulation
When should PJ be used? • Adjust COA for unusual expenses during enrollment period • Change FM data elements to allow for special circumstance • Override dependency status • Allow for leniency in monitoring SAP • Deny or limit access to Title IV loan program • Others?
When does PJ not apply? • Four conditions that do not merit a dependency override: • Refusal to contribute • Unwillingness to provide FAFSA data • Not claiming student as deduction on 1040 • Demonstration of total self-sufficiency
When does PJ not apply? • Across-the-board changes • Change FM formula • Adjust bottom-line EFC • Change status from independent to dependent • Make an otherwise ineligible student eligible • Include post-enrollment expenses • Circumvent intent of law or regulation
How do I implement PJ? • Dependency override • Standards of Progress • Loss of income • Medical/dental costs • Elementary/secondary school tuition • Divorce/death of parent or independent student
Income Protection Allowance • 30% for food • 22% for housing • 9% for transportation • 16% for clothing & personal care • 11% for medical care • 12% for other family consumption
Do… • Think outside the FA box • Verify accuracy of original data provided on FAFSA • Gather and retain supporting documentation • Document decision, date of action and staff responsible for decision • Process changes through CPS if Federal Pell Grant is effected • Document…document….document!
Don’t… • Accept PJ made at another institution • Hesitate to collect third-party documentation or other supporting materials • Allow inappropriate influence to enter into decision • Be intimidated by the process
Contact information Michele Wade wade.172@osu.edu Jerry Wade jwade@capital.edu