Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 11, August 30, 2024
(1) The
Alabama Commission on Higher Education reserves the right to review the
administrative controls and compliance aspects of the Technology Scholarship
Program for Alabama Teachers at the eligible institution.
(2) The primary objectives identified for the
reviewer conducting institutional reviews are:
(a) To determine if the institution's reports
present information accurately and in conformity with the Technology
Scholarship for Alabama Teachers Regulations, and whether all reports are
prepared on a consistent basis from one period to the next;
(b) To determine whether the institution has
implemented, and is utilizing, reasonable procedures and internal controls for
effectively discharging management responsibilities and for adequately
protecting the State's interest;
(c) To review institutional records and
report on areas of noncompliance; and,
(d) Based upon the review, to provide
constructive recommendations to the institution.
(3) The institution shall make all records
and information relative to the Technology Scholarship Program for Alabama
Teachers available to the reviewer.
(4) A written report shall be provided by the
reviewer to the institution and shall include:
(a) Any finding of inaccuracies in
institutional reports;
(b) Any
inconsistencies in institutional reports;
(c) Conclusions regarding the adequacy of
administrative controls;
(d) Any
areas of noncompliance; and,
(e)
Recommendations for improvement.
(5) If the eligible institution does not
concur with all items in the written report, a written appeal should be
submitted to the Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher
Education.
(6) When an
institutional review reveals sufficient problems pertaining to the Technology
Scholarship Program for Alabama Teachers at an institution, the Executive
Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education may:
(a) Impose a temporary suspension of TSPAT
payments to the institution;
(b)
Suspend the institution from participation in the Technology Scholarship
Program for Alabama Teachers for an indefinite period of time;
(c) Demand payment credit of TSPAT funds to
an eligible student or repayment of TSPAT funds to the State of Alabama to
remedy a violation of applicable laws, regulations, agreements, or operating
procedures; or,
(d) Refer any
problems to the Attorney General of the State of Alabama, or any District
Attorney of the State of Alabama, for appropriate legal action.
(7) A suspended institution may
request a hearing by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. The
institution shall be notified in writing of the time and place of such
Commission hearing.
(8) After such
hearing, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education shall determine, at an
official meeting of the Commission, whether to:
(a) Continue the suspension pending the
receipt of any additional information the Commission may require;
(b) Continue the Executive Director's
suspension subject to limitation or exceptions;
(c) Revoke or lift the suspension and restore
the institution to full participation as authorized under the
Regulations;
(d) Terminate the
institution's eligibility for an indefinite period of time;
(e) Demand payment credit of TSPAT funds to
an eligible student or repayment of TSPAT funds to the State of Alabama to
remedy a violation of applicable laws, regulations, agreements, or operating
procedures; or,
(f) Take any other
action the Commission deems necessary, including referral to the Attorney
General of the State of Alabama, or any District Attorney of the State of
Alabama, for appropriate action.
Author:
Statutory Authority: Act 93-636.
