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Navigating Professional Judgment in Financial Aid: Key Insights from the MASFAA Conference

This presentation from the MASFAA Conference delves into the intricacies of Professional Judgment (PJ) within financial aid. Presenters Michele and Jerry Wade emphasize the importance of documentation, defining issues, and collecting information to ensure appropriate resolutions. Attendees will learn when PJ should be applied, the unique circumstances warranting its use, and examples such as loss of employment and medical expenses. The session highlights the flexibility PJ offers in addressing unexpected situations while adhering to regulatory standards, preparing financial aid administrators for effective decision-making.

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Navigating Professional Judgment in Financial Aid: Key Insights from the MASFAA Conference

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Professional Judgment (PJ) 101 MASFAA Conference, Charleston WV October 18, 2005 Michele & Jerry Wade

  2. Starting Points… • There is no right or wrong action… within reason • Inconvenience…hardship • Document…document…document • Define issue • Collect information/Verification • Resolution • Action

  3. 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?

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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?

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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!

  12. 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

  13. Contact information Michele Wade wade.172@osu.edu Jerry Wade jwade@capital.edu

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