Who is your organization’s Application Administrator?
This person will be given access to FSA Partner Connect and will be responsible for the completion of the Initial Eligibility application. This person can also add users to assist with completion of the Initial Eligibility application.
Where can I access the Eligibility Application?
You can access the Eligibility Application (E-App) on https://fsapartners.ed.gov. From the homepage, click on the “Title IV Program Eligibility” tab and select “Title IV Participation Application.” To access and submit the application, you must have a Partner Connect account.
How can I complete the DocuSign?
The DocuSign functionality allows signatures to be collected from any required party even those that do not have a Partner Connect (FSA) account. If a signature is required, FSA will send a DocuSign signature request by email. The signed document is automatically linked to a Partner Connect case. DocuSign emails are received from dse_NA4@docusign.net.
When will an authorized signature authority or delegated authority receive the email request for DocuSign signature of a Pre-Eligibility Application or an Application to Participate in the Federal Student Aid Financial Aid Programs (E-App)?
An email with DocuSign signature instructions will be sent to the signee’s business email address generally within an hour after a user clicks on the “Submit for Signature” button. Once application has been signed by the authorized signature authority or delegated authority via DocuSign, it will be submitted automatically to Federal Student Aid for processing.
Who is your organization’s Authorized Signature Authority?
This is the institution’s President, CEO, or Chancellor, whom you are designating as your authorized signature authority. This individual will be authorized to sign documents on behalf of your institution such as the Eligibility Application, the Program Participation Agreement (PPA), and any other correspondence where a signature is required by Federal Student Aid.
How often does my organization need to recertify?
Schools must apply for recertification 3 to 6 months prior to the expiration of their Program Participation Agreement (PPA). The Reapplication Date indicated on the PPA is the deadline for submitting the recertification application through the Application for Approval to Participate in the Federal Student Financial Assistance Programs (E-App). Beginning on December 17, 2023, an updated version of the E-App will be available at fsapartners.ed.gov. Click on the "Title IV Program Application" dropdown in the header. To access the application, you will need a Partner Connect account.
If a program does not appear on the recent approved ECAR, should the school discontinue disbursing Title IV funds?
Not all programs are required to be reported by all schools, so not all programs will show on the Eligibility & Certification Approval Report (ECAR). You should contact your School Participation Division Branch (SPB) with questions related to the FSA programs, including when to update your school’s information on the E-App.
Can the recertification be completed prior to receiving the notification?
It is possible to submit a recertification application early. However, a school on provisional certification will not be recertified early.
How long does it take for the recertification to be approved for a foreign institution?
Processing times vary for eligibility applications. As long the application is submitted at least 3 months prior to your PPA expiration date, you will not lose eligibility. The application must be materially complete when submitted, and FSA will automatically be placed on a month-to-month certification until FSA issues its decision on the application.
How far in advance should we begin the recertification process?
Schools will be sent a reminder 6 months before their PPA expiration date. The school should submit the recertification Eligibility Application (E-App) at least 3 months before the PPA expiration date.
Where do you report a modification to the contract with a third-party servicer?
Modifications to third-party servicer contract can be made on the E-App in the Third-Party Servicer section. Services can be added/removed by end dating a service or adding a new service. Schools can also end date the servicer if the contract will not be renewed. Additional information can also be reported via the comment box in the section.
What is the role and responsibility of an Eligibility & Oversight (E&O) Administrator?
This individual manages user access to eZ-Audit and oversees access to Eligibility and Oversight (E&O) cases.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Granting and managing access to eZ-Audit
- Managing permissions for viewing and editing Eligibility & Oversight cases, including access to the Title IV Participation Application and Third-Party Servicer Data Inquiry Form
What is the role and responsibility of an Alternate Eligibility & Oversight (E&O) Administrator and how do they support an organization?
The Alternate Eligibility & Oversight (E&O) Administrator serves as a backup to the E&O Administrator.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with managing eZ-Audit access
- Supporting the viewing and editing of E&O cases, including access to the Title IV Participation Application and Third-Party Servicer Data Inquiry Form
My former Eligibility and Oversight Administrator (E&O) & Alternate Eligibility and Oversight (E&O) Administrators have departed from my organization. What should I do if no one at my institution has access to the E-App or the appropriate edit role?
If no one at your organization can edit the Title IV Participation Application and there are no E&O Administrators (e.g. both have left the organization, passed away, etc.), please email caseteams@ed.gov and include the following information:
- Full name and email address of the new E&O Administrator
- OPEID
- FSA User ID (if available)