Abuse
Abuse is behavior that is deficient or improper in the circumstances. It excludes non-compliance with laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements. It includes misuse of authority or position for personal financial interests or the financial interest of family members or business associates.
Bribery
The offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty to incline that person to act contrary to their duty and the known rules of honesty and integrity.
Contract Fraud
When one or more parties to a contract uses information that is false, misleading, or deceitful.
Criminal Conflict of Interest
Participating personally and substantially in official matters where the person(s) has a financial interest.
Embezzlement
A crime of theft, misappropriation, or conversion of monies or assets that have been entrusted to an employee or organization.
False Representation
False representation, concealment, or omission of a material fact, knowledge of a statement’s falsity, intent to deceive, reliance by the deceived party, or damage to the deceived party.
Fraud
Wrongful or criminal deception with the intention of gaining financial or personal benefit.
Fraud Ring
A loosely affiliated group of criminals who seek to fraudulently obtain Federal student aid.
Ghost Students—Higher Education
Aliases or stolen identities used by scammers and the bots they deploy to get accepted into institutions of higher education—for the sole purpose of obtaining student aid, not for the purpose of attending classes or earning a degree.
Ghost Students—K–12
Former, imaginary, or other fabricated enrollment of students in a school or program to obtain more money for K–12 education than otherwise entitled.
Gross Mismanagement
A management action or inaction which creates a substantial risk of significant adverse impact on the agency’s ability to accomplish its mission.
Individualized Education Program
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement designed for each child with a disability attending a public school that guides the delivery of special education supports and services for the student.
K–12 Programs
Programs that support students in the primary and secondary grades of education.
Misconduct/Serious Misconduct
Unethical or illegal behavior that can harm an organization, its employees, and stakeholders. It encompasses actions that violate established norms, policies, or laws.
Pell Runner
A person who bounces from college to college, staying just long enough to receive a Pell Grant award.
Postsecondary Programs
Programs that support students in programs beyond high school, including programs for students at colleges, universities, trade, and vocational schools.
Public Corruption
A wide range of conduct and crimes that involve a breach of public trust and/or abuse of position by government officials and their accomplices.
Section 504 Plans
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. It helps ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities.
Standards of Ethical Conduct
Rules establishing uniform standards of ethical conduct for officers and employees of the Executive branch of the Federal government (including but not limited to standards for dealing with the employee’s own and other financial interests, receipt of gifts, misuse of position, participation in outside activities, and fundraising). View the Federal Standards of Ethical Conduct.
Student Aid Refund
A student aid refund is the excess money left over from your financial aid award after your tuition and additional fees have been paid.
Theft
The action or crime of stealing.
Waste
The act of using or expending resources carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose. It includes activities that do not include abuse and do not necessarily involve a violation of law. Waste relates primarily to mismanagement, inappropriate actions, and inadequate oversight.