Quality Assurance Program (QAP)

The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) was designed by the U.S. Department of Education to improve equity and fairness in awarding public and private dollars to needy students.  It is used to analyze where problems may occur in the financial aid process.  From the results of this analysis, a plan is developed by each school to improve their financial aid delivery system. The long term goal of the Quality Assurance Program is to simplify the financial aid application process, improve and expedite the financial aid delivery process and reduce the amount of documentation families must submit in order to receive financial aid. Who Does UAlbany Verify in QAP? Student Financial Services electronically selects a random sample of a small group of students out of all federal need-based financial aid recipients at UAlbany. How does Student Financial Services select the QAP sample? The UAlbany QAP sample is chosen scientifically, following federal guidelines established by the United States Department of Education.  The QAP sample is certified by the University's Internal Auditor. Selection for Financial Aid verification in prior years does not affect your chances of being selected for QAP participation. This sampling approach includes seven steps: Determine the overall population size (this includes all students receiving need-based federal aid at UAlbany for the current academic year). Determine the sample size required. Determine the probability of selection. Specify a random seed. Identify all eligible students in the data base. Assign random numbers to each eligible student. Select the sample. I was chosen for QAP, do I have to participate? Students selected by the QAP sample process are required to participate by submitting documentation required by the Student Financial Services office.  By signing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students and parents agree to provide proof of information reported on the FAFSA when requested.  The verification of this information is required by federal financial aid regulations, and therefore your compliance is mandatory. What kinds of documents do I need to provide? You will be asked to submit documentation to verify what was reported on your FAFSA.  Information requested will include a signed copy of your (and your parents') federal tax return, and a completed Verification Worksheet, which will be provided to you.  This information must be returned by the deadline date specified in the request. What is the deadline to submit QAP ducuments? The deadline to submit QAP documents is October 16, 2006.  If you are having a problem providing requested QAP documents, please contact Student Financial Services. Will my award change after I submit my documents? As with any verification procedure, your financial aid award will be adjusted if the documented information differs from the information provided on the FAFSA.  Financial Aid will use the documented values to correct your FAFSA and repackage your financial aid award.   The extent your award changes will depend on the accuracy of the information initially provided on your FAFSA application. What happens if I don't turn in requested documents? If you do not provide the required documentation, your financial aid awards will be canceled.  The Office of Student Accounts will then contact you if there is an outstanding balance due on your account.   You may also be ineligible for future federal and state aid. How often does UAlbany select a QAP sample? The current federal guidelines require UAlbany to select a QAP sample every two years.  UAlbany will be selecting a sample for the 2008-2009 school year. Questions For more information about the Quality Assurance Program, please visit the Department of Education Quality Assurance Program website. If you are a QAP Participant and you have questions about QAP, please contact the Student Service Center at (518) 442-3202.