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U.S. Department of Education

U.S. Department of Education

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Functional Statements > Federal Student Aid

## I. MISSION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief Operating Officer for Federal Student Aid manages the administrative and oversight functions supporting programs authorized under Title I and Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) and the Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) program transferred to the U.S. Department of Education (Department or ED) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under P.L. 113-76. Federal Student Aid is established under Title I, Part D of the HEA and performs the responsibilities assigned to it under that authority and advises the Secretary on these matters.

The Office directs, coordinates, and recommends policies for programs that are designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions. This assistance includes: grants, loans, and work-study assistance to nearly 12.9 million students through approximately 6,100 postsecondary institutions.

## II. ORGANIZATION

Federal Student Aid is under the supervision of the Chief Operating Officer for Federal Student Aid who reports to the Secretary of Education.

## III. ORDER OF SUCCESSION

In the event that the Chief Operating Officer dies, resigns or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the Office and the office is thereby deemed to be vacant, and the Secretary has not designated in writing another individual to act as the Chief Operating Officer, the following officials, in the order shown, shall perform the functions and duties of the office in an acting capacity.

In instances where the office of the Chief Operating Officer is filled, but the head of the Office is absent, unavailable, otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the position, and/or there is a disruption in the normal channels of direction and communication, and unless the head of the Office or the Secretary, in writing, designates another individual to act as the Chief Operating Officer, the following officials, in the order shown, shall serve in an acting capacity as the Chief Operating Officer:
                - Principal Deputy to the Chief Operating Officer
                - Chief of Staff
                - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Student Experience and Aid Delivery
                - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Partner Participation and Oversight

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