Other Fields
Agency Scheme: 
ADJUDICATION STRUCTURE
Hearing Level: Basic Structure
Name of Hearing Office (local name): 
Office of Higher Education Appeals
Name of Hearing Office (global name): 
Department of Education: Office of Higher Education Appeals
Hearing Officer #1 (Title): 
Administrative Law Judge
Hearing Officer #2 (Title): 
Administrative Judge
Are administrative appeals permitted from final decisions at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 

This adjudication structure involves the adjudication of the termination of federal financial assistance and recovery of monies upon a finding of noncompliance by the recipient pursuant to the Higher Education Act of 1965. Initial hearings are heard by Administrative Judges or Administrative Law Judges.

PROCESS & PROCEDURE - General Information
Are private parties permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Who may serve as a private party representative?: 
Either
Is the agency permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Who may serve as an agency representative?: 
Attorney
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations): 
34 CFR 668, Subpart G and Subpart H
Other published guidance for hearings (if any): 
http://oha.ed.gov/filingprocedures.html
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Pre-Hearing Procedure
Is discovery permitted by either party at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Briefly describe the scope and type(s) of discovery available (e.g., depositions, interrogatories, etc.): 
Depositions, interrogatories, and document requests are allowed.
Does the hearing officer have subpoena authority?: 
No
Are ex parte contacts prohibited?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Are parties provided notice of hearing?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Hearing Procedure
What types of hearings are permitted at the hearing-level stage?: 
Written (Document-Only) Hearing
In-Person
Video
Phone
How is the type of hearing selected: 
By Agency
By Private Party
Required by Rule
Depends on Nature of Case/Claim
Please describe: 
The hearing type is selected in consultation with the parties in the matter and the Hearing Official.
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?: 
One
Is witness testimony permitted at hearings?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
Witness testimony is permitted in oral hearings (in-person, video, or telephone). This question is not applicable to document-only hearings.
Can parties cross-examine witnesses?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
Parties are able to cross-examine witnesses in oral hearings (in-person, video, or telephone). This question is not applicable to document-only hearings.
Can third-parties submit amicus briefs and/or evidence?: 
No
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?: 
Yes
N/A (Document-Only Hearings)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Post-Hearing Procedure
Who typically drafts the decision at the hearing-level stage?: 
Adjudication Officer
Who has authority to issue final decisions?: 
Adjudication Officer
Do agency regulations or guidance provide time limits for issuance of final decisions?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
If "Yes," please specify these time limit(s): 
Varies by case.
Is judicial review available after issuance of a final decision?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Case Management
How are claims/cases processed at the hearing-level stage?: 
Differentiated Case Management
Does the agency permit web-based electronic filing of hearing-related briefs or other documents?: 
Yes
Are final decisions published and/or posted on the agency website?: 
Yes (All Decisions)
Do agency regulations/rules of practice specify the contents of the administrative record at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice provide for closure of the record at the hearing-level stage (subject to applicable exce: 
No
If "Yes," please provide citation(s): 
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Comments
Comments/Notes on Hearing-Level Process & Procedures (Optional): 
Information on the percentages of each case type (in-person hearings, document-only hearings, etc.) not collected.
ADJUDICATORS
Total # of Hearing Officers: 
4
ADR: General Information
Is ADR available at one or more points during the hearing process?: 
No
CASELOAD STATISTICS - Supplementary Statistics
Does your agency maintain annual caseload statistics for this hearing office by case type (e.g., discrimination complaint, licen: 
No
Verified by Agency: 
Verified