As students struggle with the aftermath of for-profit educational institutions that have closed or violated the law, the California Department of Consumer Affairs has established the Office of Student Assistance and Relief (OSAR), as mandated by Senate Bill 1192, to help students navigate their uncertain academic and financial future.
“OSAR’s goal is to provide individualized assistance to students to relieve or mitigate the economic and educational opportunity loss incurred by those students who attended a Corinthian Colleges institution or other eligible for-profit institution,” said Scott Valverde, chief of OSAR.
The office helps students identify and obtain necessary documents, complete and submit applications, determine eligibility for repayment from the Student Tuition Recovery Fund, apply for debt relief from the United States Department of Education and access other student assistance programs.
OSAR will also proactively engage with students through outreach efforts by providing information to make informed decisions when selecting postsecondary educational institutions, according to the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). OSAR will also share information to help students know their rights when attending those schools.
The new office will also work in consultation with various state and federal agencies, including the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, California Student Aid Commission, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Education, and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, according to DCA.
For more information and to monitor updates on the new OSAR office, visit osar.bppe.ca.gov, email osar@dca.ca.gov or call (888) 370-7589, press option 5.
Source: DCA
