If a school suspects a student engaged in criminal misconduct in the Title IV application process, to whom must they refer the information?

When a school suspects a student has engaged in criminal misconduct related to the Title IV application process, it is essential to report this information to the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG is specifically tasked with investigating and addressing fraud, waste, and abuse in federally funded programs, including those related to Title IV. By referring the information to the OIG, the school ensures that the issue is handled by the appropriate federal agency equipped to conduct investigations into allegations of criminal behavior associated with federal financial aid programs.

This process is crucial because the OIG has the authority and resources to carry out thorough investigations and can take action based on their findings, which may not be within the purview of local law enforcement or school officials. Therefore, it is vital for schools to direct suspected criminal activities regarding Title IV applications to the OIG to uphold compliance with federal regulations and protect the integrity of the financial aid process.