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HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES

We offer a wide range of professional services for higher education institutions. We aim to empower institutions and training facilities with the tools they need to succeed, with an emphasis on:​

  • mitigating risks;

  • maintaining compliance with federal, state, and regulatory agencies; and

  • student-centric processes while enhancing institutional productivity and efficiency to support long-term sustainability and growth.

Compliance

COMPLIANCE SUPPORT: EXPERT GUIDANCE

​Institutions face severe penalties, fines, and even loss of eligibility for failure to comply with accreditation standards, state authorization, and various complex rules and regulations for institutions participating in federal financial aid programs or VA education benefit programs. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences.

Whether you need support on an as-needed or ongoing basis, our experienced compliance gurus (consultants) provide prompt support and guidance in areas including but not limited to:

  • Title IV, HEA programs (Federal Student Aid)
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) educational benefit programs and Military Tuition Assistance

  • Other Education Benefit Programs (Trade Readjustment Act, Workforce Investment Act, Vocational Rehabilitation, Internal and external scholarships or grants)

  • Institutional and Programmatic Accreditation

  • State Authorization

We also provide support in preparing for or responding to:

  • U.S. Department of Education Program Review

  • Annual SFA Compliance Audit

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Compliance Survey

  • Wind-down or close-out audit

  • Other agency reviews

Contact us today to ensure your school is fully prepared and compliant!

Consulting

CLIENT-CENTRIC APPROACH

Our Consulting Services are designed to streamline your institution's operations, ensuring efficiency and compliance across all areas.

General Consulting

  • Program Guidance: Offering expert advice on program design, structure, and delivery modes (on-ground, online, hybrid), including clock-to-credit hour conversion for accreditation and Title IV purposes.

  • Financial Aid Consulting: Comprehensive support for financial aid, VA education benefits, VA-VR, DOD Tuition Assistance, TAA, WIOA, VR, BIA, and other funding sources.

Eligibility and Compliance

  • Federal/State Financial Aid: Assistance with establishing, maintaining, and ending participation in federal/state financial aid programs.

  • VA Education Benefits: Guidance on establishing and maintaining eligibility for VA education benefit programs, including the VA enrollment certification process.

  • E-App Support: Help with the Electronic Application for Approval to Participate in Federal Student Financial Aid Programs.

Operational Efficiency

  • Business Process Mapping: Creating detailed flowcharts to optimize campus operations and processes.

  • Policy Development: Developing and reviewing policies, procedures, institutional forms, applications, school catalogs, student handbooks, and websites to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Training and Development

  • Staff Training: Providing training and development programs to enhance staff skills and knowledge.

  • Business Services Assistance: Support with Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), System for Award Management (SAM), and Commercial and Government Entity Program (CAGE).

Contact us today to learn more about how our consulting services can benefit your institution or to inquire about additional services.

Due Diligence Review

Careful evaluation = Informed Decisions

A financial aid compliance due diligence review is an assessment process aimed at ensuring an educational institution adheres to applicable laws and regulations regarding financial aid programs. This review involves examining policies, procedures, and practices related to the administration of financial aid, including eligibility determinations, award aid, and reporting requirements. 


As your due diligence partner, our vested approach aims to identify any areas of non-compliance through careful evaluations to provide insights for strategic moves and decisions.

REVIEW & RISK ASSESSMENT

a comprehensive approach

Our comprehensive Operational Review & Risk Assessment help identify any areas of inefficiencies such as operational quality and effectiveness, missed opportunities, and/or deficiencies that may pose risks and noncompliance with various rules and regulations, applicable to the institution. This includes recommendations and cost-effective strategies for improvements in areas of inefficiencies and mitigate risks to ensure overall institutional compliance.

Clients may choose to have a full or focused review conducted. Our project management methodology helps schools implement changes effectively to streamline and standardize procedures to gain efficiency while ensuring compliance.

© 2019 SYNERGY & ASSOCIATES, LLC

820 Armour Road, #165402

Kansas City, MO 64116

Synergy & Associates, LLC ("Synergy") is a consultancy and professional services firm. Synergy is not a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm or a law firm. Consequently, Synergy does not engage in auditing or attestation services as defined by the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) or provide or offer any form of legal advice.

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