Higher Education Programs Authorization Extension bill

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Title I: General Provisions

Title II: Teacher Quality

Title III: Institutional Aid

Title IV: Student Assistance

Part A: Grants to Students

Part B: Federal Family Education Loan Program

Part C: Federal Work-Study Programs

Part D: William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

Part E: Federal Perkins Loans

Part F: Need Analysis

Part G: General Provisions

Part H: Program Integrity

Title V: Developing Institutions

Title VI: International Education Programs

Title VII: Graduate and Postsecondary Improvement Programs

Title VIII: Studies, Reports, and Related Programs

Part A: Studies

Part B: Advanced Placement Incentive Program

Part C: Community Scholarship Mobilization

Part D: Grants to States for Workplace and Community

Transition Training for Incarcerated Youth

Offenders

Part E: Grants to Combat Violent Crimes Against Women

on Campuses

Part F: Improving United States Understanding of

Science, Engineering, and Technology in East Asia

Part G: Olympic Scholarships

Part H: Underground Railroad

Part I: Summer Travel and Work Programs

Part J: Web-Based Education Commission

Part K: Miscellaneous

Title IX: Amendments to Other Laws

Part A: Extension and Revision of Indian Higher

Education Programs

Part B: Education of the Deaf

Part C: United States Institute of Peace

Part D: Voluntary Retirement Incentive Plans

Part E: General Education Provisions Act Amendment

Part F: Liaison for Proprietary Institutions of Higher

Education

Part G: Amendments to Other Statutes

Part H: Repeals

Higher Education Amendments of 1998 - Title I: General Provisions - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to repeal title I (Partnerships for Educational Excellence).

(Sec. 101) Redesignates the current title XII (General Provisions) as a new HEA title I (and transfers to it the appropriate provisions).

Redesignates certain definitions, including "institution of higher education."

Requires that a proprietary institution of higher education have at least ten percent of its revenues from sources that are not derived from funds provided under HEA title IV.

Repeals specified authority relating to: (1) a commission on postsecondary institutional recognition; (2) certain aggregate limits on authorizations of appropriations; and (3) technology transfer centers.

Expresses the sense of the Congress that no student attending an institution of higher education on a full- or part-time basis should, on the basis of protected speech and association, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination or official sanction under any education program, activity, or division directly or indirectly receiving financial assistance under HEA, whether or not such program, activity, or division is sponsored or officially sanctioned by the institution.

Terminates at the end of FY 2004 the eligibility for Federal TRIO programs, under HEA title IV, of students from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Palau.

Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) publish the expiration dates of terms of members of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity; and (2) solicit nominations for vacancies on such Committee. Extends such Committee's duration until the end of FY 2004.

Collegiate Initiative to Reduce Binge Drinking and Illegal Alcohol Consumption - Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in an effort to change the culture of alcohol consumption on college campuses, all institutions of higher education should: (1) appoint a task force to recommend a broad range of policy and program changes; (2) provide maximum opportunities for students to live in an alcohol-free environment and have alcohol-free recreational and leisure activities; (3) enforce a zero-tolerance policy on illegal consumption of alcohol by its students; (4) enforce its code of disciplinary sanctions for those who violate campus alcohol policies, and refer students with alcohol or other drug-related problems for assistance, including to on-campus counseling programs if appropriate; (5) adopt policies to discourage alcoholic beverage-related sponsorship of on-campus activities and to limit advertisement and promotion of alcoholic beverages on campus; and (6) form an alliance with the local community, including local businesses, to encourage responsible policies toward alcohol consumption and address illegal alcohol use by students.

Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to institutions (or consortia of institutions) of higher education, and contracts with such institutions and other organizations, for programs of prevention and education (including treatment-referral) to reduce illegal use of drugs and alcohol and their associated violence. Allows the use of such contracts also for a higher education center for alcohol and drug abuse prevention to provide training, technical assistance, evaluation, dissemination and associated services and assistance to the higher education community. Authorizes appropriations.

Directs the Secretary to make ten annual National Recognition Awards to institutions of higher education that have developed and implemented effective alcohol and drug abuse prevention and education programs. Authorizes appropriations.

Sets forth provisions relating to prior rights and responsibilities (including authorization of appropriations) and to recovery of payments under HEA title VII (Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Academic Facilities) (as in effect before title VII is repealed by this Act).

Requires the Secretary to: (1) direct the Commissioner of Educational Statistics to convene forums on improvements in market information and public accountability in higher education; and (2) disseminate data that permit review and comparison of cost at individual institutions.

Requires the Commissioner to conduct a national study, and report to the appropriate congressional committees, on expenditures at institutions of higher education. Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to develop, and report to specified congressional committees on, a higher education market basket that identifies the items that constitute the costs of higher education.

Revises certain requirements for the Secretary to survey student aid recipients on a regular cycle.

Establishes a Performance-Based Organization (PBO) in the Department of Education as a discrete management unit responsible for managing the operational functions supporting the student financial assistance programs authorized under HEA title IV. Authorizes appropriations.

Vests management of the PBO in a Chief Operating Officer (COO) appointed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary and the COO to develop a five-year performance plan for the PBO, establishing measurable goals and objectives for the organization. Requires the COO to report annually to the Congress through the Secretary.

Directs the COO to appoint a Student Loan Ombudsman to provide timely assistance to borrowers of loans made, insured, or guaranteed under HEA title IV by performing specified functions.

Requires the PBO to establish an annual performance management system which: (1) maintains individual accountability; and (2) strengthens its organizational effectiveness by providing for establishing goals or objectives for individual, group, or organizational performance, and using performance assessments as a basis for granting employee awards, pay adjustments, and other appropriate personnel actions.

Grants the PBO certain procurement flexibility.

Directs the Secretary and the COO to encourage and participate in establishing voluntary consensus standards and requirements for the electronic transmission of information necessary for the administration of title IV student assistance programs. Directs the COO to: (1) participate in the activities of such standard setting organizations; and (2) encourage higher education groups seeking to develop common forms, standards, and procedures to do so within such an organization. Directs the Secretary, except with respect to a common financial reporting form, to consider adopting voluntary consensus standards for transactions required under title IV, and common data elements for such transactions, to enable the electronic exchange of information between systems administered by the Department and among participants in the Federal student aid delivery system. Requires any such standard to have been developed by an organization open to the various entities engaged in such delivery system and accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

Title II: Teacher Quality - Establishes a new HEA title II Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants for States and Partnerships.

(Sec. 201) Provides such teacher quality enhancement grants program to improve: (1) student achievement; (2) preparation of prospective teachers, as well as teacher professional development; (3) accountability of institutions of higher education for teachers' academic knowledge of their subject areas, such as mathematics, science, English, foreign languages, history, economics, art, civics, government, and geography, and training in use of technology in the classroom; and (4) recruitment into the teaching force of highly qualified individuals, including those from other occupations. Allows the use of such grants also for advanced managerial skills training for school principals and superintendents.

Provides for competitive grant awards for State and eligible partnership activities, as well as for teacher recruitment.

Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive State Grants to eligible States to institute State-level reforms to ensure that current and future teachers possess necessary teaching skills and academic content knowledge in the subject areas in which they are assigned to teach. Requires such grants to be used for one or more specified activities relating to: (1) reforms to hold institutions of higher education accountable for teacher preparation; (2) certification or licensure requirements; (3) alternatives to traditional preparation for teaching; (4) alternative routes to State certification; (5) teacher recruitment, pay, or removal; (6) ending social promotion; or (7) other recruitment activities.

Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive Partnership Grants to eligible local partnerships that: (1) shall include a school of arts and sciences, a school or program of education, a local educational agency (LEA), and a kindergarten-through-grade-12 school; (2) shall include a high need local educational agency or kindergarten-through-grade-12 school; and (3) may include a State education agency (SEA), pre-kindergarten program, non-profit group, business, or teacher organization. Requires such grants to be used for specified activities involving teacher preparation program reforms, clinical experience and interaction, and professional development. Allows the use of such grants for certain activities relating to teacher preparation and parental involvement, dissemination and coordination of effective practices, managerial and leadership skills, and teacher recruitment.

Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive Teacher Recruitment Grants to eligible partnerships of higher education institutions and LEAs serving underserved areas to award scholarships, and provide support and followup services, to students in a teacher preparation program, who shall subsequently teach full-time (for a period equal to that for which they received scholarship assistance) in a high-poverty school in an underserved geographic area, or repay the scholarship.

Sets forth accountability and evaluation requirements for State Grants and Partnership Grants.

Establishes accountability requirements for programs that prepare teachers. Directs the Commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics to develop key definitions and uniform methods of calculation for terms related to the performance of elementary school and secondary school teacher preparation programs. Requires States that receive HEA funds to provide to the Secretary annual State report cards on the quality of teacher preparation. Directs the Secretary to publish an annual national report card on teacher qualifications and preparation. Requires each institution of higher education that conducts a teacher preparation program that enrolls students receiving Federal assistance to provide to the States and general public annual institutional report cards on the quality of teacher preparation.

Requires States that receive HEA funds to have in place procedures to identify and assist low-performing teacher preparation programs. Provides that any institution of higher education with a teacher preparation program for which the State has withdrawn its approval or terminated its financial support due to the low performance of its teacher preparation program shall be: (1) ineligible for any funding for professional development activities awarded by the Department of Education; and (2) barred from accepting or enrolling in its teacher preparation program any student who receives HEA title IV aid.

Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003 for HEA title II teacher education programs.

Title III: Institutional Aid - Transfers and redesignates specified provisions under HEA title III. Transfers to title III part D, requirements for Capital Financing for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) (HBCU Capital Financing) (currently under title VII part B). Transfers to title III part E, requirements for the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Programs currently under title X part B.

(Sec. 303) Revises requirements for part A grants for strengthening institutions. Includes among authorized uses of grant funds: (1) integrating computer technology into institutional facilities to create smart buildings; and (2) establishing or improving an endowment fund. Allows institutions to use up to 20 percent of such grants to establish or increase an endowment fund, and requires a match by non-Federal funds. Requires a two-year wait-out- period between the receipt of consecutive five-year grants.

Eliminates title III part A provisions for Hispanic-serving institutions. (Sets forth new provisions for such institutions under a new HEA title V part A.)

Directs the Secretary to provide grants and related assistance to American Indian Tribal Colleges and Universities to improve and expand their capacity to serve Indian students. Allows such institutions to use up to 20 percent of part A grants to establish or expand an endowment fund.

Directs the Secretary to provide grants and related assistance to Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve such students.

(Sec. 304) Revises requirements for part B grants for strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Allows HBCUs to use up to 20 percent of part B grants to establish or expand an endowment fund, and requires a match by non-Federal funds.

Revises part B institutional aid requirements for eligible professional or graduate institutions to: (1) require matching funds from non-Federal sources only for grants in excess of a specified amount; and (2) allow spending for any qualified graduate program. Limits to mathematics, the physical or natural sciences, engineering, or other scientific discipline in which African Americans are underrepresented, the other graduate education opportunities for African American and other low-income students (in addition to training in specified professions) for which part B institutional aid may be used.

(Sec. 305) Revises requirements for endowment challenge funds for institutions eligible for assistance under part A or part B.

(Sec. 306) Revises requirements for HBCU Capital Financing. Includes administrative facilities, student centers, and student unions as capital projects. Authorizes the Secretary to sell guaranteed qualified bonds to any party offering the best terms.

(Sec. 307) Revises the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program. Includes the behavioral sciences under such program.

(Sec. 308) Revises requirements for applications and continuation awards.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for title III programs through FY 2003.

Title IV: Student Assistance - Part A: Grants to Students - Revises the Federal Pell Grant program to extend Federal Pell Grant program authority and increase its maximum awards.

(Sec. 401) Replaces the current mandatory 85 percent advance payments to institutions with an alternative system (to be determined by the Secretary) that provides accurate and timely Pell grant program payments to institutions.

Revises Pell grant requirements pertaining to: (1) the relation of the maximum grant to tuition and expenses; and (2) dependent care and disability related expenses.

Authorizes the Secretary to allow, on a case-by-case basis, Pell grant aid to students enrolled in postbaccalaureate courses required by State law for teaching certification.

Provides for institutional ineligibility under the Pell Grants program based on default rates under title IV student loan programs.

Changes the name of the program from Basic Education Opportunities Grants to the Federal Pell Grant program.

(Sec. 402) Revises Federal Early Outreach and Student Services Programs (which include Federal Trio programs and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership Program, as well as programs added by this Act).

Revises procedures for awarding TRIO grants and contracts. Permits TRIO directors to administer more than one program for disadvantaged students.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for TRIO programs.

Revises authorized activities in the Talent Search Program to include: (1) guidance on and assistance in secondary school reentry, entry to general educational development (GED) programs, other alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts, or postsecondary education; and (2) activities designed to acquaint individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with careers in which the individuals are particularly underrepresented.

Revises authorized activities in Upward Bound to include: (1) work-study positions where participating youth are exposed to careers requiring a postsecondary degree; and (2) special services to enable veterans to make the transition to postsecondary education.

Requires the Secretary, in awarding Student Support Services grants to institutions, to consider the institution's efforts to minimize a student's loan burden when fulfilling the requirement of offering financial assistance to meet full financial need.

Increases the maximum stipend under the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.

Requires that TRIO staff development activities include the use of appropriate educational technology in the operation of TRIO projects.

Requires TRIO evaluations to investigate the effectiveness of alternative and innovative methods within Federal TRIO programs of increasing access to, and retention of, students in postsecondary education.

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to TRIO project entities to work in partnership with non-TRIO entities to disseminate and replicate best practices of, and provide technical assistance for, TRIO projects.

(Sec. 403) Establishes, under a new chapter 2, Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), including revised provisions for the existing National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership program under chapter 2. Authorizes the Secretary to award program funds to States and to partnerships of local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and community organizations to provide: (1) support services to students or cohorts of elementary, middle, and secondary school students who are at-risk of dropping out of school; and (2) information to students and parents about the advantages of postsecondary education and college financing options, and means to pursue study.

Requires such State programs to have a scholarship component. Gives grant priority to State programs with a demonstrated commitment to early intervention and which carried out successful educational opportunities programs under this chapter prior to this Act.

Requires partnership programs to focus on a cohort of students beginning not later than the seventh grade, in which at least 50 percent of the students are enrolled or eligible for free or reduced price lunch. Makes provision of scholarships optional for partnerships. Requires program coordination with other related services. Requires distribution of program funds as follows: (1) one-third to States; (2) one-third to partnerships; and (3) the remaining one-third to be distributed among States and partnerships in the Secretary's discretion.

Directs the Secretary to use a specified amount to provide 21st Century Scholarship certificates to all students participating in the GEAR UP program.

Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 404) Establishes, under a new chapter 3, an Academic Achievement Incentive Scholarships program (replacing the current Presidential Access Scholarships) to increase the size of the maximum Pell Grant award for freshmen and sophomores who graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class.

Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 405) Repeals authority for: (1) model program community partnership and counseling grants; (2) public information; (3) a National Student Savings Demonstration Program; (4) preeligibility forms; and (5) technical assistance for teachers and counselors.

(Sec. 406) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Federal supplemental educational opportunity grants (SEOG) program through FY 2003. Replaces a specific percentage requirement with a reasonable proportion requirement relating to use of SEOG funds for less-than-full-time or independent students. Revises the formula for distributing SEOG campus-based funds in excess of the base guarantee amounts by eliminating a pro rata requirement and allowing all such distribution to be based on fair share. Provides for carry-over and carry-back authority and reallocation with respect to an institution's SEOG funds.

(Sec. 407) Renames the State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG) program the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for such program through FY 2003.

Directs the Secretary to allot special LEAP grants to States for a one-third Federal share of the cost of assisting eligible needy students by: (1) increasing the dollar amount of LEAP aid; (2) carrying out transition programs from secondary to postsecondary education; (3) carrying out a financial aid program for eligible needy students who wish to enter careers in information technology, or other fields of study critical to the State's workforce needs; (4) making funds available for community service work-study activities; (5) creating a postsecondary scholarship program for those who wish to enter teaching; (6) creating a scholarship program for those who wish to enter a program of study leading to a degree in mathematics, computer science, or engineering; (7) carrying out early intervention, mentoring, and career education programs; and (8) awarding merit or academic scholarships.

(Sec. 408) Extends the authorization of appropriations through FY 2003 for Special Programs for Students Whose Families Are Engaged in Migrant and Seasonal Farmwork.

Requires program grant recipients to coordinate their projects with other local, State, and Federal programs to maximize the resources available for migrant students.

Directs the National Center for Education Statistics to collect postsecondary education data on migrant students.

(Sec. 409) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program.

Terminates at the end of FY 2004 the eligibility for such scholarships of students from the Freely Associated States (the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau).

(Sec. 410) Establishes a campus-based child care program under a new subpart 7 (Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CAMPUS)). Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education to assist them in providing campus-based child care services to low-income students. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003.

(Sec. 411) Establishes a new subpart 8 Learning Anytime Anywhere Partnerships program of matching grants to, contracts, or cooperative agreements with eligible partnerships to enhance the delivery, quality, and accountability of postsecondary education and career-oriented lifelong learning through technology and related innovations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003.

Part B: Federal Family Education Loan Program - Revises HEA title IV part B requirements for the Federal Family Education Loan Program.

(Sec. 411) (sic) Repeals a limitation on the Secretary's authority to guaranty new loans if certain regulations are not completed.

(Sec. 412) Revises requirements relating to advances to reserve funds.

(Sec. 413) Requires each guaranty agency to establish and deposit specified funds for certain uses into: (1) a Federal Student Loan Reserve Fund, with such funds to be invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States or a State, or in other similarly low- risk securities selected by the guaranty agency; and (2) an Agency Operating Fund, with such funds to be invested at the guaranty agency's discretion in accordance with prudent investor standards.

(Sec. 414) Extends authorities for the scope and duration of the Federal student loan insurance program.

(Sec. 415) Adds certain limitations on individual federally insured loans and Federal loan insurance.

(Sec. 416) Revises requirements regarding: (1) applicable interest rates for student loans; and (2) special allowances.

(Sec. 417) Revises requirements for Federal payments to reduce student interest costs with respect to: (1) Federal interest subsidies; (2) insurance program agreements, including options for repayment plans; (3) guarantee agreements for reimbursing losses; (4) payments for the costs of certain activities; (5) lenders-of-last- resort; (6) default aversion assistance; and (7) income contingent repayment.

Repeals provisions for: (1) payment to guaranty agencies for lender referral services; and (2) a State share of default costs.

Requires lenders to notify borrowers of the availability of an income-sensitive repayment option.

Allows a limited number of guaranty agencies to offer eligible lenders blanket certificates of loan guaranty.

(Sec. 418) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into voluntary flexible agreements with guaranty agencies.

(Sec. 419) Revises provisions for Federal PLUS loans to parents to: (1) authorize the Secretary to specify additional eligibility criteria; and (2) make PLUS loan applicants subject to verification of immigration status and Social Security number.

(Sec. 420) Revises requirements for Federal consolidation loans to exclude from eligibility for consolidating defaulted loans any borrowers from whom involuntary payments are secured through litigation or administrative wage garnishment. Extends the authority for Federal consolidation loans.

(Sec. 421) Specifies that a special rule under the default reduction program relates to satisfactory repayment agreements to renew eligibility.

(Sec. 422) Revises conditions for multiple disbursements of student loans. Exempts institutions with low cohort default rates from certain disbursement and endorsement requirements.

(Sec. 423) Revises provisions relating to eligible borrowers of unsubsidized Stafford loans. Prescribes requirements for loan limits, capitalization of interest, extended repayment plan, and qualification for forbearance. Repeals the mandate for origination fees (and consolidates this with certain origination fee requirements elsewhere in the Act).

(Sec. 424) Repeals the demonstration program for loan forgiveness for nurses and individuals performing national community service. Revises the program of loan forgiveness for teachers.

(Sec. 425) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program of student loan forgiveness for borrowers who complete a degree in early childhood education and become full-time child care providers in a child care facility. Directs the Secretary to evaluate, and report to the President and the Congress on, the impact of such program on the field of early childhood education. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 426) Requires the insurance beneficiary to notify the Secretary that the institution of higher education was contacted, in any case of student borrower default under the Federal loan insurance program.

(Sec. 427) Revises certain legal powers and responsibilities of the Secretary, including authority to audit financial transactions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the application form for part B student loans; and (2) develop and approve a master promissory note that will allow for a multiyear line of credit and address the needs of participants in part B student loan programs (and a corresponding master promissory note for part D student loan programs).

Extends the authorization of appropriations for default reduction management activities.

Relieves State postsecondary review entities of certain reporting requirements.

(Sec. 428) Revises requirements for lender disclosure of student loan information to borrowers to permit disclosure by electronic means.

(Sec. 429) Revises definitions relating to cohort default rates and eligible lenders. Defines mitigating circumstances.

Requires certain minority institutions to: (1) submit default management plans and implementation reports to the Secretary; and (2) engage qualified third-parties to provide technical assistance in implementing such plans.

(Sec. 430) Provides that an eligible lender or guaranty agency that delegates the performance of its functions under HEA title IV to another entity: (1) shall not be relieved of its duty to comply with the requirements of such title; and (2) shall monitor the other entity's activities for such compliance. Makes a lender that holds an FFEL loan as a trustee responsible for complying with all statutory and regulatory requirements imposed on any other holder of such loan.

(Sec. 431) Revises requirements for loan repayment and discharge by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees as to the dollar amount of loan discharges attributable to failures to make refunds.

(Sec. 432) Repeals authority for certain debt management options.

(Sec. 433) Revises requirements relating to: (1) computation and payment of special allowances; and (2) certain loan origination fees, including lesser fees for those demonstrating greater financial need.

Repeals requirements for lending from proceeds of tax exempt obligations.

(Sec. 434) Requires that all funds in the Federal Family Education Loan Insurance Fund on the date of enactment of this Act be deposited in the Treasury. Directs the Secretary to deposit all of certain funds received after that date into such Fund.

Part C: Federal Work-Study Programs - Extends the authorization of appropriations for HEA title IV part C Federal Work-Study Programs through FY 2003.

(Sec. 441) Revises the definition of community services.

(Sec. 442) Revises requirements for allocation of work-study program funds. Provides for updating of a base period and elimination of a pro rata share.

(Sec. 443) Revises work-study program grant requirements with respect to: (1) eligible employment; (2) community service; (3) use of funds for independent and less-than-full time students; (4) availability of employment; and (5) academic relevance.

Sets forth requirements for tutoring and literacy activities.

(Sec. 444) Sets forth requirements for flexible use of funds.

(Sec. 445) Revises requirements and extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for work colleges.

Part D: William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program - Amends HEA title IV part D (William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program) to revise criteria for selection of institutions for Federal direct loan program participation and origination.

(Sec. 452) Revises the formula for applicable interest rates for Federal direct student loans. Revises requirements for direct consolidation loans.

Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe cost-neutral interest rate reductions for such loans to encourage on-time repayment.

(Sec. 453) Revises direct loan program requirements for contracts for origination, servicing, and data systems.

(Sec. 454) Sets forth requirements regarding funds for administrative expenses through FY 2003. Revises the calculation basis for account maintenance fees payable to guaranty agencies.

(Sec. 455) Authorizes the Secretary to sell loans made under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.

(Sec. 456) Sets forth requirements for cancellation of Stafford- Ford loans for teachers.

Part E: Federal Perkins Loans - Amends HEA title IV part E (Federal Perkins Loans) to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Perkins Loan program through FY 2003.

(Sec. 462) Revises requirements for: (1) allocation of funds; and (2) institutional default rate calculation and penalties.

(Sec. 463) Revises requirements for agreements with institutions of higher education. Requires institutions to report at least annually to credit bureaus any changes to information previously disclosed.

(Sec. 464) Revises terms and conditions of loans, including annual limits and need and eligibility requirements.

Sets forth conditions for discharge and rehabilitation of loans.

Authorizes participating institutions of higher education to establish incentive repayment programs, with the Secretary's approval.

(Sec. 465) Revises requirements for cancellation of loans for certain public service.

(Sec. 466) Revises requirements for distribution of assets from student loan funds to extend the program.

(Sec. 467) Repeals authority for a Perkins Loan Revolving Fund, and requires transfer of its funds to the Treasury.

Part F: Need Analysis - Revises HEA title IV part F (Need Analysis) requirements relating to: (1) cost of attendance; (2) data elements; (3) parents' contribution from adjusted available income; (4) family contribution from assets for dependent students; (5) family contribution for independent students with dependents other than a spouse; and (6) tables and amounts for income protection allowances.

(Sec. 477) Provides for a simplified needs test in certain cases where there is zero expected family contribution.

(Sec. 478) Sets forth specific special circumstances for discretion of student financial administrators. Replaces current requirements for student financial aid administrator adjustments to loan certifications for special circumstances with general authorization to refuse or adjust loan certifications, with written documentation.

(Sec. 479) Revises need analysis provisions relating to certain veterans' educational assistance.

Part G: General Provisions - Revises or establishes HEA title IV part G General Provisions relating to: (1) compliance with a master calendar; (2) delay of effective date for late publications; (3) a common financial aid form; (4) use of applications via electronic forms; (5) a streamlined reapplication process; (6) student eligibility (to include those who have met State requirements with respect to high school education in a home school setting); (7) termination of eligibility; (8) correspondence courses; (9) verification of income data with the Internal Revenue Service; (10) suspension of eligibility of individual students convicted of any Federal or State offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance; (11) State court judgments; (12) institutional refunds; (13) institutional and financial assistance information for students; (14) disclosures with respect to athletically related student aid; (15) disclosure of campus security policy and campus crime reporting; (16) intercollegiate athletic data reporting; (17) the national student loan data system; (18) distance education demonstration programs; (19) contents of program participation agreements; (20) provision of voter registration applications; (21) audits and financial responsibility; (22) a quality assurance and regulatory simplification program; (23) regulatory relief and improvement; (24) garnishment requirements, and no attachment of student assistance; (25) administrative subpoena authority; (26) the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance (including compensation, expenses, and special analysis, and activities); (27) regional meetings, electronic exchanges, and negotiated rulemaking; (28) year 2000 (Y2K) requirements at the Department of Education; and (29) procedures for cancellations and deferments for eligible disabled veterans.

(Sec. 486) Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act - Revises requirements for disclosure of campus security policy and campus crime statistics. Revises the definitions of campus, noncampus building or property, and public property for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees each institution of higher education not in compliance with campus crime reporting requirements. Establishes civil penalties for institutions for misrepresentations with respect to such campus crime reporting requirements.

Part H: Program Integrity Triad - Revises HEA title IV part H (Program Integrity Triad) to replace authority for the State Postsecondary Review Program with requirements relating to State responsibilities and institutional responsibility.

(Sec. 492) Revises standards for accrediting agency recognition and operating procedures.

(Sec. 493) Allows an institutional option for a single application form. Revises requirements for: (1) financial responsibility standards; (2) financial guarantees from owners; (3) applications and site visits; (4) eligibility time limitations and renewal; (5) provisional certification; and (6) treatment of branches.

(Sec. 494) Sets forth requirements for program review and data and special administrative rules.

Title V: Developing Institutions - Replaces the current HEA title V (Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Development) with a new title V (Developing Institutions).

(Sec. 501) Directs the Secretary to provide grants and related assistance to Hispanic-serving institutions to enable them to improve and expand their capacity to serve Hispanic and other low-income students.

Defines Hispanic-serving institution as an eligible institution which meets specified requirements with respect to student neediness and low expenditures per student (or a higher education institution that provides a four-year baccalaureate program, is regionally accredited, and serves at least 1,500 Hispanic students) with an undergraduate full-time equivalent enrollment that is: (1) at least 25 percent Hispanic; and (2) provides assurance that at least 50 percent of its Hispanic students are low-income individuals.

Authorizes appropriations.

Title VI: International Education Programs - Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for part A (International and Foreign Language Studies).

(Sec. 601) Revises or establishes provisions for: (1) graduate and undergraduate national language and area centers and programs and authorized activities; (2) language resource centers; (3) incentives for new and existing undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs, and Federal share and use of funds for such programs; (4) research, studies, and reports; (5) selection of certain grant applicants; (6) equitable distribution of certain funds; (7) technological innovation and cooperation for foreign information access; (8) American overseas research centers; and (9) development grants for new such centers.

(Sec. 602) Extends the authorization of appropriations for part B (Business and International Education Programs) through FY 2003.

Revises requirements for centers for international business education.

(Sec. 603) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for the Institute for International Public Policy. Raises from one-fourth to one-half the non-Federal matching funds requirement for the minority foreign service professional development program. Requires the non-Federal contribution to be from private sector sources. Revises requirements for the study abroad program to extend the program to students completing the third year of study in the case of a summer abroad program.

Provides for: (1) postbaccalaureate internships; and (2) an interagency committee on minority careers in international affairs.

(Sec. 604) Repeals provisions relating to preservation of pre-1992 programs.

Title VII: Graduate and Postsecondary Education Improvement Programs - Sets forth a new HEA title VII (Graduate and Postsecondary Education Improvement Programs) to replace the current HEA title VII (Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Academic Facilities), hereby repealed.

(Sec. 701) Revises, and transfers to title VII (from current titles IX, X, and XI): (1) the Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program; (2) Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN); (3) the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education; and (4) Urban Community Service. Establishes a Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity Program and a program of Higher Education Access for Students with Disabilities.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Jacob K. Javits Fellowship program through FY 2003. Increases the amount of the payment to an institution with respect to each individual awarded a fellowship under such program. Revises requirements for award of such fellowships to limit eligibility to students who demonstrate financial need. Sets forth requirements for the process and timing of the fellowship competition. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with a nongovernmental agency to administer the program.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for GAANN through FY 2003. Increases the amount of the payment to an institution with respect to each individual awarded a fellowship under such program. Revises requirements for designation of areas of national need and content of applications.

Establishes the Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity Program. Directs the Secretary to carry out such program to provide low-income, minority, or disadvantaged college students with information, preparation, and financial assistance to gain access to and complete law school study. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with, or make a grant to, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, for at least a five-year period, to deliver specified services under such program, directly and through subgrants and subcontracts. Directs the Secretary to establish annually the maximum stipend to be paid to Thurgood Marshall Fellows for the period of prelaw preparation in summer institutes and midyear seminar prior to and during the period of law school study. Sets forth the maximum amount of grants for such program services for any fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003.

Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (as part B of title VII), and for its grants for planning and special projects. Allows a greater number of technical employees. Includes among authorized special projects: (1) institutional restructuring to improve learning and promote cost efficiencies; (2) evaluation and dissemination of model programs; and (3) articulation between two-year and four-year institutions, including developing innovative methods to ensure the successful transfer of students.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Urban Community Service grants program (as part C of title VII) through FY 2003.

Requires the Secretary to give priority to applicant eligible institutions that demonstrate commitment to urban community service.

Establishes a new program for Higher Education Access for Students with Disabilities (as part D of title VII). Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to higher education institutions to develop model programs to provide technical assistance, training, and professional development for faculty and administrators to teach effectively students with disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to higher education institutions to disseminate their demonstrated exceptional programs for disabilities. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003.

(Sec. 702) Repeals the following current HEA titles: (1) title VIII (Cooperative Education); (2) title IX (Graduate Programs); (3) title X (Postsecondary Improvement Programs); (4) title XI (Community Service Programs); and (5) title XII (General Provisions).

Title VIII: Studies, Reports, and Related Programs - Part A: Studies - Directs the Secretary and the Comptroller General to convene a study group to study, publish, and report to specified congressional committees on market mechanisms in Federal student loan programs.

(Sec. 802) Directs the Secretary and the Comptroller General to convene a study group to study and report to specified congressional committees on the feasibility of alternative financial instruments for determining lender yields.

(Sec. 803) Directs the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on student-related debt.

(Sec. 804) Directs the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on transfer of student credits from one higher education institution to another.

(Sec. 805) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on opportunities for participation in intercollegiate athletics programs.

(Sec. 806) Directs the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness of cohort default rates for institutions with few student loan borrowers.

Part B: Advanced Placement Incentive Program - Sets forth a renamed Advanced Placement Incentive Program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to reimburse low-income individuals for the cost of advanced placement test fees. (This program is currently named the Advanced Placement Fee Payment Program under the Higher Education Amendments of 1992.)

(Sec. 810) Revises such program to encourage States to support advanced placement teacher training and related activities designed to increase enrollment and participation of low-income individuals.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for such program through FY 2003.

Part C: Community Scholarship Mobilization - Community Scholarship Mobilization Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award an endowment grant, on a competitive basis, to a national organization to support the establishment or ongoing work of regional, State or community program centers that foster development of local entities in high poverty areas to improve high school graduation rates and postsecondary attendance through academic support services and postsecondary scholarship assistance.

(Sec. 815) Directs the Secretary to award one or more such endowment grants pursuant to an agreement with a national association which requires that: (1) 70 percent of endowment fund interest income in any fiscal year be used to assist such centers; (2) 30 percent of such income in any fiscal year be used for scholarships for students from low-income families, to be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis from funds raised by the local entities; and (3) at least 50 percent of all the interest income from the endowment be allocated to establish new local entities or support regional, State or community program centers in high poverty areas.

(Sec. 816) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000.

Part D: Grants to States for Workplace and Community Transition Training for Incarcerated Youth Offenders - Directs the Secretary to carry out the program of Grants to States for Workplace and Community Transition Training for Incarcerated Youth Offenders (currently under HEA title X part E).

(Sec. 821) Extends the authorization of appropriations for such program through FY 2003.

Part E: Grants to Combat Violent Crimes Against Women on Campuses - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to institutions of higher education to combat violent crimes against women on campuses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 199 through 2003.

(Sec. 827) Directs the Attorney General to study and report to the Congress on higher education institutional procedures to report sexual assaults. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000.

Part F: Improving United States Understanding of Science, Engineering, and Technology in East Asia - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out an interdisciplinary program of education and research on East Asian science, engineering, and technology. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000.

Part G: Olympic Scholarships - Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for the Olympic Scholarships program (under HEA title XV part E).

Part H: Underground Railroad - Authorizes the Secretary of Education, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, to make grants to one or more nonprofit educational organizations that are established to research, display, interpret, and collect artifacts relating to the history of the Underground Railroad. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003.

Part I: Summer Travel and Work Programs - Authorizes the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to administer summer travel and work programs without regard to preplacement requirements.

Part J: Web-Based Education Commission - Web-Based Education Commission Act - Establishes the Web-Based Education Commission to study, hold hearings, assess, and report with recommendations to the President and the Congress on the educational software available in retail markets for secondary and postsecondary students.

(Sec. 857) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999.

Part K: Miscellaneous - Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness of educational approaches (including vocational and postsecondary education approaches) and rapid employment approaches to helping welfare recipients and other low-income adults become employed and economically self-sufficient.

(Sec. 862) Directs the Secretary to release all conditions, covenants, and reversionary interests with respect to a conveyance of specified land in Barrigada, Guam, to Guam Community College.

(Sec. 863) Expresses the sense of Congress that it should support and encourage character building initiatives in schools across the United States and urge colleges and universities to affirm that the development of character is one of the primary goals of higher education.

(Sec. 864) Expresses the sense of the Congress that all colleges and universities in the United States should adopt rigorous educational merchandise licensing codes of conduct, including specified elements, to assure that university and college licensed merchandise is not made by sweatshop and exploited adult or child labor either domestically or abroad.

Title IX: Amendments to Other Laws - Part A: Extension and Revision of Indian Higher Education Programs - Amends the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 to rename it the Tribally Controlled College or University Act of 1978.

(Sec. 901) Extends such Act's programs to colleges and universities.

Increases the amount per Indian student of grants to such colleges and universities.

Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations under such Act for grants, endowment, and economic development programs (with such economic development and education institutes provisions also known as the Tribal Economic Development and Technology Related Education Assistance Act of 1990).

(Sec. 902) Amends the Navajo Community College Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for construction grants through FY 2003.

Part B: Education of the Deaf - Education of the Deaf Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Education of the Deaf Act (EDA) to: (1) require elementary and secondary programs to comply with certain requirements under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act; (2) revise requirements relating to agreements with Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID); and (3) revise requirements for audits, reports, investments, and international students.

(Sec. 918) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

(Sec. 919) Revises requirements for Federal endowment programs payments, and for withdrawals and expenditures. Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for Federal endowment programs (for Gallaudet University and NTID).

(Sec. 920) Repeals a scholarship program for deaf individuals to attend higher education institution teacher training programs in deaf education or special education.

(Sec. 922) Revise provisions for international students.

(Sec. 923) Requires Gallaudet University and the NTID to: (1) establish and disseminate research priorities that reflect public input; and (2) submit reports to the Secretary of Education and specified congressional committees.

(Sec. 924) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the education of the deaf to identify those education-related factors in the lives of deaf individuals that: (1) result in barriers to successful postsecondary education experiences and employment; or (2) contribute to successful postsecondary education and employment experiences. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 925) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for Gallaudet University and NTID programs under EDA.

Part C: United States Institute of Peace - Amends the United States Institute for Peace Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 2003.

(Sec. 931) Authorizes the Institute to enter into personal service contracts and use the services of the General Services Administration. Changes from mandatory to discretionary congressional hearings on presidential reports on the Institute.

Part D: Voluntary Retirement Incentive Plans - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to allow institutions of higher education to offer voluntary retirement incentive plans.

(Sec. 941) Declares that, if specified conditions are met, the retirement plan of an institution of higher education shall not violate certain age discrimination prohibitions solely because it offers employees with unlimited tenure additional benefits upon voluntary retirement that are reduced or eliminated on the basis of age.

Part E: General Education Provisions Act Amendment - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to revise the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Allow specified types of access and disclosure of disciplinary records which identify a student or students who have committed a crime of violence or nonforcible sex offense.

(Sec. 952) Declares that nothing in GEPA or HEA shall be construed to prohibit an institution of postsecondary education from disclosing, to a parent or legal guardian of a student under age 21, information regarding violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or institutional rule or policy governing the use or possession of alcohol or drugs, whether or not that information is contained in the student's education records.

Part F: Liaison for Proprietary Institutions of Higher Education - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish in the Department a Liaison for Proprietary Institutions of Higher Education, who shall be an officer of the Department appointed by the Secretary.

(Sec. 961) Requires the Liaison to: (1) advise the Secretary on matters affecting proprietary institutions of higher education; (2) guide programs within the Department that involve functions affecting proprietary institutions of higher education; and (3) work with the Federal Interagency Committee on Education to improve the coordination of Federal outreach programs that administer education and job training programs, collaborative business and education partnerships, and rural education programs.

Part G: Amendments to Other Statutes - Eliminates the dischargeability in bankruptcy of student loans made after the date of the enactment of this Act for the cost of attendance for a baccalaureate or advanced degree, and for which the first payment was due more than seven years before the commencement of the bankruptcy action.

(Sec. 972) Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Government National Mortgage Association to assess and collect a guarantee fee in an amount equal to nine basis points, beginning on October 1, 2004, for FY 2005 through 2007.

Part H: Repeals - Repeals provisions under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for grants and contracts for higher education institutions' alcohol, drug, and violence prevention programs. (A similar program is established under title I of this Act.)