September
03
10:15 AM to 11:00 AM
Thursday
Location: BR-70

Beyond the FAFSA: Recognizing, Preventing, and Responding to Student Fraud in Higher Education

Presenters: Raye Thompson, Myles Lawhorn
Audience: Faculty, Staff, Administrators

In-Person: BR-70

Learning Goals:
Participants will:
 
  • Define the different types of student fraud affecting colleges and universities. Recognize common indicators of identity theft, financial aid fraud, academic fraud, and artificial intelligence misuse.
  • Understand the financial, operational, and regulatory consequences of fraud. Identify the responsibilities of faculty, staff, and administrators in preventing fraudulent activity. Apply best practices to strengthen institutional controls and reporting processes.
  • Develop strategies for collaboration across departments to protect institutional integrity.

Seminar Description:

As institutions continue to expand online learning opportunities and streamline enrollment processes, colleges are experiencing an increase in identity theft, artificial intelligence misuse, financial aid fraud, and "ghost student" schemes.

This interactive session will provide faculty, staff, and administrators with an overview of the most common types of student fraud affecting higher education institutions today. Participants will learn how fraud impacts institutional compliance, student success, financial aid administration, and overall campus operations.

The session will also examine best practices for identifying warning signs, responding appropriately, strengthening internal controls, and fostering a campus-wide culture of accountability and integrity. Through real-world examples and case studies, attendees will leave with practical strategies they can immediately implement within their respective departments.