State office assists students with next steps, provides resources free of charge
The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) is joining the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) in encouraging current and former Milan Institute students to obtain academic and financial records from the institution as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, September 25, 2019, Milan Institute President Gary Yasuda admitted to using employees’ retirement funds to pay for operational costs during a televised news interview. The United States Department of Education (US DOE) placed Milan Institute on Heightened Cash Monitoring 2 status in 2016, which requires a school to make financial aid disbursements from its institutional funds and apply for reimbursement from US DOE.
It is essential students have their academic and financial records in their possession in the event Milan Institute is unable to continue its operations. These records are necessary for students to receive financial relief or complete their education at another institution.
“The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology recommends that students obtain documentation of hours and operations that have been completed to date,” said Kristy Underwood, executive officer of BBC. “This will ensure students receive credit for what they have completed to qualify for admission to the State Board examination,” Underwood said.
Officials with the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education have stepped in to provide resources and assist students in taking the appropriate measures to obtain their records, all free of charge.
“BPPE is monitoring the situation with Milan Institute and we hope for a resolution that minimizes the disruption to students,” said Dr. Michael Marion, chief of BPPE. “We recognize that this may be a difficult time for Milan students because of the uncertainty. Students should know they have an advocate in BPPE’s Office of Student Assistance and Relief (OSAR) who will answer questions and help them to make informed decisions about their next steps.”
Students who have not received their scheduled financial aid disbursement are encouraged to file a complaint with BPPE at https://www.bppe.ca.gov/.
Students are also encouraged to monitor OSAR’s website regularly and follow its Twitter and Facebook pages for school status updates and information on resources available. Students may direct questions to (888) 370-7589, Option #5 or email osar@dca.ca.gov.
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