Attention Butler Business/Sawyer School Students

Update; Information Regarding IRS Form 1098 T

As you are already aware both Butler Business School in Bridgeport and Sawyer Schools, in Hamden and Hartford ceased operations abruptly on December 30th, 2012. We have received inquiries from former students of both schools who are concerned about receiving IRS form 1098 T for their 2012 tax filings. This form is used to report student tuition and educational expenses which can be utilized in conjunction with the IRS “American Opportunity Credit.”

An IRS representative has informed us that our office is unable to generate these forms due to regulations imposed by the IRS. Therefore you will not receive a 1098 T for the calendar year 2012. However we have been instructed by the IRS to inform you about two options when filing your federal income tax return for 2012.

Firstly it is recommended that you file a paper tax return for 2012 and include evidence of all tuition payments you made out of pocket in 2012 towards your school account. For instance if you paid by check include copies of canceled checks as proof of payment. If you paid in cash include copies of receipts provided by the school as proof of payment. Additionally it is crucial to enclose a copy of this notice along with your tax form as it serves as documentation, from our office confirming the closure of your school.

Additionally if you choose to file your federal tax return and apply for the “American Opportunity Credit ” your claim may be rejected by the IRS. This is because they might not have received the 1098 T information related to your educational expenses. Consequently you will need to follow up with the IRS and provide them with copies of payment documents as mentioned in the previous example in order for your tax filing to be processed properly.

Given the complexity of tax filing and tax laws it is highly recommended that you seek advice from a tax expert or directly contact the IRS regarding this situation. You can reach out to the IRS helpline at 1 800 829 1040 or visit www.irs.gov/uac/Contact My Local Office in Connecticut for more assistance. Another option is contacting 2-1-1 to inquire about aid available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for filing your returns.

Update as of February 7th, 2013 – Due to a storm the Information Session scheduled for Friday February 8th at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport has been canceled for students of Butler Business and Sawyer School. Stay updated by checking your email or referring back, to this webpage alternatively you can also call 800/842 0229.
Update; Announcement Regarding the Information Session in Bridgeport for Butler Business School Students

Attention all former students of Butler Business and Sawyer School who were planning to attend the session at Housatonic Community College on Friday February 8th. Due to the storm we strongly advise you to attend tomorrows Information Session (February 7th) at Gateway Community College in New Haven specifically Room N100. To ensure an experience please remember to park in the Temple Street Garage and bring your parking ticket with you for validation.

Please be aware that there is a possibility of cancellation for the Friday session at Housatonic Community College due to the storm. This decision may be made in consideration of safety precautions for both attendees and representatives, from agencies and schools. We encourage you to check your emails and visit www.ctohe.org for any further updates.

Update; Important Information Session in Bridgeport on March 8th

The Office of Higher Education will be hosting an Information Session for former students of Butler/Sawyer School. This session is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 8th from 10;00 a.m. To 2;00 p.m. At Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport. We have reserved the Events Center Beacon Hall 214 for this purpose. Kindly note that no parking pass will be required on the event day as the garage attendants are already informed about this gathering.

This session is specifically designed to assist all students affected by the closures of these schools especially those who were enrolled in the former Butler Business School located in Bridgeport. Due to inclement weather conditions a scheduled session on February 8th was unfortunately canceled.

Please remember to bring a photo ID and proceed directly to the Security Station upon arrival. Our dedicated staff from the Office of Higher Education will be present at the venue to warmly welcome you assist with check in procedures and guide you towards resources.

Update as of January 30th, 2013 – Important Information Session Locations

We have finalized the details for the Information Sessions catering to students of Butler/Sawyer School. These sessions are scheduled to take place from 10;00 am to 5;00 pm at the following venues;

• On Monday February 4th we will be at 61 Woodland Street Room B39 in Hartford. Kindly park your vehicle at the back of the building.
• On Thursday February 7th our session will be held at Gateway Community College in New Haven. We have designated Room N100 for this purpose. When you park your car in the Temple Street Garage please remember to bring your parking ticket with you for validation.
• Lastly on Friday February 8th we will gather at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport. The Events Center Beacon Hall 214 has been reserved for us. it’s important to note that you won’t require a parking pass on the day of the event as the garage attendants will already be informed.

Remember to carry a photo ID and check in with security upon arrival at each venue. To get directions and additional parking details specific to each location mentioned above please click on the provided links. Our team from the Office of Higher Education will be present, throughout these sessions to warmly welcome you all and assist with any queries or concerns you may have.

Update as of January 11 2013

• Former students of Butler/Sawyer School can request a copy of their student transcript by completing a form and sending a signed copy to the Transcript Release Officer at the Office of Higher Education located at 61 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105 2326. You have the option to fill out this form online print it out sign it and then send it via mail to the Office of Higher Education. Please note that faxed or emailed copies cannot be accepted as an original signature is required.
• The Office of Higher Education is responsible for maintaining all student records. It’s important to know that the license and accreditation for both Butler Business School and Sawyers School have been revoked. Consequently no individual or organization has the authority to reopen these schools. Both former students and employees of Butler/Sawyer should be cautious if anyone claims otherwise.
• The Office of Higher Education has collaborated with schools willing to assist former Butler/Sawyer students in continuing their studies. These schools have received copies of the Butler/Sawyer School curricula. In order for these schools to enroll students from Butler/Sawyer they must compare their curricula with that of Butler/Sawyer School make any necessary adjustments and obtain proper approvals, from federal authorities and accrediting bodies.
• We kindly request all schools to complete the comparison of their curricula by January 18 2013 so that we can organize information and transfer sessions for students from Butler/Sawyer School in Hartford, Bridgeport and Hamden. Students should stay updated by checking their email and visiting www.ctohe.org.

Former students of Butler/Sawyer School should carefully consider the following options and financial implications as they contemplate continuing their studies;

1. Completion Program – Students have the option to finish their studies and externships through arrangements made by schools willing to assist former Butler/Sawyer School students. In this scenario students will still be responsible for repaying any loans acquired during their time at Butler/Sawyer Schools.
2. Transfer – Students can choose to transfer the credits earned from coursework to another school after a thorough review of their transcript. If they select this option they will need to reapply for aid at the new school they are enrolling in. Additional loans or financial aid may be necessary for transfer students to complete their studies.
3. Fresh Start – Students who possess an amount of federal loans but decide not to pursue completion or transfer options may be eligible for loan forgiveness due, to the sudden closure of these schools. Students who recently enrolled at Butler and Sawyer Schools and have federal loans to repay may want to seriously consider this option.

Additional information regarding these options, financial aid and other updates will be provided through student emails. Can also be found on www.ctohe.org as soon as it becomes available. Plans for student information sessions in Bridgeport, Hartford and Hamden are currently underway. These sessions will be scheduled once the schools and the Office of Higher Education have complete and accurate information to share with students.

Update; January 4th, 2013

Connecticut students affected by the closure of Butler Business and Sawyer Schools have choices to make as they plan their educational paths going forward. Students are strongly advised to read all the following information.

• The Office of Higher Education is collaborating with officials from Butler and Sawyer Schools to ensure that all student records are secured. According to Connecticut General Statutes, the Office of Higher Education is legally responsible, for safeguarding records. While we cannot provide a date at this time for when transcript copies will be available we assure you that we are making every effort to expedite the availability of these records.To find out when transcripts will be available please regularly check this website. Keep an eye on emails sent by the Office of Higher Education to students who have registered on our website.
• Schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the Bridgeport, Hamden and Hartford regions are collaborating with the Office of Higher Education to make arrangements for Sawyer and Butler Business School students affected by the closures. This is referred to as a “teach out” option. More details about participating schools and programs will be provided on this webpage and through emails sent by the Office of Higher Education to registered students.
• According to law students impacted by school closures may qualify for loan forgiveness on their federal loans. This option is only available for students who choose not to participate in the aforementioned “teach out” arrangement. For information on this choice please visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/repay loans/forgiveness cancellation#closed school. You can find the up to date discharge application here.
• Students affected by these school closures who did not participate in student aid programs but took out personal loans to finance their studies may be eligible for tuition reimbursement, from the Connecticut Student Protection Fund.
• We will provide information about this option as soon as possible on our website and through emails sent by the Office of Higher Education to students who have registered.
• If you are a veteran or a dependent of a veteran affected by the school closures please reach out to the VA helpline at 1 888 GIBILL 1. Use the “Ask a Question” feature on the www.GIBILL.va.gov website. It is important to ensure that your enrollment for GI Bill benefits has been properly terminated with an effective date of December 30 2012. If you wish to join a program at another facility please contact the School Certifying Official (SCO). Complete VA Form 22 1995 Request For Change of Program or Place of Training. Submit this form to the VA Regional Processing Office in Buffalo, NY. If you need SCO contact information for facilities approved by the Connecticut State Approving Agency please call 860 947 1816.
• Please visit this webpage. Check your emails regularly for updates. You only need to register your contact information, with the Office of Higher Education. To register kindly visit this link.

Update; Announcement Regarding Information Sessions

Please mark your calendars for three upcoming information sessions organized by the Office of Higher Education. These sessions are specifically designed to assist students who have been affected by the closures of Butler/Sawyer Schools.

The dates and locations for these sessions are as follows;

Monday, February 4th at 61 Woodland Street Hartford
Thursday, February 7th at Gateway Community College, New Haven
Friday February 8th at Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport

During these sessions you will have the opportunity to interact with state and federal education officials representatives from transfer schools and other career institutions. They will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding the following topics;

• Completion of externships
• Obtaining medical assisting certification
• GED information
• Transfer options and alternative training programs
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Loan forgiveness and financial aid
• Student transcripts

The tentative hours for these sessions are from 10;00 am, to 6;00 pm. Please keep an eye on your email. Visit www.ctohe.org next week for specific details regarding exact session times and room locations. It is important that you bring a photo ID with you. If applicable please also remember to bring your PIN number.