COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today the formation of the Attorney General’s Advisory Group on Student Loan Debt Collection.

“Most Ohio students pay their student debts responsibly. However, when accounts are unpaid, we have a statutory obligation to collect this debt on behalf of public universities,” DeWine said. “This advisory group will take an in-depth look at all aspects of student loan debt collection, from what happens at a school to what happens as debt collection proceeds, to help make sure Ohio’s practices are thorough, transparent, and fair”

DeWine created the external advisory group to examine issues regarding debt collection practices for unpaid student loans at Ohio public colleges and universities, including:

• The uniformity of university policies, fees, and penalties regarding unpaid accounts;

• Whether students are being adequately educated regarding all responsibilities when taking student loans;

• The university certification process for student debt accounts;

• Student debt collection and litigation processes within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.