Functional Statements > Office of the Under Secretary

Office of the Under Secretary

This Office, under the leadership of the Under Secretary, assists the Secretary in the discharge of Secretarial duties and responsibilities.

The Under Secretary coordinates policies, programs, and activities related to vocational and adult education, postsecondary education, college grant aid, and the Federal Student Aid.

Order of Succession

In the event that the Under Secretary dies, resigns or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office, and the office is thereby deemed to be vacant, the Principal Deputy Under Secretary shall temporarily perform the functions and duties of the office in an acting capacity.

In instances where the office is not vacant, but the Principal Deputy Under Secretary is absent, the following officials, in the order shown, shall perform the functions and duties of the office:

• Deputy Under Secretary
• Deputy Under Secretary and Chief Economist
• Assistant Secretary, Office of Postsecondary Education
• Assistant Secretary, Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education