Program: Federal Direct Student Loans Assistance Listing Number: 84.268 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P268K226290 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: 34 CFR 685.309(b) states that upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, a school must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary and within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Unless it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that a loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended. Condition: For 2 students tested, the incorrect enrollment status was reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). For 2 students tested, the change of enrollment status was not reported within the 60 day requirement. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Context: Noncompliance with federal regulations was noted for 4 of the 25 students who were tested. 2 of the students did not have their change in enrollment status reported to NSLDS within 60 days and 2 students did not show the correct change of status, and thus also did not have their change in enrollment status reported timely to NSLDS. A total of 529 students who were issued Federal Direct Student Loans separated from the University or had a change in enrollment status during fiscal year 2022. The sample was not considered statistically valid. Effect: The accuracy of Title IV student loan records depends heavily on the accuracy of the enrollment information reported by the schools. If an institution does not review, update and verify student enrollment statuses, effective dates of the enrollment status, and other information, then the Title IV student loan records will be inaccurate, which impacts student loan repayments. Cause: It does not appear that there are proper processes in place surrounding enrollment reporting in order to verify that the correct enrollment statuses are reported to NSLDS within the required timeframes. Recommendation: It is recommended that policies and procedures are put in place to verify that the correct enrollment status changes are reported to NSLDS within required time frames. This could include a review of withdrawal or graduation listings to ensure correct statuses were reported to NSLDS within the required timeframes. Management?s Response: The University concurs with this finding and has taken steps to resolve the deficiency. To resolve the issue of graduated students potentially being reported incorrectly to NSLDS, the University will provide additional training to the staff member who made the processing error (in one instance) and adjust their procedures to contact National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to manually update records when a degree is retroactively processed to a prior term at a non-standard conferral date (the 2nd instance). In addition, to resolve the issues surrounding potential late reporting of students beyond the 60-day requirements, the University will correct the timeliness of their reporting schedule so that all files are submitted to the NSC by the 10th of the month if not sooner. The University feels that these steps will ensure that reporting requirements are met, as outlined in 34 CFR 685.309(b) of the code of federal regulations.
Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P425E203029, P425F200396, P425N200726 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: The CARES Act 18004(e) and the CRRSAA 314(e) requires an institution receiving funds under HEERF I and HEERF II to submit a report to the secretary, at such time in such a manner as the secretary may require. While ARP does not explicitly identify procedures by which institutions must report on their uses of HEERF grant funds, the Department of Education (ED) exercises this reporting authority under 2 CFR section 200.328 and 2 CFR section 200.329. Condition: For the annual report covering January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, a number of the HEERF section (a)(1) and (a)(3) amounts reported as institutional portion spending were incorrect based on supporting documentation provided by the University. In addition, for the fourth quarter 2021 (quarter ending December 31, 2021) and the first quarter 2022 (quarter ending March 31, 2022) institutional portion reports, the University reported the full amount of section (a)(1) student portion of HEERF awarded to the University on the section (a)(3) line, when the amount on the section (a)(3) line should have been the total Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) funding awarded to the University. Also, for the quarterly student portion reports, the University reported the incorrect number of students who were eligible to receive a CRRSAA emergency financial aid grant during the fall of 2021. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Context: Errors were noted in the one annual report, two quarterly institutional portion reports, and two quarterly student portion reports that were tested. The University was required to file one annual report, four quarterly institutional portion reports, and four quarterly student portion reports during the fiscal year. The sample was not considered statistically valid. Effect: The information included on the publicly-available reports and reports submitted to federal agencies was not accurate. Cause: The exceptions noted on the reports resulted from various factors, including misunderstanding of how reports were intended to be completed, turnover during the year in key personnel associated with preparing and reviewing the reports, and a transposition error. Recommendation: It is recommended that the guidance surrounding the preparation of the annual and quarterly reports be reviewed. In addition, the review of reports by someone who is not the original preparer of the reports should include a detailed tie out of numbers included on the reports to the University's supporting documentation. Management?s Response: The University has updated their procedure for preparing and reviewing the required reports and have established a team from the finance department to discuss issues that arise. The team will handle the identified discrepancies through their resolution. The team will meet at least monthly, and as requested by the Senior Accountant of Grants or the Director of Finance and Accounting (DFA). The team is receiving training on procedures, guidelines, and terminology to ensure accuracy on completed reports to ensure compliance. The updated procedure is that the Senior Accountant of Grants will prepare the quarterly and annual reports based on data provided in the accounting system and from the Office of Financial Aid and assure that the reported data ties to the University?s records. The completed reports will be reviewed by the Director of Finance and Accounting. When needed, the finance team will meet to handle apparent discrepancies. Approved reports will be returned by the DFA to the Senior Accountant who will then post the reports for public viewing and submit a copy to the funder.
Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P425E203029, P425F200396, P425N200726 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: The CARES Act 18004(e) and the CRRSAA 314(e) requires an institution receiving funds under HEERF I and HEERF II to submit a report to the secretary, at such time in such a manner as the secretary may require. While ARP does not explicitly identify procedures by which institutions must report on their uses of HEERF grant funds, the Department of Education (ED) exercises this reporting authority under 2 CFR section 200.328 and 2 CFR section 200.329. Condition: For the annual report covering January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, a number of the HEERF section (a)(1) and (a)(3) amounts reported as institutional portion spending were incorrect based on supporting documentation provided by the University. In addition, for the fourth quarter 2021 (quarter ending December 31, 2021) and the first quarter 2022 (quarter ending March 31, 2022) institutional portion reports, the University reported the full amount of section (a)(1) student portion of HEERF awarded to the University on the section (a)(3) line, when the amount on the section (a)(3) line should have been the total Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) funding awarded to the University. Also, for the quarterly student portion reports, the University reported the incorrect number of students who were eligible to receive a CRRSAA emergency financial aid grant during the fall of 2021. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Context: Errors were noted in the one annual report, two quarterly institutional portion reports, and two quarterly student portion reports that were tested. The University was required to file one annual report, four quarterly institutional portion reports, and four quarterly student portion reports during the fiscal year. The sample was not considered statistically valid. Effect: The information included on the publicly-available reports and reports submitted to federal agencies was not accurate. Cause: The exceptions noted on the reports resulted from various factors, including misunderstanding of how reports were intended to be completed, turnover during the year in key personnel associated with preparing and reviewing the reports, and a transposition error. Recommendation: It is recommended that the guidance surrounding the preparation of the annual and quarterly reports be reviewed. In addition, the review of reports by someone who is not the original preparer of the reports should include a detailed tie out of numbers included on the reports to the University's supporting documentation. Management?s Response: The University has updated their procedure for preparing and reviewing the required reports and have established a team from the finance department to discuss issues that arise. The team will handle the identified discrepancies through their resolution. The team will meet at least monthly, and as requested by the Senior Accountant of Grants or the Director of Finance and Accounting (DFA). The team is receiving training on procedures, guidelines, and terminology to ensure accuracy on completed reports to ensure compliance. The updated procedure is that the Senior Accountant of Grants will prepare the quarterly and annual reports based on data provided in the accounting system and from the Office of Financial Aid and assure that the reported data ties to the University?s records. The completed reports will be reviewed by the Director of Finance and Accounting. When needed, the finance team will meet to handle apparent discrepancies. Approved reports will be returned by the DFA to the Senior Accountant who will then post the reports for public viewing and submit a copy to the funder.
Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P425E203029, P425F200396, P425N200726 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: The CARES Act 18004(e) and the CRRSAA 314(e) requires an institution receiving funds under HEERF I and HEERF II to submit a report to the secretary, at such time in such a manner as the secretary may require. While ARP does not explicitly identify procedures by which institutions must report on their uses of HEERF grant funds, the Department of Education (ED) exercises this reporting authority under 2 CFR section 200.328 and 2 CFR section 200.329. Condition: For the annual report covering January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, a number of the HEERF section (a)(1) and (a)(3) amounts reported as institutional portion spending were incorrect based on supporting documentation provided by the University. In addition, for the fourth quarter 2021 (quarter ending December 31, 2021) and the first quarter 2022 (quarter ending March 31, 2022) institutional portion reports, the University reported the full amount of section (a)(1) student portion of HEERF awarded to the University on the section (a)(3) line, when the amount on the section (a)(3) line should have been the total Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) funding awarded to the University. Also, for the quarterly student portion reports, the University reported the incorrect number of students who were eligible to receive a CRRSAA emergency financial aid grant during the fall of 2021. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Context: Errors were noted in the one annual report, two quarterly institutional portion reports, and two quarterly student portion reports that were tested. The University was required to file one annual report, four quarterly institutional portion reports, and four quarterly student portion reports during the fiscal year. The sample was not considered statistically valid. Effect: The information included on the publicly-available reports and reports submitted to federal agencies was not accurate. Cause: The exceptions noted on the reports resulted from various factors, including misunderstanding of how reports were intended to be completed, turnover during the year in key personnel associated with preparing and reviewing the reports, and a transposition error. Recommendation: It is recommended that the guidance surrounding the preparation of the annual and quarterly reports be reviewed. In addition, the review of reports by someone who is not the original preparer of the reports should include a detailed tie out of numbers included on the reports to the University's supporting documentation. Management?s Response: The University has updated their procedure for preparing and reviewing the required reports and have established a team from the finance department to discuss issues that arise. The team will handle the identified discrepancies through their resolution. The team will meet at least monthly, and as requested by the Senior Accountant of Grants or the Director of Finance and Accounting (DFA). The team is receiving training on procedures, guidelines, and terminology to ensure accuracy on completed reports to ensure compliance. The updated procedure is that the Senior Accountant of Grants will prepare the quarterly and annual reports based on data provided in the accounting system and from the Office of Financial Aid and assure that the reported data ties to the University?s records. The completed reports will be reviewed by the Director of Finance and Accounting. When needed, the finance team will meet to handle apparent discrepancies. Approved reports will be returned by the DFA to the Senior Accountant who will then post the reports for public viewing and submit a copy to the funder.
Program: Federal Direct Student Loans Assistance Listing Number: 84.268 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P268K226290 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: 34 CFR 685.309(b) states that upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, a school must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary and within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Unless it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that a loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended. Condition: For 2 students tested, the incorrect enrollment status was reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). For 2 students tested, the change of enrollment status was not reported within the 60 day requirement. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Context: Noncompliance with federal regulations was noted for 4 of the 25 students who were tested. 2 of the students did not have their change in enrollment status reported to NSLDS within 60 days and 2 students did not show the correct change of status, and thus also did not have their change in enrollment status reported timely to NSLDS. A total of 529 students who were issued Federal Direct Student Loans separated from the University or had a change in enrollment status during fiscal year 2022. The sample was not considered statistically valid. Effect: The accuracy of Title IV student loan records depends heavily on the accuracy of the enrollment information reported by the schools. If an institution does not review, update and verify student enrollment statuses, effective dates of the enrollment status, and other information, then the Title IV student loan records will be inaccurate, which impacts student loan repayments. Cause: It does not appear that there are proper processes in place surrounding enrollment reporting in order to verify that the correct enrollment statuses are reported to NSLDS within the required timeframes. Recommendation: It is recommended that policies and procedures are put in place to verify that the correct enrollment status changes are reported to NSLDS within required time frames. This could include a review of withdrawal or graduation listings to ensure correct statuses were reported to NSLDS within the required timeframes. Management?s Response: The University concurs with this finding and has taken steps to resolve the deficiency. To resolve the issue of graduated students potentially being reported incorrectly to NSLDS, the University will provide additional training to the staff member who made the processing error (in one instance) and adjust their procedures to contact National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to manually update records when a degree is retroactively processed to a prior term at a non-standard conferral date (the 2nd instance). In addition, to resolve the issues surrounding potential late reporting of students beyond the 60-day requirements, the University will correct the timeliness of their reporting schedule so that all files are submitted to the NSC by the 10th of the month if not sooner. The University feels that these steps will ensure that reporting requirements are met, as outlined in 34 CFR 685.309(b) of the code of federal regulations.
Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P425E203029, P425F200396, P425N200726 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: The CARES Act 18004(e) and the CRRSAA 314(e) requires an institution receiving funds under HEERF I and HEERF II to submit a report to the secretary, at such time in such a manner as the secretary may require. While ARP does not explicitly identify procedures by which institutions must report on their uses of HEERF grant funds, the Department of Education (ED) exercises this reporting authority under 2 CFR section 200.328 and 2 CFR section 200.329. Condition: For the annual report covering January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, a number of the HEERF section (a)(1) and (a)(3) amounts reported as institutional portion spending were incorrect based on supporting documentation provided by the University. In addition, for the fourth quarter 2021 (quarter ending December 31, 2021) and the first quarter 2022 (quarter ending March 31, 2022) institutional portion reports, the University reported the full amount of section (a)(1) student portion of HEERF awarded to the University on the section (a)(3) line, when the amount on the section (a)(3) line should have been the total Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) funding awarded to the University. Also, for the quarterly student portion reports, the University reported the incorrect number of students who were eligible to receive a CRRSAA emergency financial aid grant during the fall of 2021. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Context: Errors were noted in the one annual report, two quarterly institutional portion reports, and two quarterly student portion reports that were tested. The University was required to file one annual report, four quarterly institutional portion reports, and four quarterly student portion reports during the fiscal year. The sample was not considered statistically valid. Effect: The information included on the publicly-available reports and reports submitted to federal agencies was not accurate. Cause: The exceptions noted on the reports resulted from various factors, including misunderstanding of how reports were intended to be completed, turnover during the year in key personnel associated with preparing and reviewing the reports, and a transposition error. Recommendation: It is recommended that the guidance surrounding the preparation of the annual and quarterly reports be reviewed. In addition, the review of reports by someone who is not the original preparer of the reports should include a detailed tie out of numbers included on the reports to the University's supporting documentation. Management?s Response: The University has updated their procedure for preparing and reviewing the required reports and have established a team from the finance department to discuss issues that arise. The team will handle the identified discrepancies through their resolution. The team will meet at least monthly, and as requested by the Senior Accountant of Grants or the Director of Finance and Accounting (DFA). The team is receiving training on procedures, guidelines, and terminology to ensure accuracy on completed reports to ensure compliance. The updated procedure is that the Senior Accountant of Grants will prepare the quarterly and annual reports based on data provided in the accounting system and from the Office of Financial Aid and assure that the reported data ties to the University?s records. The completed reports will be reviewed by the Director of Finance and Accounting. When needed, the finance team will meet to handle apparent discrepancies. Approved reports will be returned by the DFA to the Senior Accountant who will then post the reports for public viewing and submit a copy to the funder.
Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P425E203029, P425F200396, P425N200726 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: The CARES Act 18004(e) and the CRRSAA 314(e) requires an institution receiving funds under HEERF I and HEERF II to submit a report to the secretary, at such time in such a manner as the secretary may require. While ARP does not explicitly identify procedures by which institutions must report on their uses of HEERF grant funds, the Department of Education (ED) exercises this reporting authority under 2 CFR section 200.328 and 2 CFR section 200.329. Condition: For the annual report covering January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, a number of the HEERF section (a)(1) and (a)(3) amounts reported as institutional portion spending were incorrect based on supporting documentation provided by the University. In addition, for the fourth quarter 2021 (quarter ending December 31, 2021) and the first quarter 2022 (quarter ending March 31, 2022) institutional portion reports, the University reported the full amount of section (a)(1) student portion of HEERF awarded to the University on the section (a)(3) line, when the amount on the section (a)(3) line should have been the total Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) funding awarded to the University. Also, for the quarterly student portion reports, the University reported the incorrect number of students who were eligible to receive a CRRSAA emergency financial aid grant during the fall of 2021. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Context: Errors were noted in the one annual report, two quarterly institutional portion reports, and two quarterly student portion reports that were tested. The University was required to file one annual report, four quarterly institutional portion reports, and four quarterly student portion reports during the fiscal year. The sample was not considered statistically valid. Effect: The information included on the publicly-available reports and reports submitted to federal agencies was not accurate. Cause: The exceptions noted on the reports resulted from various factors, including misunderstanding of how reports were intended to be completed, turnover during the year in key personnel associated with preparing and reviewing the reports, and a transposition error. Recommendation: It is recommended that the guidance surrounding the preparation of the annual and quarterly reports be reviewed. In addition, the review of reports by someone who is not the original preparer of the reports should include a detailed tie out of numbers included on the reports to the University's supporting documentation. Management?s Response: The University has updated their procedure for preparing and reviewing the required reports and have established a team from the finance department to discuss issues that arise. The team will handle the identified discrepancies through their resolution. The team will meet at least monthly, and as requested by the Senior Accountant of Grants or the Director of Finance and Accounting (DFA). The team is receiving training on procedures, guidelines, and terminology to ensure accuracy on completed reports to ensure compliance. The updated procedure is that the Senior Accountant of Grants will prepare the quarterly and annual reports based on data provided in the accounting system and from the Office of Financial Aid and assure that the reported data ties to the University?s records. The completed reports will be reviewed by the Director of Finance and Accounting. When needed, the finance team will meet to handle apparent discrepancies. Approved reports will be returned by the DFA to the Senior Accountant who will then post the reports for public viewing and submit a copy to the funder.
Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P425E203029, P425F200396, P425N200726 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: The CARES Act 18004(e) and the CRRSAA 314(e) requires an institution receiving funds under HEERF I and HEERF II to submit a report to the secretary, at such time in such a manner as the secretary may require. While ARP does not explicitly identify procedures by which institutions must report on their uses of HEERF grant funds, the Department of Education (ED) exercises this reporting authority under 2 CFR section 200.328 and 2 CFR section 200.329. Condition: For the annual report covering January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, a number of the HEERF section (a)(1) and (a)(3) amounts reported as institutional portion spending were incorrect based on supporting documentation provided by the University. In addition, for the fourth quarter 2021 (quarter ending December 31, 2021) and the first quarter 2022 (quarter ending March 31, 2022) institutional portion reports, the University reported the full amount of section (a)(1) student portion of HEERF awarded to the University on the section (a)(3) line, when the amount on the section (a)(3) line should have been the total Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) funding awarded to the University. Also, for the quarterly student portion reports, the University reported the incorrect number of students who were eligible to receive a CRRSAA emergency financial aid grant during the fall of 2021. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Context: Errors were noted in the one annual report, two quarterly institutional portion reports, and two quarterly student portion reports that were tested. The University was required to file one annual report, four quarterly institutional portion reports, and four quarterly student portion reports during the fiscal year. The sample was not considered statistically valid. Effect: The information included on the publicly-available reports and reports submitted to federal agencies was not accurate. Cause: The exceptions noted on the reports resulted from various factors, including misunderstanding of how reports were intended to be completed, turnover during the year in key personnel associated with preparing and reviewing the reports, and a transposition error. Recommendation: It is recommended that the guidance surrounding the preparation of the annual and quarterly reports be reviewed. In addition, the review of reports by someone who is not the original preparer of the reports should include a detailed tie out of numbers included on the reports to the University's supporting documentation. Management?s Response: The University has updated their procedure for preparing and reviewing the required reports and have established a team from the finance department to discuss issues that arise. The team will handle the identified discrepancies through their resolution. The team will meet at least monthly, and as requested by the Senior Accountant of Grants or the Director of Finance and Accounting (DFA). The team is receiving training on procedures, guidelines, and terminology to ensure accuracy on completed reports to ensure compliance. The updated procedure is that the Senior Accountant of Grants will prepare the quarterly and annual reports based on data provided in the accounting system and from the Office of Financial Aid and assure that the reported data ties to the University?s records. The completed reports will be reviewed by the Director of Finance and Accounting. When needed, the finance team will meet to handle apparent discrepancies. Approved reports will be returned by the DFA to the Senior Accountant who will then post the reports for public viewing and submit a copy to the funder.