Audit 290552

FY End
2023-06-30
Total Expended
$6.18M
Findings
18
Programs
4
Organization: Cleary University (MI)
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-02-15
Auditor: Capincrouse LLP

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
369311 2023-003 Material Weakness - N
369312 2023-003 Material Weakness - N
369313 2023-003 Material Weakness - N
369314 2023-003 Material Weakness - N
369315 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes N
369316 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes N
369317 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes N
369318 2023-005 - Yes N
369319 2023-005 - Yes N
945753 2023-003 Material Weakness - N
945754 2023-003 Material Weakness - N
945755 2023-003 Material Weakness - N
945756 2023-003 Material Weakness - N
945757 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes N
945758 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes N
945759 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes N
945760 2023-005 - Yes N
945761 2023-005 - Yes N

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $4.85M Yes 3
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $1.26M Yes 3
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $68,262 Yes 2
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $6,056 Yes 1

Contacts

Name Title Type
JTGMMMLAU6D4 Megan Temby Auditee
8006861883 Tyler Vanderven, CPA Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: RELATIONSHIP TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Accounting Policies: The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the schedule) includes the federal grant activity of Cleary University (the University) under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2023. The information in the schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Therefore, some amounts presented in the schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic financial statements. Expenditures in the schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Negative amounts shown on the schedule represent adjustments or credits made in the normal course of business to amounts reported as expenditures in prior years. If the University is required to match certain federal assistance, as defined by the grant agreements, no such matching has been included as expenditures in the schedule. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The auditee did not use the de minimis cost rate See the Notes to the SEFA for chart/table
Title: SUBRECIPIENTS, NON-CASH ASSISTANCE, FEDERAL INSURANCE, LOANS, AND LOAN GUARANTEES Accounting Policies: The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the schedule) includes the federal grant activity of Cleary University (the University) under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2023. The information in the schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Therefore, some amounts presented in the schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic financial statements. Expenditures in the schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Negative amounts shown on the schedule represent adjustments or credits made in the normal course of business to amounts reported as expenditures in prior years. If the University is required to match certain federal assistance, as defined by the grant agreements, no such matching has been included as expenditures in the schedule. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The auditee did not use the de minimis cost rate The University did not provide any federal funds to subrecipients nor did they receive any federal non-cash assistance, insurance, loans, or loan guarantees.

Finding Details

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Compliance Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268, 84.063, 84.007, and 84.033-Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: The University did not sufficiently comply with all the requirements of GLBA. Criteria: 16 CFR 314.3, 16 CFR 314.4 Questioned Costs: $0 Context: The University has not documented each component of GLBA as required. This includes documenting an information security program, documenting the security risk assessment and safeguards, including general threats, implementing multi-factor authentication on all systems containing personally identifiable information (PII), implementing continuous monitoring, such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, implementing sufficient vendor management policies and reviews, and providing a written, annual report to the board covering all required areas. Cause: The University has not allocated sufficient resources to address and document compliance with the requirements of GLBA. Effect: The University has not adequately addressed the requirements of GLBA, which may lead to unintended exposure of student information to security risks. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the University allocate sufficient resources to address all requirements of GLBA. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Compliance Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268, 84.063, 84.007, and 84.033-Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: The University did not sufficiently comply with all the requirements of GLBA. Criteria: 16 CFR 314.3, 16 CFR 314.4 Questioned Costs: $0 Context: The University has not documented each component of GLBA as required. This includes documenting an information security program, documenting the security risk assessment and safeguards, including general threats, implementing multi-factor authentication on all systems containing personally identifiable information (PII), implementing continuous monitoring, such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, implementing sufficient vendor management policies and reviews, and providing a written, annual report to the board covering all required areas. Cause: The University has not allocated sufficient resources to address and document compliance with the requirements of GLBA. Effect: The University has not adequately addressed the requirements of GLBA, which may lead to unintended exposure of student information to security risks. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the University allocate sufficient resources to address all requirements of GLBA. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Compliance Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268, 84.063, 84.007, and 84.033-Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: The University did not sufficiently comply with all the requirements of GLBA. Criteria: 16 CFR 314.3, 16 CFR 314.4 Questioned Costs: $0 Context: The University has not documented each component of GLBA as required. This includes documenting an information security program, documenting the security risk assessment and safeguards, including general threats, implementing multi-factor authentication on all systems containing personally identifiable information (PII), implementing continuous monitoring, such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, implementing sufficient vendor management policies and reviews, and providing a written, annual report to the board covering all required areas. Cause: The University has not allocated sufficient resources to address and document compliance with the requirements of GLBA. Effect: The University has not adequately addressed the requirements of GLBA, which may lead to unintended exposure of student information to security risks. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the University allocate sufficient resources to address all requirements of GLBA. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Compliance Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268, 84.063, 84.007, and 84.033-Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: The University did not sufficiently comply with all the requirements of GLBA. Criteria: 16 CFR 314.3, 16 CFR 314.4 Questioned Costs: $0 Context: The University has not documented each component of GLBA as required. This includes documenting an information security program, documenting the security risk assessment and safeguards, including general threats, implementing multi-factor authentication on all systems containing personally identifiable information (PII), implementing continuous monitoring, such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, implementing sufficient vendor management policies and reviews, and providing a written, annual report to the board covering all required areas. Cause: The University has not allocated sufficient resources to address and document compliance with the requirements of GLBA. Effect: The University has not adequately addressed the requirements of GLBA, which may lead to unintended exposure of student information to security risks. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the University allocate sufficient resources to address all requirements of GLBA. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Incorrect and Untimely Return of Title IV Funds Calculation (R2T4) Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.063, 84.263 and 84.007 Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: When students withdrew either officially or unofficially, the University did not always return unearned Title IV aid accurately or timely. Criteria: 34 CFR 668.22 and 34 CFR 690.63 Questioned Costs: $11,226 Context: Out of 25 students tested, three modular students who did not meet the exemption rules for modular students, resulted in late returns and incorrect Pell recalculations. Pell should have been recalculated for failure to begin attendance in all classes awarded and those funds returned prior to completing the R2T4. This resulted in under returns totaling $3,709 of Pell, $300 of FSEOG and $1,831 of Federal Direct loans (FDL). The exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two students in a distance education modular program did not have documented academic engagement to establish attendance in each module, therefore not meeting an exemption and should have an R2T4 completed. This resulted in a late return of $1,159 for Pell and $2,001 for FDL. These exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. A return was never made for another traditional student who did not participate past 60% of the semester resulting in a late return of $837 for Pell. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. One modular student had the incorrect amount returned due to an incorrect R2T4 calculation resulting in an under-return of $1,374 of Pell and $15 of FDL. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two other students had the correct amount returned however they were returned after the 45 day return window. The returns totaling $7,589 were late between 154-199 days. Cause: This was an oversight by the University. Students in modular programs who withdrew either officially or unofficially did not meet an exemption but no R2T4 was completed. Pell was not recalculated for classes that students did not begin attendance in. Effect: Noncompliance with new R2T4 regulations regarding withdrawals from modular programs, return of Title IV funds were not performed timely and incorrect amounts of federal funding were returned. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: 2022-004 Recommendation: We recommend an individual in financial aid with the appropriate level of experience periodically review standard and modular students R2T4 calculations and returns to help ensure that internal controls over such processes can operate effectively and achieve compliance. As part of this process, we also recommend reviewing students with Title IV aid that have no passing grades in a module or term for potential unofficial withdraws and document determination as to whether or not an R2T4 is required. We further recommend the University adjust procedures to identify whether any Pell recalculations are required to be completed first before the R2T4 calculation is completed. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Incorrect and Untimely Return of Title IV Funds Calculation (R2T4) Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.063, 84.263 and 84.007 Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: When students withdrew either officially or unofficially, the University did not always return unearned Title IV aid accurately or timely. Criteria: 34 CFR 668.22 and 34 CFR 690.63 Questioned Costs: $11,226 Context: Out of 25 students tested, three modular students who did not meet the exemption rules for modular students, resulted in late returns and incorrect Pell recalculations. Pell should have been recalculated for failure to begin attendance in all classes awarded and those funds returned prior to completing the R2T4. This resulted in under returns totaling $3,709 of Pell, $300 of FSEOG and $1,831 of Federal Direct loans (FDL). The exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two students in a distance education modular program did not have documented academic engagement to establish attendance in each module, therefore not meeting an exemption and should have an R2T4 completed. This resulted in a late return of $1,159 for Pell and $2,001 for FDL. These exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. A return was never made for another traditional student who did not participate past 60% of the semester resulting in a late return of $837 for Pell. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. One modular student had the incorrect amount returned due to an incorrect R2T4 calculation resulting in an under-return of $1,374 of Pell and $15 of FDL. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two other students had the correct amount returned however they were returned after the 45 day return window. The returns totaling $7,589 were late between 154-199 days. Cause: This was an oversight by the University. Students in modular programs who withdrew either officially or unofficially did not meet an exemption but no R2T4 was completed. Pell was not recalculated for classes that students did not begin attendance in. Effect: Noncompliance with new R2T4 regulations regarding withdrawals from modular programs, return of Title IV funds were not performed timely and incorrect amounts of federal funding were returned. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: 2022-004 Recommendation: We recommend an individual in financial aid with the appropriate level of experience periodically review standard and modular students R2T4 calculations and returns to help ensure that internal controls over such processes can operate effectively and achieve compliance. As part of this process, we also recommend reviewing students with Title IV aid that have no passing grades in a module or term for potential unofficial withdraws and document determination as to whether or not an R2T4 is required. We further recommend the University adjust procedures to identify whether any Pell recalculations are required to be completed first before the R2T4 calculation is completed. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Incorrect and Untimely Return of Title IV Funds Calculation (R2T4) Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.063, 84.263 and 84.007 Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: When students withdrew either officially or unofficially, the University did not always return unearned Title IV aid accurately or timely. Criteria: 34 CFR 668.22 and 34 CFR 690.63 Questioned Costs: $11,226 Context: Out of 25 students tested, three modular students who did not meet the exemption rules for modular students, resulted in late returns and incorrect Pell recalculations. Pell should have been recalculated for failure to begin attendance in all classes awarded and those funds returned prior to completing the R2T4. This resulted in under returns totaling $3,709 of Pell, $300 of FSEOG and $1,831 of Federal Direct loans (FDL). The exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two students in a distance education modular program did not have documented academic engagement to establish attendance in each module, therefore not meeting an exemption and should have an R2T4 completed. This resulted in a late return of $1,159 for Pell and $2,001 for FDL. These exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. A return was never made for another traditional student who did not participate past 60% of the semester resulting in a late return of $837 for Pell. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. One modular student had the incorrect amount returned due to an incorrect R2T4 calculation resulting in an under-return of $1,374 of Pell and $15 of FDL. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two other students had the correct amount returned however they were returned after the 45 day return window. The returns totaling $7,589 were late between 154-199 days. Cause: This was an oversight by the University. Students in modular programs who withdrew either officially or unofficially did not meet an exemption but no R2T4 was completed. Pell was not recalculated for classes that students did not begin attendance in. Effect: Noncompliance with new R2T4 regulations regarding withdrawals from modular programs, return of Title IV funds were not performed timely and incorrect amounts of federal funding were returned. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: 2022-004 Recommendation: We recommend an individual in financial aid with the appropriate level of experience periodically review standard and modular students R2T4 calculations and returns to help ensure that internal controls over such processes can operate effectively and achieve compliance. As part of this process, we also recommend reviewing students with Title IV aid that have no passing grades in a module or term for potential unofficial withdraws and document determination as to whether or not an R2T4 is required. We further recommend the University adjust procedures to identify whether any Pell recalculations are required to be completed first before the R2T4 calculation is completed. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.063 and 84.263 Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: Detailed reconciliations between COD and the University student information system were not performed. Criteria: 34CFR 668.164(a) Questioned Costs: $0 Context: Of the three months of reconciliations that were tested, it was noted that the reconciliations between COD and the University student information system were performed on a batch basis and were not on a student-by-student basis. Cause: Oversight by the University. The reconciliations of University records to COD were not completed on a student-by-student basis. Effect: Potential differences between the system and COD resulting in inaccurate student Title IV records. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: 2022-006 Recommendation: We recommend that the University implement procedures to monthly reconcile FDL and Pell disbursements to individual student accounts with disbursements reported to COD. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.063 and 84.263 Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: Detailed reconciliations between COD and the University student information system were not performed. Criteria: 34CFR 668.164(a) Questioned Costs: $0 Context: Of the three months of reconciliations that were tested, it was noted that the reconciliations between COD and the University student information system were performed on a batch basis and were not on a student-by-student basis. Cause: Oversight by the University. The reconciliations of University records to COD were not completed on a student-by-student basis. Effect: Potential differences between the system and COD resulting in inaccurate student Title IV records. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: 2022-006 Recommendation: We recommend that the University implement procedures to monthly reconcile FDL and Pell disbursements to individual student accounts with disbursements reported to COD. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Compliance Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268, 84.063, 84.007, and 84.033-Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: The University did not sufficiently comply with all the requirements of GLBA. Criteria: 16 CFR 314.3, 16 CFR 314.4 Questioned Costs: $0 Context: The University has not documented each component of GLBA as required. This includes documenting an information security program, documenting the security risk assessment and safeguards, including general threats, implementing multi-factor authentication on all systems containing personally identifiable information (PII), implementing continuous monitoring, such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, implementing sufficient vendor management policies and reviews, and providing a written, annual report to the board covering all required areas. Cause: The University has not allocated sufficient resources to address and document compliance with the requirements of GLBA. Effect: The University has not adequately addressed the requirements of GLBA, which may lead to unintended exposure of student information to security risks. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the University allocate sufficient resources to address all requirements of GLBA. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Compliance Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268, 84.063, 84.007, and 84.033-Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: The University did not sufficiently comply with all the requirements of GLBA. Criteria: 16 CFR 314.3, 16 CFR 314.4 Questioned Costs: $0 Context: The University has not documented each component of GLBA as required. This includes documenting an information security program, documenting the security risk assessment and safeguards, including general threats, implementing multi-factor authentication on all systems containing personally identifiable information (PII), implementing continuous monitoring, such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, implementing sufficient vendor management policies and reviews, and providing a written, annual report to the board covering all required areas. Cause: The University has not allocated sufficient resources to address and document compliance with the requirements of GLBA. Effect: The University has not adequately addressed the requirements of GLBA, which may lead to unintended exposure of student information to security risks. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the University allocate sufficient resources to address all requirements of GLBA. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Compliance Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268, 84.063, 84.007, and 84.033-Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: The University did not sufficiently comply with all the requirements of GLBA. Criteria: 16 CFR 314.3, 16 CFR 314.4 Questioned Costs: $0 Context: The University has not documented each component of GLBA as required. This includes documenting an information security program, documenting the security risk assessment and safeguards, including general threats, implementing multi-factor authentication on all systems containing personally identifiable information (PII), implementing continuous monitoring, such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, implementing sufficient vendor management policies and reviews, and providing a written, annual report to the board covering all required areas. Cause: The University has not allocated sufficient resources to address and document compliance with the requirements of GLBA. Effect: The University has not adequately addressed the requirements of GLBA, which may lead to unintended exposure of student information to security risks. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the University allocate sufficient resources to address all requirements of GLBA. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Compliance Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268, 84.063, 84.007, and 84.033-Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: The University did not sufficiently comply with all the requirements of GLBA. Criteria: 16 CFR 314.3, 16 CFR 314.4 Questioned Costs: $0 Context: The University has not documented each component of GLBA as required. This includes documenting an information security program, documenting the security risk assessment and safeguards, including general threats, implementing multi-factor authentication on all systems containing personally identifiable information (PII), implementing continuous monitoring, such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, implementing sufficient vendor management policies and reviews, and providing a written, annual report to the board covering all required areas. Cause: The University has not allocated sufficient resources to address and document compliance with the requirements of GLBA. Effect: The University has not adequately addressed the requirements of GLBA, which may lead to unintended exposure of student information to security risks. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the University allocate sufficient resources to address all requirements of GLBA. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Incorrect and Untimely Return of Title IV Funds Calculation (R2T4) Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.063, 84.263 and 84.007 Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: When students withdrew either officially or unofficially, the University did not always return unearned Title IV aid accurately or timely. Criteria: 34 CFR 668.22 and 34 CFR 690.63 Questioned Costs: $11,226 Context: Out of 25 students tested, three modular students who did not meet the exemption rules for modular students, resulted in late returns and incorrect Pell recalculations. Pell should have been recalculated for failure to begin attendance in all classes awarded and those funds returned prior to completing the R2T4. This resulted in under returns totaling $3,709 of Pell, $300 of FSEOG and $1,831 of Federal Direct loans (FDL). The exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two students in a distance education modular program did not have documented academic engagement to establish attendance in each module, therefore not meeting an exemption and should have an R2T4 completed. This resulted in a late return of $1,159 for Pell and $2,001 for FDL. These exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. A return was never made for another traditional student who did not participate past 60% of the semester resulting in a late return of $837 for Pell. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. One modular student had the incorrect amount returned due to an incorrect R2T4 calculation resulting in an under-return of $1,374 of Pell and $15 of FDL. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two other students had the correct amount returned however they were returned after the 45 day return window. The returns totaling $7,589 were late between 154-199 days. Cause: This was an oversight by the University. Students in modular programs who withdrew either officially or unofficially did not meet an exemption but no R2T4 was completed. Pell was not recalculated for classes that students did not begin attendance in. Effect: Noncompliance with new R2T4 regulations regarding withdrawals from modular programs, return of Title IV funds were not performed timely and incorrect amounts of federal funding were returned. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: 2022-004 Recommendation: We recommend an individual in financial aid with the appropriate level of experience periodically review standard and modular students R2T4 calculations and returns to help ensure that internal controls over such processes can operate effectively and achieve compliance. As part of this process, we also recommend reviewing students with Title IV aid that have no passing grades in a module or term for potential unofficial withdraws and document determination as to whether or not an R2T4 is required. We further recommend the University adjust procedures to identify whether any Pell recalculations are required to be completed first before the R2T4 calculation is completed. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Incorrect and Untimely Return of Title IV Funds Calculation (R2T4) Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.063, 84.263 and 84.007 Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: When students withdrew either officially or unofficially, the University did not always return unearned Title IV aid accurately or timely. Criteria: 34 CFR 668.22 and 34 CFR 690.63 Questioned Costs: $11,226 Context: Out of 25 students tested, three modular students who did not meet the exemption rules for modular students, resulted in late returns and incorrect Pell recalculations. Pell should have been recalculated for failure to begin attendance in all classes awarded and those funds returned prior to completing the R2T4. This resulted in under returns totaling $3,709 of Pell, $300 of FSEOG and $1,831 of Federal Direct loans (FDL). The exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two students in a distance education modular program did not have documented academic engagement to establish attendance in each module, therefore not meeting an exemption and should have an R2T4 completed. This resulted in a late return of $1,159 for Pell and $2,001 for FDL. These exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. A return was never made for another traditional student who did not participate past 60% of the semester resulting in a late return of $837 for Pell. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. One modular student had the incorrect amount returned due to an incorrect R2T4 calculation resulting in an under-return of $1,374 of Pell and $15 of FDL. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two other students had the correct amount returned however they were returned after the 45 day return window. The returns totaling $7,589 were late between 154-199 days. Cause: This was an oversight by the University. Students in modular programs who withdrew either officially or unofficially did not meet an exemption but no R2T4 was completed. Pell was not recalculated for classes that students did not begin attendance in. Effect: Noncompliance with new R2T4 regulations regarding withdrawals from modular programs, return of Title IV funds were not performed timely and incorrect amounts of federal funding were returned. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: 2022-004 Recommendation: We recommend an individual in financial aid with the appropriate level of experience periodically review standard and modular students R2T4 calculations and returns to help ensure that internal controls over such processes can operate effectively and achieve compliance. As part of this process, we also recommend reviewing students with Title IV aid that have no passing grades in a module or term for potential unofficial withdraws and document determination as to whether or not an R2T4 is required. We further recommend the University adjust procedures to identify whether any Pell recalculations are required to be completed first before the R2T4 calculation is completed. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Incorrect and Untimely Return of Title IV Funds Calculation (R2T4) Material Weakness DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.063, 84.263 and 84.007 Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: When students withdrew either officially or unofficially, the University did not always return unearned Title IV aid accurately or timely. Criteria: 34 CFR 668.22 and 34 CFR 690.63 Questioned Costs: $11,226 Context: Out of 25 students tested, three modular students who did not meet the exemption rules for modular students, resulted in late returns and incorrect Pell recalculations. Pell should have been recalculated for failure to begin attendance in all classes awarded and those funds returned prior to completing the R2T4. This resulted in under returns totaling $3,709 of Pell, $300 of FSEOG and $1,831 of Federal Direct loans (FDL). The exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two students in a distance education modular program did not have documented academic engagement to establish attendance in each module, therefore not meeting an exemption and should have an R2T4 completed. This resulted in a late return of $1,159 for Pell and $2,001 for FDL. These exceptions were corrected during the audit in November 2023. A return was never made for another traditional student who did not participate past 60% of the semester resulting in a late return of $837 for Pell. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. One modular student had the incorrect amount returned due to an incorrect R2T4 calculation resulting in an under-return of $1,374 of Pell and $15 of FDL. This exception was corrected during the audit in November 2023. Two other students had the correct amount returned however they were returned after the 45 day return window. The returns totaling $7,589 were late between 154-199 days. Cause: This was an oversight by the University. Students in modular programs who withdrew either officially or unofficially did not meet an exemption but no R2T4 was completed. Pell was not recalculated for classes that students did not begin attendance in. Effect: Noncompliance with new R2T4 regulations regarding withdrawals from modular programs, return of Title IV funds were not performed timely and incorrect amounts of federal funding were returned. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: 2022-004 Recommendation: We recommend an individual in financial aid with the appropriate level of experience periodically review standard and modular students R2T4 calculations and returns to help ensure that internal controls over such processes can operate effectively and achieve compliance. As part of this process, we also recommend reviewing students with Title IV aid that have no passing grades in a module or term for potential unofficial withdraws and document determination as to whether or not an R2T4 is required. We further recommend the University adjust procedures to identify whether any Pell recalculations are required to be completed first before the R2T4 calculation is completed. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.063 and 84.263 Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: Detailed reconciliations between COD and the University student information system were not performed. Criteria: 34CFR 668.164(a) Questioned Costs: $0 Context: Of the three months of reconciliations that were tested, it was noted that the reconciliations between COD and the University student information system were performed on a batch basis and were not on a student-by-student basis. Cause: Oversight by the University. The reconciliations of University records to COD were not completed on a student-by-student basis. Effect: Potential differences between the system and COD resulting in inaccurate student Title IV records. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: 2022-006 Recommendation: We recommend that the University implement procedures to monthly reconcile FDL and Pell disbursements to individual student accounts with disbursements reported to COD. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.063 and 84.263 Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: Detailed reconciliations between COD and the University student information system were not performed. Criteria: 34CFR 668.164(a) Questioned Costs: $0 Context: Of the three months of reconciliations that were tested, it was noted that the reconciliations between COD and the University student information system were performed on a batch basis and were not on a student-by-student basis. Cause: Oversight by the University. The reconciliations of University records to COD were not completed on a student-by-student basis. Effect: Potential differences between the system and COD resulting in inaccurate student Title IV records. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: 2022-006 Recommendation: We recommend that the University implement procedures to monthly reconcile FDL and Pell disbursements to individual student accounts with disbursements reported to COD. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.