Audit 300200

FY End
2023-06-30
Total Expended
$24.31M
Findings
4
Programs
20
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-03-29
Auditor: Galindez LLC

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
388475 2023-001 - Yes N
388476 2023-001 - Yes N
964917 2023-001 - Yes N
964918 2023-001 - Yes N

Contacts

Name Title Type
XVQJLM5S8L85 Iris Font Auditee
7877983001 Luis Corrada Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Basis of Presentation Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported 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 may or may not be allowable or may be limited as to reimbursement. The University has elected not to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate, as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The auditee did not use the de minimis cost rate. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the Schedule) includes the federal grant activity of Universidad Central del Caribe, Inc. (the University), under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2023. The information in the Schedule is prepared in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance). Therefore, some amounts presented in the Schedule may differ from amounts presented in or used in the preparation of the financial statements of the University. Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of the University, it is not intended to, and does not, present the financial position, changes in net assets, and cash flows of the University. Funds received for Student Financial Assistance Programs that are awarded to students are excluded from revenues and expenses in the financial statements of the University.
Title: Assistant Listing (AL) Number Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported 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 may or may not be allowable or may be limited as to reimbursement. The University has elected not to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate, as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The auditee did not use the de minimis cost rate. The AL numbers included in the Schedule are determined based on the program name, review of grant contract information and the public description of Federal Assistance Listings published by the U.S. Government.
Title: Major Federal Programs Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported 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 may or may not be allowable or may be limited as to reimbursement. The University has elected not to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate, as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The auditee did not use the de minimis cost rate. Major programs are identified in the Summary of Auditors’ Results Section in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Federal programs are presented by federal agency.
Title: Federal Direct Student Loans Program Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported 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 may or may not be allowable or may be limited as to reimbursement. The University has elected not to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate, as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The auditee did not use the de minimis cost rate. The University participates in the Federal Direct Student Loans (Direct Loans) program of the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), which includes subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans and Federal PLUS Loans. Under the Direct Loans program, the University is responsible only for certain administrative duties, accordingly, the disbursements under the program and the outstanding loan balances are excluded from the financial statements of the University. However, Direct Loans are considered a component of the student financial assistance programs of the University, as such, new loans processed during the year ended June 30, 2023 amounting to $18,819,844 were included in the Schedule. Federal expenditures for Direct Loans are determined when loans are made to the students, accordingly, the balance of Direct Loans from previous years is not considered federal expenditures of the current year.

Finding Details

Finding No. 2023-001 - Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education’s (USDE) central database for federal student aid disbursed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. Among other things, NSLDS monitors the programs of attendance and the enrollment status of Title IV aid recipients. The institution determines how often it receives the enrollment reporting roster file with the default set at a minimum of every 60 days. Once received, the institution must update for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes electronically through the batch method or the NSLDS website, as stated in 34 CFR Section 674.19 for Federal Perkin Loans, 34 CFR 690.83 (b)(2) for Federal Pell Grant Program and 34 CFR section 685.309 for Federal Direct Student Loan Program. A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies to Federal Direct Student Loan Program loan holders by USDE. Enrollment reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 30 days whenever attendance changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. These changes include reductions or increases in attendance levels, withdrawals, graduations, or approved leaves-of-absence. Condition In testing compliance and internal control over compliance with enrollment reporting, we selected twenty-six (26) students from the total population who withdrew, graduated, dropped-out or failed to attend to the University during the year ended June 30, 2023. As a result of our test, we noted that for one (1) out of twenty-five (25) students that received Student Financial Assistance funds, or 4% of the applicable sample, the University did not report to the NSLDS the students’ status change within the required 60 days’ period. Context Of the 94 instances of status changes, we selected twenty-six (26) students (of which, twenty-five (25) had received Student Financial Assistance funds) and determined that for one (1) out of twenty-five (25) students that received Student Financial Assistance funds, the University did not comply with the enrollment reporting requirements. Cause Non-compliance was mainly due to a lack of proper oversight over this requirement. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE was prevented from the use of accurate reporting data, which is critical for the effective administration of financial aid programs and for USDE budgetary policy analysis. Questioned Cost None. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2022-001. Recommendation The University must ascertain that students’ documentation and other information necessary to comply with the federal funds’ enrollment reporting requirements are readily available and up to date, and that all personnel assigned to such processes have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure full compliance with the applicable regulations. Furthermore, additional procedures need to be implemented to ensure that enrollment reporting submissions are completed within the timeframe required by such regulations. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 59.
Finding No. 2023-001 - Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education’s (USDE) central database for federal student aid disbursed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. Among other things, NSLDS monitors the programs of attendance and the enrollment status of Title IV aid recipients. The institution determines how often it receives the enrollment reporting roster file with the default set at a minimum of every 60 days. Once received, the institution must update for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes electronically through the batch method or the NSLDS website, as stated in 34 CFR Section 674.19 for Federal Perkin Loans, 34 CFR 690.83 (b)(2) for Federal Pell Grant Program and 34 CFR section 685.309 for Federal Direct Student Loan Program. A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies to Federal Direct Student Loan Program loan holders by USDE. Enrollment reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 30 days whenever attendance changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. These changes include reductions or increases in attendance levels, withdrawals, graduations, or approved leaves-of-absence. Condition In testing compliance and internal control over compliance with enrollment reporting, we selected twenty-six (26) students from the total population who withdrew, graduated, dropped-out or failed to attend to the University during the year ended June 30, 2023. As a result of our test, we noted that for one (1) out of twenty-five (25) students that received Student Financial Assistance funds, or 4% of the applicable sample, the University did not report to the NSLDS the students’ status change within the required 60 days’ period. Context Of the 94 instances of status changes, we selected twenty-six (26) students (of which, twenty-five (25) had received Student Financial Assistance funds) and determined that for one (1) out of twenty-five (25) students that received Student Financial Assistance funds, the University did not comply with the enrollment reporting requirements. Cause Non-compliance was mainly due to a lack of proper oversight over this requirement. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE was prevented from the use of accurate reporting data, which is critical for the effective administration of financial aid programs and for USDE budgetary policy analysis. Questioned Cost None. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2022-001. Recommendation The University must ascertain that students’ documentation and other information necessary to comply with the federal funds’ enrollment reporting requirements are readily available and up to date, and that all personnel assigned to such processes have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure full compliance with the applicable regulations. Furthermore, additional procedures need to be implemented to ensure that enrollment reporting submissions are completed within the timeframe required by such regulations. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 59.
Finding No. 2023-001 - Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education’s (USDE) central database for federal student aid disbursed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. Among other things, NSLDS monitors the programs of attendance and the enrollment status of Title IV aid recipients. The institution determines how often it receives the enrollment reporting roster file with the default set at a minimum of every 60 days. Once received, the institution must update for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes electronically through the batch method or the NSLDS website, as stated in 34 CFR Section 674.19 for Federal Perkin Loans, 34 CFR 690.83 (b)(2) for Federal Pell Grant Program and 34 CFR section 685.309 for Federal Direct Student Loan Program. A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies to Federal Direct Student Loan Program loan holders by USDE. Enrollment reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 30 days whenever attendance changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. These changes include reductions or increases in attendance levels, withdrawals, graduations, or approved leaves-of-absence. Condition In testing compliance and internal control over compliance with enrollment reporting, we selected twenty-six (26) students from the total population who withdrew, graduated, dropped-out or failed to attend to the University during the year ended June 30, 2023. As a result of our test, we noted that for one (1) out of twenty-five (25) students that received Student Financial Assistance funds, or 4% of the applicable sample, the University did not report to the NSLDS the students’ status change within the required 60 days’ period. Context Of the 94 instances of status changes, we selected twenty-six (26) students (of which, twenty-five (25) had received Student Financial Assistance funds) and determined that for one (1) out of twenty-five (25) students that received Student Financial Assistance funds, the University did not comply with the enrollment reporting requirements. Cause Non-compliance was mainly due to a lack of proper oversight over this requirement. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE was prevented from the use of accurate reporting data, which is critical for the effective administration of financial aid programs and for USDE budgetary policy analysis. Questioned Cost None. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2022-001. Recommendation The University must ascertain that students’ documentation and other information necessary to comply with the federal funds’ enrollment reporting requirements are readily available and up to date, and that all personnel assigned to such processes have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure full compliance with the applicable regulations. Furthermore, additional procedures need to be implemented to ensure that enrollment reporting submissions are completed within the timeframe required by such regulations. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 59.
Finding No. 2023-001 - Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education’s (USDE) central database for federal student aid disbursed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. Among other things, NSLDS monitors the programs of attendance and the enrollment status of Title IV aid recipients. The institution determines how often it receives the enrollment reporting roster file with the default set at a minimum of every 60 days. Once received, the institution must update for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes electronically through the batch method or the NSLDS website, as stated in 34 CFR Section 674.19 for Federal Perkin Loans, 34 CFR 690.83 (b)(2) for Federal Pell Grant Program and 34 CFR section 685.309 for Federal Direct Student Loan Program. A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies to Federal Direct Student Loan Program loan holders by USDE. Enrollment reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 30 days whenever attendance changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. These changes include reductions or increases in attendance levels, withdrawals, graduations, or approved leaves-of-absence. Condition In testing compliance and internal control over compliance with enrollment reporting, we selected twenty-six (26) students from the total population who withdrew, graduated, dropped-out or failed to attend to the University during the year ended June 30, 2023. As a result of our test, we noted that for one (1) out of twenty-five (25) students that received Student Financial Assistance funds, or 4% of the applicable sample, the University did not report to the NSLDS the students’ status change within the required 60 days’ period. Context Of the 94 instances of status changes, we selected twenty-six (26) students (of which, twenty-five (25) had received Student Financial Assistance funds) and determined that for one (1) out of twenty-five (25) students that received Student Financial Assistance funds, the University did not comply with the enrollment reporting requirements. Cause Non-compliance was mainly due to a lack of proper oversight over this requirement. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE was prevented from the use of accurate reporting data, which is critical for the effective administration of financial aid programs and for USDE budgetary policy analysis. Questioned Cost None. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2022-001. Recommendation The University must ascertain that students’ documentation and other information necessary to comply with the federal funds’ enrollment reporting requirements are readily available and up to date, and that all personnel assigned to such processes have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure full compliance with the applicable regulations. Furthermore, additional procedures need to be implemented to ensure that enrollment reporting submissions are completed within the timeframe required by such regulations. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 59.