Audit 300264

FY End
2023-06-30
Total Expended
$1.02M
Findings
30
Programs
5
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-03-29

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
388569 2023-002 Material Weakness - N
388570 2023-003 Significant Deficiency Yes N
388571 2023-004 Significant Deficiency Yes N
388572 2023-005 Significant Deficiency - N
388573 2023-006 Significant Deficiency - N
388574 2023-003 Significant Deficiency Yes N
388575 2023-004 Significant Deficiency Yes N
388576 2023-005 Significant Deficiency - N
388577 2023-006 Significant Deficiency - N
388578 2023-004 Significant Deficiency Yes N
388579 2023-005 Significant Deficiency - N
388580 2023-006 Significant Deficiency - N
388581 2023-004 Significant Deficiency Yes N
388582 2023-005 Significant Deficiency - N
388583 2023-006 Significant Deficiency - N
965011 2023-002 Material Weakness - N
965012 2023-003 Significant Deficiency Yes N
965013 2023-004 Significant Deficiency Yes N
965014 2023-005 Significant Deficiency - N
965015 2023-006 Significant Deficiency - N
965016 2023-003 Significant Deficiency Yes N
965017 2023-004 Significant Deficiency Yes N
965018 2023-005 Significant Deficiency - N
965019 2023-006 Significant Deficiency - N
965020 2023-004 Significant Deficiency Yes N
965021 2023-005 Significant Deficiency - N
965022 2023-006 Significant Deficiency - N
965023 2023-004 Significant Deficiency Yes N
965024 2023-005 Significant Deficiency - N
965025 2023-006 Significant Deficiency - N

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $657,414 Yes 5
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $335,495 Yes 4
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $16,200 Yes 3
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $9,945 Yes 0
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $3,772 Yes 3

Contacts

Name Title Type
LBFMCP8MH1S4 Sara Shepherd Auditee
2523342010 Chad Kisner Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Note A - Basis of Presentation Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on 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. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Mid-Atlantic Christian University has elected not to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the Schedule) includes the federal award activity of Mid-Atlantic Christian University under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2023. The information in this Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of Mid-Atlantic Christian University, it is not intended to, and does not present, the financial position, changes in net assets or cash flows of Mid-Atlantic Christian University.

Finding Details

2023-002 Material Weakness: Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268) Criteria: In accordance with 16 CFR 314.4, a University shall develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive information security program that is written in one or more readily accessible parts and contains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards that are appropriate to your size and complexity, the nature and scope of your activities, and the sensitivity of any customer information at issue and must contain all of the elements that are further described in 16 CFR 314.4. Statement of Condition: During the 2023 audit, it was noted that the University’s Gramm-Leach- Bliley Act Policy did not fully address all of the requirements as described by 16 CFR 314.4. In addition, the application of the comprehensive information security program was not effectively administered by the University for the 2023 year. Questioned Costs: Such information is not applicable for this finding since it is nonmonetary in nature. Perspective Information: The 2023 audit included testing of the University’s Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Policy as outlined in Part 5 of the Compliance Supplement including the application of this program for the year. Cause and Effect: Due to lapses of oversight in multiple departments, the University failed to update their GLBA policy to include the required components in accordance with the Compliance Supplement. Therefore, the policy is considered incomplete and does not provide the appropriate disclosures to consumers. Recommendation: The University should update their Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Policy to be in accordance with the requirements and put in place effective controls and practices to ensure the policy is monitored in a way to ensure it is administered effectively. View of Responsible Officials: The University has reviewed the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Policy and has put in place controls and practices to ensure the policy is monitored and administered effectively moving forward.
2023-003 Significant Deficiency: National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Report (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268 and Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063) (Repeat Finding 2022-002) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 685.309(b) and 34 CFR section 690.83(b)(2), for Direct Loans and Pell grants, respectively, once the Enrollment Reporting roster file is received from the NSLDS, the institution must update the Enrollment Reporting roster file for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes to NSLDS. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly reported student enrollment status at changes in enrollment. Questioned Costs: Such information is not applicable for this finding since it is nonmonetary in nature. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 40 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 12.50%. Cause and Effect: Due to lapses in communication between departments, in certain instances, the University failed to provide NSLDS with accurate updates to student enrollment statuses, resulting in misrepresentation within the NSLDS system. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the correct enrollment status is reported to NSLDS. View of Responsible Officials: The University is continuing to improve communication between the Registrar’s office, Financial Aid office, National Student Clearinghouse, and NSLDS with the goal of clear and correct reporting to NSLDS. Staff between the different departments have participated in training on enrollment reporting and how National Student Clearinghouse works directly with NSLDS. A monthly check list has also been created to make sure items are getting completed.
2023-004 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) (Repeat Finding 2022-003) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(f), in the calculation of the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed, the total number of calendar days in a payment and/or enrollment period includes all days within the period, except that institutionally scheduled breaks of at least 5 consecutive calendar days and days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period and/or period of enrollment. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect number of total days in the payment period or period of enrollment in calculating the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $9 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 83.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the total day count was not performed per the instructions described in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of percentage of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment is counted correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-005 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(e), the calculated percentage of Title IV assistance earned should be applied to the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that was disbursed or could have been disbursed to the student, or on the student's behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student's withdrawal date. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect sum of aid disbursed or disbursable to the student when applying the percentage earned in calculating the return to Title IV Funds upon student withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $12 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the incorrect sum of disbursed or disbursable aid was used in calculating Return to Title IV Funds, according to guidance in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: In calculating a student’s Return to Title IV Funds upon withdrawal, the University should ensure that the calculated percentage of Title IV earned is applied to the total assistance disbursed or available to be disbursed to a student prior to withdrawal, according to the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-006 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(g), for the purpose of calculating the return of unearned aid upon withdrawal, “institutional charges” are tuition, fees, room and board (if the student contracts with the institution for the room and board) and other educationally related expenses assessed by the institution. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly calculated institutional charges used in determining the amount of unearned aid to withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $307 over-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the institutional charges were not calculated per the stipulations described in the handbook. This could result in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the calculation of institutional charges used in the determination of the return of aid for a payment period in which a student has withdrawn is formulated correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-003 Significant Deficiency: National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Report (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268 and Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063) (Repeat Finding 2022-002) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 685.309(b) and 34 CFR section 690.83(b)(2), for Direct Loans and Pell grants, respectively, once the Enrollment Reporting roster file is received from the NSLDS, the institution must update the Enrollment Reporting roster file for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes to NSLDS. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly reported student enrollment status at changes in enrollment. Questioned Costs: Such information is not applicable for this finding since it is nonmonetary in nature. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 40 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 12.50%. Cause and Effect: Due to lapses in communication between departments, in certain instances, the University failed to provide NSLDS with accurate updates to student enrollment statuses, resulting in misrepresentation within the NSLDS system. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the correct enrollment status is reported to NSLDS. View of Responsible Officials: The University is continuing to improve communication between the Registrar’s office, Financial Aid office, National Student Clearinghouse, and NSLDS with the goal of clear and correct reporting to NSLDS. Staff between the different departments have participated in training on enrollment reporting and how National Student Clearinghouse works directly with NSLDS. A monthly check list has also been created to make sure items are getting completed.
2023-004 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) (Repeat Finding 2022-003) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(f), in the calculation of the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed, the total number of calendar days in a payment and/or enrollment period includes all days within the period, except that institutionally scheduled breaks of at least 5 consecutive calendar days and days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period and/or period of enrollment. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect number of total days in the payment period or period of enrollment in calculating the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $9 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 83.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the total day count was not performed per the instructions described in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of percentage of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment is counted correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-005 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(e), the calculated percentage of Title IV assistance earned should be applied to the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that was disbursed or could have been disbursed to the student, or on the student's behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student's withdrawal date. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect sum of aid disbursed or disbursable to the student when applying the percentage earned in calculating the return to Title IV Funds upon student withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $12 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the incorrect sum of disbursed or disbursable aid was used in calculating Return to Title IV Funds, according to guidance in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: In calculating a student’s Return to Title IV Funds upon withdrawal, the University should ensure that the calculated percentage of Title IV earned is applied to the total assistance disbursed or available to be disbursed to a student prior to withdrawal, according to the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-006 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(g), for the purpose of calculating the return of unearned aid upon withdrawal, “institutional charges” are tuition, fees, room and board (if the student contracts with the institution for the room and board) and other educationally related expenses assessed by the institution. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly calculated institutional charges used in determining the amount of unearned aid to withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $307 over-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the institutional charges were not calculated per the stipulations described in the handbook. This could result in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the calculation of institutional charges used in the determination of the return of aid for a payment period in which a student has withdrawn is formulated correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-004 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) (Repeat Finding 2022-003) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(f), in the calculation of the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed, the total number of calendar days in a payment and/or enrollment period includes all days within the period, except that institutionally scheduled breaks of at least 5 consecutive calendar days and days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period and/or period of enrollment. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect number of total days in the payment period or period of enrollment in calculating the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $9 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 83.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the total day count was not performed per the instructions described in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of percentage of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment is counted correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-005 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(e), the calculated percentage of Title IV assistance earned should be applied to the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that was disbursed or could have been disbursed to the student, or on the student's behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student's withdrawal date. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect sum of aid disbursed or disbursable to the student when applying the percentage earned in calculating the return to Title IV Funds upon student withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $12 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the incorrect sum of disbursed or disbursable aid was used in calculating Return to Title IV Funds, according to guidance in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: In calculating a student’s Return to Title IV Funds upon withdrawal, the University should ensure that the calculated percentage of Title IV earned is applied to the total assistance disbursed or available to be disbursed to a student prior to withdrawal, according to the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-006 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(g), for the purpose of calculating the return of unearned aid upon withdrawal, “institutional charges” are tuition, fees, room and board (if the student contracts with the institution for the room and board) and other educationally related expenses assessed by the institution. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly calculated institutional charges used in determining the amount of unearned aid to withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $307 over-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the institutional charges were not calculated per the stipulations described in the handbook. This could result in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the calculation of institutional charges used in the determination of the return of aid for a payment period in which a student has withdrawn is formulated correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-004 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) (Repeat Finding 2022-003) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(f), in the calculation of the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed, the total number of calendar days in a payment and/or enrollment period includes all days within the period, except that institutionally scheduled breaks of at least 5 consecutive calendar days and days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period and/or period of enrollment. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect number of total days in the payment period or period of enrollment in calculating the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $9 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 83.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the total day count was not performed per the instructions described in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of percentage of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment is counted correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-005 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(e), the calculated percentage of Title IV assistance earned should be applied to the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that was disbursed or could have been disbursed to the student, or on the student's behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student's withdrawal date. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect sum of aid disbursed or disbursable to the student when applying the percentage earned in calculating the return to Title IV Funds upon student withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $12 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the incorrect sum of disbursed or disbursable aid was used in calculating Return to Title IV Funds, according to guidance in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: In calculating a student’s Return to Title IV Funds upon withdrawal, the University should ensure that the calculated percentage of Title IV earned is applied to the total assistance disbursed or available to be disbursed to a student prior to withdrawal, according to the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-006 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(g), for the purpose of calculating the return of unearned aid upon withdrawal, “institutional charges” are tuition, fees, room and board (if the student contracts with the institution for the room and board) and other educationally related expenses assessed by the institution. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly calculated institutional charges used in determining the amount of unearned aid to withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $307 over-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the institutional charges were not calculated per the stipulations described in the handbook. This could result in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the calculation of institutional charges used in the determination of the return of aid for a payment period in which a student has withdrawn is formulated correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-002 Material Weakness: Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268) Criteria: In accordance with 16 CFR 314.4, a University shall develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive information security program that is written in one or more readily accessible parts and contains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards that are appropriate to your size and complexity, the nature and scope of your activities, and the sensitivity of any customer information at issue and must contain all of the elements that are further described in 16 CFR 314.4. Statement of Condition: During the 2023 audit, it was noted that the University’s Gramm-Leach- Bliley Act Policy did not fully address all of the requirements as described by 16 CFR 314.4. In addition, the application of the comprehensive information security program was not effectively administered by the University for the 2023 year. Questioned Costs: Such information is not applicable for this finding since it is nonmonetary in nature. Perspective Information: The 2023 audit included testing of the University’s Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Policy as outlined in Part 5 of the Compliance Supplement including the application of this program for the year. Cause and Effect: Due to lapses of oversight in multiple departments, the University failed to update their GLBA policy to include the required components in accordance with the Compliance Supplement. Therefore, the policy is considered incomplete and does not provide the appropriate disclosures to consumers. Recommendation: The University should update their Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Policy to be in accordance with the requirements and put in place effective controls and practices to ensure the policy is monitored in a way to ensure it is administered effectively. View of Responsible Officials: The University has reviewed the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Policy and has put in place controls and practices to ensure the policy is monitored and administered effectively moving forward.
2023-003 Significant Deficiency: National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Report (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268 and Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063) (Repeat Finding 2022-002) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 685.309(b) and 34 CFR section 690.83(b)(2), for Direct Loans and Pell grants, respectively, once the Enrollment Reporting roster file is received from the NSLDS, the institution must update the Enrollment Reporting roster file for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes to NSLDS. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly reported student enrollment status at changes in enrollment. Questioned Costs: Such information is not applicable for this finding since it is nonmonetary in nature. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 40 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 12.50%. Cause and Effect: Due to lapses in communication between departments, in certain instances, the University failed to provide NSLDS with accurate updates to student enrollment statuses, resulting in misrepresentation within the NSLDS system. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the correct enrollment status is reported to NSLDS. View of Responsible Officials: The University is continuing to improve communication between the Registrar’s office, Financial Aid office, National Student Clearinghouse, and NSLDS with the goal of clear and correct reporting to NSLDS. Staff between the different departments have participated in training on enrollment reporting and how National Student Clearinghouse works directly with NSLDS. A monthly check list has also been created to make sure items are getting completed.
2023-004 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) (Repeat Finding 2022-003) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(f), in the calculation of the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed, the total number of calendar days in a payment and/or enrollment period includes all days within the period, except that institutionally scheduled breaks of at least 5 consecutive calendar days and days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period and/or period of enrollment. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect number of total days in the payment period or period of enrollment in calculating the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $9 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 83.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the total day count was not performed per the instructions described in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of percentage of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment is counted correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-005 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(e), the calculated percentage of Title IV assistance earned should be applied to the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that was disbursed or could have been disbursed to the student, or on the student's behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student's withdrawal date. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect sum of aid disbursed or disbursable to the student when applying the percentage earned in calculating the return to Title IV Funds upon student withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $12 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the incorrect sum of disbursed or disbursable aid was used in calculating Return to Title IV Funds, according to guidance in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: In calculating a student’s Return to Title IV Funds upon withdrawal, the University should ensure that the calculated percentage of Title IV earned is applied to the total assistance disbursed or available to be disbursed to a student prior to withdrawal, according to the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-006 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(g), for the purpose of calculating the return of unearned aid upon withdrawal, “institutional charges” are tuition, fees, room and board (if the student contracts with the institution for the room and board) and other educationally related expenses assessed by the institution. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly calculated institutional charges used in determining the amount of unearned aid to withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $307 over-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the institutional charges were not calculated per the stipulations described in the handbook. This could result in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the calculation of institutional charges used in the determination of the return of aid for a payment period in which a student has withdrawn is formulated correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-003 Significant Deficiency: National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Report (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268 and Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063) (Repeat Finding 2022-002) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 685.309(b) and 34 CFR section 690.83(b)(2), for Direct Loans and Pell grants, respectively, once the Enrollment Reporting roster file is received from the NSLDS, the institution must update the Enrollment Reporting roster file for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes to NSLDS. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly reported student enrollment status at changes in enrollment. Questioned Costs: Such information is not applicable for this finding since it is nonmonetary in nature. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 40 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 12.50%. Cause and Effect: Due to lapses in communication between departments, in certain instances, the University failed to provide NSLDS with accurate updates to student enrollment statuses, resulting in misrepresentation within the NSLDS system. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the correct enrollment status is reported to NSLDS. View of Responsible Officials: The University is continuing to improve communication between the Registrar’s office, Financial Aid office, National Student Clearinghouse, and NSLDS with the goal of clear and correct reporting to NSLDS. Staff between the different departments have participated in training on enrollment reporting and how National Student Clearinghouse works directly with NSLDS. A monthly check list has also been created to make sure items are getting completed.
2023-004 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) (Repeat Finding 2022-003) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(f), in the calculation of the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed, the total number of calendar days in a payment and/or enrollment period includes all days within the period, except that institutionally scheduled breaks of at least 5 consecutive calendar days and days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period and/or period of enrollment. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect number of total days in the payment period or period of enrollment in calculating the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $9 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 83.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the total day count was not performed per the instructions described in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of percentage of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment is counted correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-005 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(e), the calculated percentage of Title IV assistance earned should be applied to the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that was disbursed or could have been disbursed to the student, or on the student's behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student's withdrawal date. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect sum of aid disbursed or disbursable to the student when applying the percentage earned in calculating the return to Title IV Funds upon student withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $12 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the incorrect sum of disbursed or disbursable aid was used in calculating Return to Title IV Funds, according to guidance in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: In calculating a student’s Return to Title IV Funds upon withdrawal, the University should ensure that the calculated percentage of Title IV earned is applied to the total assistance disbursed or available to be disbursed to a student prior to withdrawal, according to the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-006 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(g), for the purpose of calculating the return of unearned aid upon withdrawal, “institutional charges” are tuition, fees, room and board (if the student contracts with the institution for the room and board) and other educationally related expenses assessed by the institution. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly calculated institutional charges used in determining the amount of unearned aid to withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $307 over-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the institutional charges were not calculated per the stipulations described in the handbook. This could result in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the calculation of institutional charges used in the determination of the return of aid for a payment period in which a student has withdrawn is formulated correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-004 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) (Repeat Finding 2022-003) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(f), in the calculation of the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed, the total number of calendar days in a payment and/or enrollment period includes all days within the period, except that institutionally scheduled breaks of at least 5 consecutive calendar days and days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period and/or period of enrollment. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect number of total days in the payment period or period of enrollment in calculating the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $9 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 83.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the total day count was not performed per the instructions described in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of percentage of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment is counted correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-005 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(e), the calculated percentage of Title IV assistance earned should be applied to the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that was disbursed or could have been disbursed to the student, or on the student's behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student's withdrawal date. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect sum of aid disbursed or disbursable to the student when applying the percentage earned in calculating the return to Title IV Funds upon student withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $12 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the incorrect sum of disbursed or disbursable aid was used in calculating Return to Title IV Funds, according to guidance in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: In calculating a student’s Return to Title IV Funds upon withdrawal, the University should ensure that the calculated percentage of Title IV earned is applied to the total assistance disbursed or available to be disbursed to a student prior to withdrawal, according to the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-006 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(g), for the purpose of calculating the return of unearned aid upon withdrawal, “institutional charges” are tuition, fees, room and board (if the student contracts with the institution for the room and board) and other educationally related expenses assessed by the institution. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly calculated institutional charges used in determining the amount of unearned aid to withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $307 over-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the institutional charges were not calculated per the stipulations described in the handbook. This could result in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the calculation of institutional charges used in the determination of the return of aid for a payment period in which a student has withdrawn is formulated correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-004 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) (Repeat Finding 2022-003) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(f), in the calculation of the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed, the total number of calendar days in a payment and/or enrollment period includes all days within the period, except that institutionally scheduled breaks of at least 5 consecutive calendar days and days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period and/or period of enrollment. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect number of total days in the payment period or period of enrollment in calculating the percentage of payment period and/or period of enrollment completed. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $9 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 5, indicating an error rate of 83.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the total day count was not performed per the instructions described in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of percentage of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment is counted correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-005 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(e), the calculated percentage of Title IV assistance earned should be applied to the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that was disbursed or could have been disbursed to the student, or on the student's behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student's withdrawal date. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect sum of aid disbursed or disbursable to the student when applying the percentage earned in calculating the return to Title IV Funds upon student withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $12 under-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the incorrect sum of disbursed or disbursable aid was used in calculating Return to Title IV Funds, according to guidance in the handbook. This results in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: In calculating a student’s Return to Title IV Funds upon withdrawal, the University should ensure that the calculated percentage of Title IV earned is applied to the total assistance disbursed or available to be disbursed to a student prior to withdrawal, according to the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.
2023-006 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063; Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, ALN #84.007; and TEACH Grant Program, ALN #84.379) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(g), for the purpose of calculating the return of unearned aid upon withdrawal, “institutional charges” are tuition, fees, room and board (if the student contracts with the institution for the room and board) and other educationally related expenses assessed by the institution. Statement of Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the University incorrectly calculated institutional charges used in determining the amount of unearned aid to withdrawal. Questioned Costs: The known monetary error is $307 over-awarded. Extrapolation of the error was not necessary because all withdrawals were tested during the audit. Therefore, the monetary impact of this deficiency does not exceed the reporting threshold of $25,000. Perspective Information: The audit included a detailed testing of 6 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 2, indicating an error rate of 33.30%. Cause and Effect: For noted withdrawal calculations, the institutional charges were not calculated per the stipulations described in the handbook. This could result in a miscalculation of Title IV aid earned and could result in monetary error. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the calculation of institutional charges used in the determination of the return of aid for a payment period in which a student has withdrawn is formulated correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student Financial Aid Handbook. View of Responsible Officials: The University improved the process for completing return to Title IV calculations by adding in additional training and workshops offered through the Department of Education. The financial aid office created a calendar showing days of attendance from the first day of school to the last using the school’s master calendar as a reference. This will be used also as a double check of days when calculating returns. The dates used in the return calculations were off a day due to misreading the ending date of semester.