Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.164(h):
Title IV, Higher Education Act (“HEA”) credit balances. (1) A title IV, HEA credit balance occurs whenever the amount of title IV, HEA program funds credited to a student's ledger account for a payment period exceeds the amount assessed the student for allowable charges associated with that payment period.
(2) A title IV, HEA credit balance must be paid directly to the student or parent as soon as possible, but no later than –
(i) No later than 14 days after the balance occurred if the balance occurred after the first day of class of a payment period; or
(ii) No later than 14 days after the first day of class of a payment period if the credit balance occurred on or before the first day of that payment period.
Condition
The Federal Government requires that whenever Title IV aid is disbursed on a student’s account, the account must be reviewed to determine if the disbursement caused a credit balance. If the credit balance was caused by Title IV funds, the College must refund the balance directly to the student within 14 days of the disbursement of funds.
During our testing, we noted 5 students, out of a sample of 40, that were not refunded credit balances within the required timeframe by 91-105 days.
Cause
The College failed to identify Title IV credit balances after federal aid was disbursed on the students’ accounts.
Effect
The College did not refund Title IV credit balances within the required 14-day time frame and therefore was not in compliance with federal requirements.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 34 students, or 85% of our sample, had credit balances caused by financial aid. Of these 34 students, 5 students’ credit balance caused by Title IV funds were not refunded within the required time frame (14.7% of students who had credit balances).
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The Business Office should continue to develop their procedures to identify credit balances caused by changes on students’ accounts as well as disbursements. This includes reviewing accounts after late disbursement of Title IV aid as well as tuition and fee adjustments, health insurance waivers and bookstore credits.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.164(h):
Title IV, Higher Education Act (“HEA”) credit balances. (1) A title IV, HEA credit balance occurs whenever the amount of title IV, HEA program funds credited to a student's ledger account for a payment period exceeds the amount assessed the student for allowable charges associated with that payment period.
(2) A title IV, HEA credit balance must be paid directly to the student or parent as soon as possible, but no later than –
(i) No later than 14 days after the balance occurred if the balance occurred after the first day of class of a payment period; or
(ii) No later than 14 days after the first day of class of a payment period if the credit balance occurred on or before the first day of that payment period.
Condition
The Federal Government requires that whenever Title IV aid is disbursed on a student’s account, the account must be reviewed to determine if the disbursement caused a credit balance. If the credit balance was caused by Title IV funds, the College must refund the balance directly to the student within 14 days of the disbursement of funds.
During our testing, we noted 5 students, out of a sample of 40, that were not refunded credit balances within the required timeframe by 91-105 days.
Cause
The College failed to identify Title IV credit balances after federal aid was disbursed on the students’ accounts.
Effect
The College did not refund Title IV credit balances within the required 14-day time frame and therefore was not in compliance with federal requirements.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 34 students, or 85% of our sample, had credit balances caused by financial aid. Of these 34 students, 5 students’ credit balance caused by Title IV funds were not refunded within the required time frame (14.7% of students who had credit balances).
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The Business Office should continue to develop their procedures to identify credit balances caused by changes on students’ accounts as well as disbursements. This includes reviewing accounts after late disbursement of Title IV aid as well as tuition and fee adjustments, health insurance waivers and bookstore credits.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 690.83(b)
(1) An institution shall report to the Secretary any change for which a student qualifies including any related Payment Data changes by submitting to the Secretary the student’s Payment Data that discloses the basis and result of the change in award for each student. The institution shall submit the student’s Payment Data reporting any to the Secretary by the reporting deadlines published by the Secretary in the Federal Register.
(2) An institution shall submit, in accordance with the deadline dates established by the Secretary, through publication in the Federal Register, other reports and information the Secretary requires and shall comply with the procedures the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that the reports are correct.
According to the Federal Register (Volume 88, Number 120):
An institution must submit Pell Grant, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, Direct Loan, and TEACH Grant disbursement records to COD, no later than 15 days after making the disbursement or becoming aware of the need to adjust a previously reported disbursement. In accordance with 34 CFR 668.164(a), title IV, Higher Education Act (“HEA”) program funds are disbursed on the date that the institution:
(a) Credits those funds to a student’s account in the institution’s general ledger or any subledger of the general ledger; or
(b) pays those funds to a student directly.
Title IV, HEA program funds are disbursed even if an institution uses its own funds in advance of receiving program funds from the Department.
Condition
Federal regulations require the College to report to the Federal Government’s Common Origination and Disbursement System (“COD”) disbursements made to students accurately based on date award was credited to student directly. During our testing, we noted 1 student, out of a sample of 40, was not reported accurately to Common Origination System based on disbursement date per College records.
Cause
The College has policies and procedures in place to report the disbursement records to the Department of Education through the COD are recorded accurately, however, in this case the procedures were not completed properly.
Effect
The College did not report Direct Loan disbursements to COD accurately based on College records.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 1 student, or 2.5% of our sample, had disbursement information not recorded
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
We recommend that management of the College review, and if necessary, update the policies and procedures to ensure all Direct Loan funds disbursed are reported accurately based on when awards were credited to student account.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.164(l):
(1) Notwithstanding any State law (such as a law that allows funds to escheat to the State), an institution must return to the Secretary any title IV, Higher Education Act (“HEA”) program funds, except Federal Work Study (“FWS”) program funds, that it attempts to disburse directly to a student or parent that are not received by the student or parent. For FWS program funds, the institution is required to return only the Federal portion of the payroll disbursement.
(2) If an EFT to a student's or parent's financial account is rejected, or a check to a student or parent is returned, the institution may make additional attempts to disburse the funds, provided that those attempts are made not later than 45 days after the EFT was rejected or the check returned. In cases where the institution does not make another attempt, the funds must be returned to the Secretary before the end of this 45-day period.
(3) If a check sent to a student or parent is not returned to the institution but is not cashed, the institution must return the funds to the Secretary no later than 240 days after the date it issued the check.
Condition
Federal regulations require an institution to return unclaimed Title IV funds issued by check or EFT within 240 days. During our testing, we noted 4 students, out of a sample of 6, that had unclaimed funds exceeding the federal day limit by 42-498 days.
Cause
The College did not monitor the outstanding check aging to ensure that the 240-day timeframe was met.
Effect
The College did not return Title IV unclaimed funds to the Department of Education within the required 240-day time frame.
Questioned Costs
There were 4 outstanding checks totaling $168, which pertained specifically to federal-sourced funds.
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 4 students, or 66.67% of our sample, had unclaimed funds pertaining to federal sources that were not returned to the Department of Education within the 240-day required time frame.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should examine its policies and procedures related to unclaimed funds including the process and time frame for identifying aged balances and the process for cancelling checks and returning funds to the Department of Education.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.164(l):
(1) Notwithstanding any State law (such as a law that allows funds to escheat to the State), an institution must return to the Secretary any title IV, Higher Education Act (“HEA”) program funds, except Federal Work Study (“FWS”) program funds, that it attempts to disburse directly to a student or parent that are not received by the student or parent. For FWS program funds, the institution is required to return only the Federal portion of the payroll disbursement.
(2) If an EFT to a student's or parent's financial account is rejected, or a check to a student or parent is returned, the institution may make additional attempts to disburse the funds, provided that those attempts are made not later than 45 days after the EFT was rejected or the check returned. In cases where the institution does not make another attempt, the funds must be returned to the Secretary before the end of this 45-day period.
(3) If a check sent to a student or parent is not returned to the institution but is not cashed, the institution must return the funds to the Secretary no later than 240 days after the date it issued the check.
Condition
Federal regulations require an institution to return unclaimed Title IV funds issued by check or EFT within 240 days. During our testing, we noted 4 students, out of a sample of 6, that had unclaimed funds exceeding the federal day limit by 42-498 days.
Cause
The College did not monitor the outstanding check aging to ensure that the 240-day timeframe was met.
Effect
The College did not return Title IV unclaimed funds to the Department of Education within the required 240-day time frame.
Questioned Costs
There were 4 outstanding checks totaling $168, which pertained specifically to federal-sourced funds.
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 4 students, or 66.67% of our sample, had unclaimed funds pertaining to federal sources that were not returned to the Department of Education within the 240-day required time frame.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should examine its policies and procedures related to unclaimed funds including the process and time frame for identifying aged balances and the process for cancelling checks and returning funds to the Department of Education.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.22(f)(2):
(i) The total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment includes all days within the period that the student was scheduled to complete, except that scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment and the number of calendar days completed in that period.
(ii) The total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment does not include –
(A) Days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence; or
(B) For a payment period or period of enrollment in which any courses in the program are offered in modules, any scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days when the student is not scheduled to attend a module or other course offered during that period of time.
Condition
The Federal Government requires that when the student withdraws from all classes, the College calculate the student’s percentage of Title IV aid earned. This is calculated by dividing the number of days the student attended classes by the total number of days in the academic period. The total number of days in the academic period (semester) includes all calendar days between the start and end of academic activities. During our testing, we noted 5 students, out of a sample of 6, where the incorrect number of total days in the Fall and Spring semester were used to calculate the students’ percentage of Title IV earned.
Cause
The College has policies and procedures to ensure compliance for calculating the Title IV funds to be returned. In this instance, the College incorrectly calculated the enrollment period because the College’s calculation excluded the last day in which classes were held in its calculation of period of enrollment.
Effect
The College calculated the Return to Title IV (“R2T4”) forms incorrectly and returned an excess amount of Title IV funds to the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
$23
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 5 students, or 83.33% of our sample, had refunds that were calculated using an incorrect number of total days in the payment period.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for completing the Return of Title IV calculations and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. The College needs to implement a formal review process of the Return of Title IV calculations by an individual with proper knowledge of the federal regulations.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.22(f)(2):
(i) The total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment includes all days within the period that the student was scheduled to complete, except that scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment and the number of calendar days completed in that period.
(ii) The total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment does not include –
(A) Days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence; or
(B) For a payment period or period of enrollment in which any courses in the program are offered in modules, any scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days when the student is not scheduled to attend a module or other course offered during that period of time.
Condition
The Federal Government requires that when the student withdraws from all classes, the College calculate the student’s percentage of Title IV aid earned. This is calculated by dividing the number of days the student attended classes by the total number of days in the academic period. The total number of days in the academic period (semester) includes all calendar days between the start and end of academic activities. During our testing, we noted 5 students, out of a sample of 6, where the incorrect number of total days in the Fall and Spring semester were used to calculate the students’ percentage of Title IV earned.
Cause
The College has policies and procedures to ensure compliance for calculating the Title IV funds to be returned. In this instance, the College incorrectly calculated the enrollment period because the College’s calculation excluded the last day in which classes were held in its calculation of period of enrollment.
Effect
The College calculated the Return to Title IV (“R2T4”) forms incorrectly and returned an excess amount of Title IV funds to the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
$23
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 5 students, or 83.33% of our sample, had refunds that were calculated using an incorrect number of total days in the payment period.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for completing the Return of Title IV calculations and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. The College needs to implement a formal review process of the Return of Title IV calculations by an individual with proper knowledge of the federal regulations.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.22(j)(1):
Timeframe for the return of title IV funds. An institution must return the amount of title IV funds for which it is responsible under paragraph (g) of this section as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew as defined in paragraph (l)(3) of this section.
According to 34 CFR 668.173(b):
Timely return of Title IV, HEA program funds. In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary or Federal Family Education Loan (“FFEL”) program lender, an institution returns unearned Title IV, HEA program funds timely if –
(1) The institution deposits or transfers the funds into the bank account it maintains under 34 CFR Sections 668.163 no later than 45 days after the date it determines the student withdrew;
(2) The institution initiates an electronic funds transfer no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew;
(3) The institution initiates an electronic transaction no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew, that informs a FFEL lender to adjust the borrower’s loan account for the amount returned; or
(4) The institution issues a check no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew. An institution does not satisfy this requirement if –
(i) The institution’s records show that the check was issued more than 45 days after the date the institution determined the student withdrew; or
(ii) The date on the cancelled check shows that the bank used by the Secretary or FFEL Program lender endorsed that check more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew.
Condition
Federal regulations state that any unearned Title IV grant or loan assistance received by a student must be refunded to the Title IV programs upon a student’s withdrawal from the institution. The College has 45 days from the date they determined the student withdrew to return any unearned portions of Title IV funds. During our testing, we noted 1 student, out of a sample of 6, had unearned Title IV aid that was not returned to the Federal Government, within 45 days of the determined withdrawal date, by 7 days.
Cause
The College did not consistently follow the procedures in place to monitor student withdrawals related to Title IV funds that must be returned to the Department of Education within 45 days due to delay between student’s withdrawal date and the date in which return was moved to financing department.
Effect
The College did not return unearned Title IV funds within the required 45-day time frame.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 1 students, or 16.67% of our sample, had unearned Title IV funds that were not returned to the Department of Education within the 45-day required time frame.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should strengthen their controls surrounding the review Return of Title IV calculations in a timely manner to ensure that all funds are returned to the Department of Education within the required time frame.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.22(j)(1):
Timeframe for the return of title IV funds. An institution must return the amount of title IV funds for which it is responsible under paragraph (g) of this section as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew as defined in paragraph (l)(3) of this section.
According to 34 CFR 668.173(b):
Timely return of Title IV, HEA program funds. In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary or Federal Family Education Loan (“FFEL”) program lender, an institution returns unearned Title IV, HEA program funds timely if –
(1) The institution deposits or transfers the funds into the bank account it maintains under 34 CFR Sections 668.163 no later than 45 days after the date it determines the student withdrew;
(2) The institution initiates an electronic funds transfer no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew;
(3) The institution initiates an electronic transaction no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew, that informs a FFEL lender to adjust the borrower’s loan account for the amount returned; or
(4) The institution issues a check no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew. An institution does not satisfy this requirement if –
(i) The institution’s records show that the check was issued more than 45 days after the date the institution determined the student withdrew; or
(ii) The date on the cancelled check shows that the bank used by the Secretary or FFEL Program lender endorsed that check more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew.
Condition
Federal regulations state that any unearned Title IV grant or loan assistance received by a student must be refunded to the Title IV programs upon a student’s withdrawal from the institution. The College has 45 days from the date they determined the student withdrew to return any unearned portions of Title IV funds. During our testing, we noted 1 student, out of a sample of 6, had unearned Title IV aid that was not returned to the Federal Government, within 45 days of the determined withdrawal date, by 7 days.
Cause
The College did not consistently follow the procedures in place to monitor student withdrawals related to Title IV funds that must be returned to the Department of Education within 45 days due to delay between student’s withdrawal date and the date in which return was moved to financing department.
Effect
The College did not return unearned Title IV funds within the required 45-day time frame.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 1 students, or 16.67% of our sample, had unearned Title IV funds that were not returned to the Department of Education within the 45-day required time frame.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should strengthen their controls surrounding the review Return of Title IV calculations in a timely manner to ensure that all funds are returned to the Department of Education within the required time frame.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 2 students, out of a sample of 40, that had incorrect status changes reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College has policies and procedures to ensure compliance for calculating the Title IV funds to be returned. In this instance, the College reported an incorrect status because the respective students were graduated from the Early Childhood Education Certificate Program, which was listed in the minor section within their system and was not included as part of the Clearinghouse reporting.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct status changes to NSLDS, which may impact enrollment reporting statistics collected by the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 2 students, or 5% of our sample, had incorrect status changes reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge of the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the status changes, the importance of reporting the correct status changes and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Additionally, the College should implement reconciliation procedures between enrollment records and NSLDS to ensure that information is properly maintained.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 2 students, out of a sample of 40, that had incorrect status changes reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College has policies and procedures to ensure compliance for calculating the Title IV funds to be returned. In this instance, the College reported an incorrect status because the respective students were graduated from the Early Childhood Education Certificate Program, which was listed in the minor section within their system and was not included as part of the Clearinghouse reporting.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct status changes to NSLDS, which may impact enrollment reporting statistics collected by the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 2 students, or 5% of our sample, had incorrect status changes reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge of the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the status changes, the importance of reporting the correct status changes and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Additionally, the College should implement reconciliation procedures between enrollment records and NSLDS to ensure that information is properly maintained.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 11 students, out of a sample of 40, that had incorrect effective dates reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that students with status changes had their effective date correctly reported to NSLDS. For unofficial withdrawals, an administrative withdrawal form is completed once determined by the College. As the College is an attendance-taking institution, the College should have reported the students’ last date of attendance as the effective date, but instead used the date that the College completed withdrawal form as the effective date.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct effective dates to NSLDS, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 11 students, or 27.5% of our sample, had incorrect effective dates reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the effective date of a student’s withdrawal, the importance of reporting the correct effective date and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Moreover, the College should emphasize the importance of distinguishing the last date of attendance (Activity Date) and completion date of Administrative Withdrawal Form (Date Completed). This oversight should also ensure that the effective date reported to NSLDS is consistent with the date the student separated from the College.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 11 students, out of a sample of 40, that had incorrect effective dates reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that students with status changes had their effective date correctly reported to NSLDS. For unofficial withdrawals, an administrative withdrawal form is completed once determined by the College. As the College is an attendance-taking institution, the College should have reported the students’ last date of attendance as the effective date, but instead used the date that the College completed withdrawal form as the effective date.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct effective dates to NSLDS, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 11 students, or 27.5% of our sample, had incorrect effective dates reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the effective date of a student’s withdrawal, the importance of reporting the correct effective date and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Moreover, the College should emphasize the importance of distinguishing the last date of attendance (Activity Date) and completion date of Administrative Withdrawal Form (Date Completed). This oversight should also ensure that the effective date reported to NSLDS is consistent with the date the student separated from the College.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 13 students, out of a sample of 40, were not reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that students with status changes were reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ status changes to NSLDS within the required timeframe, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods..
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 13 students, or 32.50% of our sample, had status changes that were not reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe by 109-118 days.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the College’s date of determination of withdrawal, the importance of reporting the timely and the consequences of late reporting. Additionally, submission of additional rosters may reduce the likelihood of the finding in the future.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 13 students, out of a sample of 40, were not reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that students with status changes were reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ status changes to NSLDS within the required timeframe, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods..
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 13 students, or 32.50% of our sample, had status changes that were not reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe by 109-118 days.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the College’s date of determination of withdrawal, the importance of reporting the timely and the consequences of late reporting. Additionally, submission of additional rosters may reduce the likelihood of the finding in the future.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 2 students, out of a sample of 40, that were not reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that status changes were properly reported to NSLDS.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct status changes to NSLDS, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods and enrollment reporting statistics collected by the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 2 students, or 5% of our sample, were not reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the status changes, the importance of reporting the correct status changes and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Additionally, the College should implement reconciliation and review procedures between enrollment records and NSLDS to ensure that information is properly maintained.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 2 students, out of a sample of 40, that were not reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that status changes were properly reported to NSLDS.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct status changes to NSLDS, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods and enrollment reporting statistics collected by the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 2 students, or 5% of our sample, were not reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the status changes, the importance of reporting the correct status changes and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Additionally, the College should implement reconciliation and review procedures between enrollment records and NSLDS to ensure that information is properly maintained.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.164(h):
Title IV, Higher Education Act (“HEA”) credit balances. (1) A title IV, HEA credit balance occurs whenever the amount of title IV, HEA program funds credited to a student's ledger account for a payment period exceeds the amount assessed the student for allowable charges associated with that payment period.
(2) A title IV, HEA credit balance must be paid directly to the student or parent as soon as possible, but no later than –
(i) No later than 14 days after the balance occurred if the balance occurred after the first day of class of a payment period; or
(ii) No later than 14 days after the first day of class of a payment period if the credit balance occurred on or before the first day of that payment period.
Condition
The Federal Government requires that whenever Title IV aid is disbursed on a student’s account, the account must be reviewed to determine if the disbursement caused a credit balance. If the credit balance was caused by Title IV funds, the College must refund the balance directly to the student within 14 days of the disbursement of funds.
During our testing, we noted 5 students, out of a sample of 40, that were not refunded credit balances within the required timeframe by 91-105 days.
Cause
The College failed to identify Title IV credit balances after federal aid was disbursed on the students’ accounts.
Effect
The College did not refund Title IV credit balances within the required 14-day time frame and therefore was not in compliance with federal requirements.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 34 students, or 85% of our sample, had credit balances caused by financial aid. Of these 34 students, 5 students’ credit balance caused by Title IV funds were not refunded within the required time frame (14.7% of students who had credit balances).
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The Business Office should continue to develop their procedures to identify credit balances caused by changes on students’ accounts as well as disbursements. This includes reviewing accounts after late disbursement of Title IV aid as well as tuition and fee adjustments, health insurance waivers and bookstore credits.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.164(h):
Title IV, Higher Education Act (“HEA”) credit balances. (1) A title IV, HEA credit balance occurs whenever the amount of title IV, HEA program funds credited to a student's ledger account for a payment period exceeds the amount assessed the student for allowable charges associated with that payment period.
(2) A title IV, HEA credit balance must be paid directly to the student or parent as soon as possible, but no later than –
(i) No later than 14 days after the balance occurred if the balance occurred after the first day of class of a payment period; or
(ii) No later than 14 days after the first day of class of a payment period if the credit balance occurred on or before the first day of that payment period.
Condition
The Federal Government requires that whenever Title IV aid is disbursed on a student’s account, the account must be reviewed to determine if the disbursement caused a credit balance. If the credit balance was caused by Title IV funds, the College must refund the balance directly to the student within 14 days of the disbursement of funds.
During our testing, we noted 5 students, out of a sample of 40, that were not refunded credit balances within the required timeframe by 91-105 days.
Cause
The College failed to identify Title IV credit balances after federal aid was disbursed on the students’ accounts.
Effect
The College did not refund Title IV credit balances within the required 14-day time frame and therefore was not in compliance with federal requirements.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 34 students, or 85% of our sample, had credit balances caused by financial aid. Of these 34 students, 5 students’ credit balance caused by Title IV funds were not refunded within the required time frame (14.7% of students who had credit balances).
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The Business Office should continue to develop their procedures to identify credit balances caused by changes on students’ accounts as well as disbursements. This includes reviewing accounts after late disbursement of Title IV aid as well as tuition and fee adjustments, health insurance waivers and bookstore credits.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 690.83(b)
(1) An institution shall report to the Secretary any change for which a student qualifies including any related Payment Data changes by submitting to the Secretary the student’s Payment Data that discloses the basis and result of the change in award for each student. The institution shall submit the student’s Payment Data reporting any to the Secretary by the reporting deadlines published by the Secretary in the Federal Register.
(2) An institution shall submit, in accordance with the deadline dates established by the Secretary, through publication in the Federal Register, other reports and information the Secretary requires and shall comply with the procedures the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that the reports are correct.
According to the Federal Register (Volume 88, Number 120):
An institution must submit Pell Grant, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, Direct Loan, and TEACH Grant disbursement records to COD, no later than 15 days after making the disbursement or becoming aware of the need to adjust a previously reported disbursement. In accordance with 34 CFR 668.164(a), title IV, Higher Education Act (“HEA”) program funds are disbursed on the date that the institution:
(a) Credits those funds to a student’s account in the institution’s general ledger or any subledger of the general ledger; or
(b) pays those funds to a student directly.
Title IV, HEA program funds are disbursed even if an institution uses its own funds in advance of receiving program funds from the Department.
Condition
Federal regulations require the College to report to the Federal Government’s Common Origination and Disbursement System (“COD”) disbursements made to students accurately based on date award was credited to student directly. During our testing, we noted 1 student, out of a sample of 40, was not reported accurately to Common Origination System based on disbursement date per College records.
Cause
The College has policies and procedures in place to report the disbursement records to the Department of Education through the COD are recorded accurately, however, in this case the procedures were not completed properly.
Effect
The College did not report Direct Loan disbursements to COD accurately based on College records.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 1 student, or 2.5% of our sample, had disbursement information not recorded
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
We recommend that management of the College review, and if necessary, update the policies and procedures to ensure all Direct Loan funds disbursed are reported accurately based on when awards were credited to student account.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.164(l):
(1) Notwithstanding any State law (such as a law that allows funds to escheat to the State), an institution must return to the Secretary any title IV, Higher Education Act (“HEA”) program funds, except Federal Work Study (“FWS”) program funds, that it attempts to disburse directly to a student or parent that are not received by the student or parent. For FWS program funds, the institution is required to return only the Federal portion of the payroll disbursement.
(2) If an EFT to a student's or parent's financial account is rejected, or a check to a student or parent is returned, the institution may make additional attempts to disburse the funds, provided that those attempts are made not later than 45 days after the EFT was rejected or the check returned. In cases where the institution does not make another attempt, the funds must be returned to the Secretary before the end of this 45-day period.
(3) If a check sent to a student or parent is not returned to the institution but is not cashed, the institution must return the funds to the Secretary no later than 240 days after the date it issued the check.
Condition
Federal regulations require an institution to return unclaimed Title IV funds issued by check or EFT within 240 days. During our testing, we noted 4 students, out of a sample of 6, that had unclaimed funds exceeding the federal day limit by 42-498 days.
Cause
The College did not monitor the outstanding check aging to ensure that the 240-day timeframe was met.
Effect
The College did not return Title IV unclaimed funds to the Department of Education within the required 240-day time frame.
Questioned Costs
There were 4 outstanding checks totaling $168, which pertained specifically to federal-sourced funds.
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 4 students, or 66.67% of our sample, had unclaimed funds pertaining to federal sources that were not returned to the Department of Education within the 240-day required time frame.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should examine its policies and procedures related to unclaimed funds including the process and time frame for identifying aged balances and the process for cancelling checks and returning funds to the Department of Education.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.164(l):
(1) Notwithstanding any State law (such as a law that allows funds to escheat to the State), an institution must return to the Secretary any title IV, Higher Education Act (“HEA”) program funds, except Federal Work Study (“FWS”) program funds, that it attempts to disburse directly to a student or parent that are not received by the student or parent. For FWS program funds, the institution is required to return only the Federal portion of the payroll disbursement.
(2) If an EFT to a student's or parent's financial account is rejected, or a check to a student or parent is returned, the institution may make additional attempts to disburse the funds, provided that those attempts are made not later than 45 days after the EFT was rejected or the check returned. In cases where the institution does not make another attempt, the funds must be returned to the Secretary before the end of this 45-day period.
(3) If a check sent to a student or parent is not returned to the institution but is not cashed, the institution must return the funds to the Secretary no later than 240 days after the date it issued the check.
Condition
Federal regulations require an institution to return unclaimed Title IV funds issued by check or EFT within 240 days. During our testing, we noted 4 students, out of a sample of 6, that had unclaimed funds exceeding the federal day limit by 42-498 days.
Cause
The College did not monitor the outstanding check aging to ensure that the 240-day timeframe was met.
Effect
The College did not return Title IV unclaimed funds to the Department of Education within the required 240-day time frame.
Questioned Costs
There were 4 outstanding checks totaling $168, which pertained specifically to federal-sourced funds.
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 4 students, or 66.67% of our sample, had unclaimed funds pertaining to federal sources that were not returned to the Department of Education within the 240-day required time frame.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should examine its policies and procedures related to unclaimed funds including the process and time frame for identifying aged balances and the process for cancelling checks and returning funds to the Department of Education.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.22(f)(2):
(i) The total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment includes all days within the period that the student was scheduled to complete, except that scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment and the number of calendar days completed in that period.
(ii) The total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment does not include –
(A) Days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence; or
(B) For a payment period or period of enrollment in which any courses in the program are offered in modules, any scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days when the student is not scheduled to attend a module or other course offered during that period of time.
Condition
The Federal Government requires that when the student withdraws from all classes, the College calculate the student’s percentage of Title IV aid earned. This is calculated by dividing the number of days the student attended classes by the total number of days in the academic period. The total number of days in the academic period (semester) includes all calendar days between the start and end of academic activities. During our testing, we noted 5 students, out of a sample of 6, where the incorrect number of total days in the Fall and Spring semester were used to calculate the students’ percentage of Title IV earned.
Cause
The College has policies and procedures to ensure compliance for calculating the Title IV funds to be returned. In this instance, the College incorrectly calculated the enrollment period because the College’s calculation excluded the last day in which classes were held in its calculation of period of enrollment.
Effect
The College calculated the Return to Title IV (“R2T4”) forms incorrectly and returned an excess amount of Title IV funds to the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
$23
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 5 students, or 83.33% of our sample, had refunds that were calculated using an incorrect number of total days in the payment period.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for completing the Return of Title IV calculations and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. The College needs to implement a formal review process of the Return of Title IV calculations by an individual with proper knowledge of the federal regulations.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.22(f)(2):
(i) The total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment includes all days within the period that the student was scheduled to complete, except that scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment and the number of calendar days completed in that period.
(ii) The total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment does not include –
(A) Days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence; or
(B) For a payment period or period of enrollment in which any courses in the program are offered in modules, any scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days when the student is not scheduled to attend a module or other course offered during that period of time.
Condition
The Federal Government requires that when the student withdraws from all classes, the College calculate the student’s percentage of Title IV aid earned. This is calculated by dividing the number of days the student attended classes by the total number of days in the academic period. The total number of days in the academic period (semester) includes all calendar days between the start and end of academic activities. During our testing, we noted 5 students, out of a sample of 6, where the incorrect number of total days in the Fall and Spring semester were used to calculate the students’ percentage of Title IV earned.
Cause
The College has policies and procedures to ensure compliance for calculating the Title IV funds to be returned. In this instance, the College incorrectly calculated the enrollment period because the College’s calculation excluded the last day in which classes were held in its calculation of period of enrollment.
Effect
The College calculated the Return to Title IV (“R2T4”) forms incorrectly and returned an excess amount of Title IV funds to the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
$23
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 5 students, or 83.33% of our sample, had refunds that were calculated using an incorrect number of total days in the payment period.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for completing the Return of Title IV calculations and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. The College needs to implement a formal review process of the Return of Title IV calculations by an individual with proper knowledge of the federal regulations.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.22(j)(1):
Timeframe for the return of title IV funds. An institution must return the amount of title IV funds for which it is responsible under paragraph (g) of this section as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew as defined in paragraph (l)(3) of this section.
According to 34 CFR 668.173(b):
Timely return of Title IV, HEA program funds. In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary or Federal Family Education Loan (“FFEL”) program lender, an institution returns unearned Title IV, HEA program funds timely if –
(1) The institution deposits or transfers the funds into the bank account it maintains under 34 CFR Sections 668.163 no later than 45 days after the date it determines the student withdrew;
(2) The institution initiates an electronic funds transfer no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew;
(3) The institution initiates an electronic transaction no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew, that informs a FFEL lender to adjust the borrower’s loan account for the amount returned; or
(4) The institution issues a check no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew. An institution does not satisfy this requirement if –
(i) The institution’s records show that the check was issued more than 45 days after the date the institution determined the student withdrew; or
(ii) The date on the cancelled check shows that the bank used by the Secretary or FFEL Program lender endorsed that check more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew.
Condition
Federal regulations state that any unearned Title IV grant or loan assistance received by a student must be refunded to the Title IV programs upon a student’s withdrawal from the institution. The College has 45 days from the date they determined the student withdrew to return any unearned portions of Title IV funds. During our testing, we noted 1 student, out of a sample of 6, had unearned Title IV aid that was not returned to the Federal Government, within 45 days of the determined withdrawal date, by 7 days.
Cause
The College did not consistently follow the procedures in place to monitor student withdrawals related to Title IV funds that must be returned to the Department of Education within 45 days due to delay between student’s withdrawal date and the date in which return was moved to financing department.
Effect
The College did not return unearned Title IV funds within the required 45-day time frame.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 1 students, or 16.67% of our sample, had unearned Title IV funds that were not returned to the Department of Education within the 45-day required time frame.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should strengthen their controls surrounding the review Return of Title IV calculations in a timely manner to ensure that all funds are returned to the Department of Education within the required time frame.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.22(j)(1):
Timeframe for the return of title IV funds. An institution must return the amount of title IV funds for which it is responsible under paragraph (g) of this section as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew as defined in paragraph (l)(3) of this section.
According to 34 CFR 668.173(b):
Timely return of Title IV, HEA program funds. In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary or Federal Family Education Loan (“FFEL”) program lender, an institution returns unearned Title IV, HEA program funds timely if –
(1) The institution deposits or transfers the funds into the bank account it maintains under 34 CFR Sections 668.163 no later than 45 days after the date it determines the student withdrew;
(2) The institution initiates an electronic funds transfer no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew;
(3) The institution initiates an electronic transaction no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew, that informs a FFEL lender to adjust the borrower’s loan account for the amount returned; or
(4) The institution issues a check no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew. An institution does not satisfy this requirement if –
(i) The institution’s records show that the check was issued more than 45 days after the date the institution determined the student withdrew; or
(ii) The date on the cancelled check shows that the bank used by the Secretary or FFEL Program lender endorsed that check more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew.
Condition
Federal regulations state that any unearned Title IV grant or loan assistance received by a student must be refunded to the Title IV programs upon a student’s withdrawal from the institution. The College has 45 days from the date they determined the student withdrew to return any unearned portions of Title IV funds. During our testing, we noted 1 student, out of a sample of 6, had unearned Title IV aid that was not returned to the Federal Government, within 45 days of the determined withdrawal date, by 7 days.
Cause
The College did not consistently follow the procedures in place to monitor student withdrawals related to Title IV funds that must be returned to the Department of Education within 45 days due to delay between student’s withdrawal date and the date in which return was moved to financing department.
Effect
The College did not return unearned Title IV funds within the required 45-day time frame.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 6 students selected for testing, 1 students, or 16.67% of our sample, had unearned Title IV funds that were not returned to the Department of Education within the 45-day required time frame.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should strengthen their controls surrounding the review Return of Title IV calculations in a timely manner to ensure that all funds are returned to the Department of Education within the required time frame.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 2 students, out of a sample of 40, that had incorrect status changes reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College has policies and procedures to ensure compliance for calculating the Title IV funds to be returned. In this instance, the College reported an incorrect status because the respective students were graduated from the Early Childhood Education Certificate Program, which was listed in the minor section within their system and was not included as part of the Clearinghouse reporting.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct status changes to NSLDS, which may impact enrollment reporting statistics collected by the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 2 students, or 5% of our sample, had incorrect status changes reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge of the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the status changes, the importance of reporting the correct status changes and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Additionally, the College should implement reconciliation procedures between enrollment records and NSLDS to ensure that information is properly maintained.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 2 students, out of a sample of 40, that had incorrect status changes reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College has policies and procedures to ensure compliance for calculating the Title IV funds to be returned. In this instance, the College reported an incorrect status because the respective students were graduated from the Early Childhood Education Certificate Program, which was listed in the minor section within their system and was not included as part of the Clearinghouse reporting.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct status changes to NSLDS, which may impact enrollment reporting statistics collected by the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 2 students, or 5% of our sample, had incorrect status changes reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge of the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the status changes, the importance of reporting the correct status changes and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Additionally, the College should implement reconciliation procedures between enrollment records and NSLDS to ensure that information is properly maintained.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 11 students, out of a sample of 40, that had incorrect effective dates reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that students with status changes had their effective date correctly reported to NSLDS. For unofficial withdrawals, an administrative withdrawal form is completed once determined by the College. As the College is an attendance-taking institution, the College should have reported the students’ last date of attendance as the effective date, but instead used the date that the College completed withdrawal form as the effective date.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct effective dates to NSLDS, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 11 students, or 27.5% of our sample, had incorrect effective dates reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the effective date of a student’s withdrawal, the importance of reporting the correct effective date and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Moreover, the College should emphasize the importance of distinguishing the last date of attendance (Activity Date) and completion date of Administrative Withdrawal Form (Date Completed). This oversight should also ensure that the effective date reported to NSLDS is consistent with the date the student separated from the College.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 11 students, out of a sample of 40, that had incorrect effective dates reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that students with status changes had their effective date correctly reported to NSLDS. For unofficial withdrawals, an administrative withdrawal form is completed once determined by the College. As the College is an attendance-taking institution, the College should have reported the students’ last date of attendance as the effective date, but instead used the date that the College completed withdrawal form as the effective date.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct effective dates to NSLDS, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 11 students, or 27.5% of our sample, had incorrect effective dates reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the effective date of a student’s withdrawal, the importance of reporting the correct effective date and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Moreover, the College should emphasize the importance of distinguishing the last date of attendance (Activity Date) and completion date of Administrative Withdrawal Form (Date Completed). This oversight should also ensure that the effective date reported to NSLDS is consistent with the date the student separated from the College.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 13 students, out of a sample of 40, were not reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that students with status changes were reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ status changes to NSLDS within the required timeframe, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods..
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 13 students, or 32.50% of our sample, had status changes that were not reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe by 109-118 days.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the College’s date of determination of withdrawal, the importance of reporting the timely and the consequences of late reporting. Additionally, submission of additional rosters may reduce the likelihood of the finding in the future.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 13 students, out of a sample of 40, were not reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that students with status changes were reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ status changes to NSLDS within the required timeframe, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods..
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 13 students, or 32.50% of our sample, had status changes that were not reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe by 109-118 days.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the College’s date of determination of withdrawal, the importance of reporting the timely and the consequences of late reporting. Additionally, submission of additional rosters may reduce the likelihood of the finding in the future.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 2 students, out of a sample of 40, that were not reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that status changes were properly reported to NSLDS.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct status changes to NSLDS, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods and enrollment reporting statistics collected by the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 2 students, or 5% of our sample, were not reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the status changes, the importance of reporting the correct status changes and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Additionally, the College should implement reconciliation and review procedures between enrollment records and NSLDS to ensure that information is properly maintained.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 685.309(b)(2):
Unless [the institution] it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the school discovers that –
(i) A loan under title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the school, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or
(ii) A student who is enrolled at the school and who received a loan under title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.
The Dear Colleague Letter GEN-12-6 issued by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) on March 30, 2012 states that in addition to student loan borrowers, Enrollment Reporting files will include two additional groups of students: Pell Grant and Perkins Loan recipients.
According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated April 2018:
Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). 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. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer.
Condition
The Federal Government requires the College to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, we noted 2 students, out of a sample of 40, that were not reported to NSLDS.
Cause
The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that status changes were properly reported to NSLDS.
Effect
The College did not report the students’ correct status changes to NSLDS, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods and enrollment reporting statistics collected by the Department of Education.
Questioned Costs
Not applicable
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 2 students, or 5% of our sample, were not reported to NSLDS.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
The College should provide training to employees responsible for processing information for the NSLDS and ensure that they have adequate knowledge in the related rules and regulations. This training should include an explanation of the status changes, the importance of reporting the correct status changes and the consequences of incorrect reporting. Additionally, the College should implement reconciliation and review procedures between enrollment records and NSLDS to ensure that information is properly maintained.
View of Responsible Officials
The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.