Audit 323427

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$27.43M
Findings
24
Programs
15
Organization: Virginia Union University (VA)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2024-10-01

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
501168 2024-005 Significant Deficiency Yes N
501169 2024-005 Significant Deficiency Yes N
501170 2024-005 Significant Deficiency Yes N
501171 2024-005 Significant Deficiency Yes N
501172 2024-006 Significant Deficiency Yes N
501173 2024-006 Significant Deficiency Yes N
501174 2024-006 Significant Deficiency Yes N
501175 2024-006 Significant Deficiency Yes N
501176 2024-007 - - N
501177 2024-007 - - N
501178 2024-007 - - N
501179 2024-007 - - N
1077610 2024-005 Significant Deficiency Yes N
1077611 2024-005 Significant Deficiency Yes N
1077612 2024-005 Significant Deficiency Yes N
1077613 2024-005 Significant Deficiency Yes N
1077614 2024-006 Significant Deficiency Yes N
1077615 2024-006 Significant Deficiency Yes N
1077616 2024-006 Significant Deficiency Yes N
1077617 2024-006 Significant Deficiency Yes N
1077618 2024-007 - - N
1077619 2024-007 - - N
1077620 2024-007 - - N
1077621 2024-007 - - N

Contacts

Name Title Type
Q7CRZX7MD775 Stephanie White Auditee
8042575745 Leslie Roberts Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: General Accounting Policies: The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards includes the federal grant activity of Virginia Union University (the University) and is presented on the accrual basis of accounting. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Uniform Administration Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Therefore, some amounts presented in this schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic combined financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The University has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance for all major programs except the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program for which it did elect the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate. The University participates in several programs sponsored by various government agencies as listed in the accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. All programs are subject to audit by the various agencies which have the authority to determine liabilities and limit or suspend the University’s participation in the federal programs.
Title: Basis of Presentation Accounting Policies: The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards includes the federal grant activity of Virginia Union University (the University) and is presented on the accrual basis of accounting. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Uniform Administration Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Therefore, some amounts presented in this schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic combined financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The University has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance for all major programs except the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program for which it did elect the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate. Student Financial Aid includes certain awards to provide financial aid to students, primarily under the Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Pell Grant (Pell), Federal Teach Grant (TEACH), and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) programs of the U.S. Department of Education. The College also receives awards to make loans to eligible students under a federal student loan program and the Federal Direct Loan program. The Title III Aid includes certain awards to provide financial aid to students and the University, primarily under the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities – SAFRA programs of the U.S. Department of Education. The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program awards funding for services and equipment to improve broadband internet services or expanded connectivity to minority communities and institutions through the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Title: Federal Loan Programs Accounting Policies: The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards includes the federal grant activity of Virginia Union University (the University) and is presented on the accrual basis of accounting. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Uniform Administration Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Therefore, some amounts presented in this schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic combined financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The University has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance for all major programs except the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program for which it did elect the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate. The University is responsible for the performance of certain administrative and compliance duties with respect to the Federal Direct Loan Programs. It is not practical to determine the balance of loans outstanding to students and former student of the University under these programs through the year ended June 30, 2024. These loans are not included in the University’s financial statement.

Finding Details

Criteria: Regulations require that the Institution calculate refunds for students who withdrew during the semester, and any refunds should be remitted to the Department of Education in a timely manner, typically within 45 days of withdrawal. Condition: Eleven students were selected for withdrawal test work. Of these eleven students, the Institution calculated an amount that needed to be returned for seven (four students tested did not require a return of any funds). Two of those students who required funds be refunded were not returned timely. Cause: Process and controls over the return of funds for students are insufficient. Effect: Funds were held in the University’s cash account longer than necessary and such funds were no longer technically the property of the University after the student withdrew from the University. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-005. Recommendation: The University should increase its efforts through training to ensure that federal refunds are calculated and remitted timely when students withdraw from the Institution. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require that the Institution calculate refunds for students who withdrew during the semester, and any refunds should be remitted to the Department of Education in a timely manner, typically within 45 days of withdrawal. Condition: Eleven students were selected for withdrawal test work. Of these eleven students, the Institution calculated an amount that needed to be returned for seven (four students tested did not require a return of any funds). Two of those students who required funds be refunded were not returned timely. Cause: Process and controls over the return of funds for students are insufficient. Effect: Funds were held in the University’s cash account longer than necessary and such funds were no longer technically the property of the University after the student withdrew from the University. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-005. Recommendation: The University should increase its efforts through training to ensure that federal refunds are calculated and remitted timely when students withdraw from the Institution. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require that the Institution calculate refunds for students who withdrew during the semester, and any refunds should be remitted to the Department of Education in a timely manner, typically within 45 days of withdrawal. Condition: Eleven students were selected for withdrawal test work. Of these eleven students, the Institution calculated an amount that needed to be returned for seven (four students tested did not require a return of any funds). Two of those students who required funds be refunded were not returned timely. Cause: Process and controls over the return of funds for students are insufficient. Effect: Funds were held in the University’s cash account longer than necessary and such funds were no longer technically the property of the University after the student withdrew from the University. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-005. Recommendation: The University should increase its efforts through training to ensure that federal refunds are calculated and remitted timely when students withdraw from the Institution. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require that the Institution calculate refunds for students who withdrew during the semester, and any refunds should be remitted to the Department of Education in a timely manner, typically within 45 days of withdrawal. Condition: Eleven students were selected for withdrawal test work. Of these eleven students, the Institution calculated an amount that needed to be returned for seven (four students tested did not require a return of any funds). Two of those students who required funds be refunded were not returned timely. Cause: Process and controls over the return of funds for students are insufficient. Effect: Funds were held in the University’s cash account longer than necessary and such funds were no longer technically the property of the University after the student withdrew from the University. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-005. Recommendation: The University should increase its efforts through training to ensure that federal refunds are calculated and remitted timely when students withdraw from the Institution. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Under the Pell grant and direct loan programs, institutions are responsible for timely enrollment reporting to NSLDS whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer such as the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Enrollment Reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 60 days whenever the enrollment status changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. Condition: We tested NSLDS Enrollment Detail Records for eleven students with changes in enrollment. Out of these eleven students tested, we noted that the NSLDS status was not changed in a timely manner for eight of them. Cause: The enrollment data transmitted to NSC was not accurate until changes in the status were reported. Effect: Enrollment statuses in NSLDS for the affected individuals were not correct and may have resulted in improper loan deferments and interest subsidiaries on outstanding loans. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-002. Recommendation: The University should work with its Information Technology Department and NSC to determine the root cause of the enrollment reporting issues and develop a corrective action as soon as possible to avoid future reporting inaccuracies. The corrective action should be closely monitored by the Registrar on a regular basis to ensure the process is functioning as intended and resulting in accurate enrollment reporting. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Under the Pell grant and direct loan programs, institutions are responsible for timely enrollment reporting to NSLDS whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer such as the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Enrollment Reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 60 days whenever the enrollment status changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. Condition: We tested NSLDS Enrollment Detail Records for eleven students with changes in enrollment. Out of these eleven students tested, we noted that the NSLDS status was not changed in a timely manner for eight of them. Cause: The enrollment data transmitted to NSC was not accurate until changes in the status were reported. Effect: Enrollment statuses in NSLDS for the affected individuals were not correct and may have resulted in improper loan deferments and interest subsidiaries on outstanding loans. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-002. Recommendation: The University should work with its Information Technology Department and NSC to determine the root cause of the enrollment reporting issues and develop a corrective action as soon as possible to avoid future reporting inaccuracies. The corrective action should be closely monitored by the Registrar on a regular basis to ensure the process is functioning as intended and resulting in accurate enrollment reporting. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Under the Pell grant and direct loan programs, institutions are responsible for timely enrollment reporting to NSLDS whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer such as the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Enrollment Reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 60 days whenever the enrollment status changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. Condition: We tested NSLDS Enrollment Detail Records for eleven students with changes in enrollment. Out of these eleven students tested, we noted that the NSLDS status was not changed in a timely manner for eight of them. Cause: The enrollment data transmitted to NSC was not accurate until changes in the status were reported. Effect: Enrollment statuses in NSLDS for the affected individuals were not correct and may have resulted in improper loan deferments and interest subsidiaries on outstanding loans. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-002. Recommendation: The University should work with its Information Technology Department and NSC to determine the root cause of the enrollment reporting issues and develop a corrective action as soon as possible to avoid future reporting inaccuracies. The corrective action should be closely monitored by the Registrar on a regular basis to ensure the process is functioning as intended and resulting in accurate enrollment reporting. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Under the Pell grant and direct loan programs, institutions are responsible for timely enrollment reporting to NSLDS whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer such as the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Enrollment Reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 60 days whenever the enrollment status changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. Condition: We tested NSLDS Enrollment Detail Records for eleven students with changes in enrollment. Out of these eleven students tested, we noted that the NSLDS status was not changed in a timely manner for eight of them. Cause: The enrollment data transmitted to NSC was not accurate until changes in the status were reported. Effect: Enrollment statuses in NSLDS for the affected individuals were not correct and may have resulted in improper loan deferments and interest subsidiaries on outstanding loans. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-002. Recommendation: The University should work with its Information Technology Department and NSC to determine the root cause of the enrollment reporting issues and develop a corrective action as soon as possible to avoid future reporting inaccuracies. The corrective action should be closely monitored by the Registrar on a regular basis to ensure the process is functioning as intended and resulting in accurate enrollment reporting. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require Institutions to consider students who have stopped attending classes in the semester to be considered an unofficial withdrawal. If a student withdraws officially or unofficially within the first 60% of the semester, the Institution must calculate a refund to the student’s account statement. If a student withdraws after the 60% date in the semester, they are considered to have earned their aid and will not have a refund calculated. Condition: We tested the withdrawal process for eleven students. Out of these eleven, seven students withdrew in a period of 60% and needed a calculation of the return of funds to be made. We noted that one of these students received a refund of aid, though they did not cease attending their classes until after the 60% mark. Cause: Process and controls over attendance records and unofficial withdrawals are insufficient. Effect: Federal funds were returned to the Department of Education when the student had in fact earned the aid for the semester. Questioned costs: -$4,983 Identification of repeat findings: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The University should closely monitor the attendance records of students to ensure that if a student stops attending but returns later in the semester, that any issues with federal aid are addressed timely and appropriately. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require Institutions to consider students who have stopped attending classes in the semester to be considered an unofficial withdrawal. If a student withdraws officially or unofficially within the first 60% of the semester, the Institution must calculate a refund to the student’s account statement. If a student withdraws after the 60% date in the semester, they are considered to have earned their aid and will not have a refund calculated. Condition: We tested the withdrawal process for eleven students. Out of these eleven, seven students withdrew in a period of 60% and needed a calculation of the return of funds to be made. We noted that one of these students received a refund of aid, though they did not cease attending their classes until after the 60% mark. Cause: Process and controls over attendance records and unofficial withdrawals are insufficient. Effect: Federal funds were returned to the Department of Education when the student had in fact earned the aid for the semester. Questioned costs: -$4,983 Identification of repeat findings: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The University should closely monitor the attendance records of students to ensure that if a student stops attending but returns later in the semester, that any issues with federal aid are addressed timely and appropriately. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require Institutions to consider students who have stopped attending classes in the semester to be considered an unofficial withdrawal. If a student withdraws officially or unofficially within the first 60% of the semester, the Institution must calculate a refund to the student’s account statement. If a student withdraws after the 60% date in the semester, they are considered to have earned their aid and will not have a refund calculated. Condition: We tested the withdrawal process for eleven students. Out of these eleven, seven students withdrew in a period of 60% and needed a calculation of the return of funds to be made. We noted that one of these students received a refund of aid, though they did not cease attending their classes until after the 60% mark. Cause: Process and controls over attendance records and unofficial withdrawals are insufficient. Effect: Federal funds were returned to the Department of Education when the student had in fact earned the aid for the semester. Questioned costs: -$4,983 Identification of repeat findings: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The University should closely monitor the attendance records of students to ensure that if a student stops attending but returns later in the semester, that any issues with federal aid are addressed timely and appropriately. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require Institutions to consider students who have stopped attending classes in the semester to be considered an unofficial withdrawal. If a student withdraws officially or unofficially within the first 60% of the semester, the Institution must calculate a refund to the student’s account statement. If a student withdraws after the 60% date in the semester, they are considered to have earned their aid and will not have a refund calculated. Condition: We tested the withdrawal process for eleven students. Out of these eleven, seven students withdrew in a period of 60% and needed a calculation of the return of funds to be made. We noted that one of these students received a refund of aid, though they did not cease attending their classes until after the 60% mark. Cause: Process and controls over attendance records and unofficial withdrawals are insufficient. Effect: Federal funds were returned to the Department of Education when the student had in fact earned the aid for the semester. Questioned costs: -$4,983 Identification of repeat findings: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The University should closely monitor the attendance records of students to ensure that if a student stops attending but returns later in the semester, that any issues with federal aid are addressed timely and appropriately. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require that the Institution calculate refunds for students who withdrew during the semester, and any refunds should be remitted to the Department of Education in a timely manner, typically within 45 days of withdrawal. Condition: Eleven students were selected for withdrawal test work. Of these eleven students, the Institution calculated an amount that needed to be returned for seven (four students tested did not require a return of any funds). Two of those students who required funds be refunded were not returned timely. Cause: Process and controls over the return of funds for students are insufficient. Effect: Funds were held in the University’s cash account longer than necessary and such funds were no longer technically the property of the University after the student withdrew from the University. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-005. Recommendation: The University should increase its efforts through training to ensure that federal refunds are calculated and remitted timely when students withdraw from the Institution. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require that the Institution calculate refunds for students who withdrew during the semester, and any refunds should be remitted to the Department of Education in a timely manner, typically within 45 days of withdrawal. Condition: Eleven students were selected for withdrawal test work. Of these eleven students, the Institution calculated an amount that needed to be returned for seven (four students tested did not require a return of any funds). Two of those students who required funds be refunded were not returned timely. Cause: Process and controls over the return of funds for students are insufficient. Effect: Funds were held in the University’s cash account longer than necessary and such funds were no longer technically the property of the University after the student withdrew from the University. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-005. Recommendation: The University should increase its efforts through training to ensure that federal refunds are calculated and remitted timely when students withdraw from the Institution. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require that the Institution calculate refunds for students who withdrew during the semester, and any refunds should be remitted to the Department of Education in a timely manner, typically within 45 days of withdrawal. Condition: Eleven students were selected for withdrawal test work. Of these eleven students, the Institution calculated an amount that needed to be returned for seven (four students tested did not require a return of any funds). Two of those students who required funds be refunded were not returned timely. Cause: Process and controls over the return of funds for students are insufficient. Effect: Funds were held in the University’s cash account longer than necessary and such funds were no longer technically the property of the University after the student withdrew from the University. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-005. Recommendation: The University should increase its efforts through training to ensure that federal refunds are calculated and remitted timely when students withdraw from the Institution. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require that the Institution calculate refunds for students who withdrew during the semester, and any refunds should be remitted to the Department of Education in a timely manner, typically within 45 days of withdrawal. Condition: Eleven students were selected for withdrawal test work. Of these eleven students, the Institution calculated an amount that needed to be returned for seven (four students tested did not require a return of any funds). Two of those students who required funds be refunded were not returned timely. Cause: Process and controls over the return of funds for students are insufficient. Effect: Funds were held in the University’s cash account longer than necessary and such funds were no longer technically the property of the University after the student withdrew from the University. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-005. Recommendation: The University should increase its efforts through training to ensure that federal refunds are calculated and remitted timely when students withdraw from the Institution. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Under the Pell grant and direct loan programs, institutions are responsible for timely enrollment reporting to NSLDS whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer such as the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Enrollment Reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 60 days whenever the enrollment status changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. Condition: We tested NSLDS Enrollment Detail Records for eleven students with changes in enrollment. Out of these eleven students tested, we noted that the NSLDS status was not changed in a timely manner for eight of them. Cause: The enrollment data transmitted to NSC was not accurate until changes in the status were reported. Effect: Enrollment statuses in NSLDS for the affected individuals were not correct and may have resulted in improper loan deferments and interest subsidiaries on outstanding loans. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-002. Recommendation: The University should work with its Information Technology Department and NSC to determine the root cause of the enrollment reporting issues and develop a corrective action as soon as possible to avoid future reporting inaccuracies. The corrective action should be closely monitored by the Registrar on a regular basis to ensure the process is functioning as intended and resulting in accurate enrollment reporting. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Under the Pell grant and direct loan programs, institutions are responsible for timely enrollment reporting to NSLDS whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer such as the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Enrollment Reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 60 days whenever the enrollment status changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. Condition: We tested NSLDS Enrollment Detail Records for eleven students with changes in enrollment. Out of these eleven students tested, we noted that the NSLDS status was not changed in a timely manner for eight of them. Cause: The enrollment data transmitted to NSC was not accurate until changes in the status were reported. Effect: Enrollment statuses in NSLDS for the affected individuals were not correct and may have resulted in improper loan deferments and interest subsidiaries on outstanding loans. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-002. Recommendation: The University should work with its Information Technology Department and NSC to determine the root cause of the enrollment reporting issues and develop a corrective action as soon as possible to avoid future reporting inaccuracies. The corrective action should be closely monitored by the Registrar on a regular basis to ensure the process is functioning as intended and resulting in accurate enrollment reporting. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Under the Pell grant and direct loan programs, institutions are responsible for timely enrollment reporting to NSLDS whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer such as the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Enrollment Reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 60 days whenever the enrollment status changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. Condition: We tested NSLDS Enrollment Detail Records for eleven students with changes in enrollment. Out of these eleven students tested, we noted that the NSLDS status was not changed in a timely manner for eight of them. Cause: The enrollment data transmitted to NSC was not accurate until changes in the status were reported. Effect: Enrollment statuses in NSLDS for the affected individuals were not correct and may have resulted in improper loan deferments and interest subsidiaries on outstanding loans. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-002. Recommendation: The University should work with its Information Technology Department and NSC to determine the root cause of the enrollment reporting issues and develop a corrective action as soon as possible to avoid future reporting inaccuracies. The corrective action should be closely monitored by the Registrar on a regular basis to ensure the process is functioning as intended and resulting in accurate enrollment reporting. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Under the Pell grant and direct loan programs, institutions are responsible for timely enrollment reporting to NSLDS whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer such as the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Enrollment Reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 60 days whenever the enrollment status changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. Condition: We tested NSLDS Enrollment Detail Records for eleven students with changes in enrollment. Out of these eleven students tested, we noted that the NSLDS status was not changed in a timely manner for eight of them. Cause: The enrollment data transmitted to NSC was not accurate until changes in the status were reported. Effect: Enrollment statuses in NSLDS for the affected individuals were not correct and may have resulted in improper loan deferments and interest subsidiaries on outstanding loans. Questioned costs: $-0- Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2023-002. Recommendation: The University should work with its Information Technology Department and NSC to determine the root cause of the enrollment reporting issues and develop a corrective action as soon as possible to avoid future reporting inaccuracies. The corrective action should be closely monitored by the Registrar on a regular basis to ensure the process is functioning as intended and resulting in accurate enrollment reporting. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require Institutions to consider students who have stopped attending classes in the semester to be considered an unofficial withdrawal. If a student withdraws officially or unofficially within the first 60% of the semester, the Institution must calculate a refund to the student’s account statement. If a student withdraws after the 60% date in the semester, they are considered to have earned their aid and will not have a refund calculated. Condition: We tested the withdrawal process for eleven students. Out of these eleven, seven students withdrew in a period of 60% and needed a calculation of the return of funds to be made. We noted that one of these students received a refund of aid, though they did not cease attending their classes until after the 60% mark. Cause: Process and controls over attendance records and unofficial withdrawals are insufficient. Effect: Federal funds were returned to the Department of Education when the student had in fact earned the aid for the semester. Questioned costs: -$4,983 Identification of repeat findings: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The University should closely monitor the attendance records of students to ensure that if a student stops attending but returns later in the semester, that any issues with federal aid are addressed timely and appropriately. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require Institutions to consider students who have stopped attending classes in the semester to be considered an unofficial withdrawal. If a student withdraws officially or unofficially within the first 60% of the semester, the Institution must calculate a refund to the student’s account statement. If a student withdraws after the 60% date in the semester, they are considered to have earned their aid and will not have a refund calculated. Condition: We tested the withdrawal process for eleven students. Out of these eleven, seven students withdrew in a period of 60% and needed a calculation of the return of funds to be made. We noted that one of these students received a refund of aid, though they did not cease attending their classes until after the 60% mark. Cause: Process and controls over attendance records and unofficial withdrawals are insufficient. Effect: Federal funds were returned to the Department of Education when the student had in fact earned the aid for the semester. Questioned costs: -$4,983 Identification of repeat findings: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The University should closely monitor the attendance records of students to ensure that if a student stops attending but returns later in the semester, that any issues with federal aid are addressed timely and appropriately. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require Institutions to consider students who have stopped attending classes in the semester to be considered an unofficial withdrawal. If a student withdraws officially or unofficially within the first 60% of the semester, the Institution must calculate a refund to the student’s account statement. If a student withdraws after the 60% date in the semester, they are considered to have earned their aid and will not have a refund calculated. Condition: We tested the withdrawal process for eleven students. Out of these eleven, seven students withdrew in a period of 60% and needed a calculation of the return of funds to be made. We noted that one of these students received a refund of aid, though they did not cease attending their classes until after the 60% mark. Cause: Process and controls over attendance records and unofficial withdrawals are insufficient. Effect: Federal funds were returned to the Department of Education when the student had in fact earned the aid for the semester. Questioned costs: -$4,983 Identification of repeat findings: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The University should closely monitor the attendance records of students to ensure that if a student stops attending but returns later in the semester, that any issues with federal aid are addressed timely and appropriately. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.
Criteria: Regulations require Institutions to consider students who have stopped attending classes in the semester to be considered an unofficial withdrawal. If a student withdraws officially or unofficially within the first 60% of the semester, the Institution must calculate a refund to the student’s account statement. If a student withdraws after the 60% date in the semester, they are considered to have earned their aid and will not have a refund calculated. Condition: We tested the withdrawal process for eleven students. Out of these eleven, seven students withdrew in a period of 60% and needed a calculation of the return of funds to be made. We noted that one of these students received a refund of aid, though they did not cease attending their classes until after the 60% mark. Cause: Process and controls over attendance records and unofficial withdrawals are insufficient. Effect: Federal funds were returned to the Department of Education when the student had in fact earned the aid for the semester. Questioned costs: -$4,983 Identification of repeat findings: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The University should closely monitor the attendance records of students to ensure that if a student stops attending but returns later in the semester, that any issues with federal aid are addressed timely and appropriately. Views of responsible officials: The University agrees with the finding. See Client’s Corrective Action Plan – Single Audit Findings.