Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN 84.007;
Federal Work-Study Program, ALN 84.033
Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063
Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, ALN 84.379
U.S. Department of Education
Program Year 2023-2024
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds (34 CFR 668.22(a)(1) through (a)(5)
Condition – The University’s internal controls did not ensure the calculation of amounts to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education was correct.
Questioned Costs – $0
Context – Out of the population of 69 students who withdrew, 7 were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Total days in the semester for the fall semester and spring were calculated incorrectly due to using an incorrect number of break days.
Effect – Three students selected for testing completed less than 60% of the semester and the return of Title IV funds was calculated using 7 break days in counting total days instead of 9 days, causing an incorrect amount to be returned.
Cause – The University’s internal controls did not ensure proper inputting of semester information into the calculation of returns of Title IV funds based on total days in the semester and total days attended.
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure total days in the semester are calculated correctly and post-withdrawal disbursements are made timely.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions –Due to turnover in the Financial Aid Department, the number of break days related to whole week breaks was entered into the academic calendar as 7 days instead of the correct 9 days. The process surrounding the entering of days into the academic calendar for breaks and the process for the calculation of any return of Title IV funds has been corrected for this matter. A new process went into effect as of August 1, 2024 and includes updating Policy and Procedures on R2T4, as well as more in-depth training for the Financial Aid staff. A back-up financial aid counselor to assist in R2T4 has been added and is involved in all training. All R2T4 withdrawals requiring a calculation are being added to a spreadsheet for review with the Director of Financial Aid which will be completed each semester. Additionally, the Office of Business Affairs has begun implementing internal control procedures to serve as a detective control. Of note, the calculations used in the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in no questioned costs and an over-return of funds to the U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN 84.007;
Federal Work-Study Program, ALN 84.033
Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063
Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, ALN 84.379
U.S. Department of Education
Program Year 2023-2024
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds (34 CFR 668.22(a)(1) through (a)(5)
Condition – The University’s internal controls did not ensure the calculation of amounts to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education was correct.
Questioned Costs – $0
Context – Out of the population of 69 students who withdrew, 7 were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Total days in the semester for the fall semester and spring were calculated incorrectly due to using an incorrect number of break days.
Effect – Three students selected for testing completed less than 60% of the semester and the return of Title IV funds was calculated using 7 break days in counting total days instead of 9 days, causing an incorrect amount to be returned.
Cause – The University’s internal controls did not ensure proper inputting of semester information into the calculation of returns of Title IV funds based on total days in the semester and total days attended.
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure total days in the semester are calculated correctly and post-withdrawal disbursements are made timely.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions –Due to turnover in the Financial Aid Department, the number of break days related to whole week breaks was entered into the academic calendar as 7 days instead of the correct 9 days. The process surrounding the entering of days into the academic calendar for breaks and the process for the calculation of any return of Title IV funds has been corrected for this matter. A new process went into effect as of August 1, 2024 and includes updating Policy and Procedures on R2T4, as well as more in-depth training for the Financial Aid staff. A back-up financial aid counselor to assist in R2T4 has been added and is involved in all training. All R2T4 withdrawals requiring a calculation are being added to a spreadsheet for review with the Director of Financial Aid which will be completed each semester. Additionally, the Office of Business Affairs has begun implementing internal control procedures to serve as a detective control. Of note, the calculations used in the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in no questioned costs and an over-return of funds to the U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN 84.007;
Federal Work-Study Program, ALN 84.033
Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063
Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, ALN 84.379
U.S. Department of Education
Program Year 2023-2024
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds (34 CFR 668.22(a)(1) through (a)(5)
Condition – The University’s internal controls did not ensure the calculation of amounts to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education was correct.
Questioned Costs – $0
Context – Out of the population of 69 students who withdrew, 7 were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Total days in the semester for the fall semester and spring were calculated incorrectly due to using an incorrect number of break days.
Effect – Three students selected for testing completed less than 60% of the semester and the return of Title IV funds was calculated using 7 break days in counting total days instead of 9 days, causing an incorrect amount to be returned.
Cause – The University’s internal controls did not ensure proper inputting of semester information into the calculation of returns of Title IV funds based on total days in the semester and total days attended.
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure total days in the semester are calculated correctly and post-withdrawal disbursements are made timely.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions –Due to turnover in the Financial Aid Department, the number of break days related to whole week breaks was entered into the academic calendar as 7 days instead of the correct 9 days. The process surrounding the entering of days into the academic calendar for breaks and the process for the calculation of any return of Title IV funds has been corrected for this matter. A new process went into effect as of August 1, 2024 and includes updating Policy and Procedures on R2T4, as well as more in-depth training for the Financial Aid staff. A back-up financial aid counselor to assist in R2T4 has been added and is involved in all training. All R2T4 withdrawals requiring a calculation are being added to a spreadsheet for review with the Director of Financial Aid which will be completed each semester. Additionally, the Office of Business Affairs has begun implementing internal control procedures to serve as a detective control. Of note, the calculations used in the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in no questioned costs and an over-return of funds to the U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN 84.007;
Federal Work-Study Program, ALN 84.033
Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063
Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, ALN 84.379
U.S. Department of Education
Program Year 2023-2024
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds (34 CFR 668.22(a)(1) through (a)(5)
Condition – The University’s internal controls did not ensure the calculation of amounts to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education was correct.
Questioned Costs – $0
Context – Out of the population of 69 students who withdrew, 7 were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Total days in the semester for the fall semester and spring were calculated incorrectly due to using an incorrect number of break days.
Effect – Three students selected for testing completed less than 60% of the semester and the return of Title IV funds was calculated using 7 break days in counting total days instead of 9 days, causing an incorrect amount to be returned.
Cause – The University’s internal controls did not ensure proper inputting of semester information into the calculation of returns of Title IV funds based on total days in the semester and total days attended.
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure total days in the semester are calculated correctly and post-withdrawal disbursements are made timely.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions –Due to turnover in the Financial Aid Department, the number of break days related to whole week breaks was entered into the academic calendar as 7 days instead of the correct 9 days. The process surrounding the entering of days into the academic calendar for breaks and the process for the calculation of any return of Title IV funds has been corrected for this matter. A new process went into effect as of August 1, 2024 and includes updating Policy and Procedures on R2T4, as well as more in-depth training for the Financial Aid staff. A back-up financial aid counselor to assist in R2T4 has been added and is involved in all training. All R2T4 withdrawals requiring a calculation are being added to a spreadsheet for review with the Director of Financial Aid which will be completed each semester. Additionally, the Office of Business Affairs has begun implementing internal control procedures to serve as a detective control. Of note, the calculations used in the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in no questioned costs and an over-return of funds to the U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN 84.007;
Federal Work-Study Program, ALN 84.033
Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063
Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, ALN 84.379
U.S. Department of Education
Program Year 2023-2024
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds (34 CFR 668.22(a)(1) through (a)(5)
Condition – The University’s internal controls did not ensure the calculation of amounts to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education was correct.
Questioned Costs – $0
Context – Out of the population of 69 students who withdrew, 7 were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Total days in the semester for the fall semester and spring were calculated incorrectly due to using an incorrect number of break days.
Effect – Three students selected for testing completed less than 60% of the semester and the return of Title IV funds was calculated using 7 break days in counting total days instead of 9 days, causing an incorrect amount to be returned.
Cause – The University’s internal controls did not ensure proper inputting of semester information into the calculation of returns of Title IV funds based on total days in the semester and total days attended.
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure total days in the semester are calculated correctly and post-withdrawal disbursements are made timely.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions –Due to turnover in the Financial Aid Department, the number of break days related to whole week breaks was entered into the academic calendar as 7 days instead of the correct 9 days. The process surrounding the entering of days into the academic calendar for breaks and the process for the calculation of any return of Title IV funds has been corrected for this matter. A new process went into effect as of August 1, 2024 and includes updating Policy and Procedures on R2T4, as well as more in-depth training for the Financial Aid staff. A back-up financial aid counselor to assist in R2T4 has been added and is involved in all training. All R2T4 withdrawals requiring a calculation are being added to a spreadsheet for review with the Director of Financial Aid which will be completed each semester. Additionally, the Office of Business Affairs has begun implementing internal control procedures to serve as a detective control. Of note, the calculations used in the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in no questioned costs and an over-return of funds to the U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN 84.007;
Federal Work-Study Program, ALN 84.033
Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063
Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, ALN 84.379
U.S. Department of Education
Program Year 2023-2024
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds (34 CFR 668.22(a)(1) through (a)(5)
Condition – The University’s internal controls did not ensure the calculation of amounts to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education was correct.
Questioned Costs – $0
Context – Out of the population of 69 students who withdrew, 7 were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Total days in the semester for the fall semester and spring were calculated incorrectly due to using an incorrect number of break days.
Effect – Three students selected for testing completed less than 60% of the semester and the return of Title IV funds was calculated using 7 break days in counting total days instead of 9 days, causing an incorrect amount to be returned.
Cause – The University’s internal controls did not ensure proper inputting of semester information into the calculation of returns of Title IV funds based on total days in the semester and total days attended.
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure total days in the semester are calculated correctly and post-withdrawal disbursements are made timely.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions –Due to turnover in the Financial Aid Department, the number of break days related to whole week breaks was entered into the academic calendar as 7 days instead of the correct 9 days. The process surrounding the entering of days into the academic calendar for breaks and the process for the calculation of any return of Title IV funds has been corrected for this matter. A new process went into effect as of August 1, 2024 and includes updating Policy and Procedures on R2T4, as well as more in-depth training for the Financial Aid staff. A back-up financial aid counselor to assist in R2T4 has been added and is involved in all training. All R2T4 withdrawals requiring a calculation are being added to a spreadsheet for review with the Director of Financial Aid which will be completed each semester. Additionally, the Office of Business Affairs has begun implementing internal control procedures to serve as a detective control. Of note, the calculations used in the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in no questioned costs and an over-return of funds to the U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN 84.007;
Federal Work-Study Program, ALN 84.033
Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063
Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, ALN 84.379
U.S. Department of Education
Program Year 2023-2024
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds (34 CFR 668.22(a)(1) through (a)(5)
Condition – The University’s internal controls did not ensure the calculation of amounts to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education was correct.
Questioned Costs – $0
Context – Out of the population of 69 students who withdrew, 7 were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Total days in the semester for the fall semester and spring were calculated incorrectly due to using an incorrect number of break days.
Effect – Three students selected for testing completed less than 60% of the semester and the return of Title IV funds was calculated using 7 break days in counting total days instead of 9 days, causing an incorrect amount to be returned.
Cause – The University’s internal controls did not ensure proper inputting of semester information into the calculation of returns of Title IV funds based on total days in the semester and total days attended.
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure total days in the semester are calculated correctly and post-withdrawal disbursements are made timely.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions –Due to turnover in the Financial Aid Department, the number of break days related to whole week breaks was entered into the academic calendar as 7 days instead of the correct 9 days. The process surrounding the entering of days into the academic calendar for breaks and the process for the calculation of any return of Title IV funds has been corrected for this matter. A new process went into effect as of August 1, 2024 and includes updating Policy and Procedures on R2T4, as well as more in-depth training for the Financial Aid staff. A back-up financial aid counselor to assist in R2T4 has been added and is involved in all training. All R2T4 withdrawals requiring a calculation are being added to a spreadsheet for review with the Director of Financial Aid which will be completed each semester. Additionally, the Office of Business Affairs has begun implementing internal control procedures to serve as a detective control. Of note, the calculations used in the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in no questioned costs and an over-return of funds to the U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN 84.007;
Federal Work-Study Program, ALN 84.033
Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063
Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, ALN 84.379
U.S. Department of Education
Program Year 2023-2024
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds (34 CFR 668.22(a)(1) through (a)(5)
Condition – The University’s internal controls did not ensure the calculation of amounts to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education was correct.
Questioned Costs – $0
Context – Out of the population of 69 students who withdrew, 7 were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Total days in the semester for the fall semester and spring were calculated incorrectly due to using an incorrect number of break days.
Effect – Three students selected for testing completed less than 60% of the semester and the return of Title IV funds was calculated using 7 break days in counting total days instead of 9 days, causing an incorrect amount to be returned.
Cause – The University’s internal controls did not ensure proper inputting of semester information into the calculation of returns of Title IV funds based on total days in the semester and total days attended.
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure total days in the semester are calculated correctly and post-withdrawal disbursements are made timely.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions –Due to turnover in the Financial Aid Department, the number of break days related to whole week breaks was entered into the academic calendar as 7 days instead of the correct 9 days. The process surrounding the entering of days into the academic calendar for breaks and the process for the calculation of any return of Title IV funds has been corrected for this matter. A new process went into effect as of August 1, 2024 and includes updating Policy and Procedures on R2T4, as well as more in-depth training for the Financial Aid staff. A back-up financial aid counselor to assist in R2T4 has been added and is involved in all training. All R2T4 withdrawals requiring a calculation are being added to a spreadsheet for review with the Director of Financial Aid which will be completed each semester. Additionally, the Office of Business Affairs has begun implementing internal control procedures to serve as a detective control. Of note, the calculations used in the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in no questioned costs and an over-return of funds to the U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN 84.007;
Federal Work-Study Program, ALN 84.033
Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063
Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, ALN 84.379
U.S. Department of Education
Program Year 2023-2024
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds (34 CFR 668.22(a)(1) through (a)(5)
Condition – The University’s internal controls did not ensure the calculation of amounts to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education was correct.
Questioned Costs – $0
Context – Out of the population of 69 students who withdrew, 7 were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Total days in the semester for the fall semester and spring were calculated incorrectly due to using an incorrect number of break days.
Effect – Three students selected for testing completed less than 60% of the semester and the return of Title IV funds was calculated using 7 break days in counting total days instead of 9 days, causing an incorrect amount to be returned.
Cause – The University’s internal controls did not ensure proper inputting of semester information into the calculation of returns of Title IV funds based on total days in the semester and total days attended.
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure total days in the semester are calculated correctly and post-withdrawal disbursements are made timely.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions –Due to turnover in the Financial Aid Department, the number of break days related to whole week breaks was entered into the academic calendar as 7 days instead of the correct 9 days. The process surrounding the entering of days into the academic calendar for breaks and the process for the calculation of any return of Title IV funds has been corrected for this matter. A new process went into effect as of August 1, 2024 and includes updating Policy and Procedures on R2T4, as well as more in-depth training for the Financial Aid staff. A back-up financial aid counselor to assist in R2T4 has been added and is involved in all training. All R2T4 withdrawals requiring a calculation are being added to a spreadsheet for review with the Director of Financial Aid which will be completed each semester. Additionally, the Office of Business Affairs has begun implementing internal control procedures to serve as a detective control. Of note, the calculations used in the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in no questioned costs and an over-return of funds to the U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN 84.007;
Federal Work-Study Program, ALN 84.033
Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063
Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, ALN 84.379
U.S. Department of Education
Program Year 2023-2024
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds (34 CFR 668.22(a)(1) through (a)(5)
Condition – The University’s internal controls did not ensure the calculation of amounts to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education was correct.
Questioned Costs – $0
Context – Out of the population of 69 students who withdrew, 7 were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Total days in the semester for the fall semester and spring were calculated incorrectly due to using an incorrect number of break days.
Effect – Three students selected for testing completed less than 60% of the semester and the return of Title IV funds was calculated using 7 break days in counting total days instead of 9 days, causing an incorrect amount to be returned.
Cause – The University’s internal controls did not ensure proper inputting of semester information into the calculation of returns of Title IV funds based on total days in the semester and total days attended.
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure total days in the semester are calculated correctly and post-withdrawal disbursements are made timely.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions –Due to turnover in the Financial Aid Department, the number of break days related to whole week breaks was entered into the academic calendar as 7 days instead of the correct 9 days. The process surrounding the entering of days into the academic calendar for breaks and the process for the calculation of any return of Title IV funds has been corrected for this matter. A new process went into effect as of August 1, 2024 and includes updating Policy and Procedures on R2T4, as well as more in-depth training for the Financial Aid staff. A back-up financial aid counselor to assist in R2T4 has been added and is involved in all training. All R2T4 withdrawals requiring a calculation are being added to a spreadsheet for review with the Director of Financial Aid which will be completed each semester. Additionally, the Office of Business Affairs has begun implementing internal control procedures to serve as a detective control. Of note, the calculations used in the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in no questioned costs and an over-return of funds to the U.S. Department of Education