2024-002 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Verification
Criteria: An institution is required to establish written policies and procedures that incorporate the provisions of 34 CFR 668.51 through 668.61 for verifying applicant information for those applicants selected for verification by ED. The institution shall require each applicant whose application is selected by ED to verify the information required for the Verification Tracking Group to which the applicant is assigned.
Condition and Context: The College was unable to locate supporting documentation for the verification of student information for 5 students out of 7 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, supporting documentation to support the verification of student’s information was not properly maintained in the student’s file.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement for student verification. This finding raises concerns about the college's compliance with federal verification requirements, potentially resulting in improper disbursement of federal funds.
Recommendation: The College should enhance its verification process by establishing a checklist for required documentation, providing training for staff on verification requirements, and implementing a tracking system to monitor outstanding documentation for students selected for verification.
2024-002 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Verification
Criteria: An institution is required to establish written policies and procedures that incorporate the provisions of 34 CFR 668.51 through 668.61 for verifying applicant information for those applicants selected for verification by ED. The institution shall require each applicant whose application is selected by ED to verify the information required for the Verification Tracking Group to which the applicant is assigned.
Condition and Context: The College was unable to locate supporting documentation for the verification of student information for 5 students out of 7 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, supporting documentation to support the verification of student’s information was not properly maintained in the student’s file.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement for student verification. This finding raises concerns about the college's compliance with federal verification requirements, potentially resulting in improper disbursement of federal funds.
Recommendation: The College should enhance its verification process by establishing a checklist for required documentation, providing training for staff on verification requirements, and implementing a tracking system to monitor outstanding documentation for students selected for verification.
2024-002 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Verification
Criteria: An institution is required to establish written policies and procedures that incorporate the provisions of 34 CFR 668.51 through 668.61 for verifying applicant information for those applicants selected for verification by ED. The institution shall require each applicant whose application is selected by ED to verify the information required for the Verification Tracking Group to which the applicant is assigned.
Condition and Context: The College was unable to locate supporting documentation for the verification of student information for 5 students out of 7 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, supporting documentation to support the verification of student’s information was not properly maintained in the student’s file.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement for student verification. This finding raises concerns about the college's compliance with federal verification requirements, potentially resulting in improper disbursement of federal funds.
Recommendation: The College should enhance its verification process by establishing a checklist for required documentation, providing training for staff on verification requirements, and implementing a tracking system to monitor outstanding documentation for students selected for verification.
2024-002 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Verification
Criteria: An institution is required to establish written policies and procedures that incorporate the provisions of 34 CFR 668.51 through 668.61 for verifying applicant information for those applicants selected for verification by ED. The institution shall require each applicant whose application is selected by ED to verify the information required for the Verification Tracking Group to which the applicant is assigned.
Condition and Context: The College was unable to locate supporting documentation for the verification of student information for 5 students out of 7 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, supporting documentation to support the verification of student’s information was not properly maintained in the student’s file.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement for student verification. This finding raises concerns about the college's compliance with federal verification requirements, potentially resulting in improper disbursement of federal funds.
Recommendation: The College should enhance its verification process by establishing a checklist for required documentation, providing training for staff on verification requirements, and implementing a tracking system to monitor outstanding documentation for students selected for verification.
2024-003 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Return of Title IV Funds
Criteria: Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew. Returns by check are late if the check is issued more than 45 days after the institution determined the student withdrew or the date on the canceled check shows the check was endorsed more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.173(b)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to return title IV funds to the student within the 45-day time frame for 1 student out of 3 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, a lapse in internal controls occurred related to the timing of the return of title IV funds to students.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the return of title IV funds for students who withdrew within the required 45-day time frame. The late return of Title IV funds may lead to potential non-compliance with federal regulations, exposing the institution to financial liability and affecting the eligibility for future federal funding.
Recommendation: The College should establish a more effective withdrawal tracking system to ensure timely identification and processing of withdrawals. Additionally, regular training should be provided to financial aid staff on compliance with Title IV fund return requirements to prevent future occurrences.
2024-003 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Return of Title IV Funds
Criteria: Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew. Returns by check are late if the check is issued more than 45 days after the institution determined the student withdrew or the date on the canceled check shows the check was endorsed more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.173(b)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to return title IV funds to the student within the 45-day time frame for 1 student out of 3 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, a lapse in internal controls occurred related to the timing of the return of title IV funds to students.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the return of title IV funds for students who withdrew within the required 45-day time frame. The late return of Title IV funds may lead to potential non-compliance with federal regulations, exposing the institution to financial liability and affecting the eligibility for future federal funding.
Recommendation: The College should establish a more effective withdrawal tracking system to ensure timely identification and processing of withdrawals. Additionally, regular training should be provided to financial aid staff on compliance with Title IV fund return requirements to prevent future occurrences.
2024-003 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Return of Title IV Funds
Criteria: Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew. Returns by check are late if the check is issued more than 45 days after the institution determined the student withdrew or the date on the canceled check shows the check was endorsed more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.173(b)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to return title IV funds to the student within the 45-day time frame for 1 student out of 3 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, a lapse in internal controls occurred related to the timing of the return of title IV funds to students.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the return of title IV funds for students who withdrew within the required 45-day time frame. The late return of Title IV funds may lead to potential non-compliance with federal regulations, exposing the institution to financial liability and affecting the eligibility for future federal funding.
Recommendation: The College should establish a more effective withdrawal tracking system to ensure timely identification and processing of withdrawals. Additionally, regular training should be provided to financial aid staff on compliance with Title IV fund return requirements to prevent future occurrences.
2024-003 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Return of Title IV Funds
Criteria: Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew. Returns by check are late if the check is issued more than 45 days after the institution determined the student withdrew or the date on the canceled check shows the check was endorsed more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.173(b)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to return title IV funds to the student within the 45-day time frame for 1 student out of 3 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, a lapse in internal controls occurred related to the timing of the return of title IV funds to students.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the return of title IV funds for students who withdrew within the required 45-day time frame. The late return of Title IV funds may lead to potential non-compliance with federal regulations, exposing the institution to financial liability and affecting the eligibility for future federal funding.
Recommendation: The College should establish a more effective withdrawal tracking system to ensure timely identification and processing of withdrawals. Additionally, regular training should be provided to financial aid staff on compliance with Title IV fund return requirements to prevent future occurrences.
2024-004 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting
Criteria: Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) (0MB No. 1845-0035), although FFEL loans are no longer made or a part of the SFA Cluster, a student may have a FFEL loan from previous years that would require enrollment reporting for that student (Pell, 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2); FFEL, 34 CFR 682.610; Direct Loan, 34 CFR 685.309; Perkins 34 CFR 674.19(f)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to accurately and timely report student status changes to NSLDS for 10 students out of 11 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College, including in the office of the registrar and in the financial aid department, the College did not follow the standardized process for updating enrollment information promptly and lacked effective communication between the registrar and financial aid offices regarding student status changes.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement enrollment reporting of student status changes. Inaccurate enrollment reporting can lead to improper loan servicing, incorrect disbursements, and potential issues for students regarding their loan repayment status. This finding raises compliance concerns and could result in financial liabilities for the institution.
Recommendation: The College should implement a robust system for tracking and reporting enrollment changes, including regular training for staff involved in the enrollment process. Additionally, a routine audit of reported data should be conducted to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal regulations.
2024-004 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting
Criteria: Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) (0MB No. 1845-0035), although FFEL loans are no longer made or a part of the SFA Cluster, a student may have a FFEL loan from previous years that would require enrollment reporting for that student (Pell, 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2); FFEL, 34 CFR 682.610; Direct Loan, 34 CFR 685.309; Perkins 34 CFR 674.19(f)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to accurately and timely report student status changes to NSLDS for 10 students out of 11 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College, including in the office of the registrar and in the financial aid department, the College did not follow the standardized process for updating enrollment information promptly and lacked effective communication between the registrar and financial aid offices regarding student status changes.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement enrollment reporting of student status changes. Inaccurate enrollment reporting can lead to improper loan servicing, incorrect disbursements, and potential issues for students regarding their loan repayment status. This finding raises compliance concerns and could result in financial liabilities for the institution.
Recommendation: The College should implement a robust system for tracking and reporting enrollment changes, including regular training for staff involved in the enrollment process. Additionally, a routine audit of reported data should be conducted to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal regulations.
2024-004 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting
Criteria: Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) (0MB No. 1845-0035), although FFEL loans are no longer made or a part of the SFA Cluster, a student may have a FFEL loan from previous years that would require enrollment reporting for that student (Pell, 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2); FFEL, 34 CFR 682.610; Direct Loan, 34 CFR 685.309; Perkins 34 CFR 674.19(f)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to accurately and timely report student status changes to NSLDS for 10 students out of 11 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College, including in the office of the registrar and in the financial aid department, the College did not follow the standardized process for updating enrollment information promptly and lacked effective communication between the registrar and financial aid offices regarding student status changes.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement enrollment reporting of student status changes. Inaccurate enrollment reporting can lead to improper loan servicing, incorrect disbursements, and potential issues for students regarding their loan repayment status. This finding raises compliance concerns and could result in financial liabilities for the institution.
Recommendation: The College should implement a robust system for tracking and reporting enrollment changes, including regular training for staff involved in the enrollment process. Additionally, a routine audit of reported data should be conducted to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal regulations.
2024-004 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting
Criteria: Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) (0MB No. 1845-0035), although FFEL loans are no longer made or a part of the SFA Cluster, a student may have a FFEL loan from previous years that would require enrollment reporting for that student (Pell, 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2); FFEL, 34 CFR 682.610; Direct Loan, 34 CFR 685.309; Perkins 34 CFR 674.19(f)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to accurately and timely report student status changes to NSLDS for 10 students out of 11 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College, including in the office of the registrar and in the financial aid department, the College did not follow the standardized process for updating enrollment information promptly and lacked effective communication between the registrar and financial aid offices regarding student status changes.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement enrollment reporting of student status changes. Inaccurate enrollment reporting can lead to improper loan servicing, incorrect disbursements, and potential issues for students regarding their loan repayment status. This finding raises compliance concerns and could result in financial liabilities for the institution.
Recommendation: The College should implement a robust system for tracking and reporting enrollment changes, including regular training for staff involved in the enrollment process. Additionally, a routine audit of reported data should be conducted to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal regulations.
2024-002 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Verification
Criteria: An institution is required to establish written policies and procedures that incorporate the provisions of 34 CFR 668.51 through 668.61 for verifying applicant information for those applicants selected for verification by ED. The institution shall require each applicant whose application is selected by ED to verify the information required for the Verification Tracking Group to which the applicant is assigned.
Condition and Context: The College was unable to locate supporting documentation for the verification of student information for 5 students out of 7 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, supporting documentation to support the verification of student’s information was not properly maintained in the student’s file.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement for student verification. This finding raises concerns about the college's compliance with federal verification requirements, potentially resulting in improper disbursement of federal funds.
Recommendation: The College should enhance its verification process by establishing a checklist for required documentation, providing training for staff on verification requirements, and implementing a tracking system to monitor outstanding documentation for students selected for verification.
2024-002 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Verification
Criteria: An institution is required to establish written policies and procedures that incorporate the provisions of 34 CFR 668.51 through 668.61 for verifying applicant information for those applicants selected for verification by ED. The institution shall require each applicant whose application is selected by ED to verify the information required for the Verification Tracking Group to which the applicant is assigned.
Condition and Context: The College was unable to locate supporting documentation for the verification of student information for 5 students out of 7 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, supporting documentation to support the verification of student’s information was not properly maintained in the student’s file.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement for student verification. This finding raises concerns about the college's compliance with federal verification requirements, potentially resulting in improper disbursement of federal funds.
Recommendation: The College should enhance its verification process by establishing a checklist for required documentation, providing training for staff on verification requirements, and implementing a tracking system to monitor outstanding documentation for students selected for verification.
2024-002 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Verification
Criteria: An institution is required to establish written policies and procedures that incorporate the provisions of 34 CFR 668.51 through 668.61 for verifying applicant information for those applicants selected for verification by ED. The institution shall require each applicant whose application is selected by ED to verify the information required for the Verification Tracking Group to which the applicant is assigned.
Condition and Context: The College was unable to locate supporting documentation for the verification of student information for 5 students out of 7 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, supporting documentation to support the verification of student’s information was not properly maintained in the student’s file.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement for student verification. This finding raises concerns about the college's compliance with federal verification requirements, potentially resulting in improper disbursement of federal funds.
Recommendation: The College should enhance its verification process by establishing a checklist for required documentation, providing training for staff on verification requirements, and implementing a tracking system to monitor outstanding documentation for students selected for verification.
2024-002 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Verification
Criteria: An institution is required to establish written policies and procedures that incorporate the provisions of 34 CFR 668.51 through 668.61 for verifying applicant information for those applicants selected for verification by ED. The institution shall require each applicant whose application is selected by ED to verify the information required for the Verification Tracking Group to which the applicant is assigned.
Condition and Context: The College was unable to locate supporting documentation for the verification of student information for 5 students out of 7 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, supporting documentation to support the verification of student’s information was not properly maintained in the student’s file.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement for student verification. This finding raises concerns about the college's compliance with federal verification requirements, potentially resulting in improper disbursement of federal funds.
Recommendation: The College should enhance its verification process by establishing a checklist for required documentation, providing training for staff on verification requirements, and implementing a tracking system to monitor outstanding documentation for students selected for verification.
2024-003 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Return of Title IV Funds
Criteria: Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew. Returns by check are late if the check is issued more than 45 days after the institution determined the student withdrew or the date on the canceled check shows the check was endorsed more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.173(b)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to return title IV funds to the student within the 45-day time frame for 1 student out of 3 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, a lapse in internal controls occurred related to the timing of the return of title IV funds to students.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the return of title IV funds for students who withdrew within the required 45-day time frame. The late return of Title IV funds may lead to potential non-compliance with federal regulations, exposing the institution to financial liability and affecting the eligibility for future federal funding.
Recommendation: The College should establish a more effective withdrawal tracking system to ensure timely identification and processing of withdrawals. Additionally, regular training should be provided to financial aid staff on compliance with Title IV fund return requirements to prevent future occurrences.
2024-003 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Return of Title IV Funds
Criteria: Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew. Returns by check are late if the check is issued more than 45 days after the institution determined the student withdrew or the date on the canceled check shows the check was endorsed more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.173(b)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to return title IV funds to the student within the 45-day time frame for 1 student out of 3 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, a lapse in internal controls occurred related to the timing of the return of title IV funds to students.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the return of title IV funds for students who withdrew within the required 45-day time frame. The late return of Title IV funds may lead to potential non-compliance with federal regulations, exposing the institution to financial liability and affecting the eligibility for future federal funding.
Recommendation: The College should establish a more effective withdrawal tracking system to ensure timely identification and processing of withdrawals. Additionally, regular training should be provided to financial aid staff on compliance with Title IV fund return requirements to prevent future occurrences.
2024-003 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Return of Title IV Funds
Criteria: Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew. Returns by check are late if the check is issued more than 45 days after the institution determined the student withdrew or the date on the canceled check shows the check was endorsed more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.173(b)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to return title IV funds to the student within the 45-day time frame for 1 student out of 3 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, a lapse in internal controls occurred related to the timing of the return of title IV funds to students.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the return of title IV funds for students who withdrew within the required 45-day time frame. The late return of Title IV funds may lead to potential non-compliance with federal regulations, exposing the institution to financial liability and affecting the eligibility for future federal funding.
Recommendation: The College should establish a more effective withdrawal tracking system to ensure timely identification and processing of withdrawals. Additionally, regular training should be provided to financial aid staff on compliance with Title IV fund return requirements to prevent future occurrences.
2024-003 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Return of Title IV Funds
Criteria: Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew. Returns by check are late if the check is issued more than 45 days after the institution determined the student withdrew or the date on the canceled check shows the check was endorsed more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.173(b)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to return title IV funds to the student within the 45-day time frame for 1 student out of 3 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College and in the financial aid department during the year under audit, a lapse in internal controls occurred related to the timing of the return of title IV funds to students.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the return of title IV funds for students who withdrew within the required 45-day time frame. The late return of Title IV funds may lead to potential non-compliance with federal regulations, exposing the institution to financial liability and affecting the eligibility for future federal funding.
Recommendation: The College should establish a more effective withdrawal tracking system to ensure timely identification and processing of withdrawals. Additionally, regular training should be provided to financial aid staff on compliance with Title IV fund return requirements to prevent future occurrences.
2024-004 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting
Criteria: Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) (0MB No. 1845-0035), although FFEL loans are no longer made or a part of the SFA Cluster, a student may have a FFEL loan from previous years that would require enrollment reporting for that student (Pell, 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2); FFEL, 34 CFR 682.610; Direct Loan, 34 CFR 685.309; Perkins 34 CFR 674.19(f)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to accurately and timely report student status changes to NSLDS for 10 students out of 11 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College, including in the office of the registrar and in the financial aid department, the College did not follow the standardized process for updating enrollment information promptly and lacked effective communication between the registrar and financial aid offices regarding student status changes.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement enrollment reporting of student status changes. Inaccurate enrollment reporting can lead to improper loan servicing, incorrect disbursements, and potential issues for students regarding their loan repayment status. This finding raises compliance concerns and could result in financial liabilities for the institution.
Recommendation: The College should implement a robust system for tracking and reporting enrollment changes, including regular training for staff involved in the enrollment process. Additionally, a routine audit of reported data should be conducted to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal regulations.
2024-004 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting
Criteria: Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) (0MB No. 1845-0035), although FFEL loans are no longer made or a part of the SFA Cluster, a student may have a FFEL loan from previous years that would require enrollment reporting for that student (Pell, 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2); FFEL, 34 CFR 682.610; Direct Loan, 34 CFR 685.309; Perkins 34 CFR 674.19(f)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to accurately and timely report student status changes to NSLDS for 10 students out of 11 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College, including in the office of the registrar and in the financial aid department, the College did not follow the standardized process for updating enrollment information promptly and lacked effective communication between the registrar and financial aid offices regarding student status changes.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement enrollment reporting of student status changes. Inaccurate enrollment reporting can lead to improper loan servicing, incorrect disbursements, and potential issues for students regarding their loan repayment status. This finding raises compliance concerns and could result in financial liabilities for the institution.
Recommendation: The College should implement a robust system for tracking and reporting enrollment changes, including regular training for staff involved in the enrollment process. Additionally, a routine audit of reported data should be conducted to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal regulations.
2024-004 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting
Criteria: Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) (0MB No. 1845-0035), although FFEL loans are no longer made or a part of the SFA Cluster, a student may have a FFEL loan from previous years that would require enrollment reporting for that student (Pell, 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2); FFEL, 34 CFR 682.610; Direct Loan, 34 CFR 685.309; Perkins 34 CFR 674.19(f)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to accurately and timely report student status changes to NSLDS for 10 students out of 11 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College, including in the office of the registrar and in the financial aid department, the College did not follow the standardized process for updating enrollment information promptly and lacked effective communication between the registrar and financial aid offices regarding student status changes.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement enrollment reporting of student status changes. Inaccurate enrollment reporting can lead to improper loan servicing, incorrect disbursements, and potential issues for students regarding their loan repayment status. This finding raises compliance concerns and could result in financial liabilities for the institution.
Recommendation: The College should implement a robust system for tracking and reporting enrollment changes, including regular training for staff involved in the enrollment process. Additionally, a routine audit of reported data should be conducted to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal regulations.
2024-004 – U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting
Criteria: Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) (0MB No. 1845-0035), although FFEL loans are no longer made or a part of the SFA Cluster, a student may have a FFEL loan from previous years that would require enrollment reporting for that student (Pell, 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2); FFEL, 34 CFR 682.610; Direct Loan, 34 CFR 685.309; Perkins 34 CFR 674.19(f)).
Condition and Context: The College failed to accurately and timely report student status changes to NSLDS for 10 students out of 11 students tested.
Known Questioned Costs: None, reporting requirement not met.
Cause: Due to turnover at the College, including in the office of the registrar and in the financial aid department, the College did not follow the standardized process for updating enrollment information promptly and lacked effective communication between the registrar and financial aid offices regarding student status changes.
Effect: The College was out of compliance with the requirement enrollment reporting of student status changes. Inaccurate enrollment reporting can lead to improper loan servicing, incorrect disbursements, and potential issues for students regarding their loan repayment status. This finding raises compliance concerns and could result in financial liabilities for the institution.
Recommendation: The College should implement a robust system for tracking and reporting enrollment changes, including regular training for staff involved in the enrollment process. Additionally, a routine audit of reported data should be conducted to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal regulations.