Audit 340686

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$7.89M
Findings
18
Programs
21
Organization: Williams College (MA)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-01-31

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
520854 2024-001 - - N
520855 2024-001 - - N
520856 2024-001 - - N
520857 2024-002 - - N
520858 2024-001 - - N
520859 2024-001 - - N
520860 2024-002 - - N
520861 2024-001 - - N
520862 2024-002 - - N
1097296 2024-001 - - N
1097297 2024-001 - - N
1097298 2024-001 - - N
1097299 2024-002 - - N
1097300 2024-001 - - N
1097301 2024-001 - - N
1097302 2024-002 - - N
1097303 2024-001 - - N
1097304 2024-002 - - N

Contacts

Name Title Type
JVZEJJ6N5EM8 Valerie Myers Auditee
4135974204 Ann Pike Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Basis of Presentation Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Negative amounts shown on the Schedule represent adjustments or credits made in the normal course of business to amounts reported as expenditures in prior years. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The approved facilities and administrative cost rate used for the Research and Development cluster of programs during the year ended June 30, 2024 is 50.8% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). This rate is in effect through June 30, 2026. Prior to FY23, the rate had been 62.5% of salaries & wages, and will remain in effect on those grants until they expire. The College uses this predetermined approved facilities and administration cost rate when charging indirect costs to federal awards rather than the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate as described in Section 200.414 of the Uniform Guidance. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the “Schedule”) includes the federal award activity of Williams College (the “College”) under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in the Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”). Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of the College, it is not intended to and does not present its financial position, results of operations, changes in net assets or cash flows. The pass-through entity identifying number on the Schedules represents the identification number assigned by the prime to the applicable program. Assistance Listing Numbers (“ALN”) and pass-through numbers are provided when applicable.
Title: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Negative amounts shown on the Schedule represent adjustments or credits made in the normal course of business to amounts reported as expenditures in prior years. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The approved facilities and administrative cost rate used for the Research and Development cluster of programs during the year ended June 30, 2024 is 50.8% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). This rate is in effect through June 30, 2026. Prior to FY23, the rate had been 62.5% of salaries & wages, and will remain in effect on those grants until they expire. The College uses this predetermined approved facilities and administration cost rate when charging indirect costs to federal awards rather than the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate as described in Section 200.414 of the Uniform Guidance. Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Negative amounts shown on the Schedule represent adjustments or credits made in the normal course of business to amounts reported as expenditures in prior years.
Title: Federal Perkins Loan Program (Assistance Listing Number 84.038) Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Negative amounts shown on the Schedule represent adjustments or credits made in the normal course of business to amounts reported as expenditures in prior years. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The approved facilities and administrative cost rate used for the Research and Development cluster of programs during the year ended June 30, 2024 is 50.8% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). This rate is in effect through June 30, 2026. Prior to FY23, the rate had been 62.5% of salaries & wages, and will remain in effect on those grants until they expire. The College uses this predetermined approved facilities and administration cost rate when charging indirect costs to federal awards rather than the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate as described in Section 200.414 of the Uniform Guidance. The Federal Perkins Loan balance outstanding at June 30, 2024 was $316,908
Title: Federal Student Loans Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Negative amounts shown on the Schedule represent adjustments or credits made in the normal course of business to amounts reported as expenditures in prior years. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The approved facilities and administrative cost rate used for the Research and Development cluster of programs during the year ended June 30, 2024 is 50.8% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). This rate is in effect through June 30, 2026. Prior to FY23, the rate had been 62.5% of salaries & wages, and will remain in effect on those grants until they expire. The College uses this predetermined approved facilities and administration cost rate when charging indirect costs to federal awards rather than the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate as described in Section 200.414 of the Uniform Guidance. The federal student loan programs, Federal Direct Student Loans (Assistance Listing Number 84.268) and Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) (Assistance Listing Number 84.268), are administered directly by the College, and balances and transactions relating to these programs are not included in the College’s basic consolidated financial statements. The College is responsible only for the performance of certain administrative duties with respect to the programs above and, accordingly, balances and transactions relating to the programs are not included in the College’s consolidated financial statements.
Title: Facilities and Administrative Cost Recoveries Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Negative amounts shown on the Schedule represent adjustments or credits made in the normal course of business to amounts reported as expenditures in prior years. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The approved facilities and administrative cost rate used for the Research and Development cluster of programs during the year ended June 30, 2024 is 50.8% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). This rate is in effect through June 30, 2026. Prior to FY23, the rate had been 62.5% of salaries & wages, and will remain in effect on those grants until they expire. The College uses this predetermined approved facilities and administration cost rate when charging indirect costs to federal awards rather than the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate as described in Section 200.414 of the Uniform Guidance. The approved facilities and administrative cost rate used for the Research and Development cluster of programs during the year ended June 30, 2024 is 50.8% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). This rate is in effect through June 30, 2026. Prior to FY23, the rate had been 62.5% of salaries & wages, and will remain in effect on those grants until they expire. The College uses this predetermined approved facilities and administration cost rate when charging indirect costs to federal awards rather than the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate as described in Section 200.414 of the Uniform Guidance.
Title: Department of Homeland Security Public Assistance Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Negative amounts shown on the Schedule represent adjustments or credits made in the normal course of business to amounts reported as expenditures in prior years. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The approved facilities and administrative cost rate used for the Research and Development cluster of programs during the year ended June 30, 2024 is 50.8% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). This rate is in effect through June 30, 2026. Prior to FY23, the rate had been 62.5% of salaries & wages, and will remain in effect on those grants until they expire. The College uses this predetermined approved facilities and administration cost rate when charging indirect costs to federal awards rather than the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate as described in Section 200.414 of the Uniform Guidance. The College has received reimbursement of certain expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic under Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance, through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Assistance Listing Number 97.036). Expenditures are and will be reflected in the Schedule in the year in which a project application is obligated. The Schedule includes $109,089 of expenditures in fiscal years 2023, which were obligated in fiscal year 2024

Finding Details

Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2) and 685.309, the College is required to report enrollment information under the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan programs through National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The enrollment information, inclusive of Campus Level and Program Level data, must be reviewed, updated and validated by the College in a timely manner. Furthermore, specific to the Federal Direct Loan program, for a student that received a Direct Loan and was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the College, and the student had ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended, the College must report the change within 60 days from which the change was identified. Condition: We reviewed a sample of 15 students enrolled at the College who received either Pell and/or Direct Loans and had a change of enrollment status during the fiscal year. Of the 15 students tested, we identified 1 student whose program level status was certified with an incorrect effective date, however, was reported within the required 60-day timeframe. Cause: The student was originally enrolled in two majors at the program level at the College. The College was notified in December that the student withdrew from the College with a last date of attendance (effective date) in October. However, in November, the student dropped one of its majors. Given the change in majors, the effective date at the program level for the major that the student maintained was inaccurately updated to November. Effect or Potential Effect: A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies all of which are impacted by inaccurate and late reporting. The student’s campus level status was certified correctly. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College review its procedures and controls to ensure accurate and timely enrollment reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2) and 685.309, the College is required to report enrollment information under the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan programs through National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The enrollment information, inclusive of Campus Level and Program Level data, must be reviewed, updated and validated by the College in a timely manner. Furthermore, specific to the Federal Direct Loan program, for a student that received a Direct Loan and was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the College, and the student had ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended, the College must report the change within 60 days from which the change was identified. Condition: We reviewed a sample of 15 students enrolled at the College who received either Pell and/or Direct Loans and had a change of enrollment status during the fiscal year. Of the 15 students tested, we identified 1 student whose program level status was certified with an incorrect effective date, however, was reported within the required 60-day timeframe. Cause: The student was originally enrolled in two majors at the program level at the College. The College was notified in December that the student withdrew from the College with a last date of attendance (effective date) in October. However, in November, the student dropped one of its majors. Given the change in majors, the effective date at the program level for the major that the student maintained was inaccurately updated to November. Effect or Potential Effect: A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies all of which are impacted by inaccurate and late reporting. The student’s campus level status was certified correctly. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College review its procedures and controls to ensure accurate and timely enrollment reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2) and 685.309, the College is required to report enrollment information under the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan programs through National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The enrollment information, inclusive of Campus Level and Program Level data, must be reviewed, updated and validated by the College in a timely manner. Furthermore, specific to the Federal Direct Loan program, for a student that received a Direct Loan and was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the College, and the student had ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended, the College must report the change within 60 days from which the change was identified. Condition: We reviewed a sample of 15 students enrolled at the College who received either Pell and/or Direct Loans and had a change of enrollment status during the fiscal year. Of the 15 students tested, we identified 1 student whose program level status was certified with an incorrect effective date, however, was reported within the required 60-day timeframe. Cause: The student was originally enrolled in two majors at the program level at the College. The College was notified in December that the student withdrew from the College with a last date of attendance (effective date) in October. However, in November, the student dropped one of its majors. Given the change in majors, the effective date at the program level for the major that the student maintained was inaccurately updated to November. Effect or Potential Effect: A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies all of which are impacted by inaccurate and late reporting. The student’s campus level status was certified correctly. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College review its procedures and controls to ensure accurate and timely enrollment reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2) and 685.309, the College is required to report enrollment information under the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan programs through National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The enrollment information, inclusive of Campus Level and Program Level data, must be reviewed, updated and validated by the College in a timely manner. Furthermore, specific to the Federal Direct Loan program, for a student that received a Direct Loan and was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the College, and the student had ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended, the College must report the change within 60 days from which the change was identified. Condition: We reviewed a sample of 15 students enrolled at the College who received either Pell and/or Direct Loans and had a change of enrollment status during the fiscal year. Of the 15 students tested, we identified 1 student whose program level status was certified with an incorrect effective date, however, was reported within the required 60-day timeframe. Cause: The student was originally enrolled in two majors at the program level at the College. The College was notified in December that the student withdrew from the College with a last date of attendance (effective date) in October. However, in November, the student dropped one of its majors. Given the change in majors, the effective date at the program level for the major that the student maintained was inaccurately updated to November. Effect or Potential Effect: A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies all of which are impacted by inaccurate and late reporting. The student’s campus level status was certified correctly. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College review its procedures and controls to ensure accurate and timely enrollment reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2) and 685.309, the College is required to report enrollment information under the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan programs through National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The enrollment information, inclusive of Campus Level and Program Level data, must be reviewed, updated and validated by the College in a timely manner. Furthermore, specific to the Federal Direct Loan program, for a student that received a Direct Loan and was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the College, and the student had ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended, the College must report the change within 60 days from which the change was identified. Condition: We reviewed a sample of 15 students enrolled at the College who received either Pell and/or Direct Loans and had a change of enrollment status during the fiscal year. Of the 15 students tested, we identified 1 student whose program level status was certified with an incorrect effective date, however, was reported within the required 60-day timeframe. Cause: The student was originally enrolled in two majors at the program level at the College. The College was notified in December that the student withdrew from the College with a last date of attendance (effective date) in October. However, in November, the student dropped one of its majors. Given the change in majors, the effective date at the program level for the major that the student maintained was inaccurately updated to November. Effect or Potential Effect: A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies all of which are impacted by inaccurate and late reporting. The student’s campus level status was certified correctly. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College review its procedures and controls to ensure accurate and timely enrollment reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.54, “an institution must require an applicant whose Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary.” Per 34 CFR 668.57, “if an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the following specified documentation (a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid, (b) Number of family members in household, and (c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions.” Additionally, for students who received Pell grants the student's verification status code must be entered in the Common Origination and Disbursements (COD) system. Condition: Through testing a sample of 10 students selected for verification, we identified 1 student whose verification status was not appropriately coded in the COD system and 2 students who did not have the correct number of family members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions in the FAFSA compared to the verification worksheet. Cause: The College performs a manual review process over verification and these items were missed in the manual review. Effect or Potential Effect: Incorrect information included in the FAFSA could impact the amount of federal aid provided to the student. None of the exceptions noted affected the amount of aid provided to the sampled students. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College provide additional training and ensure those performing the manual reviews over verification understand the importance of accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report.
Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2) and 685.309, the College is required to report enrollment information under the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan programs through National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The enrollment information, inclusive of Campus Level and Program Level data, must be reviewed, updated and validated by the College in a timely manner. Furthermore, specific to the Federal Direct Loan program, for a student that received a Direct Loan and was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the College, and the student had ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended, the College must report the change within 60 days from which the change was identified. Condition: We reviewed a sample of 15 students enrolled at the College who received either Pell and/or Direct Loans and had a change of enrollment status during the fiscal year. Of the 15 students tested, we identified 1 student whose program level status was certified with an incorrect effective date, however, was reported within the required 60-day timeframe. Cause: The student was originally enrolled in two majors at the program level at the College. The College was notified in December that the student withdrew from the College with a last date of attendance (effective date) in October. However, in November, the student dropped one of its majors. Given the change in majors, the effective date at the program level for the major that the student maintained was inaccurately updated to November. Effect or Potential Effect: A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies all of which are impacted by inaccurate and late reporting. The student’s campus level status was certified correctly. Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the College review its procedures and controls to ensure accurate and timely enrollment reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report