FAC Explorer

Audit 344025

FY End
2024-05-31
Total Expended
$36.54M
Findings
14
Programs
10
Organization: Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (MN)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-02-27
Auditor: Baker Tilly US LLP

Organization Exclusion Status:

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
524574 2024-001 - - H
524575 2024-001 - - H
524576 2024-001 - - H
524577 2024-001 - - H
524578 2024-001 - - H
524579 2024-002 Significant Deficiency - L
524580 2024-002 Significant Deficiency - L
1101016 2024-001 - - H
1101017 2024-001 - - H
1101018 2024-001 - - H
1101019 2024-001 - - H
1101020 2024-001 - - H
1101021 2024-002 Significant Deficiency - L
1101022 2024-002 Significant Deficiency - L

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $33.01M Yes 2
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $1.53M Yes 2
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program_federal Capital Contributions $1.15M Yes 1
15.665 National Wetlands Inventory $325,214 - 0
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $210,065 Yes 1
15.945 Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System $118,079 - 0
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $94,262 Yes 1
66.436 Surveys, Studies, Investigations, Demonstrations, and Training Grants and Cooperative Agreements - Section 104(b)(3) of the Clean Water Act $46,820 - 0
66.462 National Wetland Program Development Grants and Five-Star Restoration Training Grant $28,415 - 0
15.808 U.s. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection $25,000 - 0

Contacts

Name Title Type
K8F4C6VG5MX5 Kelly Boice Auditee
5074571445 Nicki Donlon Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: 1. 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. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The University has elected not to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the Schedule) includes the federal award activity of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota under programs of the federal government for the year ended May 31, 2024. The information in this 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 University, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net assets or cash flows of the University.
Title: 2. 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. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The University has elected not to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. 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.
Title: 3. Indirect Cost Rate 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. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The University has elected not to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. The University has elected not to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate.
Title: 4. Loan and Loan Guarantee Programs 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. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The University has elected not to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. The Federal Perkins Loan Program is administered directly by the University, and balances and transactions relating to this program are included in the University’s basic financial statements. Loans outstanding at the beginning of the year are included in the federal expenditures presented in the Schedule. Federal Perkins loans outstanding at May 31, 2024 totaled $518,360.

Finding Details

Finding 2024-001
Return of Title IV Funds Program: Various CFDA Number: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: Various Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period, Title IV regulations (34 CFR 668.22) require the University to determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the withdrawal date and return the unearned portion of the grant or loan to the Title IV program as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date. Condition/Context: The federal aid refunds for 1 out of 3 tested of the students tested was not returned within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University's procedures for the return of Title IV funds were not followed. In addition, there was no independent review of the refund calculation. Effect: The University was in possession of funds belonging to the federal government longer than allowed. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should increase emphasis on timely processing of refund transactions. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. This error occurred while there was a transition period in the financial aid office due to turnover of financial aid staff. The current director performs the R2T4s and is working to have a back-up employee trained.
Finding 2024-001
Return of Title IV Funds Program: Various CFDA Number: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: Various Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period, Title IV regulations (34 CFR 668.22) require the University to determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the withdrawal date and return the unearned portion of the grant or loan to the Title IV program as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date. Condition/Context: The federal aid refunds for 1 out of 3 tested of the students tested was not returned within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University's procedures for the return of Title IV funds were not followed. In addition, there was no independent review of the refund calculation. Effect: The University was in possession of funds belonging to the federal government longer than allowed. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should increase emphasis on timely processing of refund transactions. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. This error occurred while there was a transition period in the financial aid office due to turnover of financial aid staff. The current director performs the R2T4s and is working to have a back-up employee trained.
Finding 2024-001
Return of Title IV Funds Program: Various CFDA Number: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: Various Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period, Title IV regulations (34 CFR 668.22) require the University to determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the withdrawal date and return the unearned portion of the grant or loan to the Title IV program as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date. Condition/Context: The federal aid refunds for 1 out of 3 tested of the students tested was not returned within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University's procedures for the return of Title IV funds were not followed. In addition, there was no independent review of the refund calculation. Effect: The University was in possession of funds belonging to the federal government longer than allowed. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should increase emphasis on timely processing of refund transactions. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. This error occurred while there was a transition period in the financial aid office due to turnover of financial aid staff. The current director performs the R2T4s and is working to have a back-up employee trained.
Finding 2024-001
Return of Title IV Funds Program: Various CFDA Number: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: Various Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period, Title IV regulations (34 CFR 668.22) require the University to determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the withdrawal date and return the unearned portion of the grant or loan to the Title IV program as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date. Condition/Context: The federal aid refunds for 1 out of 3 tested of the students tested was not returned within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University's procedures for the return of Title IV funds were not followed. In addition, there was no independent review of the refund calculation. Effect: The University was in possession of funds belonging to the federal government longer than allowed. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should increase emphasis on timely processing of refund transactions. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. This error occurred while there was a transition period in the financial aid office due to turnover of financial aid staff. The current director performs the R2T4s and is working to have a back-up employee trained.
Finding 2024-001
Return of Title IV Funds Program: Various CFDA Number: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: Various Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period, Title IV regulations (34 CFR 668.22) require the University to determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the withdrawal date and return the unearned portion of the grant or loan to the Title IV program as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date. Condition/Context: The federal aid refunds for 1 out of 3 tested of the students tested was not returned within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University's procedures for the return of Title IV funds were not followed. In addition, there was no independent review of the refund calculation. Effect: The University was in possession of funds belonging to the federal government longer than allowed. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should increase emphasis on timely processing of refund transactions. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. This error occurred while there was a transition period in the financial aid office due to turnover of financial aid staff. The current director performs the R2T4s and is working to have a back-up employee trained.
Finding 2024-002
Significant Deficiency - Student Status Changes Program: Federal Direct Loan Programs and Federal Pell Grant Program CFDA Number: 84.268 and 84.063 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P268K241689 and P063P231689 Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: Title IV regulations (34 CFR 685.309(b)) require that upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, institutions must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary: (i) in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary; and (ii) within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Unless it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, an institution must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the institution discovers that: (i) a loan under Title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or (ii) a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.   Condition/Context: The change in student status for 8 of 25 students tested was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) within 30 days or included in a response to a roster file within 60 days. In addition, three of those students were not reported until the auditors discovered that the students were not reported during the testing performed. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University’s procedures for reporting all students was not designed appropriately in order to allow for timely reporting to the NSLDS. Effect: The accuracy of Title IV student loan records depends heavily on the accuracy of the enrollment information reported by institutions. If an institution does not review, update and verify student enrollment statuses, effective dates of the enrollment status and the anticipated completion dates, then the Title IV student loan records will be inaccurate. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should revise its procedures to ensure accurate enrollment information is sent to the NSLDS within the required timeframe. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. The University has been actively taking measures with the new student information system, Jenzabar, and procedures have been standardized across the University.
Finding 2024-002
Significant Deficiency - Student Status Changes Program: Federal Direct Loan Programs and Federal Pell Grant Program CFDA Number: 84.268 and 84.063 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P268K241689 and P063P231689 Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: Title IV regulations (34 CFR 685.309(b)) require that upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, institutions must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary: (i) in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary; and (ii) within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Unless it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, an institution must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the institution discovers that: (i) a loan under Title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or (ii) a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.   Condition/Context: The change in student status for 8 of 25 students tested was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) within 30 days or included in a response to a roster file within 60 days. In addition, three of those students were not reported until the auditors discovered that the students were not reported during the testing performed. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University’s procedures for reporting all students was not designed appropriately in order to allow for timely reporting to the NSLDS. Effect: The accuracy of Title IV student loan records depends heavily on the accuracy of the enrollment information reported by institutions. If an institution does not review, update and verify student enrollment statuses, effective dates of the enrollment status and the anticipated completion dates, then the Title IV student loan records will be inaccurate. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should revise its procedures to ensure accurate enrollment information is sent to the NSLDS within the required timeframe. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. The University has been actively taking measures with the new student information system, Jenzabar, and procedures have been standardized across the University.
Finding 2024-001
Return of Title IV Funds Program: Various CFDA Number: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: Various Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period, Title IV regulations (34 CFR 668.22) require the University to determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the withdrawal date and return the unearned portion of the grant or loan to the Title IV program as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date. Condition/Context: The federal aid refunds for 1 out of 3 tested of the students tested was not returned within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University's procedures for the return of Title IV funds were not followed. In addition, there was no independent review of the refund calculation. Effect: The University was in possession of funds belonging to the federal government longer than allowed. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should increase emphasis on timely processing of refund transactions. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. This error occurred while there was a transition period in the financial aid office due to turnover of financial aid staff. The current director performs the R2T4s and is working to have a back-up employee trained.
Finding 2024-001
Return of Title IV Funds Program: Various CFDA Number: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: Various Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period, Title IV regulations (34 CFR 668.22) require the University to determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the withdrawal date and return the unearned portion of the grant or loan to the Title IV program as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date. Condition/Context: The federal aid refunds for 1 out of 3 tested of the students tested was not returned within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University's procedures for the return of Title IV funds were not followed. In addition, there was no independent review of the refund calculation. Effect: The University was in possession of funds belonging to the federal government longer than allowed. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should increase emphasis on timely processing of refund transactions. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. This error occurred while there was a transition period in the financial aid office due to turnover of financial aid staff. The current director performs the R2T4s and is working to have a back-up employee trained.
Finding 2024-001
Return of Title IV Funds Program: Various CFDA Number: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: Various Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period, Title IV regulations (34 CFR 668.22) require the University to determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the withdrawal date and return the unearned portion of the grant or loan to the Title IV program as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date. Condition/Context: The federal aid refunds for 1 out of 3 tested of the students tested was not returned within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University's procedures for the return of Title IV funds were not followed. In addition, there was no independent review of the refund calculation. Effect: The University was in possession of funds belonging to the federal government longer than allowed. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should increase emphasis on timely processing of refund transactions. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. This error occurred while there was a transition period in the financial aid office due to turnover of financial aid staff. The current director performs the R2T4s and is working to have a back-up employee trained.
Finding 2024-001
Return of Title IV Funds Program: Various CFDA Number: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: Various Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period, Title IV regulations (34 CFR 668.22) require the University to determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the withdrawal date and return the unearned portion of the grant or loan to the Title IV program as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date. Condition/Context: The federal aid refunds for 1 out of 3 tested of the students tested was not returned within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University's procedures for the return of Title IV funds were not followed. In addition, there was no independent review of the refund calculation. Effect: The University was in possession of funds belonging to the federal government longer than allowed. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should increase emphasis on timely processing of refund transactions. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. This error occurred while there was a transition period in the financial aid office due to turnover of financial aid staff. The current director performs the R2T4s and is working to have a back-up employee trained.
Finding 2024-001
Return of Title IV Funds Program: Various CFDA Number: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: Various Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period, Title IV regulations (34 CFR 668.22) require the University to determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the withdrawal date and return the unearned portion of the grant or loan to the Title IV program as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date. Condition/Context: The federal aid refunds for 1 out of 3 tested of the students tested was not returned within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University's procedures for the return of Title IV funds were not followed. In addition, there was no independent review of the refund calculation. Effect: The University was in possession of funds belonging to the federal government longer than allowed. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should increase emphasis on timely processing of refund transactions. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. This error occurred while there was a transition period in the financial aid office due to turnover of financial aid staff. The current director performs the R2T4s and is working to have a back-up employee trained.
Finding 2024-002
Significant Deficiency - Student Status Changes Program: Federal Direct Loan Programs and Federal Pell Grant Program CFDA Number: 84.268 and 84.063 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P268K241689 and P063P231689 Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: Title IV regulations (34 CFR 685.309(b)) require that upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, institutions must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary: (i) in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary; and (ii) within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Unless it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, an institution must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the institution discovers that: (i) a loan under Title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or (ii) a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.   Condition/Context: The change in student status for 8 of 25 students tested was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) within 30 days or included in a response to a roster file within 60 days. In addition, three of those students were not reported until the auditors discovered that the students were not reported during the testing performed. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University’s procedures for reporting all students was not designed appropriately in order to allow for timely reporting to the NSLDS. Effect: The accuracy of Title IV student loan records depends heavily on the accuracy of the enrollment information reported by institutions. If an institution does not review, update and verify student enrollment statuses, effective dates of the enrollment status and the anticipated completion dates, then the Title IV student loan records will be inaccurate. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should revise its procedures to ensure accurate enrollment information is sent to the NSLDS within the required timeframe. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. The University has been actively taking measures with the new student information system, Jenzabar, and procedures have been standardized across the University.
Finding 2024-002
Significant Deficiency - Student Status Changes Program: Federal Direct Loan Programs and Federal Pell Grant Program CFDA Number: 84.268 and 84.063 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number: P268K241689 and P063P231689 Federal Award Year: May 31, 2024 Criteria: Title IV regulations (34 CFR 685.309(b)) require that upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, institutions must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary: (i) in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary; and (ii) within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Unless it expects to submit its next updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, an institution must notify the Secretary within 30 days after the date the institution discovers that: (i) a loan under Title IV of the Act was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or (ii) a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV of the Act has changed his or her permanent address.   Condition/Context: The change in student status for 8 of 25 students tested was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) within 30 days or included in a response to a roster file within 60 days. In addition, three of those students were not reported until the auditors discovered that the students were not reported during the testing performed. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The University’s procedures for reporting all students was not designed appropriately in order to allow for timely reporting to the NSLDS. Effect: The accuracy of Title IV student loan records depends heavily on the accuracy of the enrollment information reported by institutions. If an institution does not review, update and verify student enrollment statuses, effective dates of the enrollment status and the anticipated completion dates, then the Title IV student loan records will be inaccurate. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should revise its procedures to ensure accurate enrollment information is sent to the NSLDS within the required timeframe. Management Response: The University agrees with this finding. The University has been actively taking measures with the new student information system, Jenzabar, and procedures have been standardized across the University.