Audit 387191

Item 2025-001 Eligibility/Program Eligibility Federal Pell Grant Program ALN# 84.063 U.S. Department of Education Grant period – 2025-2026 Award Year Criteria – In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-Federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should follow guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Under 34 CFR Part 690 Pell grants are required to be calculated using a distinct set of criteria based on enrollment. Condition – 2 of 40 students tested received overpayments of Pell grants. Errors in clock-to-credit-hour conversions resulted in inaccurate enrollment intensities used in the Pell calculations for these students. Cause – The data file for the clock-to-credit hour conversion was not uploaded into the College's system prior to calculation of the students' enrollment intensity, and the results were not reviewed prior to packaging aid. Effect – Lack of controls resulted in an overpayment of Pell award to both students. The engagement team notes that for these exceptions, the College appropriately updated the file and corrected student aid. The engagement team further notes this only affected students in a current enrollment period in which all funds for the term had not been drawn from the Department of Education. Questioned Costs – The total of all overpayments was $7,821 amount was deemed not material to compliance. Recommendation – We recommend that adequate controls be put in place to review that files are updated by semester and that clock-to-credit hour conversions are reviewed prior to awarding of federal aid. Management’s Response – The College will strengthen the controls in place to ensure that all procedures have been followed prior to calculation and disbursement of financial aid.