Finding No. 2022-001 - Special Tests and Provisions ? Enrollment Reporting Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education?s (USDE) central database for federal student aid disbursed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. Among other things, NSLDS monitors the programs of attendance and the enrollment status of Title IV aid recipients. The institution determines how often it receives the enrollment reporting roster file with the default set at a minimum of every 60 days. Once received, the institution must update for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes electronically through the batch method or the NSLDS website, as stated in 34 CFR Section 674.19 for Federal Perkin Loans, 34 CFR 690.83 (b)(2) for Federal Pell Grant Program and 34 CFR section 685.309 for Federal Direct Student Loan Program. A student?s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies to Federal Direct Student Loan Program loan holders by USDE. Enrollment reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 30 days whenever attendance changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. These changes include reductions or increases in attendance levels, withdrawals, graduations, or approved leaves-of-absence. Condition In testing compliance and internal control over compliance with enrollment reporting, we selected twenty-five (25) students from the total population who withdrew, graduated, dropped-out or failed to attend to the University during the year ended June 30, 2022. As a result of our test, we noted that for two (2) out of twenty-three (23) cases that received Student Financial Assistance funds, or 9% of the applicable sample, the University did not report to the NSLDS the students? status changes within the time prescribed by the regulations. In addition, we noted two (2) cases, or 9% of the applicable sample, for which the student?s status was incorrectly reported. We also noted two (2) cases, or 9% of the applicable sample, for which the student?s status was reported late exceeding the sixty (60) days allowed. Context Of the 148 instances of status changes, we selected twenty-five (25) students and determined that for six (6) out of twenty-three (23) cases that received Student Financial Assistance funds, the University did not comply with the enrollment reporting requirements. Cause Instances of non-compliance were mainly due to a lack of proper oversight over this requirement. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE was prevented from the use of accurate reporting data, which is critical for the effective administration of financial aid programs and for USDE budgetary policy analysis. Questioned Cost None. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2021-001. Recommendation The University must ascertain that students? documentation and other information necessary to comply with the federal funds? enrollment reporting requirements are readily available and up to date, and that all personnel assigned to such processes have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure full compliance with the applicable regulations. Furthermore, additional procedures need to be implemented to ensure that enrollment reporting submissions are completed within the timeframe required by such regulations. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 66-76.
Finding No. 2022-002 - Special Test and Provisions ? Return of Title IV Funds ? Determination of Funds Earned Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.007 - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) Assistance Listing 84.033 - Federal Work-Study Program Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria 34 CFR Section 668.22(a) states that when a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the student?s withdrawal date. Condition In testing compliance with the requirements for the Return of Title IV funds, we selected all nine (9) students who withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University and had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend the University. As a result of our testing of these compliance requirements, we noted one (1) instance, or 11% of the sample selected, in which the University failed to calculate the amount of the Title IV grant (PELL) that the student had earned as of the student?s withdrawal date, as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table? Context Of the nineteen (19) cases of students who withdrew, dropped out, or failed to attend the University, we selected all nine (9) students that had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University and noted one (1) instance of noncompliance (PELL) with the required criteria. The composition of the audit samples for the Pell grant program and the population from which the samples were drawn were as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table? Cause The instance of non-compliance was mainly due to a human error in the data entry of the dates. Effect As a result of these conditions, the USDE may issue warnings and/or impose penalties on the University. In addition, they could result in reduced availability of federal funds to other students in need of financial assistance. Questioned Cost As of the date the financial statements were available to be issued, questioned costs were not determined, since the amount of $10 had been paid by the University. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2021-006. Recommendation The University needs to improve its policies and procedures to ensure financial aid personnel is aware of all applicable regulations. Also, additional review and monitoring procedures should be implemented to ensure that the determination of the earned Title IV funds is made for all applicable students, including those who received incomplete or failing grades. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 66-76.
Finding No. 2022-003 - Special Test and Provisions ? Return of Title IV Funds - Timing Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.007 - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) Assistance Listing 84.033 - Federal Work-Study Program Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria 34 CFR Section 668.173(b) states that returns of Title IV Funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to the USDE as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition In testing compliance with the requirements for the Return of Title IV funds, we selected all nine (9) students who withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University and had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University. As a result of our testing of these compliance requirements, we noted one (1) instance, or 11% of the sample selected, in which the University failed to return the Title IV funds (Pell) within 45 days of determining the withdrawal date, as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table? Context Of the nineteen (19) cases of students who withdrew, dropped out, or failed to attend the University, we selected all nine (9) students that had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University and noted one (1) instance of noncompliance (PELL) with the required criteria.The composition of the audit samples for the Pell grant program and the population from which the samples were drawn were as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table? Cause The student?s withdrawal was not properly processed by the Registration Department on a timely basis due to human error. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE may issue warnings and/or impose penalties on the University. In addition, it could result in reduced availability of federal funds to other students in need of financial assistance. Questioned Cost As of the date the financial statements were available to be issued, questioned costs were not determined, since the amount of $2,036 had been paid by the University. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2021-005. Recommendation The University needs to improve its processes, including the communication between departments, to ensure that the return of Title IV funds is made within the prescribed period of time. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 66-76.
Finding No. 2022-001 - Special Tests and Provisions ? Enrollment Reporting Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education?s (USDE) central database for federal student aid disbursed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. Among other things, NSLDS monitors the programs of attendance and the enrollment status of Title IV aid recipients. The institution determines how often it receives the enrollment reporting roster file with the default set at a minimum of every 60 days. Once received, the institution must update for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes electronically through the batch method or the NSLDS website, as stated in 34 CFR Section 674.19 for Federal Perkin Loans, 34 CFR 690.83 (b)(2) for Federal Pell Grant Program and 34 CFR section 685.309 for Federal Direct Student Loan Program. A student?s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies to Federal Direct Student Loan Program loan holders by USDE. Enrollment reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 30 days whenever attendance changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. These changes include reductions or increases in attendance levels, withdrawals, graduations, or approved leaves-of-absence. Condition In testing compliance and internal control over compliance with enrollment reporting, we selected twenty-five (25) students from the total population who withdrew, graduated, dropped-out or failed to attend to the University during the year ended June 30, 2022. As a result of our test, we noted that for two (2) out of twenty-three (23) cases that received Student Financial Assistance funds, or 9% of the applicable sample, the University did not report to the NSLDS the students? status changes within the time prescribed by the regulations. In addition, we noted two (2) cases, or 9% of the applicable sample, for which the student?s status was incorrectly reported. We also noted two (2) cases, or 9% of the applicable sample, for which the student?s status was reported late exceeding the sixty (60) days allowed. Context Of the 148 instances of status changes, we selected twenty-five (25) students and determined that for six (6) out of twenty-three (23) cases that received Student Financial Assistance funds, the University did not comply with the enrollment reporting requirements. Cause Instances of non-compliance were mainly due to a lack of proper oversight over this requirement. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE was prevented from the use of accurate reporting data, which is critical for the effective administration of financial aid programs and for USDE budgetary policy analysis. Questioned Cost None. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2021-001. Recommendation The University must ascertain that students? documentation and other information necessary to comply with the federal funds? enrollment reporting requirements are readily available and up to date, and that all personnel assigned to such processes have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure full compliance with the applicable regulations. Furthermore, additional procedures need to be implemented to ensure that enrollment reporting submissions are completed within the timeframe required by such regulations. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 66-76.
Finding No. 2022-004 ? Compliance Requirements ? Eligibility Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.007 - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) Assistance Listing 84.033 - Federal Work-Study Program Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria 34 CFR Section 668.32(a)(1)(i) states that for a student to be eligible for student financial assistance programs, he or she must be a regular student enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program unless meeting an exception. Condition In testing compliance with the requirements for the Return of Title IV funds, we selected all nine (9) students who withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend the University and had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University. As a result of our testing of these compliance requirements, we noted one (1) instance, or 11% of the sample selected, in which the University disbursed Title IV funds (Direct Loan) to a non-eligible student, as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table Context Of the nineteen (19) cases of students who withdrew, dropped out, or failed to attend the University, we selected all nine (9) students that had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University and noted one (1) instance of noncompliance (Direct Loans) with the required criteria. Of the nine (9) students selected for testing, only six (6) had received Direct Loans. The composition of the audit samples for the Direct Loan program and the population from which the samples were drawn were as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table? Cause The student was incorrectly classified as enrolled by the Registrar Department due to human error. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE may issue warnings and/or impose penalties on the University. In addition, it could result in reduced availability of federal funds to other students in need of financial assistance. Questioned Cost As of the date the financial statements were available to be issued, questioned costs were not determined, since the amount of $14,423 had been paid by the University. Identification of a repeat finding This is not a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Recommendation The University needs to improve its processes over the review of student?s eligibility to ensure that only eligible students receive financial aid under federal financial assistance programs. Furthermore, controls over student enrollment should be enhanced to ensure that only qualified students are registered as enrolled in the University. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 66-76.
Finding No. 2022-001 - Special Tests and Provisions ? Enrollment Reporting Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education?s (USDE) central database for federal student aid disbursed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. Among other things, NSLDS monitors the programs of attendance and the enrollment status of Title IV aid recipients. The institution determines how often it receives the enrollment reporting roster file with the default set at a minimum of every 60 days. Once received, the institution must update for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes electronically through the batch method or the NSLDS website, as stated in 34 CFR Section 674.19 for Federal Perkin Loans, 34 CFR 690.83 (b)(2) for Federal Pell Grant Program and 34 CFR section 685.309 for Federal Direct Student Loan Program. A student?s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies to Federal Direct Student Loan Program loan holders by USDE. Enrollment reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 30 days whenever attendance changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. These changes include reductions or increases in attendance levels, withdrawals, graduations, or approved leaves-of-absence. Condition In testing compliance and internal control over compliance with enrollment reporting, we selected twenty-five (25) students from the total population who withdrew, graduated, dropped-out or failed to attend to the University during the year ended June 30, 2022. As a result of our test, we noted that for two (2) out of twenty-three (23) cases that received Student Financial Assistance funds, or 9% of the applicable sample, the University did not report to the NSLDS the students? status changes within the time prescribed by the regulations. In addition, we noted two (2) cases, or 9% of the applicable sample, for which the student?s status was incorrectly reported. We also noted two (2) cases, or 9% of the applicable sample, for which the student?s status was reported late exceeding the sixty (60) days allowed. Context Of the 148 instances of status changes, we selected twenty-five (25) students and determined that for six (6) out of twenty-three (23) cases that received Student Financial Assistance funds, the University did not comply with the enrollment reporting requirements. Cause Instances of non-compliance were mainly due to a lack of proper oversight over this requirement. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE was prevented from the use of accurate reporting data, which is critical for the effective administration of financial aid programs and for USDE budgetary policy analysis. Questioned Cost None. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2021-001. Recommendation The University must ascertain that students? documentation and other information necessary to comply with the federal funds? enrollment reporting requirements are readily available and up to date, and that all personnel assigned to such processes have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure full compliance with the applicable regulations. Furthermore, additional procedures need to be implemented to ensure that enrollment reporting submissions are completed within the timeframe required by such regulations. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 66-76.
Finding No. 2022-002 - Special Test and Provisions ? Return of Title IV Funds ? Determination of Funds Earned Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.007 - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) Assistance Listing 84.033 - Federal Work-Study Program Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria 34 CFR Section 668.22(a) states that when a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the student?s withdrawal date. Condition In testing compliance with the requirements for the Return of Title IV funds, we selected all nine (9) students who withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University and had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend the University. As a result of our testing of these compliance requirements, we noted one (1) instance, or 11% of the sample selected, in which the University failed to calculate the amount of the Title IV grant (PELL) that the student had earned as of the student?s withdrawal date, as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table? Context Of the nineteen (19) cases of students who withdrew, dropped out, or failed to attend the University, we selected all nine (9) students that had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University and noted one (1) instance of noncompliance (PELL) with the required criteria. The composition of the audit samples for the Pell grant program and the population from which the samples were drawn were as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table? Cause The instance of non-compliance was mainly due to a human error in the data entry of the dates. Effect As a result of these conditions, the USDE may issue warnings and/or impose penalties on the University. In addition, they could result in reduced availability of federal funds to other students in need of financial assistance. Questioned Cost As of the date the financial statements were available to be issued, questioned costs were not determined, since the amount of $10 had been paid by the University. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2021-006. Recommendation The University needs to improve its policies and procedures to ensure financial aid personnel is aware of all applicable regulations. Also, additional review and monitoring procedures should be implemented to ensure that the determination of the earned Title IV funds is made for all applicable students, including those who received incomplete or failing grades. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 66-76.
Finding No. 2022-003 - Special Test and Provisions ? Return of Title IV Funds - Timing Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.007 - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) Assistance Listing 84.033 - Federal Work-Study Program Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria 34 CFR Section 668.173(b) states that returns of Title IV Funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to the USDE as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition In testing compliance with the requirements for the Return of Title IV funds, we selected all nine (9) students who withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University and had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University. As a result of our testing of these compliance requirements, we noted one (1) instance, or 11% of the sample selected, in which the University failed to return the Title IV funds (Pell) within 45 days of determining the withdrawal date, as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table? Context Of the nineteen (19) cases of students who withdrew, dropped out, or failed to attend the University, we selected all nine (9) students that had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University and noted one (1) instance of noncompliance (PELL) with the required criteria.The composition of the audit samples for the Pell grant program and the population from which the samples were drawn were as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table? Cause The student?s withdrawal was not properly processed by the Registration Department on a timely basis due to human error. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE may issue warnings and/or impose penalties on the University. In addition, it could result in reduced availability of federal funds to other students in need of financial assistance. Questioned Cost As of the date the financial statements were available to be issued, questioned costs were not determined, since the amount of $2,036 had been paid by the University. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2021-005. Recommendation The University needs to improve its processes, including the communication between departments, to ensure that the return of Title IV funds is made within the prescribed period of time. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 66-76.
Finding No. 2022-001 - Special Tests and Provisions ? Enrollment Reporting Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education?s (USDE) central database for federal student aid disbursed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. Among other things, NSLDS monitors the programs of attendance and the enrollment status of Title IV aid recipients. The institution determines how often it receives the enrollment reporting roster file with the default set at a minimum of every 60 days. Once received, the institution must update for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes electronically through the batch method or the NSLDS website, as stated in 34 CFR Section 674.19 for Federal Perkin Loans, 34 CFR 690.83 (b)(2) for Federal Pell Grant Program and 34 CFR section 685.309 for Federal Direct Student Loan Program. A student?s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies to Federal Direct Student Loan Program loan holders by USDE. Enrollment reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 30 days whenever attendance changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. These changes include reductions or increases in attendance levels, withdrawals, graduations, or approved leaves-of-absence. Condition In testing compliance and internal control over compliance with enrollment reporting, we selected twenty-five (25) students from the total population who withdrew, graduated, dropped-out or failed to attend to the University during the year ended June 30, 2022. As a result of our test, we noted that for two (2) out of twenty-three (23) cases that received Student Financial Assistance funds, or 9% of the applicable sample, the University did not report to the NSLDS the students? status changes within the time prescribed by the regulations. In addition, we noted two (2) cases, or 9% of the applicable sample, for which the student?s status was incorrectly reported. We also noted two (2) cases, or 9% of the applicable sample, for which the student?s status was reported late exceeding the sixty (60) days allowed. Context Of the 148 instances of status changes, we selected twenty-five (25) students and determined that for six (6) out of twenty-three (23) cases that received Student Financial Assistance funds, the University did not comply with the enrollment reporting requirements. Cause Instances of non-compliance were mainly due to a lack of proper oversight over this requirement. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE was prevented from the use of accurate reporting data, which is critical for the effective administration of financial aid programs and for USDE budgetary policy analysis. Questioned Cost None. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Finding 2021-001. Recommendation The University must ascertain that students? documentation and other information necessary to comply with the federal funds? enrollment reporting requirements are readily available and up to date, and that all personnel assigned to such processes have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure full compliance with the applicable regulations. Furthermore, additional procedures need to be implemented to ensure that enrollment reporting submissions are completed within the timeframe required by such regulations. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 66-76.
Finding No. 2022-004 ? Compliance Requirements ? Eligibility Federal Program Students Financial Assistance Programs Cluster: Assistance Listing 84.007 - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) Assistance Listing 84.033 - Federal Work-Study Program Assistance Listing 84.063 - Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing 84.268 - Federal Direct Student Loans Program Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Entity N/A Criteria 34 CFR Section 668.32(a)(1)(i) states that for a student to be eligible for student financial assistance programs, he or she must be a regular student enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program unless meeting an exception. Condition In testing compliance with the requirements for the Return of Title IV funds, we selected all nine (9) students who withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend the University and had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University. As a result of our testing of these compliance requirements, we noted one (1) instance, or 11% of the sample selected, in which the University disbursed Title IV funds (Direct Loan) to a non-eligible student, as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table Context Of the nineteen (19) cases of students who withdrew, dropped out, or failed to attend the University, we selected all nine (9) students that had received Title IV funds for the academic period in which the student withdrew, dropped out or failed to attend to the University and noted one (1) instance of noncompliance (Direct Loans) with the required criteria. Of the nine (9) students selected for testing, only six (6) had received Direct Loans. The composition of the audit samples for the Direct Loan program and the population from which the samples were drawn were as follows: ?See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table? Cause The student was incorrectly classified as enrolled by the Registrar Department due to human error. Effect As a result of this condition, the USDE may issue warnings and/or impose penalties on the University. In addition, it could result in reduced availability of federal funds to other students in need of financial assistance. Questioned Cost As of the date the financial statements were available to be issued, questioned costs were not determined, since the amount of $14,423 had been paid by the University. Identification of a repeat finding This is not a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Recommendation The University needs to improve its processes over the review of student?s eligibility to ensure that only eligible students receive financial aid under federal financial assistance programs. Furthermore, controls over student enrollment should be enhanced to ensure that only qualified students are registered as enrolled in the University. Views of responsible officials and corrective action plan The University management agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on pages 66-76.