Finding Reference Number: 2024-002
Initial Fiscal Year: 2024
Summary of Finding: 2024-002 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education,
William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063)
In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(f), in...
Finding Reference Number: 2024-002
Initial Fiscal Year: 2024
Summary of Finding: 2024-002 Significant Deficiency: Return to Title IV Funds (U.S. Department of Education,
William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268; Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063)
In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(f), in the calculation of the percentage of payment period and/or period of
enrollment completed, the total number of calendar days in a payment and/or enrollment period includes all days
within the period, except that institutionally scheduled breaks of at least 5 consecutive calendar days and days in
which the student was on an approved leave of absence are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a
payment period and/or period of enrollment. During the audit, it was noted that the University used the incorrect
number of completed days in the payment period or period of enrollment in calculating the percentage of the Title
IV aid earned. The audit included a detailed testing of 5 withdrawal student files, of which this significant deficiency
applies to 1, indicating an error rate of 20.0%. This finding is monetary in nature. In the instances noted in testing,
the total error identified is $1,992 in over-award. Extrapolation of this monetary error was not necessary as the 5
withdrawal students tested as part of the 2024 audit constitute the entire withdrawal population for the period
under audit. The University should ensure that the number of completed days in the payment period or period of
enrollment are counted correctly utilizing the guidance provided by the Compliance Supplement and the Student
Financial Aid Handbook.
Entity’s Corrective Action Plan: Corrective Action Plan Summary: The University has determined that this matter
constitutes a unique training situation involving the application of procedures related to the Return of Title IV
funds. In particular, the University recognizes the need for enhanced training concerning the accurate counting of
days when a student withdraws, provides written notification of their intent to attend a future module within the
same term, and subsequently withdraws from that second module. The error in question arose from the
miscalculation of days, where the University inadvertently counted all days in the initial module rather than
counting only the days leading up to the student's initial withdrawal prior to the final withdrawal from the second
module. This oversight was attributed to an individual employee, and the University has proactively implemented
comprehensive training and procedural safeguards to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Anticipated Completion Date: August 01, 2024
The corrective action plan has been implemented to resolve the prior year finding, helping to ensure that future
dates are accurate.
Name and Title of Responsible Person: Rocky Christensen, Director of Financial Aid.