Finding 2025-003 – U.S. Department of Education (ED) Student Financial Assistance Programs – Untimely Release of Title IV Credit Balances – (significant deficiency): Information on the federal program – Federal Direct Student Loans, FAL No. 84.268, June 30, 2025; Federal Pell Grant Program, FAL No. ...
Finding 2025-003 – U.S. Department of Education (ED) Student Financial Assistance Programs – Untimely Release of Title IV Credit Balances – (significant deficiency): Information on the federal program – Federal Direct Student Loans, FAL No. 84.268, June 30, 2025; Federal Pell Grant Program, FAL No. 84. 063, June 30, 2025; Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, FAL No. 84.007, June 30, 2025; Federal Work-Study Program, FAL No. 84.033, June 30, 2025. Condition – During testing of student account activity, we identified that three (3) out of sixty (60) sampled students had Title IV created credit balances that remained on their accounts for more than 14 days without being released to the student or parent. Management’s Position and Perspective – Three students received refunds outside the 14-day requirement. The College will introduce a process to ensure there will be a meeting between Students Accounts and Financial Aid to determine the student refunds prior to start of the semester. Both departments will determine the target dates based on the estimated timing of financial aid, as well as completion of college charges to student accounts. Included in this period is time to review the refunds and adjust. These deadlines will be outlined in the department calendar to ensure the student refunds within 14 days from posting awards and charges. Responsible Party – Assistant Vice President of Business Operations and the Director of Students Accounts are responsible for scheduling the refunds, managing workflows to ensure the 14-day time limit is achieved, and student refunds are delivered on time. Corrective Action Description – Procedures will be developed to document the new process and delivery of refunds within the guidelines. The College will introduce a process to ensure there will be a meeting between Students Accounts and Financial Aid to determine the student refunds prior to start of the semester. Both departments will determine the target dates based on the estimated timing of financial aid, as well as completion of college charges to student accounts. Included in this period is time to review the refunds and adjust. Timeline – Completion effective June 30, 2026.