NSLDS Reporting Errors
Audit Finding:
Eight students had incorrect enrollment information reported, two students had enrollment status changes that were not reported timely, and one student had an address change that was not reported timely.
Out of a population of 4,479 students with status changes...
NSLDS Reporting Errors
Audit Finding:
Eight students had incorrect enrollment information reported, two students had enrollment status changes that were not reported timely, and one student had an address change that was not reported timely.
Out of a population of 4,479 students with status changes during the Spring and Fall semesters of the 2024 aid year, 40 were selected for testing. Of those students, four had the incorrect program begin date reported, one had the incorrect program enrollment effective date reported, one had the incorrect program length reported, two had the incorrect CIP code reported, two students had enrollment status changes that were not reported timely, and one student had an address change that was not reported timely. Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid.
Cause of the Finding:
The University did not have appropriate controls in place to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
Effect of the Finding:
The University reported inaccurate information or failed to report changes within the required time frame and, as such, ED was not provided accurate and timely information.
Corrective Action Plan:
To address the errors identified in the NSLDS reporting, the following corrective actions will be taken:
1. Immediate Review and Correction of Existing Data
o Conduct a review of federal student aid records for the past nine months to identify and correct any discrepancies in loan amounts, disbursement dates, and borrower statuses reported to NSLDS.
o Work with the SIS vendor and ED to ensure that all data submissions to NSLDS are accurate and complete.
2. System Integration and Process Improvement
o Implement a data validation process that cross-checks loan disbursements and borrower statuses against internal records before submitting to NSLDS.
o Enhance the SIS to NSLDS data mapping interface to ensure consistency and accuracy of loan-related information between the two systems.
3. Training for Staff
o Provide targeted training for financial aid office staff responsible for NSLDS reporting, emphasizing proper data entry practices, system integration, and error-checking protocols.
o Review periodic refresher courses to ensure staff remains up to date on any changes to NSLDS reporting requirements.
4. Ongoing Monitoring and Reconciliation
o Establish a routine process to reconcile NSLDS data with internal student aid records monthly, ensuring discrepancies are caught and corrected promptly.
o Implement a monthly review of the NSLDS submission to confirm all data is up to date, including loan disbursements, borrower status updates, and any adjustments.
5. Timeline for Implementation
o Review and correction of existing NSLDS errors, as needed: Completed by June 30, 2025.
o System and integration review: Completed by June 30, 2025.
o Staff training sessions: First session scheduled by June 30, 2025, with periodic refreshers as available.
o Ongoing monitoring process implementation: Ongoing starting immediately.
6. Responsible Parties
The Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, and the Registrar will oversee the implementation of the corrective action plan.
Responsible party contact information is located at uco.edu.