Special Tests - Return to Title IV Funds (R2T4) Federal Direct Student Loans (84.268), Federal Pell Grant Program (84.063), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (84.007), and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (84.379) Recommendation: We recommend tha...
Special Tests - Return to Title IV Funds (R2T4) Federal Direct Student Loans (84.268), Federal Pell Grant Program (84.063), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (84.007), and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (84.379) Recommendation: We recommend that the University strengthen internal controls over the R2T 4 process by implementing standardized procedures, ensuring system calculations are accurate, and establishing consistent and documented review of R2T4 calculations prior to the return of Title IV funds. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: Effective immediately, all R2T4 calculations will undergo a secondary review prior to funds being returned. The review will be documented via a shared document to ensure staff are consistently verifying withdrawal date, percentcompleted, return amounts per program, and timeliness. This document will be retained for audit purposes. We've also set internal deadlines to ensure funds are being returned within the 45-day requirement under Title IV. Calculations will be completed within 25 days of determining a withdrawal, and returns will be processed within 35 days. This will be tracked in a shared document that will also be retained for audit purposes. SOU is implementing a new Student Information System (SIS) beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year. Until we transition to the new SIS, known issues in the current SIS will be documented, and staff will manually review and override calculations where discrepancies are identified. As part of the new SIS implementation, we'll validate all R2T4 calculations to ensure system accuracy. All financial aid staff responsible for R2T4 processing will receive refresher training on calculation requirements, withdrawal date determination, and return timelines. We will also provide cross-training to additional staff to ensure continuity if there are additional staffing changes. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Erica Riggs Planned completion date for corrective action plan: Fall 2026 and ongoing