Finding Text
Finding number: 2023-001
Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education
Programs: Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Assistance Listing #: 84.033, 84.063, 84.268
Award year: 2023
Criteria
According to 34 CFR 668.34:
(a) An institution must establish a reasonable satisfactory academic progress policy for determining whether
an otherwise eligible student is making satisfactory academic progress in his or her educational program
and may receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs.
(9) If the institution permits a student to appeal a determination by the institution that he or she is not making satisfactory academic progress, the policy describes –
(i) How the student may reestablish his or her eligibility to receive assistance under the title IV, HEA
programs;
(ii) The basis on which a student may file an appeal: The death of a relative, an injury or illness of the
student, or other special circumstances; and
(iii) Information the student must submit regarding why the student failed to make satisfactory academic
progress, and what has changed in the student's situation that will allow the student to demonstrate
satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation.
Condition
Franklin Cummings Tech’s satisfactory academic progress policy (“SAP”) allows for a student who fails to meet the minimum standard to be provided one semester of academic warning. If the student does not improve, as described in Franklin Cummings Tech’s SAP, the student will be placed on academic suspension from Franklin Cummings Tech unless the student successfully appeals the academic suspension. The student placed on academic suspension will lose financial aid eligibility in the next semester. Our testing revealed that one student failed to meet the minimum standards established by Franklin Cummings Tech’s SAP but was awarded financial aid.
Cause
Franklin Cummings Tech failed to have proper review procedures in place to prevent students who did not meet the minimum SAP standards from receiving financial aid.
Effect
A student who did not meet the minimum SAP standards received financial aid.
Questioned Costs
$983
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 1 student, or 2.5%, failed to meet the minimum standards established by Franklin Cummings Tech’s SAP, who did not receive notification.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
Franklin Cummings Tech should continue to strengthen its controls surrounding SAP policy to ensure all students who receive assistance under the title IV are making satisfactory academic progress.
View of Responsible Officials
Franklin Cummings Tech agrees with the finding.