Finding 1079061 (2024-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2024-10-14

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Eight student status changes were not reported to NSLDS within the required 60 days.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 34 CFR Sections 690.83(b)(2) and 685.309 for timely enrollment reporting.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Review and strengthen internal controls for enrollment reporting; ensure timely submissions every 30 days and resolve errors promptly.

Finding Text

Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting – 34 CFR Sections 690.83(b)(2) and 685.309 Condition – Eight student status changes were not communicated to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) timely Questioned Costs – N/A Context – Out of the population of 312 students with enrollment status changes requiring reporting to NSLDS, a sample of 25 students was selected for testing. Of those 25 students, eight student status changes were not reported to NSLDS within the required 60 days. Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Effect – NSLDS was not notified of student status changes in accordance with compliance requirements. Cause – The University did not have effective internal control processes in place to ensure the accurate collection, review, and reporting of student status changes occurred timely. Recent turnover in personnel resulted in a lack of oversight as well. Indication as a Repeat Finding – N/A Recommendation – The University should review its internal controls surrounding the enrollment reporting process and ensure internal controls provide for the timely and accurate reporting of student status changes. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the finding and the Director of Student Financial Services and the Registrar will oversee the corrective action plan. New personnel in the Registrar’s office have received training for student enrollment reporting and will submit reporting to NSLDS every 30 days in order to stay within the required 60 days. This reporting will take place around the 25th of every month and be completed by the Registrar only. The Associate Registrar and Director of Administrative Computing will retain alternate access in case of emergency. Error reports will be reviewed and resolved within one week ensuring that accurate information is provided to NSLDS well within the required time frame.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Special Tests & Provisions Student Financial Aid Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 502617 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 502618 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 502619 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1079059 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1079060 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $8.88M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $3.93M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $624,798
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $305,206
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $227,956