Finding Text
Finding – Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting – Federal Direct Student Loan Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.268; June 30, 2024 Award Year; U.S. Department of Education Criteria or Specific Requirement When a student withdraws during a term, the effective date reported to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) for the withdrawn status is the withdrawal date used by the institution in accordance with 34 CFR 668.22 (b) or (c). In the case of the student who completes a term and does not return for the next term, leaving the course of study incomplete, the effective date is the final day of the term in which the student was last enrolled. The effective date for a completion/graduation status is the date the school assigns to the completion/graduation. (NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide November 20, and 34 CFR 682.610.)
Condition Found
Four students with status changes, out of seven selected for testing, had the incorrect effective date reported to NSLDS. The dates reported to NSLDS were between 6 and 26 days later than the actual effective date of the student’s status change.
Questioned Costs
None.
Cause
The University incorrectly utilized the date that they processed the student’s enrollment status change as the effective date, rather than the actual effective date of the student’s status change.
Effect
For students entering repayment, the change in enrollment effective date determines when the grace period begins and how soon a student must begin repayment of loan funds; therefore, accurate reporting to NSLDS is important.
Identification as a Repeat Finding
This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation The University should ensure all personnel who process enrollment status changes are trained to utilize the student’s effective date of their status change versus the date of processing when reporting to NSLDS.
Views of Responsible Officials
See the University’s Corrective Action Plan.