Finding 1086150 (2024-001)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2024-11-21
Audit: 329370
Organization: University of Dubuque (IA)
Auditor: Rsm US LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University failed to report enrollment changes to the NSLDS on time, affecting compliance with federal regulations.
  • Impacted Requirements: Violations of 34 CFR 685.309(b) and 34 CFR 668.22(c)(ii) regarding timely enrollment reporting and withdrawal notifications.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The University should enhance its reporting processes and review policies to ensure accurate and timely updates to student enrollment status.

Finding Text

U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Programs Cluster (Direct) Federal Direct Loan Program (84.268) Federal Award Year: 2023-2024 Finding: The University did not timely or accurately report enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Criteria: Per 34 CFR 685.309(b), a school shall - (1) Upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary; and within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary; and (2) Unless it expects to submit its next student updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days if it discovers that a loan under Title IV of the Act was made to, or on behalf of, a student who was enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended. Per 34 CFR 668.22(c)(ii), the withdrawal date is the date, as determined by the institution, that the student otherwise provided official notification to the institution, in writing or orally, of his or her intent to withdraw. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure enrollment reporting is completed properly. Condition: 12 students were not reported as withdrawn within the 60 day timeframe for University’s reporting on the roster file submissions and the internal controls in place did not identify the errors. Cause: Student reporting was not within the 60 day roster submission timeframe. Effect: Noncompliance with federal regulations for enrollment reporting. Questioned costs: None. Context: 12 of the 25 students selected haphazardly and tested were not reported in accordance with NSLDS enrollment reporting and were within a range of five to six days late. Repeat finding: Yes. Recommendation: The University should accurately report all student status changes to the NSLDS. In addition, the University should review its policies and procedures to ensure withdrawal dates are accurately reflected in the enrollment management system and enrollment changes are reported timely. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding. See corrective action plan.

Categories

Student Financial Aid Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 509708 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 509709 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 509710 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 509711 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 509712 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 509713 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 509714 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 509715 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1086151 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1086152 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1086153 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1086154 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1086155 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1086156 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1086157 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $14.84M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $3.09M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $2.51M
84.042 Trio Student Support Services $263,491
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $177,288
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $172,965
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $41,015