Finding Text
2024-005: Student Financial Assistance Cluster - Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting (Significant Deficiency)
Assistance Listing Numbers/Titles: #84.063, Federal Pell Grant Program; and #84.268, Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education
Award Number: N/A
Award Year: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 690.83, an institution shall submit, in accordance with deadline dates established by the Secretary, through publication in the Federal Register, other reports and information the Secretary requires in connection with the funds advanced to it and shall comply with the procedures the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that the reports are correct. Additionally, per 34 CFR 685.309, upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, a school must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary (i) in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary, and (ii) within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary.
Condition/context: Of the 24 students selected for testing:
• Seven students’ withdrawn status was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Eight students were not reported to NSLDS with an accurate withdrawal date.
• Eight students’ statuses were not reported timely to NSLDS.
Cause: The College was following institutional policy, which was not compliant with 34 CFR 690.83 or 34 CFR 685.309.
Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, improper reporting of student status changes could impact students’ interest subsidy, repayment status, and/or maximum eligibility period.
Questioned costs: None.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: The College should implement controls to ensure the proper, accurate, and timely reporting of student status changes and all related pertinent information.
Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.