Finding Text
Criteria or specific requirement - Special Tests and Provisions – Verification (34 CFR
668.51 through 668.61) Institutions responsible for verifying applicant information for
those applicants selected by verification by the U.S. Department of Education.
Condition – The University’s processes did not ensure corrections were made to student
application data
Questioned costs - Unknown
Context – Out of the population of 281 students selected for verification, a sample of 25
students were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not
intended to be, statistically valid. The number of household members in college was
not correct on the student’s Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) for two
students.
Effect – The student’s applicant data was not correct when used for packaging and
awarding aid
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable – Not applicable
Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure student data is
properly corrected on the students’ ISIRs in the verification process
Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions – We did not verify that a
16-year-old household member listed on a verification form as “in college” was a
concurrent high school student due to the student’s age. The number in college
reported on the FASFA reflected what was believed to be accurate at the time. While
we are no longer required to verify the number in college, going forward, the University
will document any discrepancies to support determinations. To strengthen controls
around verification, the University will also document any changes made during the
verification process and provide supporting evidence for determinations. Additionally,
the University will conduct internal audits of the verification process and review the
cases of affected students.