Finding 1102056 (2024-005)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-03-04
Audit: 344711
Organization: Bluefield University (VA)
Auditor: Brown Edwards

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University failed to report student enrollment data to the National Student Clearinghouse on time.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates 34 CFR Section 685.309(b)(2), which mandates timely updates to the National Student Loan Data System.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a review process to ensure enrollment data is reported accurately and within required timeframes.

Finding Text

U.S. Department of Education, Student Financial Aid Cluster – Assistance Listing # 84.033, 84.063, 84.007, 84.268 – Enrollment Reporting (Significant Deficiency). Condition: The University did not report student enrollment data to the National Student Clearinghouse within the minimum required timeframe. Criteria: Based on requirements set forth by 34 CFR Section 685.309(b)(2), the University is responsible for notifying the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) of changes to student’s enrollment data within minimum required timeframes. Cause: Controls are not functioning properly. Effect: Enrollment data was not reported timely or accurately to the Department of Education thus, the Department could not properly service the student’s loans. The accuracy of Title IV student loan records depends heavily on the accuracy of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Context: From a population of 129 students that withdrew officially or unofficially during a term, we tested 12 students and noted that the withdrawal date was incorrectly reported as the last day of the term for four students and was not reported for one student. In addition, the R2T4 calculation was prepared untimely for four students that required a calculation, as noted in finding 2024-004, and thus the withdrawal dates were reported untimely. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that a review process be put in place to ensure timely and accurate enrollment reporting to NSLDS.

Categories

Student Financial Aid Reporting Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 525612 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 525613 2024-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 525614 2024-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1102054 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1102055 2024-004
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $10.13M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $2.10M
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $92,011
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $89,987