Finding Text
Reference No. 2024-001 Identification of the Federal Program: Student Financial Aid Cluster, Assistance Listing # 84.007, 84.033, 84.038, 84.063, 84.268
Compliance Requirement: Eligibility
Criteria: Students receiving federal aid are required to be a U.S. citizen, National, or provide evidence from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that he or she is a permanent resident or in the U.S. with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident (eligible noncitizen). The University is required to verify citizenship of students before federal aid is disbursed.
Condition: The financial aid counselor did not obtain proper documentation to determine that the student was an eligible noncitizen.
Cause: The financial aid counselor did not get secondary approval from the Associate Director before disbursing aid.
Effect: The University erroneously disbursed federal aid to an ineligible student.
Questioned Costs: $5,423
Context: The University disbursed federal aid to a student that was improperly documented as an eligible noncitizen. The federal aid was reversed and replaced with institutional funds.
Recommendation: The University should have a formal process in place for a second review of each student file before aid is disbursed.
Views of Responsible Officials: The University concurs with this finding. See enclosed management’s corrective action plan.