Finding 1103325 (2024-001)

Finding number: 2024-001 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Programs: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing #: 84.063, 84.268 Award year: 2024 Criteria According to 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement updated May 2024: Under the Pell Grant and loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway mailboxes sent by ED or accessed on the Enrollment Maintenance Page via the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”). The institution determines how often it receives the Enrollment Reporting roster file with the default set at a minimum of every 60 days. Once received, the institution must update for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date, and submit the changes electronically through the batch method or the NSLDS website. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer. Condition The Federal Government requires Westfield State University to report student enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days. During our testing, 1 out of 40 students was reported late to the NSLDS by 1 day. Cause Westfield State University did not have the proper review procedures in place to ensure enrollment status changes were being reported to NSLDS timely. Effect Westfield State University did not report the student’s correct status within the required timeframe, which may impact the students’ loan grace periods. Questioned Costs Not applicable Perspective Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 1 student, or 2.5% of our sample was not reported within the required timeframe. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable Not applicable Recommendation The University should strengthen its controls surrounding the review of the NSLDS reporting process to ensure they are in compliance with federal regulations. View of Responsible Officials Westfield State University agrees with the finding.