Finding 11272 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-02-01

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The school failed to perform required Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculations for students who withdrew, leading to improper refund calculations.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with federal regulations for Title IV funds, specifically regarding timely and accurate R2T4 calculations.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a robust internal control process to ensure all withdrawals are accounted for in R2T4 calculations and prevent disbursement of funds after withdrawal dates.

Finding Text

Information on the Federal Program: Student Financial Assistance Programs - CFDA 84.063 – Federal Pell Grant Program; CFDA 84.007 – Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program; CFDA 84.268 – Federal Direct Student Loan. United States of Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Type of Finding: Significant deficiency. Criteria: If a recipient of Title IV grant or loan funds withdraws from a school after beginning attendance, the school must perform a Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculation to determine the amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student. Condition: For each student in the sample selection of Title IV students who withdrew, dropped out, or never began attendance during the audit period and for whom a refund calculation was required to be made, we reviewed the applicable student information as well as the completed Return of Title IV Aid Worksheet. Questioned Costs: $3,309 Context:  One student did not have a R2T4 calculation performed despite withdrawing prior to the 60 percent point of the semester. This student received all F's for the semester and the date of last attendance was prior to completing 60% of the semester.  One student had the wrong withdrawal date used in performing the R2T4 calculation. TVCC used 5/9/23 instead of the official withdrawal date of 3/9/2023 as noted on the student’s transcript.  Loans were incorrectly awarded to one student who no longer attended the college. Student withdrew from college 9/12/23 and loan awards were still disbursed to Student on 9/28/23. The financial aid office completed the R2T4 calculation after the check was received from the student. Effect or Potential Effect: Return of Title IV refunds were not properly calculated or performed. Cause: Internal control process failure. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: The Financial Aid Office should implement an internal control process/procedure to ensure that all students’ that withdraw, drop out, or never began attendance are considered in the R2T4 calculation for possible refund to DOE and ensure that no funds are disbursed after withdrawal date. Views of Responsible Official: We agree with this finding and recommendation. Please see the attached action plan related to this finding in this report.

Categories

Questioned Costs Student Financial Aid Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Special Tests & Provisions Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 11271 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 11273 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 11274 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 587713 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 587714 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 587715 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 587716 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $8.37M
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $4.42M
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $253,973
84.048 Career and Technical Education -- Basic Grants to States $233,018
59.037 Small Business Development Centers $80,927
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $71,902
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $29,568
84.002 Adult Education - Basic Grants to States $5,313
93.596 Child Care Mandatory and Matching Funds of the Child Care and Development Fund $484