Finding Text
Criteria: Per 34 CFR §685.309(b) and NSLDS reporting requirements, institutions must report changes in student enrollment status to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) within 30 days of the change or within 60 days if reporting via roster files through the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Condition: A sample of student enrollment records tested identified one student who withdrew on May 3, 2024. The Organization was notified of the student’s withdrawal on May 12, 2024. NSLDS reflected the withdrawal with a Certification Date of September 30, 2024, which is 141 days after the Organization’s notification date. This exceeds both the 30-day and 60-day reporting windows. Cause: The institution relies on scheduled end-of-term and first-of-term Clearinghouse reporting files. Because the Organization’s notice of withdrawal on May 12, 2024 occurred after the Spring 2024 submission on May 10, 2024, the change was not captured in the Spring 2024 submission. Because the student was not enrolled in the Summer 2024 term, their withdrawal status was not included until the Fall 2024 first-of-term file on August 27, 2024, and subsequently updated at NSLDS on September 30, 2024. The institution did not submit an out-of-cycle file to report the withdrawal timely. Effect or Potential Effect: Untimely reporting of enrollment status changes to NSLDS increases the risk that student loan repayment status and grace periods will be calculated incorrectly, potentially impacting borrowers and resulting in noncompliance with federal reporting requirements. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding. Identification of Repeat Findings: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the institution implement controls to ensure that all enrollment status changes, including withdrawals occurring outside of standard roster cycles, are reported to NSLDS within the required timeframe. This should include submitting out-of-cycle enrollment updates to the Clearinghouse when necessary. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and recommendation. Corrective Action Plan: See Management’s Corrective Action Plan (Unaudited).