Finding 1162119 (2025-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2025-11-07
Audit: 371919
Organization: Schreiner University (TX)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University failed to accurately report graduation data to the NSLDS, which is essential for proper loan management.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with federal regulations regarding timely and accurate enrollment status reporting is not being met.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Enhance controls over enrollment reporting, including regular checks between internal records and NSLDS to address discrepancies.

Finding Text

Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting U.S. Department of Education, Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Assistance Listing Number 84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans, Assistance Listing Number 84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program Program Year 2024–2025 Type of Finding: Other Instance of Noncompliance and Deficiency Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.303, 34 CFR 685.309, OMB No. 1845-0035 and the Federal Student Aid Handbook, institutions are required to report accurate and timely enrollment status changes, including graduation, to the NSLDS via the National Student Clearinghouse or other reporting mechanisms. Accurate reporting ensures proper administration of Title IV funds and prevents inappropriate loan deferments or repayments. Condition: The University did not ensure that all graduation data was accurately transmitted and reflected in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Questioned Costs: $0 Context: Out of the population of 167 students subject to enrollment reporting, a sample of 17 students were selected for testing. For 1 of the 17 students tested, NSLDS did not reflect the student’s graduation status on campus or program students in which the University’s records reported graduated. Effect: Failure to report accurate enrollment status may result in incorrect deferment or repayment statuses for student borrowers, potentially impacting loan servicing and compliance with federal regulations. Cause: The errors appear to be the result of a lapse in control by the University to ensure all graduation data was accurately transmitted and reflected in the NSLDS. Recommendation: We recommend the University enhance its controls over the enrollment reporting process to ensure that all graduation data is accurately and timely reported to the NSLDS. This may include periodic reconciliations between internal records and NSLDS data and follow-up procedures for discrepancies. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with the finding and recommendation. Further information on the corrective action plan will be provided by management.

Corrective Action Plan

Enhance Controls over Enrollment Reporting Process: We will conduct periodic reconciliations (at least quarterly) between our internal records and NSLDS data to identify discrepancies and implement follow-up procedures for discrepancies, including timely investigation and resolution. lmprove Data Transmission and Reporting: We will review and update our current data transmission processes to ensure accurate and timely reporting of graduation data to NSLDS. Additionally, we will provide training to staff responsible for enrollment reporting on updated procedures. Monitoring and Quality Control: The Office of the Registrar (MS. Cristian Martinez, University Registrar) will work with the Office of Institutional Research (Ms. Alexandra Purdy, Institutional Research Associate) on enrollment reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse so that accurate records are then submitted to NSLDS to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Regular reviews of NSLDS data will be conducted to ensure accuracy and completeness by the Office of Financial Services (Mr. Preston Wheeler, Associate Director of Financial Aid and Students Accounts) once data are submitted. Responsible Personnel: The Office of the Registrar (Ms. Cristian Martinez, University Registrar) in conjunction with the Office of Financial Services (Mr. Preston Wheeler, Associate Director of Financial Aid and Student Accounts) will be responsible for implementing and overseeing the corrective action plan. The expected date for completion is December 15, 2025.

Categories

Student Financial Aid Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1162113 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1162114 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1162115 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1162116 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1162117 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1162118 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $8.52M
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $3.37M
84.031 HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONAL AID $729,693
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $191,011
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $92,767
84.379 TEACHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE FOR COLLEGE AND HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS (TEACH GRANTS) $46,322