Finding 1164857 (2025-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2025-12-15
Audit: 374710
Organization: Dodge City Community College (KS)
Auditor: LOYD GROUP LLC

AI Summary

  • Issue: Four students' Title IV fund returns were reported late due to submission delays.
  • Requirements Impacted: Institutions must calculate and return Title IV funds promptly when a student withdraws.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Provide training for Student Financial Aid staff and establish verified submission dates to ensure compliance.

Finding Text

Condition: During our review of the Return of Title IV funds, we noted that thre were 4 students in the fall that were reported late. Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV funds withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began attendance, the institution must perform a Return of Title IV Funds calculation to determine the amount of Title IV assistance the student earned as of the student's withdrawal date. Cause: Student Financial Aid personnel did not have the fall end of term submission set timely. Effect: Funds required to be sent back to the Department of Education are late. Perspective: Significant personnel changes were made at the end of the June 30, 2024 year and the fall term was the first time submitting the end of term report. Spring submissions were all made timely. Recommendation: We recommend training of Student Financial Aid personnel on the rules and regulations over return of funds. In addition, we recommend that submissions dates are pre-determined and verified that they will be timely. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Dodge City Community College staff involved are undergoing training to learn requirements. Processes and procedures have been developed to ensure timely calculations and refunds. In addition, they have changed submission dates to avoid issues in the future.

Corrective Action Plan

Condition: During our review of the return of Title IV funds, we noted that there were 4 students in the fall that were reported late. Criteria: When a recipient of Title IV funds withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began attendance, the institution must perform a Return of Title IV Funds calculation to determine the amount of Title IV assistance the student earned as of the student’s withdrawal date. Cause: Student Financial Aid personnel did not have the fall end of term submission set timely. Effect: Funds required to be sent back to the Department of Education are late. Perspective: Significant personnel changes were made at the end of the June 30, 2024 year and the fall term was the first time submitting the end of term report. Spring submissions were all timely. Recommendation: We recommend training of Student Financial Aid personnel on the rules and regulations over return of funds. In addition, we recommend that submissions dates are pre-determined and verified that they will be timely. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Dodge City Community College staff involved are undergoing training to learn requirements. Processes and procedures have been developed to ensure timely calculations and refunds. In addition, they have changed submission dates to avoid issues in the future.

Categories

Student Financial Aid

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1164853 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1164854 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1164855 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1164856 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $2.68M
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $1.19M
84.031 HIGHER EDUCATION_INSTITUTIONAL AID $465,315
84.042 TRIO_STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES $292,106
84.044 TRIO_TALENT SEARCH $265,261
84.002 ADULT EDUCATION - BASIC GRANTS TO STATES $138,548
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $99,823
84.048 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION -- BASIC GRANTS TO STATES $70,389
12.598 CENTERS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE $37,737
47.050 GEOSCIENCES $34,333
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $27,350
94.002 RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM $26,097
47.076 EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES $23,169
93.859 BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AND RESEARCH TRAINING $14,324