Finding Text
Eligibility – Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Assistance Listing Number: 84.063, 84.268 Federal Program Name: Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Direct Student Loans Federal Award Number: P063P232403, P379T242403, P268K242403, P007A234364 Award Year: 2023-24 Criteria – Institutions are required to determine student eligibility for some Title IV programs who have financial need known as “need-based” programs. The total aid that a student receives from need-based programs may not exceed the student’s financial need. For other Title IV programs, eligibility is based on the student’s expected family contribution. Institutions are required to have controls in place to support the eligibility of each student for need and non-need based programs. Condition/context – We selected a sample of 42 students out of a population of 694 students who received Title IV aid during the year. Of the 42 samples selected we found errors with 5 student’s eligibility for need and non-need based programs. Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Questioned costs – None Cause/effect – This occurred because of turnover in the student financial assistance office. Repeat finding – No Recommendation – We recommend the University implement the proper controls to ensure the determination of student eligibility for Title IV aid is appropriate and supported. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions – As a response to concerns about disruptions in processes and the turnover of key staff in several departments, the Enrollment Alliance group that includes director-level staff in Admissions, the Registrar, Financial Aid, Advising, Bursar, and IT began meeting under the facilitation of the VP of Student Affairs on January 7, 2025. This group will continue to work on implementing the proper controls to ensure that the determination of student eligibility for Title IV aid is appropriate and has supporting documentation.