Finding 1168701 (2025-004)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-01-09

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The College inaccurately reported student statuses to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), violating federal regulations.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with 34 CFR 690.83 and 34 CFR 685.309 regarding timely and accurate reporting of student information.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement controls to ensure accurate and timely reporting of student status changes; management agrees with the need for corrective actions.

Finding Text

Assistance Listing Numbers/Titles: #84.063, Federal Pell Grant Program; and #84.268, Federal Direct Student Loans Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Award Number: N/A Award Year: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 Criteria: Per 34 CFR 690.83, an institution shall submit, in accordance with deadline dates established by the Secretary, through publication in the Federal Register, other reports and information the Secretary requires in connection with the funds advanced to it and shall comply with the procedures the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that the reports are correct. Additionally, per 34 CFR 685.309, upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, a school must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary (i) In the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary; and (ii) Within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Condition/context: Of the 23 students selected for testing: • Ten students were not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) with an accurate effective date. • Nine students’ statuses were not reported timely to NSLDS. • Three students’ withdrawn statuses were not reported to NSLDS. Cause: The College was following institutional policy, which was not compliant with 34 CFR 690.83 or 34 CFR 685.309. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, improper reporting of student status changes could impact students’ interest subsidy, repayment status, and/or Maximum Eligibility Period. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: Yes. See 2024-005. Recommendation: The College should implement controls to ensure the proper, accurate, and timely reporting of student status changes and all related pertinent information. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.

Corrective Action Plan

2025-004: Student Financial Audit Cluster - Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting (Significant Deficiency) Corrective Action: Casper College will implement a multifaceted plan to ensure compliance with enrollment reporting requirements under 34 CFR 690.83, 34 CFR 685.309, and NSLDS guidelines. Key corrective steps include: • Policy Revision: Formally updating institutional policies (Sections 10 and 3.11) to clarify and align the reporting roles of the Registrar and Financial Aid, mandating specific timelines for all status changes, including withdrawals. • Strengthened Internal Controls: Establishing a mandatory dual-verification process for withdrawal effective dates and R2T4 alignment and implementing weekly NSLDS monitoring by Financial Aid and monthly Registrar–Financial Aid reconciliation meetings. • Documentation and Training: Improving documentation standards, including a centralized digital archive, and providing mandatory joint cross-office training on NSLDS rules, SSCR error resolution, and accurate, effective date determination. Anticipated Completion Date: 4/30/2026 Contact Person: Joyce Lubeck-Sonenberg

Categories

Student Financial Aid Eligibility Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1168699 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1168700 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1168702 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1168703 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1168704 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1168705 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1168706 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $5.26M
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $2.60M
84.334 GAINING EARLY AWARENESS AND READINESS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS $260,358
84.002 ADULT EDUCATION - BASIC GRANTS TO STATES $114,466
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $74,750
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $70,549
84.048 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION -- BASIC GRANTS TO STATES $59,161
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $25,176
84.196 EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH $5,324
43.001 SCIENCE $4,362
10.558 CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM $1,485