Finding 1175607 (2025-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-02-26
Audit: 389443
Organization: La Salle University (PA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University used the wrong semester end date for calculating Return of Title IV Funds, impacting financial aid calculations.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 34 CFR 668.22 regarding accurate determination of withdrawal dates and payment periods.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The University should review and improve its procedures for identifying semester end dates to ensure accurate calculations.

Finding Text

2025 - 003 – Return of Title IV Funds Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Assistance Listing Number: 84.007, 84.063, 84.268 Award Period: 7/1/24-6/30/25 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Once a student’s withdrawal date is determined, a school needs to calculate the percentage of the payment period of enrollment completed. Institutionally scheduled breaks of five or more consecutive days are excluded from the R2T4 calculation as periods of nonattendance and, therefore, do not affect the calculation of the amount of Federal Student Aid earned (34 CFR 668.22(f)(2)(i)). The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 668.22 defines the last date of attendance for schools that are required to take attendance and those that are not required. Condition: The incorrect semester end date was used in the calculation. Questioned costs: $67 Context: During our testing, we noted 4 students out of 12 students tested where the wrong date was used for the last day of the fall semester in the R2T4 calculation. Cause: The University's process in place for identifying semester end dates for R2T4 calculations was not functioning properly. Effect: Inaccurate calculation affects the amount of funds to be returned. Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures and policies to ensure correct dates are being used in the calculation and that it is reviewed for accuracy. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Corrective Action Plan

Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Assistance Listing No. 84.007, 84.063, 84.268 Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures and policies to ensure correct dates are being used in the calculation and that it is reviewed for accuracy. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: Selected semester-related values in our Student Information System (BANNER) will be reviewed for compliance with the official, stated values in the school’s academic calendar. Adjusting for Housing-related dates or potential extensions due to possible delays caused by uncontrollable events will not be included. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Gerard Donahue, Registrar Planned completion date for corrective action plan: Corrected as of Summer 2026 (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 are already in process as of this writing)

Categories

Student Financial Aid Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1175599 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1175600 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1175601 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1175602 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1175603 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1175604 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1175605 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1175606 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1175608 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $24.51M
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $6.41M
84.038 FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM_FEDERAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS $520,214
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $273,579
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $255,150
47.076 STEM EDUCATION (FORMERLY EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES) $97,093
47.050 GEOSCIENCES $40,727
97.036 DISASTER GRANTS - PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTERS) $26,037
45.161 PROMOTION OF THE HUMANITIES RESEARCH $23,100
93.124 NURSE ANESTHETIST TRAINEESHIP $18,621
16.525 GRANTS TO REDUCE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING ON CAMPUS $9,295