Finding 1179159 (2025-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-03-12

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University failed to return Title IV funds on time, with one instance of late return and an error in refund calculation.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 34 CFR 668.22(j)(1) mandates returning funds within 45 days of withdrawal determination.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Review and improve procedures for accurate refund calculations and timely returns of Title IV funds.

Finding Text

Finding 2025-002: Return of Title IV (R2T4) Funds Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal program title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.063, 84.033, 84.268, 84.007 Award Period: September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2025 Type of Finding:  Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance  Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(j)(1), an institution must return the amount of Title IV funds for which it is responsible to return as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew. Per 34 CFR 668.22(g)(ii)(2) institutional charges are tuition, fees, room and board (if the student contracts with the institution for the room and board) and other educationally-related expenses assessed by the institution. Condition/Context: During our testing of 7 students, which is a statistically valid sample, we noted 1 error in the refund calculation and 1 instance where funds were not returned to the Department of Education within 45 days of the University determining the withdrawal. Questioned Costs: $7,470 Cause: The University's internal controls did not identify the errors for compliance with the criteria mentioned above. Effect: Federal funds were not returned timely to the Department of Education as required by regulations. Repeat Finding: Yes, see finding 2024-002. Recommendation: We recommend the University review its procedures to ensure that refund calculations are accurate and Title IV funds required to be returned are done within 45 days after the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew. Views of Responsible Officials: Please refer to the attached corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Return of Title IV (R2T4) Returning of Funds Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Assistance Listing No. 84.063, 84.033, 84.268, 84.007 Recommendation: We recommend the University review its procedures to ensure that title IV funds required to be returned are done within 45 days after the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: The existing Return of Title IV (R2T4) process was evaluated, and an additional oversight control was implemented to ensure timely returns of funds. All R2T4 calculations are reviewed weekly by the Assistant Director of Financial Aid. During this standing review, the return process is initiated through Jenzabar Financial Aid and confirmed on Common Origination and Disbursement (COD). This control provides documented oversight and ensures returns are completed within required timeframes, mitigating the risk of delays or batch processing errors. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Janeth Chaidez, Assistant Director of Financial Aid. Planned completion date for corrective action plan: 12/1/2025

Categories

Student Financial Aid Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1179152 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179153 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179154 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179155 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179156 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179157 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179158 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179160 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179161 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179162 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179163 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $57.12M
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $669,945
93.213 Acupuncture for Medicare Beneficiaries with Chronic LowBack Pain; Access,Utilization, and Outcomes Addressing Dose Effects for cLBP $622,173
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $420,330
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $23,724
93.213 Spinal Manipulative Therapy vs. Prescription Drug Therapy for Care of Aged Medicare Beneficiaries with Neck Pain $19,344
93.279 Integrated Care for Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder $13,867
93.213 RAND REACH Center $8,715