Finding 1186888 (2025-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-03-26
Audit: 394660
Organization: Bluefield University (VA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University failed to report student enrollment data to the National Student Clearinghouse on time.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates 34 CFR Section 685.309(b)(2), which mandates timely updates to the National Student Loan Data System.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a review process to ensure enrollment data is reported accurately and on time.

Finding Text

Condition: The University did not report student enrollment data to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) within the minimum required timeframe. Criteria: Based on requirements set forth by 34 CFR Section 685.309(b)(2), the University is responsible for notifying the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to changes to student’s enrollment data within minimum required timeframes. Cause: We noted that the University experienced turnover in the University Registrar/Veteran Certifying Official position, after which the University failed to properly communicate the responsibility for NSC and NSLDS enrollment reporting. Effect: Enrollment data was not reported timely or accurately to the Department of Education thus, the Department could not properly service the student’s loans. The accuracy of Title IV student loan records depends heavily on the accuracy of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Context: From a population of 61 students that withdrew officially during a term, we tested 6 students and noted that 5 of those students’ withdrawals were not timely reported. In addition, batch enrollment reporting was not completed during the fiscal year. Repeat Finding: Yes, see finding 2024-005. Recommendation: We recommend that a review process be put in place to ensure timely and accurate enrollment reporting to NSLDS.

Corrective Action Plan

Effective February 1, 2026, Bluefield University’s top management set forth the expectation of the University Registrar/Veteran Certifying Official that she ultimately is responsible for routine enrollment reporting and withdrawal reporting in accordance with NSLDS requirements. The University has drafted a process to support this task, designating a Compliance Reporting Officer within the Registrar’s Office to be responsible for reporting enrollment and withdrawal data to the NSC. This responsibility is included in the job description and performance evaluation metrics for this position. The documented process notes that the University has implemented a tracking sheet to use for monitoring the University’s progress on bringing current enrollment reporting for previous semesters and identifying dates going forward that align with federal enrollment reporting deadlines. Further, the process includes a secondary review by the Director of Financial Aid or designee to verify submission of required enrollment reporting through NSC acknowledgement reports. The University also has engaged an external consultant to help address prior reporting gaps and accelerate reporting and reconciliation efforts, with the goal of achieving full operational compliance and current reporting by June 30, 2026.

Categories

Student Financial Aid Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1186882 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1186883 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1186884 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1186885 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1186886 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1186887 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1186889 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $16.05M
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $2.63M
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $123,825
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $68,209