Finding 1191214 (2025-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-03-27
Audit: 395330
Organization: Concordia University Chicago (IL)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University lacks a process to document and retain evidence of internal control reviews for federal awards, specifically for Title IV Aid.
  • Impacted Requirements: This finding violates 2 CFR Section 200.303, which mandates that entities maintain effective internal controls for compliance with federal regulations.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The University should reassess and improve its procedures and policies to ensure effective documentation and review of controls for Title IV Aid.

Finding Text

2025 – 003 – Documentation of Review Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Student Financial Aid Assistance Listing Number: Student Financial Aid Cluster Award Period: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: The 2 CFR Section 200.303 require that nonfederal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal Statues, regulations, and the term and conditions of the federal awards. Condition: During our testing of Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4), student federal award packaging, and review of the FISAP, we noted there was a review process implemented; however, there was no process in place to retain the review being performed as to provide evidence to ensure the controls are being performed effectively. Questioned Costs: N/A Context: During our testing, it was noted the University does not have a process in place to ensure controls are being performed effectively. Cause: The University did not have a process in place to ensure controls implemented are being performed effectively. Effect or Potential Effect of Finding: There is no way to determine who was involved in the process should an error be present. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University reevaluate its procedures and review policies surrounding controls implemented for Title IV Aid. Views of Responsible Official: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Corrective Action Plan

2025-003 Documentation of Review Recommendation: We recommend the University re-evaluate its procedures and review policies surrounding controls implemented for Title IV Aid. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: 1) The Office of Financial Aid will re-evaluate its current policies and procedures to clearly define internal control objectives and strengthen overall compliance. 2) The Office of Financial Aid has implemented – and will continue to maintain - a dual-review process (second-level review) for Return of Title IV Funds, federal award packaging, and the review of the FISAP report to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance. 3) The Director and Assistant Director of Financial Aid will continue cross-training staff to promote operational continuity, reinforce internal controls, and maintain clear oversight of key processes. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Vanesa Teran-Martinez, Jennifer Monroy Planned completion date for corrective action plan: June 30, 2026 If the Department of Education has questions regarding this schedule, please call Vanesa Teran-Martinez at 708-209-3338.

Categories

Student Financial Aid Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1191201 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191202 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191203 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191204 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191205 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191206 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191207 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191208 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191209 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191210 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191211 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191212 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1191213 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $29.09M
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $300,000
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $130,698
84.379 TEACHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE FOR COLLEGE AND HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS (TEACH GRANTS) $49,036
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $4,365