Finding Text
Ineligible Student Received Title IV funding Finding Type. Immaterial Noncompliance/Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance (Eligibility). Programs. Student Financial Assistance Cluster; U.S. Department of Education; Assistance Listing Numbers 84.007, 84.033, 84.063, and 84.268; Award Numbers P007A242049, P033A242049, P063P241644, P063Q241644 and P268K251644. Criteria. Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations (34 CFR 668.34) requires institutions to establish and apply a reasonable Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy to determine whether an otherwise eligible student is making sufficient academic progress to continue receiving Title IV, HEA program assistance. Condition. During our testing, we noted that a student successfully appealed their academic dismissal in the Summer 2022–2023 semester. The student did not receive Title IV funding during that term and subsequently failed both attempted courses. Despite the lack of demonstrated academic improvement following the appeal, the student was awarded Title IV funding in the Spring 2024–2025 semester based on the appeal granted during the 2022–2023 academic year. Cause. A review was not performed to determine whether the prior appeal remained valid or whether the student had demonstrated sufficient academic progress to qualify for Title IV aid in the Spring 2024–2025 semester. Effect. As a result of this condition, one student received Title IV funding that who was not eligible based on the criteria outlined in the College's satisfactory academic policy (SAP). Questioned Costs. No costs are required to be questioned as the amounts did not exceed the reporting threshold. Recommendation. We recommend the College implement a formal review process to verify that students who were previously dismissed and granted an appeal in a prior academic year have demonstrated the required academic improvement before receiving subsequent Title IV funding, or alternatively, obtain a new appeal determination. View of Responsible Officials. Management agrees with this finding and has prepared a Corrective Action Plan.