Finding Text
2025-003 Special Tests and Provisions Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing No. 84.063, 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P063P248567 – 2025, P268K258567 – 2025, P268K256514 - 2025 Award Periods: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Per Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.303, nonfederal entities receiving federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 682.610, states that institutions must report accurately the enrollment status of all students regardless of if they receive aid from the institution or not. Changes to said status are required to be reported within 30 days of becoming aware of the status change, or with the next scheduled transmission of statuses if the scheduled transmission is within 60 days. The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 685.309(b), states the school is required to report changes in the student’s enrollment status, the effective date of the status, and an anticipated completion date. Condition: The University did not properly report student enrollment changes for students who received federal student aid to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing of 17 students, we identified 1 student whose enrollment status change was not reported, 2 students with incorrect status changes reported for program-level reporting, 2 students with an incorrect effective date reported, and 9 students whose status changes were not reported in a timely manner. We also identified that for all 17 of the selected students, enrollment status was not certified every 60 days. Additionally. the University did not document any evidence of review over enrollment reporting. Cause: The University did not have the appropriate resources and staffing in place to verify they were in compliance with all requirements. Effect: The University was not in compliance with the requirements to properly report student enrollment data correctly. Incorrect dates submitted to NSLDS may be used to determine the grace period for the repayment and interest of outstanding Title IV student loans. Repeat findings: 2024-004 Recommendation: We recommend the University review current processes for reporting to NSLDS and implement procedures to ensure submissions are reported timely and accurately. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.