Finding 1214579 (2024-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-05-12
Audit: 401247
Organization: Roxbury Community College (MA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The College failed to consistently apply its satisfactory academic progress policy, leading to improper notifications for 3 out of 60 students.
  • Impacted Requirements: Federal regulations mandate that all students must be notified of their academic status, ensuring fairness across all categories.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Management should review and update policies to guarantee consistent application of the satisfactory academic progress policy.

Finding Text

Finding number: 2024-003 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Programs: Student Financial Assistance Cluster, and Assistance Listing #: 84.063 Award year: 2024 Criteria According to 34 CFR 668.24 An institution must establish a reasonable satisfactory academic progress policy for determining whether an otherwise eligible student is making satisfactory academic progress in his or her educational program and may receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs. The Secretary considers the institution's policy to be reasonable if— (1) The policy is at least as strict as the policy the institution applies to a student who is not receiving assistance under the title IV, HEA programs; (2) The policy provides for consistent application of standards to all students within categories of students, e.g., full-time, part-time, undergraduate, and graduate students, and educational programs established by the institution; Condition Federal regulations require the College to consistently apply the standards to all students. During our testing, we noted 3 students, out of a sample of 60, who were not properly notified they were not in compliance with the College’s satisfactory academic progress policy. Cause The College did not consistently apply their satisfactory academic progress policy. Effect Students were not properly notified they were placed on academic probation. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Perspective Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 60 students selected for testing, 3 student, or 5% of our sample, had Pell awards in excess of their eligible amount. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable Not applicable Recommendation We recommend that management of the College review, and if necessary, update the policies and procedures to ensure their satisfactory academic performance policy is consistently followed. View of Responsible Officials The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan within the management corrective action plan section of this report.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding number: 2024-003 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Program: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing #: 84.063 Award year: 2024 Corrective Action Plan: The College experienced significant turnover during FY24. The College has updated standard operating procedures to include a compliance checklist and enhanced automated tracking and notification processes to ensure timely communication with students. Timeline for Implementation of Corrective Action Plan: Immediate Contact Person Loriann Weiss Interim Director of Financial Aid

Categories

Student Financial Aid

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1214580 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214581 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214582 2024-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214583 2024-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214584 2024-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214585 2024-009
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214586 2024-010
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214587 2024-011
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214588 2024-012
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $4.81M
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $198,966
84.031 HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONAL AID $165,342
84.048 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION -- BASIC GRANTS TO STATES $136,764
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $107,918
47.076 STEM EDUCATION (FORMERLY EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES) $33,935