Finding Text
Finding number: 2024-005 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Programs: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing #: 84.063 Award year: 2024 Criteria According to 34 CFR 668.34: (a) 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. (9) If the institution permits a student to appeal a determination by the institution that he or she is not making satisfactory academic progress, the policy describes – (i) How the student may reestablish his or her eligibility to receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs; (ii) The basis on which a student may file an appeal: The death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances; and (iii) Information the student must submit regarding why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress, and what has changed in the student's situation that will allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation. Condition The College’s satisfactory academic progress policy (“SAP”) allows for a student who fails to meet the minimum standard to be provided one semester of academic probation. If the student does not improve, as described in the SAP, the student will be placed on academic suspension from the College unless the student successfully appeals the academic suspension. The student placed on academic suspension will lose financial aid eligibility in the next semester. Our testing revealed that three students failed to meet the minimum standards established by the SAP but the College was unable to provide support showing the students were notified they were being placed on academic probation. Cause The College failed to have proper review procedures in place to identify and notify students who did not meet the minimum SAP standards. Effect Students were not properly notified they did not meet the minimum SAP standards and potentially ineligible to receive any future federal aid. 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 students, or 5%, were not properly placed on academic probation. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable Not applicable Recommendation The College should continue to strengthen its controls surrounding SAP policy to ensure all students who receive assistance under the title IV are making satisfactory academic progress. 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.