Finding 1226231 (2023-021)

FINDING 2023-021 – STUDENT FINANCIAL AID REPORTING Federal Program Information: Federal Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268, Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, ALN #84.007 Criteria: Institutions participating in Title IV programs are required to submit accurate and complete reports to the U.S. Department of Education, including the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP) and Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) records. Per federal requirements, data reported must be supported by underlying records, reconciled to institutional systems, and reviewed for accuracy prior to submission. Condition: The University did not ensure the accuracy and completeness of information reported in the FISAP and COD systems. Context: Errors or lack of support related to the FISAP include: • The number of undergraduate and graduate students. • The total tuition and fees for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. • The total number of students was misstated by 100 students for dependent undergraduate students. • The total number of students was misstated by 292 students for independent undergraduate students. • Areas missing support were the following sections: Fiscal Operations Report, Fiscal Operations Report Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program and Program Summary for Award Year. Errors related to the COD include: • The academic start date was incorrect for all students tested: o Fall term dates were off by 7 days o Spring term dates were off by 1 day • For 1 student, the cost of attendance reported did not agree to the student file. Questioned Cost: None Effect: Inaccurate and unsupported reporting may result in noncompliance with federal reporting requirements and reduced reliability of information used by the U.S. Department of Education. Cause: Inadequate internal controls over the preparation and review of FISAP and COD reporting. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the University establish a formal review and approval process for FISAP and COD submissions. Response: The University recognizes the importance of submitting an accurate FISAP and maintaining supporting documentation. Data challenges are being addressed, and additional controls are now in place to ensure this is not a repeat finding moving forward. These include new personnel, additional training and system upgrades that ensure accurate reporting. The University recognizes the importance of submitting accurate COD information. Data challenges are being addressed, and additional controls are now in place to ensure this is not a repeat finding moving forward. These include new personnel, additional training and system upgrades that ensure accurate reporting.