Finding Text
Federal Program: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Assistance Listing Number: 84.063, 84.033, 84.038, 84.007, 84.268, 84.379 Federal Agency: Department of Education (DOE) Federal Award Numbers: P063P242023, P033A243392, Unknown, P007A243392, P268K252023, P379T0972023; Award Year: 2025 Criteria: Institutions are required to perform verification procedures for students selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), including obtaining required documentation, comparing the information to the student’s FAFSA data, making necessary corrections, and updating verification status, in accordance with 34 CFR 668.51–668.60 and the OMB Compliance Supplement. Condition: During testing of students selected for verification, we noted that 2 of 3 students tested did not have evidence that required verification procedures were performed. Specifically, the institution did not obtain or document supporting verification information or complete required comparison and correction procedures for this student. Additionally, controls to track verification processes were being completed timely and accurately were not operating during the academic year. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Cause: The condition is attributable to turnover within the Student Financial Assistance office during the year, which resulted in gaps in personnel responsible for performing and monitoring verification procedures. As a result, the institution did not maintain effective oversight or continuity in its verification processes to ensure that all students selected for verification had required procedures completed and documented. Effect: Failure to perform required verification procedures may result in the disbursement of Title IV funds based on inaccurate or unverified student information, increasing the risk of improper payments and noncompliance with federal requirements. Questioned Costs: None reported Context: Failure to perform verification procedures for students selected by the U.S. Department of Education represents noncompliance within the “Special Tests and Provisions—Verification” compliance requirement and increases the risk that aid may be awarded based on incomplete or inaccurate information. Repeat Finding: No Recommendations: We recommend that the University evaluate its processes and controls to ensure verifications are properly performed and documented. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See management's corrective action plan.