Finding 1311 (2023-002)

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Aid ALN Number: Student Financial Aid Cluster Award Period: June 01, 2022 through May 31, 2023 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 674.16 states that before an institution makes its first disbursement to a student, the student shall sign the promissory note. Condition: Perkins Promissory Note - During our testing of the Student Financial Aid Cluster, we noted that 3 students out of 65 tested in the Perkins loan program could not be supported as having completed a promissory note. Questioned Costs: None Context: Many of the missing promissory notes were old and could not be located in paper or electronic files. Cause: The College did not have a process in place to ensure promissory notes were appropriately retained either in paper or electronic format. Effect: The College cannot provide documentation showing proper completion of promissory note as required by DOE requirements. Repeat finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the College put a procedure in place to ensure that all students have a promissory note prior to disbursing of funds. Also recommend a procedure be put in place to ensure proper record retention documenting the completion of promissory note. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.