Finding 24214 (2022-001)

-
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2022-11-02
Audit: 19936
Auditor: Capincrouse LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University reported inaccurate student grant information in the HEERF annual report and quarterly updates for 2021.
  • Impacted Requirements: This non-compliance with CRRSAA and ARP reporting criteria affects the accuracy of financial data submitted to the Department of Education.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a review process for HEERF reporting and ensure the website reflects accurate student disbursement records.

Finding Text

Higher Education Stabilization Fund Reporting DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.425E Federal Award Identification #: P425E200363 Condition: The University?s underlying documentation of the student grant information did not agree to what was reported in the HEERF annual report for all of the 2021 calendar year and the student quarterly website reporting. Criteria: CRRSAA Section 314(a)(1) and ARP Section 2003(a)(1) Questioned Costs: $-0- Context: During the audit, it was identified that the University did not accurately report the total student grants disbursed for the calendar year ending December 31, 2021. The underlying support was unable to be located with staffing transitions, and the totals from the system as disbursed did not agree to the amounts reported. Additionally, the quarterly reports for student amounts disbursed did not agree to the amounts reported in the system as disbursed to students. The University is in the process of correcting the amounts reports on the website, and the University plans to correct any amounts needed for the HEERF annual reporting in the next reporting cycle. Cause: There was a transition in the financial aid director position after the annual report was submitted prior to the audit process. Effect: The University was not in compliance with the reporting requirements of HEERF, and the Department of Education did not receive accurate information showing the University had expended all student funds. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the University implement an additional review over the HEERF Annual Reporting to ensure proper information is provided during the report submission. We further recommend the website be updated to reflect information from underlying records on student disbursements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Higher Education Stabilization Fund Reporting Planned Corrective Action: The planned corrective action plan is bifurcated. First, the University will update its website https://anderson.edu/alums/cares-act/ to correct reported counts for HEERF III Emergency Financial Aid to students for the number of unduplicated recipients notified and approved for grants. Second, Year 2 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Annual Performance Report (APR) will be corrected to properly report the count of unduplicated students and related amount of grants directly disbursed to students and amount applied to student accounts. Person Responsible for Corrective Action Plan: Suahil R. Housholder, Assistant VP for Finance and Assistant Treasurer Anticipated Date of Completion: Website update by 11/14/2022 and Year 2 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Annual Performance Report (APR) corrected when the Year 3 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Annual Performance Report (APR) reporting period is established by the Department of Education in the year 2023.

Categories

Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $8.62M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $2.50M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $2.11M
84.425 Covid-19 Education Stabilization Fund Heerf - Student Aid Portion $2.10M
84.425 Covid-19 Education Stabilization Fund Heerf - Institutional Portion $2.09M
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $285,213
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $247,136
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $11,316