Finding 24400 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-03-09
Audit: 22803
Organization: Central Methodist University (MO)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University inaccurately reported HEERF expenditures by using actual expenditures instead of actual draws from G5.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with Department of Education regulations for HEERF reporting, including posting all required information in student reports.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Develop and implement clear policies and procedures to ensure accurate reporting in the future.

Finding Text

U.S. Department of Education Finding 2022-001 (continuing finding): Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Reporting (significant deficiency) Statement of Condition: Per the Department of Education, quarterly institutional reports should only include expenditures for the quarter if the funds have been drawn down from G5 and disbursed during the quarter. The University publicly posted the required quarterly institutional reports for HEERF using actual expenditures, rather than actual draws, during the quarter. No other issues were noted with the accuracy of the reports. However, the University also did not post all of the required information in the student reports for HEERF. Criteria: The Department of Education requires that institutions publicly post the required reports to the institution?s website that only include the expenditures drawn down from G5 and disbursed during the quarter. It also requires that certain information be publicly posted in the student reports. Effect of Condition: As the University posted actual expenditures, rather than actual draws, during the quarter in the institutional reports, and as the University did not post all of the required information in the student reports, the University was not in compliance with the HEERF reporting requirements. Cause of Condition: The errors were due to a lack of clarity/uncertainty with the HEERF reporting requirements. Recommendation: We recommend the University develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the reports are accurate. Management?s Response: Management agrees and will correct the HEERF reports accordingly.

Corrective Action Plan

Description of Finding: The University publicly posted the required institutional reports for HEERF to their website using actual grants disbursed to student data, rather than disbursement only reimbursed by the G5 draw downs during the quarters. No other issues were noted with the accuracy of the reports. However, the University also did not post all of the required information in the student reports for HEERF. Statement of Concurrence or Nonconcurrence: Management agrees these reports were incomplete due to lack of uncertainty with the HEERF reporting requirements and disbursements made in the current accounting system. Corrective Action: Management will adjust reports noting the required quarterly reports on the website and only use quarterly funds received for providing all of the student report information for HEERF. Name of Contact Person: Julee Sherman, VP for Finance and Administration, Fayette MO 660-248-6203. Projected Completion Date: May 2023.

Categories

Reporting Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 24401 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 24402 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 600842 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 600843 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 600844 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $14.51M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $5.88M
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $284,076
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $198,550
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $173,656
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan $94,155