Finding 34600 (2022-001)

Student Financial Assistance Cluster, ALN 84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans, U.S. Department of Education Program Year 2021?2022 Criteria or Specific Requirement ? Special Tests and Provisions: Return of Title IV Funding, 34 CFR Section 668.22 Condition ? The return of four students? Title IV funding was not appropriately calculated and returned to the Department of Education. Questioned Costs ? $2,447; determined based on the amount of Title IV funds under-returned to the Department of Education. Context ? Out of the population of 62 students who received federal student financial assistance but withdrew or dropped out during the year, a sample of seven students was selected for testing. Four returns of Title IV calculations were not correctly calculated, which resulted in underpayment to the respective programs of $2,447. Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Effect ? Four refunds were incorrect, and funds were under-remitted to the Department of Education. Cause ? In the spring 2022 semester, a break of five snow days was included in the total days but not removed from each student?s calculated attended days in the return of Title IV calculation. Indication as a Repeat Finding ? N/A Recommendation ? The University should review its procedures for ensuring appropriate dates are entered into Colleague for all related return of Title IV calculations and ensure a secondary review is performed of these calculations to ensure the calculations are being performed accurately and in compliance with Department of Education guidelines. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions ? Management agrees with the finding and will ensure that dates are correctly entered and reviewed in the future.