Finding 366665 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-02-08
Audit: 289585
Organization: Manchester University, Inc. (IN)
Auditor: Forvis LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University failed to notify NSLDS of student status changes within the required 30-day timeframe.
  • Impacted Requirements: Enrollment reporting requirements for Pell Grant and Direct Loan programs were not met, affecting compliance with federal regulations.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish a proper remittance schedule between the Clearinghouse and NSLDS to ensure timely updates on student status changes.

Finding Text

Information on the Federal Program – Department of Education, Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Federal Pell Grant Program, CFDA 84.063; Federal Direct Student Loan Program, CFDA 84.268. Program Year – July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting – Under the Pell grant and loan programs, colleges must complete and return within 30 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file. Once received, the institution must update for changes in student status, report the date the enrollment status was effective, enter the new anticipated completion date and submit the changes electronically through the batch method or the NSLDS web site. Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer. Unless the school expects to complete its next roster within 60 days, the University must notify the lender or the guaranty agency within 30 days, if it discovers that a student who received a loan either did not enroll or ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. (Pell, 34 CFR Section 690.83(b)(2); Direct Loan, 34 CFR Section 685.309(2)(i)). Condition – Notification of the student status change (graduated, withdrew, less than half-time) did not reach the NSLDS within the required timeframe. Questioned Costs – None – nonmonetary finding Context – Out of a sample of 24 students from a population of 233 students who had changes in status during the year, NSLDS was not provided timely notification for 24 of the student status changes reviewed. Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Cause – Information between the University and NSLDS was not updated timely. This could have been a result of the remittance schedule between the Clearinghouse and NSLDS not being properly established to allow for timely remittance. Effect – The status change was ultimately reported correctly to NSLDS but was not performed timely. Identification as a Repeat Finding – N/A Recommendation – We recommend the University ensure the remittance schedule is properly established to allow for timely remittance.

Corrective Action Plan

Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – The National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) Graduation Status submission calendar will be updated to reflect the necessary reporting timeline. The report will be completed after verification of graduation requirements and credentialing are completed in Colleague by the Registrar's Office. The Registrar and Associate Registrar complete different steps in the credentialing process, but will review the student records together to ensure accuracy and timely completion. Submission of graduation status to NSC will occur after each academic term (fall and spring semester, January and summer sessions).

Categories

Student Financial Aid Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 366666 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 366667 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 366668 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 366669 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 943107 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 943108 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 943109 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 943110 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 943111 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $17.46M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $2.26M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $444,045
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $178,032
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $49,294
47.076 Education and Program Resources $46,851
93.959 Mental Health Planning Grant $7,562