Finding 369434 (2023-008)

-
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-02-15
Audit: 290607
Organization: Newberry College (SC)
Auditor: Capincrouse LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The College failed to keep records of exit counseling for students who left, with 3 out of 5 students lacking timely documentation.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates 34 CFR 685.304(b), which mandates exit counseling for all Federal Direct Loan students.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish a reliable system to document exit counseling instructions to help lower the default rate.

Finding Text

Lack of Documentation of Exit Counseling DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268 Federal Direct Loans Federal Award Identification #: 2022-2023 Financial Aid Year Condition: The College did not retain evidence of providing exit counseling to all students who left or did not send exit counseling instructions timely. Criteria: 34 CFR 685.304(b) Questioned Costs: $0 Context: Out of 5 students tested for exit counseling, 3 did not have documentation that exit counseling instructions were sent timely. The College sent exit counseling instructions to the students in the sample during the audit. Cause: With transitions in personnel in the financial aid office, documentation of notifying students was not available. Effect: Exit counseling packets assist in reducing the default rate and is a requirement for all students with Federal Direct Loans. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend that the College develop a system to document that exit counseling instructions are sent to all students and to assist in reducing the College’s default rate. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Lack of Documentation of Exit Counseling Planned Corrective Action: Exit counseling letters have been emailed within 30 days of a student’s separation from Newberry College. A record of this notification is maintained in the financial aid software system for audit purposes. The senior associate director will be responsible for completing this process and the director will assist or complete, if necessary. Person Responsible for Corrective Action Plan: Karen Benfield, Director of Financial Aid Anticipated Date of Completion: This process is being implemented for the 2023-24 academic year.

Categories

Student Financial Aid Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.766 Community Facilities Loans and Grants $24.29M
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $10.09M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $3.46M
84.425 Covid-19 Education Stabilization Fund Heerf - Strengthening Institutions Program $377,730
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $169,094
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $103,200
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $7,544