Finding 371010 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-02-28
Audit: 292665
Organization: North Central University (MN)
Auditor: Forvis LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The published program dates reported to NSLDS did not match the institution's records for all 21 students tested.
  • Impacted Requirements: Institutions must report accurate enrollment statuses within specified timeframes, as outlined in 34 CFR 682.610.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The University should review and improve its policies for reporting enrollment changes to ensure compliance and accuracy moving forward.

Finding Text

Federal Program – Department of Education, Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Federal Pell Grant Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.063; Federal Direct Loan Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.268. Program Year –June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023 Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting – The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 682.610, states that institutions must report accurately the enrollment status of all students regardless of if they receive aid from the institution or not. Changes to said status are required to be reported within 30 days of becoming aware of the status change, or with the next scheduled transmission of statuses if the scheduled transmission is within 60 days. This includes the enrollment effective date and related enrollment status, which must be reported for both the Campus-Level and the Program-Level. In addition, at a minimum, schools are required to certify enrollment every 60 days, and respond within 15 days of the date that the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) sends a Roster file to the school or its third-party servicer. In addition, regulations require that an institution make necessary corrections and return the records within 10 days for any roster files that do not pass the NSLDS enrollment reporting edits. Condition – The published program date reported to the NSLDS did not match institutional records. Questioned Costs – None Context – During our testing, we noted for 21 out of 21 students tested, the published program date reported to the NSLDS does not match the program length per the institution’s records. Our sample was not intended to be statistically valid. Effect – NSLDS did not contain current and accurate information with respect to published program length. Identification as a Repeat Finding – Yes, see 2022-003. Recommendation – We recommend that the University review its policies and procedures around reporting status changes and other enrollment information to NSLDS to ensure timely and accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action – There is no disagreement with the finding. All program lengths have been corrected in our NSLDS reporting cycle. Unfortunately, the implementation went beyond the May 31, 2023, fiscal year. During a recent internal audit of 20 students we can now see the published length correctly reporting in NSLDS for all investigated students.Federal Program – Department of Education, Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Federal Pell Grant Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.063; Federal Direct Loan Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.268. Program Year –June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023 Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting – The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 682.610, states that institutions must report accurately the enrollment status of all students regardless of if they receive aid from the institution or not. Changes to said status are required to be reported within 30 days of becoming aware of the status change, or with the next scheduled transmission of statuses if the scheduled transmission is within 60 days. This includes the enrollment effective date and related enrollment status, which must be reported for both the Campus-Level and the Program-Level. In addition, at a minimum, schools are required to certify enrollment every 60 days, and respond within 15 days of the date that the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) sends a Roster file to the school or its third-party servicer. In addition, regulations require that an institution make necessary corrections and return the records within 10 days for any roster files that do not pass the NSLDS enrollment reporting edits. Condition – The published program date reported to the NSLDS did not match institutional records. Questioned Costs – None Context – During our testing, we noted for 21 out of 21 students tested, the published program date reported to the NSLDS does not match the program length per the institution’s records. Our sample was not intended to be statistically valid. Effect – NSLDS did not contain current and accurate information with respect to published program length. Identification as a Repeat Finding – Yes, see 2022-003. Recommendation – We recommend that the University review its policies and procedures around reporting status changes and other enrollment information to NSLDS to ensure timely and accurate reporting. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action – There is no disagreement with the finding. All program lengths have been corrected in our NSLDS reporting cycle. Unfortunately, the implementation went beyond the May 31, 2023, fiscal year. During a recent internal audit of 20 students we can now see the published length correctly reporting in NSLDS for all investigated students.

Categories

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

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 371005 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 371006 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 371007 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 371008 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 371009 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 371011 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 371012 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 947447 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 947448 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 947449 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 947450 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 947451 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 947452 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 947453 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 947454 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $5.11M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $1.91M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $518,881
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $96,142
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $27,640