Finding Text
Education Stabilization Fund-ARP Earmarking DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN#: 84.425F Federal Award Identification #: P425F203100 Condition: The University did not use some institutional funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) HEERF allocation for conducting direct outreach to financial aid applicants about the opportunity to receive a financial aid adjustment due to the recent unemployment of a family member or independent student, or other circumstances, described in section 479A of the HEA as required by the ARP. Criteria: ARP HEERF (a) (1) Institutional portion Questioned Costs: None Context: During the audit, it was noted that the University did not have evidence of using HEERF funds for direct outreach to financial aid applicants. Management indicated that an e-mail notification was provided to students but was unable to provide this as the employee responsible for this task is no longer employed by the University. Cause: Staffing challenges brought on by COVID. Effect: The University was not in compliance with the ARP earmarking requirements. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend that the University conduct the direct outreach to financial aid applicants or work with the IT department in obtaining the evidence that it was completed in fiscal year 2022. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.