Finding 392908 (2023-002)

Finding 2023-002: Eligibility - Satisfactory Academic Progress - Significant Deficiency ALN: 84.268 Federal Direct Loan Program; 84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program, 84.033 Federal Work Study Program, 84.007 Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant; 84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program Award Year: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Not applicable Criteria: To begin and to continue to participate in any Title IV, HEA program, an institution shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the institution is capable of adequately administering that program under each of the standards established under 34 CFR 668.16. One of these standards states that for purposes of determining student eligibility for assistance under a title IV, HEA program, the institution must establish, publish, and apply reasonable standards for measuring whether an otherwise eligible student is maintaining satisfactory academic progress in his or her educational program. Condition: Of the 40 students tested for eligibility, 7 students did not meet satisfactory academic progress. For 6 of those students, the College was not able to provide the academic probation warning or Academic Action Plan that was sent to these students in line with the College's policy. Cause: The College had turnover in staffing within the financial aid department causing these procedures to be missed. Effect: If the College is not following their policies and procedures for determining student eligibility of Title IV aid, there could be unallowable aid disbursed which could affect the College's ability to continue participating in the Title IV program. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: It is recommended that the College designate an employee within the financial aid department to be responsible for monitoring academic progress and following the procedures stated within the College's Academic Progress Policy when a student does not meet the minimum standards. Management Response: When SAP is run in the spring, students will be notified of their academic standing. Students who are suspended will have an opportunity to appeal their suspension. If the appeal of suspension is approved, students will meet with their academic advisor to be placed on an academic plan. The academic plan must be signed by both the student and advisor. The academic plan must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid via the teams. A financial aid hold will be placed on the student's account until the signed academic plan is received. Once received, the Office of Financial Aid will remove the hold so the student can be awarded.