Finding Text
Criteria: Under the Pell grant and Direct loan programs, institutions are responsible for timely enrollment reporting to NSLDS whether they report directly or via a third-party service such as the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Enrollment Reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Enrollment information must be reported within 60 days whenever enrollment status changes for students, unless a roster will be submitted within 60 days. These changes include reductions or increases in attendance levels, withdrawals, graduations, or approved leaves-of-absence. Condition: We tested NSLDS Enrollment Detail Records for five students with changes in enrollment. For four students of the five, we noted that the student?s enrollment status was not changed in a timely manner for four students. Cause: The enrollment data transmitted to NSC was not accurate. Effect: Enrollment statuses in NSLDS for the affected individuals were not correct and likely resulted in improper loan deferments and interest subsidies on outstanding loans. Questioned costs: $-0- Perspective information: The population was the return of Title IV funds - students with Title IV assistance who officially withdrew and received all failing and/or incomplete grades. The total population (in students) was 57. A sample size of 5. The number in sample size that separated from the University and required a timely change in NSLDS status was 5. The number of exceptions found in the preceding column was 4. Identification of repeat findings: Yes, see FA-2021-002. Recommendation: The University should work with its Information Technology Department and NSC to determine the root cause of the enrollment reporting errors and develop corrective action as soon as possible to avoid future reporting inaccuracies. The corrective action should be closely monitored by the Registrar on test basis to ensure the process is functioning as intended and resulting in accurate enrollment reporting. Views of responsible officials: See Client?s Corrective Action Plan