Finding 4334 (2023-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2023-12-14
Audit: 6750
Organization: Texas Wesleyan University (TX)
Auditor: Forvis LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University failed to report student enrollment status changes accurately and on time to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with federal regulations for enrollment reporting (34 CFR 690.93(b)(2); 34 CFR 682.610; 34 CFR 685.309).
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Update controls and processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting of enrollment status changes, including regular audits and staff training.

Finding Text

Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063 Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268 U.S. Department of Education Program Year 2022-2023 Criteria or specific requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting (34 CFR 690.93(b)(2); 34 CFR 682.610; 34 CFR 685.309). Institutions are required to report enrollment information. Condition – The University’s processes did not ensure timely and accurate student status reporting to National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Questioned costs – $0 Context – Out of the population of 657 students with student attendance changes required to be reported prior to July 19, 2022 or after February 28, 2023, a sample of 25 students were selected for testing. Our sampling method was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. There were 14 attributes tested for each student with at least one status change. Campus-Level Records: 1. OPEID Number 2. Enrollment Effective Date 3. Enrollment Status 4. Certification Date Program-Level Records 5. OPEID 6. CIP Code 7. CIP Year 8. Credential Level 9. Published Program Length Measurement 10. Published Program Length 11. Program Begin Date 12. Program Enrollment Status 13. Program Enrollment Effective Date Other Records 14. Student changed his or her permanent address The University reported the incorrect Program Length for 1 student. The University reported the incorrect Program Begin Date for 4 students. The University reported the incorrect Program Enrollment Status for 1 student. The University reported the incorrect Campus Enrollment and Program Enrollment Effective Date for 1 student. The University did not timely report status changes for 17 students. Effect – The University reported incorrect dates and statuses for students’ status changes and did not report the status changes timely. Cause – The University’s processes did not ensure status changes were reported timely and accurately. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable – N/A Recommendation – The University should update their controls to ensure changes in students’ enrollment status are reported in a timely and accurate manner. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions – Enrollment reporting is performed by the Office of Student Records. The new university registrar has modified the enrollment reporting process to include audits of all student-related data prior to census day. Any changes in student academic program received after census day will be effective for the next academic semester. Additionally, the registrar created procedural changes to ensure reporting happens for every reporting period with the added redundancy of additional staff. All reporting periods are recorded on the Office of Student Records' office calendar and in their processing action plan document.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding Number: 2023-002 Corrective Action: Enrollment reporting is performed by the Office of Student Records. The new university registrar has modified the enrollment reporting process to include audits of all student-related data prior to census day. Any changes in student academic program received after census day will be effective for the next academic semester. Additionally, the registrar created procedural changes to ensure reporting happens for every reporting period with the added redundancy of additional staff. All reporting periods are recorded on the Office of Student Records’ office calendar and in their processing action plan document. Responsible: Karen Jarrell, University Registrar Completion Date: November 1, 2023

Categories

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

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 4331 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 4332 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 4333 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 4335 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 4336 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 4337 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 580773 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 580774 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 580775 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 580776 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 580777 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 580778 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 580779 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $25.03M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $4.18M
84.047 Trio_upward Bound $1.19M
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $278,600
84.365 English Language Acquisition State Grants $272,741
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $239,521
47.076 Education and Human Resources $125,000
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $44,684
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $5,030
45.310 Grants to States $742