Finding 44276 (2022-002)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-02-27
Audit: 48653
Organization: La Salle University (PA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: COD reporting was not completed within the required 15-day timeframe, indicating a significant deficiency in internal controls.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2) regarding timely submission of reports to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The University should review and improve its policies and procedures for reporting disbursements to ensure timely and accurate submissions.

Finding Text

2022 ? 002 ? Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Assistance Listing Number: 84.063, 84.268 Award Period: 7/1/21-6/30/22 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: An institution shall submit, in accordance with deadline dates established by the Secretary, through federal publication in the Federal Register, other reports and information the Secretary requires and shall comply with the procedures the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that the reports are correct (34 CFR 690.83(b)(2)). Condition: COD reporting was not completed within the required timeframe. Questioned costs: None. Context: During our testing, we noted 3 instances out of our sample of 40 COD disbursements tested that were reported to the COD outside the required 15-day timeframe. Cause: The University?s process in place to timely report disbursements to COD did not ensure disbursements were reported timely. Effect: COD reporting was outside the 15-day requirement. Repeat Finding: Yes, 2021-004. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its policies and procedures around reporting disbursements to COD to ensure that student information is reported accurately and timely. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding.

Corrective Action Plan

Student Financial Assistance Cluster ? CFDA No. 84.063, 84.268 Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its policies and procedures around reporting disbursements to COD to ensure that student information is reported accurately and timely. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: The development of a Pell report and process through the University?s Student Information System (BANNER) is the priority to address and ensure timely and accurate PELL reporting to COD. When the reports are received back from COD, any exceptions that are identified will be corrected by the next COD file submission. Any exceptions that cannot be resolved before the next COD file submission will be escalated. This process ensures that any new Pell disbursements are identified and reported to COD weekly, in order to remain within the 15-day requirement for Pell reporting. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Jennifer Houseman, Director of Financial Aid Planned completion date for corrective action plan: April 28, 2023

Categories

Reporting Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 44275 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 44277 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 44278 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 44279 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 620717 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 620718 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 620719 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 620720 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 620721 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $29.23M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $5.09M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan $2.95M
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $530,653
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $506,341
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $190,271
47.076 Education and Human Resources $55,639
93.124 Nurse Anesthetist Traineeships $9,405