Finding Text
Finding: 2022-002 Program Affected: 84.425E, 84.425F Finding Type: Significant deficiency on compliance and control Criteria: The HEERF I, II, and III funding came with various requirements instituted by the CARES Act, CRRSAA, and ARP and then further defined by the US Department of Education (ED). The ED exercised its reporting authority under 2 CFR section 200.328 and 2 CFR section 200.329 to define three reporting requirements for the HEERF program funds, which include 1) public reporting on the (a)(1) Student Aid Portion; 2) public reporting on the (a)(1) Institutional Portion (a)(2) and (a)(3) subprograms (Quarterly Reporting Form), as applicable; and 3) the annual report. These reporting requirements stipulate specific guidelines regarding when, how, and what information is to be publicly posted on the University?s website. Condition: Per review of the University's quarterly public reporting for the Student Aid Portion, we noted one instance where the amounts and information reported did not adhere to the program requirements. Issues noted included amounts not properly separated between student and institutional fund portions and incorrect amounts and information posted for one period. Cause: Reporting requirements posted by the Department of Education for HEERF program funds have continuously changed with the intent to be made clearer with each subsequent revision. However, it is difficult to draw conclusions on some of the reporting guidance. There were not adequate controls nor review processes in place to monitor the reporting requirements issued by the DoE to ensure quarterly reports for the Student Aid Portion were posted accurately. Effect: The effect or possible effect is that the University may be determined ineligible to receive future HEERF program funding. Additionally, the public does not have accurate information regarding how HEERF program funds were expended by the University from the student aid portion. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: Controls should be established to allow for a second detailed review of all reporting of HEERF program funds by an official extensively familiar with the reporting requirements published by the DoE and other regulators. Auditee?s Response: The reports will be monitored more closely going forward. See attached corrective action plan. Repeat Finding: Yes, 2021-002