Finding Text
2022 ? 002: NSLDS Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Aid Cluster ? Various Assistance Listing Numbers: Various Award Period: July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 685.309(b), states schools must have some arrangement to report student enrollment data to NSLDS through an enrollment roster file. The school is required to report changes in the student?s enrollment status, the effective date of the status, and an anticipated completion date. Also, the Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 682.610, states that institutions must report accurately the enrollment status of all students regardless if they receive aid from the institution or not. Changes to said status are required to be reported within 30 days of becoming aware of the status change, or with the next scheduled transmission of statuses if the scheduled transmission is within 60 days. Condition: During our testing, we noted 4 of the 40 students were not reported of a status change within 30 days. Furthermore, we noted 4 of the 40 students enrollment was not verified every 60 days. Lastly, we noted 3 out of the 4 students effective enrollment date reported to NSLDS on the campus level did not match the program level. Questioned costs: None Context: During our testing, it was noted the Academy did not properly report the change in status within 30 days or certify enrollment every 60 days of the determination. Cause: The Academy did not determine status changes within a timely manner due to extenuating circumstance. Effect: The enrollment effective date reported to NSLDS is used to determine when the student?s grace period should begin. By reporting an incorrect effective date, the grace period begin date for the student will be incorrect. The Academy also did not comply with Department of Education (ED) regulations requiring reporting student enrollment status change to NSLDS within 60 days. Repeat finding: Yes ? 2021-006 Recommendation: We recommend the Academy reevaluate its procedures and review policies surrounding reporting status changes to NSLDS to ensure timely reporting as well as put a process in place to ensure the enrollment effective date reported to NSLDS is aligning with the organization?s last date of attendance. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.