Finding 508214 (2024-001)

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Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2024-11-18
Audit: 328682
Organization: College of Eastern Idaho (ID)
Auditor: Wipfli LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: 7 out of 40 student files had incorrect NSLDS updates, leading to discrepancies in enrollment statuses.
  • Impacted Requirements: Accurate reporting of student enrollment and withdrawal statuses is essential for compliance with federal regulations.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Review and correct the NSLDS entries for the affected students to ensure accurate records and compliance.

Finding Text

The examination disclosed 7 student out of 40 school student files tested, in which NSLDS was not updated correctly. Student A: According to the NSLDS Program Enrollment Detail the student's status is "Z-No Record Found". The student is active and full time according to the education records. Student B: According to the NSLDS Program Enrollment Detail the student's status is "Z-No Record Found". The student is active and full time according to the education records. Student C: According to the NSLDS Program Enrollment Detail the student's status is "Z-No Record Found". The student is active and full time according to the education records. Student D: The student withdrew on 12/18/23 but was not reported as withdrawn. The status according to the NSLDS Program Enrollment Detail is “Z-No Record Found”. Student E: The student withdrew on 11/18/23 but was not reported as withdrawn. The status according to the NSLDS Program Enrollment Detail is “Z-No Record Found”. Student F: The student’s start date reported to NSLDS was not reported accurately Student G: The student status is shown as “Z-No Record Found”, no other status is reported for the student.

Corrective Action Plan

Audit examination revealed that some students' records were not updated correctly in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Specifically, these records were either incomplete or inaccurate in reflecting student enrollment statuses. After reviewing the issue, the primary reasons identified is a known error code within the NSLDS system, referred to error code 75. Students are flagged with a status error, Z (No Record Found). We know more students have this error flag than were selected for audit. We have determined batches of records that need updated. Steps Already Taken to Correct Issue • Action was taken with Student Clearinghouse (NSC), July 23, 2024, our Registrar reached out for assistance to resolve. Guidance was the specific error codes, such as NSLDS Error Code 75, flagged, consult the NSLDS and NSC for guidance on correcting these errors (NSLDS SSCR Error Code 75). • Financial Aid Director reached out to NSLDS, August 7, 2024 for resolution. Guidance was given as follows: "CSR advised that the resolution for Error code 75 is to make sure they aren't trying to report program level enrollment data in the batch when they have already report X or Z. CSR advised they should be reporting N for the program indicator. CSR advised they can report this in a batch to resolve all the issues. CSR advised if they continue to have issue then they can call us back so we can do further research". • Manual corrections have been implemented in NSLDS for all 7 students selected for audit with error codes, NSLDS now to reflects an accurate status for these students. Next Steps to Correct Issue • Resubmit the corrected enrollment data to NSLDS, if batch submission is possible. lnclude cross-verification with internal records to ensure accurate reporting. * lf batch correction is not possible or successful, manual corrections to records will be executed until all records are resolved. • Review and verification of student records for the affected students to ensure accurate enrollment data is reflected. Correct the discrepancies in the NSLDS system manually. Preventative Actions: * Provide additional training to the staff for reporting to ensure the requirements for accurate and timely updates of student enrollment data. • Conduct monthly internal audits to verify that student enrollment statuses are correctly updated in NSLDS. Review of random student records in NSLDS to confirm that updates are made in compliance with federal guidelines.

Categories

Student Financial Aid Period of Performance

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $3.46M
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $2.51M
84.048 Career and Technical Education -- Basic Grants to States $485,098
84.002 Adult Education - Basic Grants to States $418,930
93.434 Every Student Succeeds Act/preschool Development Grants $97,044
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $60,055
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $60,000
17.268 H-1b Job Training Grants $50,510
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $50,000
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $41,596
84.335 Child Care Access Means Parents in School $39,574
11.300 Investments for Public Works and Economic Development Facilities $18,818
93.859 Biomedical Research and Research Training $15,050
17.289 Simpson Committee Project Grant $3,967
84.334 Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs $1,688