Finding 513630 (2024-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2024-12-09
Audit: 331542
Auditor: Eide Bailly LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University lacks a formal process to document and review Title IV return calculations for students who withdraw, leading to potential inaccuracies in fund returns.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with federal regulations (34 CFR 668.22(e)) regarding the calculation and documentation of unearned Title IV funds.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish and document a formal control process for completing and reviewing Title IV return calculations for all withdrawn students.

Finding Text

Student Financial Assistance Program Cluster – Department of Education Federal Financial Assistance Listing #84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans - 2023/2024 P268K241430 Federal Financial Assistance Listing #84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program - 2023/2024 P063P231430 Special Tests & Provisions: Return of Title IV Funds Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: The unearned amount of Title IV assistance to be returned is calculated by subtracting the amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student from the amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed to the student as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.22(e)). Condition: One instance was identified where there was no documented return of Title IV calculation, and fourteen instances were identified where there was no documented review of the return of Title IV calculation. Cause: The University did not have a formal, documented control process to ensure all students who withdrew from courses had a return of Title IV calculation completed or a review of the return of Title IV calculation that was completed to ensure accuracy and reasonableness. Effect: Without a formal process to document the completion and review of return of Title IV calculations, there is a possibility that the calculation could be incorrect or not completed and funds returned could be incorrect or not returned when required to be. Questioned Costs: None reported Context/Sampling: Of the 112 students withdrawn during the year, 22 students were tested. Repeat Finding from Prior Years: Yes, prior year finding 2023-003 Recommendation: The University should review its establish a formal process and controls to ensure that a return of Title IV calculation is completed and documented for all withdrawn students and that the review process is also documented. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees. Management’s complete response can be found in the separately issued corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Student Financial Assistance Program Cluster – Department of Education Federal Financial Assistance Listing/CFDA #84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans ‐ 2023/2024 P268K211430 Federal Financial Assistance Listing/CFDA #84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program ‐ 2023/2024 P063P201430 Special Tests & Provisions:– Return of Title IV Funds Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Finding Summary: One instance was identified where there was no documented return of Title IV calculation, and fourteen instances were identified where there was no documented review of the return of Title IV calculation. Responsible Individuals: Robert Hoover, Director of Financial Aid and Sylma Fernandez, Assistant Director of Financial Aid Corrective Action Plan: The Financial Aid Director recently completed R2T4 process training with the Controller. This added expertise will enhance the secondary review process, providing an independent assessment by a reviewer not involved in daily operations. This additional oversight will strengthen quality control through sampled calculation reviews. Furthermore, expanded attendance and withdrawal reports will support comprehensive control processes for this cluster. Anticipated Completion Date: Commenced December 1, 2024

Categories

Student Financial Aid Special Tests & Provisions Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 513631 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1090072 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1090073 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $3.35M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $1.75M
84.031 Higher Education Institutional Aid $834,152
93.364 Nursing Student Loans $262,872
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $250,328
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $130,795
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $107,888
93.264 Nurse Faculty Loan Program (nflp) $103,101
97.067 Homeland Security Grant Program $38,450
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $15,088
97.008 Non-Profit Security Program $4,825
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $3,485