Finding 514149 (2024-001)

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Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
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Year
2024
Accepted
2024-12-13
Audit: 332323
Auditor: Wipfli LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Six out of 25 student files had incorrect enrollment status changes reported to NSLDS.
  • Impacted Requirements: Accurate reporting of last attendance, withdrawal, and graduation dates is essential for compliance.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Review and correct the reported dates for the affected students to ensure accurate records with NSLDS.

Finding Text

The examination disclosed 6 students, out of 25 student files who had an enrollment status change tested, in which their enrollment status was inaccurately reported. Student A – The student's last day of attendance was 9/6/23 but the effective date of withdraw was reported to NSLDS as 9/22/23. Student B - The student's last day of attendance was 3/1/24 but the effective date of withdraw was reported to NSLDS as 4/8/24. Student C – The student's last day of attendance was 4/12/24 but the effective date of withdraw was reported to NSLDS as 5/15/24. Student D – The student's last day of attendance was 10/16/23 but the effective date of withdraw was reported to NSLDS as 12/15/23. Student E – The student's graduation date according to the institution was 5/16/24 but the effective date of graduation was reported to NSLDS as 5/9/24. Student F – The certification date for the status update was on 9/20/24, 196 days after the student’s effective date of withdraw.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan for CmTent Year Findings To address findings of incorrect reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), this corrective action plan outlines specific actions for data accuracy and compliance. Identify and Analyze Errors: A review of reporting errors has identified several cases that require attention. In one case, a student's data incorrectly pulled a 5/9/2024 date despite a correct graduation record in Banner; this was corrected in the Clearinghouse on 10/21/2024. Another report, dated 5/24/2024, showed a 3/1 /2024 effective date, yet the student was not on subsequent reports due to non-enrollment. This effective date was updated to 3/8/2024 in the Clearinghouse on 10/21/2024 to reflect the last day of the 1st 8-week term. A further error occurred on 9/22/23, marking a student's status as WW in Banner, though verification required an effective date change to 9/6/2023; this correction was made manually on 10/31/2024 in the Clearinghouse. Additionally, some students reported as withdrawn 0N A/WI) after mid-term need adjustment to WW/WB based on the Last Date of Attendance (LDA) provided by instructors. In one case, a student's status changed from WA on 10/30/23 to WB on 11/15/23 and back to WA on 11/15/23 to align with LDA post-mid-tenn. To note, corrections made directly in Clearinghouse could take several months to update in NSLDS. The primary issue identified is reporting based on the status date instead of LDA. To address this, all PRORATA calculations will be reviewed and updated as needed. Develop and Implement Data Verification Processes: To improve reporting accuracy, the Registrar's Office will implement a structured data verification process. This process will include regular checks on enrollment status changes, graduation dates, and NSLDS-required fields, with monthly data reviews to identify and correct discrepancies before submission. Each check will include data validation, internal record reconciliation, and a standardized checklist. A tracking system will be used to log issues, corrections, and verification status, providing a clear record of any adjustments made. Monthly meetings will be held to review verification results and address outstanding issues, while quarterly reports will be submitted to leadership to smnmarize trends, outcomes, and corrective actions taken. Implementation will begin by November 1, 2024, with monthly verification checks following. This approach aims to create a documented and reliable process to ensure data accuracy, reduce error rates, and maintain accountabilities for all corrections. Person(s) Responsible: Dean of Business Services and Institutional Effectiveness; Head of Enrollment, Registrar, and Financial Aid Services, Director of Financial Aid, Director of Fiscal Services Timing for Implementation: In progress to comply without any further incidents of non-compliance.

Categories

Student Financial Aid

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $3.41M
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $1.22M
11.307 Economic Adjustment Assistance $1.07M
93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant $429,746
84.042 Trio_student Support Services $387,112
84.044 Trio_talent Search $385,144
84.047 Trio_upward Bound $222,621
84.048 Career and Technical Education -- Basic Grants to States $171,087
94.002 Retired and Senior Volunteer Program $152,368
84.002 Adult Education - Basic Grants to States $103,169
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $72,899
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $52,920
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $20,272
17.259 Wioa Youth Activities $18,386