Finding 514589 (2024-001)

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Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2024-12-17
Audit: 332940
Organization: Gardner-Webb University (NC)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University failed to report student attendance changes to the NSLDS within the required 60 days.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with enrollment reporting under the Special Test and Provisions is not being met.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a process to ensure timely capture and reporting of student status changes to the NSLDS.

Finding Text

Finding 2024-001 – Student Financial Aid Cluster, Assistance Listing # 84.063 and 84.268 Compliance Requirement: Special Test and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Criteria: The University is required to send changes in attendance levels of students, including students who, graduated, withdrew, dropped out, or enrolled changes to the National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) within 60 days of the change. Condition: The University did not send changes in attendance levels of students, including students who graduated, withdrew, dropped out, or enrolled changes to the NSLDS within 60 days of the change. Cause: The University had not reported status changes of students to the NSLDS as required under the Uniform Grant Guidance for the year ended June 30, 2024. The status information reported in the University’s system, was incorrectly extracted for the submission to the National Student Clearinghouse and NSLDS, which created discrepancies between the statuses. Context: The University had two incorrect status effective dates and sent 6 status changes to the NSLDS after 60 days. Effect: The University did not report status changes to the NSLDS timely. Recommendation: The University should put in place a process to timely capture student changes so they can be reported to the NSLDS. Management Response: The University concurs with this finding. Corrective Action Plan: See attached management’s corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

We acknowledge the finding 2024-001 regarding the untimely reporting to the NSLDS and understand the importance of adhering to the prescribed reporting timelines to ensure that student loan and grant information is accurate and up-to-date. We take this matter seriously and are committed to rectifying the situation as quickly as possible. Root Cause: The root cause of the late reporting to NSLDS was primarily attributed to employee turnover within the department responsible for data reporting. Specifically, the loss of key personnel during the reporting period led to a temporary breakdown in the continuity of reporting processes. This turnover resulted in insufficient staffing which caused delays in the submission of required reports to the National Student Clearinghouse and, thus, NSLDS. Corrective Actions: • We are in the process of reviewing and streamlining the reporting process to increase efficiency and reduce the likelihood of delays. • Additionally, we are reviewing backup procedures to ensure that in the event of further turnover, there is a well-documented and easily transferable knowledge base for the remaining staff. Conclusion: We take the findings of the audit seriously and are committed to improving our processes and addressing the root causes of late reporting. The corrective actions outlined above are designed to prevent recurrence of this issue, ensure compliance with NSLDS reporting deadlines, and improve overall reporting accuracy and timeliness. Linda Fleischman, Registrar, 704-406-4263

Categories

Student Financial Aid Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $27.29M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $4.17M
84.038 Federal Perkins $543,280
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $367,198
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $217,378
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $17,234