Finding 517848 (2024-001)

ITEM # 2024 - 001 - INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER STUDENT’S CHANGE IN STATUS FOR SPECIAL TESTS AND PROVISIONS Student Financial Assistance Cluster U.S. Department of Education Criteria The National Student Loan Data System (“NSLDS”) requires the College to report student enrollment changes within 30 days of the change in status, however, if a roster file is expected within 60 days, a 60-day time frame is allowable. Condition and Context In testing the internal controls for Welch’s major program, it was noted that there was one selection out of three selections tested where the student’s status change was not reported with the NSLDS within the allowable time frame. Cause The student was not properly included in the Populi system as withdrawn which resulted in the error not being discovered until after the allowable time frame had passed. Effect Welch was not in compliance with NSLDS reporting requirements. Recommendation We recommend that Welch strengthens procedures to ensure all status changes are reported within the required time frame to NSLDS.