Finding 519058 (2024-004)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-01-13
Audit: 337565
Organization: Montreat College (NC)
Auditor: Sikich CPA LLC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: 12.5% of student files reviewed had improper awarding of Direct loans, indicating a significant deficiency in eligibility compliance.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 34 CFR 682.201 regarding loan origination and eligibility verification processes.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The College should assess and improve policies to ensure accurate awarding of Title IV aid to students.

Finding Text

2024-004 – Student Financial Aid Cluster – (a) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (b) Federal Work Study Grant (c) Federal Perkins Loan Program (d) Federal Pell Grant Program (e) Federal Direct Loan Program, Assistance Listing No. (a) 84.007 (b) 84.033 (c) 84.038 (d) 84.063 (e) 84.268 - Year Ended June 30, 2024 Criteria: 34 CFR 682.201 (a) (1-2) notes, “(1) To obtain a Direct Subsidized Loan or a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, a student must complete a Free application for Federal Student Aid and submit it in accordance with instructions in the application. (2) If the student is eligible for a Direct Subsidized Loan or a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the school in which the student is enrolled must perform the following functions: (i) create a loan origination record and transmit the record to the Secretary. (ii) Ensure that the loan is supported by a completed Master Promissory Note (MPN) and, if applicable, transmit the MPN to the Secretary. (iii) In accordance with 34 CFR 668.162, draw down funds or receive funds from the Secretary, and disburse the funds to the student.” Condition: 5 of the 40 student files (12.5%) we examined, we noted the students were not properly awarded Direct loans. We consider this condition to be a significant deficiency relating to the Eligibility compliance requirement and is a repeat finding shown in Section IV of this report as prior year finding 2023-004. Statistical sampling was not used in making sample selections. Questioned Costs: $0 Cause and Effect: Without proper review of eligibility of financial aid, students may receive an incorrect amount of Title IV aid. Recommendation: We recommend the College evaluate policies and procedures to ensure students receive the proper amount of Title IV aid. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with this Single Audit Finding and response is included in the Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2024-004 - Student Financial Aid Cluster – (a) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (b) Federal Work Study Grant (c) Federal Perkins Loan Program (d) Federal Pell Grant Program (e) Federal Direct Student Loans (f) Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education ALN No. (a) 84.007 (b) 84.033 (c) 84.038 (d)84.063 (e) 84.268 - Year Ended June 20, 2024 Condition Found 5 of the 40 student files (12.5%) we examined, we noted the students were not properly awarded Direct loans. Corrective Action Plan Student Financial Services has created a report comparing need-based aid awarded to the student’s need eligibility and an overall aid awarded compared to the Cost of Attendance (COA) budget. We will also work to develop a report that compares FAFSA year in school compared to total credit hours earned. Responsible Person for Corrective Action Plan Kandi Molder, Registrar and Executive Director of Student Services Deb Beck, Managing Director of Student Financial Services Implementation Date of Corrective Action Plan January 31, 2025

Categories

Student Financial Aid Cash Management Eligibility Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 519057 2024-003
    -
  • 519059 2024-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 519060 2024-006
    - Repeat
  • 519061 2024-007
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 519062 2024-007
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 519063 2024-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 519064 2024-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 519065 2024-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 519066 2024-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 519067 2024-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1095499 2024-003
    -
  • 1095500 2024-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1095501 2024-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1095502 2024-006
    - Repeat
  • 1095503 2024-007
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1095504 2024-007
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1095505 2024-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1095506 2024-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1095507 2024-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1095508 2024-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1095509 2024-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $8.26M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $1.78M
12.905 Cybersecurity Core Curriculum $269,018
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $89,001
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $86,474
12.902 Information Security Grants $50,722
21.019 Coronavirus Relief Fund $17,234
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan - Federal Capital Contributions $13,150