Finding Text
Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2) and 685.309, the College is required to report enrollment information under the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan programs through National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The enrollment information, inclusive of Campus Level and Program Level data, must be reviewed, updated and validated by the College in a timely manner. Furthermore, specific to the Federal Direct Loan program, for a student that received a Direct Loan and was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the College, and the student had ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended, the College must report the change within 60 days from which the change was identified.
Condition: We reviewed a sample of 15 students enrolled at the College who received either Pell and/or Direct Loans and had a change of enrollment status during the fiscal year. Of the 15 students tested, we identified 1 student whose program level status was certified with an incorrect effective date, however, was reported within the required 60-day timeframe.
Cause: The student was originally enrolled in two majors at the program level at the College. The College was notified in December that the student withdrew from the College with a last date of attendance (effective date) in October. However, in November, the student dropped one of its majors. Given the change in majors, the effective date at the program level for the major that the student maintained was inaccurately updated to November.
Effect or Potential Effect: A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods, as well as for the payment of interest subsidies all of which are impacted by inaccurate and late reporting. The student’s campus level status was certified correctly.
Questioned Costs (if applicable): Not applicable.
Recommendation: We recommend the College review its procedures and controls to ensure accurate and timely enrollment reporting.
Views of Responsible Officials: See Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan included in this report