Finding 523303 (2024-003)

2024-003 – Student Financial Assistance Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions – NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Criteria or specific requirement Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell Grant Program and the Federal Direct Student Loans via the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Because the administration of the Title IV programs depends heavily upon the accuracy and timeliness of the enrollment information reported by institutions, they must review, update, and certify student enrollment statuses, program information, and effective dates that appear on the Enrollment Reporting Roster file. Condition During testing, it was determined that 31 of the 60 students tested for enrollment status changes had missing status changes, late certification dates, or incorrect information reflected within their NSLDS reporting. Context 17 of the 60 students tested had an enrollment status change that was not correctly reported – either an enrollment level status change was missing or incorrectly reported, or the effective date of the status change was incorrectly reported. 14 of the 60 students showed enrollment in an incorrect CIP Code. 10 of the 60 students had an enrollment change certified to NSLDS outside of the required window. Lastly, one student had an incorrect social security number entered, which resulted in their information not pulling from Banner into NSLDS. Cause Technological errors occurred during the reporting process, such as the time calculation report not properly calculating a student’s enrollment status, as well as issues with certifying information to NSLDS through the Clearinghouse. In addition, students who became unofficial withdrawals did not have that withdrawn status reported to NSLDS due to an oversight by College staff. Effect Students did not have accurate, timely information reported within NSLDS. Recommendation We recommend that the College review its control policies to ensure that reporting is completed accurately and timely. Wherever possible, any technological errors discovered should be pursued with the responsible party in order to try to determine a cause, and a solution or preventative measure should be implemented to prevent future errors from occurring. Views of responsible officials See Corrective Action Plan.