Finding 526814 (2024-002)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-03-13
Audit: 345900
Organization: Columbia College (MO)
Auditor: Brown Edwards

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The College failed to report student withdrawal dates accurately and on time, impacting loan servicing.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 34 CFR Section 685.309(a)(2) for timely and accurate enrollment reporting.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a review process to ensure accurate NSLDS reporting and maintain proper documentation.

Finding Text

2024-002 – Reporting Student Withdrawal Date in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) (Significant Deficiency) Department of Education, SFA Cluster; Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: The College is responsible for submitting timely, accurate and complete responses to Enrollment Reporting roster files and for maintaining proper documentation in accordance with 34 CFR Section 685.309(a)(2). Condition: From a population of 208 students that withdrew officially or unofficially during the fiscal year, we tested 22 and noted that withdrawal dates were submitted untimely for all 22 students and the incorrect date was reported for six students. Cause: NSLDS Enrollment Reporting was submitted more than 60 days after the date of determination for all 22 students and the incorrect withdrawal date was reported for six students. Effect: The Department of Education was unaware of the student withdrawals; thus, the Department could not properly service the student’s loans. The accuracy of Title IV student loan records depends heavily on the accuracy of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: Repeat of 2023-005. Recommendation: We recommend that a review process be put in place to ensure complete and accurate NSLDS reporting of student withdrawal dates. Management Response: We concur with this finding. The Office of the Registrar reports the withdrawal date via Clearing House. However, the withdrawal date is overridden by any subsequent enrollment updates. Moving forward, the Office of Financial Aid will ensure that withdrawal dates for R2T4 calculations are accurately reported. The updated enrollment information will be saved in the student’s electronic file to maintain proper documentation and compliance.

Corrective Action Plan

2024‐002 – Reporting Student Withdrawal Date in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) (Significant Deficiency) Criteria: The College is responsible for submitting timely, accurate and complete responses to Enrollment Reporting roster files and for maintaining proper documentation in accordance with 34 CFR Section 685.309(a)(2). Condition: From a population of 208 students that withdrew officially or unofficially during the fiscal year, we tested 22 and noted that withdrawal dates were submitted untimely for all 22 students and the incorrect date was reported for six students. Action Taken: We concur with this finding. The Office of the Registrar reports the withdrawal date via Clearing House. However, the withdrawal date is overridden by any subsequent enrollment updates. Moving forward, the Office of Financial Aid will ensure that withdrawal dates for R2T4 calculations are accurately reported. The updated enrollment information will be saved in the student’s electronic file to maintain proper documentation and compliance. Responsible Party: Sharon Murphy, Registrar Point of Contact: Sharon Murphy, Registrar (smurphy@columbiasc.edu) Expected date of correction: January 2025

Categories

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

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 526813 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1103255 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1103256 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $12.17M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $4.33M
84.027 Special Education Grants to States $1.55M
84.336 Teacher Quality Partnership Grants $533,181
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $165,792
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $126,136
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $39,606
93.859 Biomedical Research and Research Training $6,062