Finding 539078 (2024-003)

Finding number: 2024-003 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Programs: Federal Work-Study (“FWS”) Assistance Listing #: 84.033 Award year: 2024-003 Criteria According to 34 CFR 675.19(a): The institution must establish and maintain program and fiscal records that include a certification by the student's supervisor, an official of the institution, or off-campus agency, that each student has worked and earned the amount being paid. The certification must include or be supported by, for the students paid on an hourly basis, a time record showing the hours each student worked in clock time sequence, or the total hours worked per day. The 2023-2024 Federal Student Aid Handbook (Vol. 6, Pg. 33) states: In general, students are not permitted to work in Federal Work-Study positions during scheduled class times. Exceptions are permitted if the individual class is cancelled, if the instructor has excused the student from attending for a particular day, and if the student is receiving credit for employment in an internship, externship, or community work- study experience. Any such exemptions must be documented. Condition Federal regulations require an institution to monitor and ensure that a work-study student is not working during his/her designated class time. Out of a sample of 3 students, we noted 2 students who worked during class time. Cause The College did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that students did not work during class time. Effect Two students reported work-study time sheets conflicted with their respective class schedules. As a result of this scheduling conflict, the students either did not attend class or were not present during the documented time period for which they were paid Federal Work-Study wages. Questioned Costs Not applicable Perspective Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 3 students selected for testing, 2 students, or 66% of our sample, were determined to have worked during class time. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable Not applicable Recommendation We recommend that the College review, and if necessary, update the policies and procedures to ensure all Federal Work-Study supervisors are monitoring students' work time to ensure that it does not conflict with their class schedules. These policies should also be revisited and reinforced with those in charge of monitoring the students' federal work-study time. View of Responsible Officials The College agrees with the finding and has implemented the corrective action plan listed within the management corrective action plan section of this report.