Criteria or Specific Requirement - The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 685.309 requires that enrollment status changes for students be reported to NSLDS within 30 days or within 60 days if the student with the status change will be reported on a scheduled transmission within 60 days of the change in status. Regulations require the status include an accurate effective date.
Condition - We noted discrepancies in the data reported in NSLDS compared to the data in the College’s records.
Cause - The College’s processes and controls did not ensure that the effective dates were properly reported to NSLDS.
Effect or potential effect - The NSLDS system is not updated with the correct student information which can cause a student to not properly enter the repayment period.
Questioned costs - None
Context - During our testing, we noted for three out of eleven students tested, the program begin date per the institution did not match the student's effective date reported to NSLDS. In addition, we noted for one out of eleven students tested the notification was not made within 60 days. Sampling was not a statistically valid sample.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable - 2023-003
Recommendation - We recommend the College review its reporting procedures to ensure the students' statuses are accurately reported to NSLDS as required by regulations.
Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions - Management concurs with the findings and recommendations. See separate report for planned corrective actions.
Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan – Management concurs with the findings and recommendation. Responsible personnel will review current guidance available from the Department of Education website and develop internal procedures to ensure timely compliance. This plan will include personnel and responsibility redundancy to account for employee absences or turnover, and a continuous review of available guidance to ensure the College stays current with any changes to this guidance. Additionally, monthly reconciliations have been added to the College’s procedures to ensure any errors are caught in a timely manner.
Individual Responsible – Caleb Loss, Vice President for Business and Finance
Anticipated Completion Date – April 2025