Finding Text
Finding number: 2024-001
Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education
Programs: Student Financial Assistance Cluster
Assistance Listing #: 84.033
Award year: 2024
Criteria
According to the 2023-2024 Federal Student Aid Handbook, Volume 6 The Campus-Based Programs Chapter 2:
In general, students are not permitted to work in Federal Work-Study (“FWS”) positions during scheduled class times. Exceptions are permitted if an 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 state that students are not permitted to work in Federal Work-Study positions during scheduled class times. During our testing, we noted 1 student, out of a sample of 2, worked for a Federal Work-Study program during scheduled class time.
Cause
Franklin Cummings Tech did not consistently follow the procedures in place to monitor student timesheets related to FWS funds.
Effect
Franklin Cummings Tech approved FWS funds for time worked during scheduled class times.
Questioned Costs
$23
Perspective
Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 2 students selected for testing, 1 student, or 50% of our sample, had FWS funds approved for hours worked during scheduled class times.
Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable
Not applicable
Recommendation
Franklin Cummings Tech should strengthen its controls surrounding the approval of hours worked for the Federal Work-Study Program to ensure they are in compliance with federal regulations.
View of Responsible Officials
Franklin Cummings Tech agrees with the finding.