Finding 553682 (2024-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-04-01
Audit: 352252
Organization: Lane College (TN)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The College failed to report withdrawal and graduation dates for 13% of sampled students to NSLDS within the required 60 days.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 mandates timely reporting of enrollment status changes to avoid inaccuracies in student loan records.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish a tracking system for timely reporting and provide regular training and audits to ensure compliance.

Finding Text

Late Reporting to National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal program title: Federal Direct Student Loan ALN: 84.268 Condition: For 3 of 23 (13%) sampled students the College did not report withdrawal and/or graduation dates to NSLDS within the 60-day requirement. Criteria: According to the compliance supplement and 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), institutions must report enrollment status changes, including withdrawals and graduations, to the NSLDS within 60 days of the change. Cause: The College's enrollment reporting system lacked adequate controls to ensure timely submission of enrollment status changes to the NSLDS. Effect: Delayed reporting of withdrawal, graduation, and half-time status change dates could result in inaccurate student loan records, potential overpayments, and non-compliance with federal regulations. Known and Likely Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: Implement a tracking and reporting system to ensure that all enrollment status changes are reported to the NSLDS within the required 60-day period. Regular training for staff on compliance requirements and periodic audits of the reporting process are also recommended.

Corrective Action Plan

Lane College acknowledges the audit finding regarding delayed reporting of withdrawal and graduation dates to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The College recognizes the importance of timely and accurate reporting as a critical compliance requirement under 2 CFR Part 200 and the compliance supplement. In response to this audit finding, Lane College commits to implementing immediate and sustained corrective actions as follows: 1. Enhanced Tracking System: Lane College will implement a robust tracking system specifically designed to monitor student enrollment status changes, including withdrawals and graduations, to ensure these changes are promptly identified and reported. The tracking system will be integrated within the existing enrollment management software, enabling automatic notifications to designated staff when an enrollment status change occurs. 2. Internal Control Improvements: The College will strengthen internal controls by clearly delineating responsibilities for enrollment reporting among relevant departments. The Registrar's Office will have primary accountability for overseeing timely reporting, supported by coordinated 3. checks and balances from the Financial Aid Office to cross-verify reporting accuracy and timeliness. 4. Staff Training: Regular training sessions will be conducted for all staff involved in reporting enrollment status changes. These trainings will focus on compliance requirements, reporting timelines, and use of the updated tracking and reporting system. Attendance will be mandatory, and training effectiveness will be evaluated through periodic assessments. 5. Periodic Audits: To sustain compliance, the College will institute internal audits conducted quarterly by the Office of Enrollment Management. These audits will sample enrollment status changes and assess the timeliness of reports submitted to NSLDS. Audit results will be documented, reviewed by senior management, and any deviations will be promptly addressed. 6. Reporting Accountability: Staff responsible for reporting enrollment status changes will be required to submit monthly summaries of reporting activities to their supervisors. Supervisors will review these summaries to ensure adherence to the 60-day reporting deadline and address any delays proactively. Lane College is committed to rectifying this compliance issue swiftly and effectively. The College understands that maintaining accurate and timely reporting to NSLDS is essential to prevent inaccuracies in student loan records, avoid potential financial consequences, and uphold regulatory compliance. These measures demonstrate our dedication to robust compliance practices and continuous institutional improvement.

Categories

Reporting Student Financial Aid Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1130124 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $3.32M
84.031 Higher Education Institutional Aid $707,226
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $541,716
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $447,907
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $387,455
11.028 Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program $170,763
47.076 Stem Education (formerly Education and Human Resources) $35,210
81.049 Office of Science Financial Assistance Program $27,578