Finding 596854 (2022-003)

-
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-03-20
Audit: 25878
Organization: Western Seminary (OR)
Auditor: Capincrouse LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: NSLDS enrollment status dates for withdrawals were reported inaccurately, affecting students' loan statuses.
  • Impacted Requirements: Late responses to NSLDS error reports (4 out of 63) did not meet the 15-day requirement.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a system to ensure accurate reporting and timely responses, including regular checks of enrollment statuses.

Finding Text

Incorrect and Late Enrollment Reporting to National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans Federal Award Identification #: 2021-22 Financial Aid Year Condition: The NSLDS enrollment status effective date for withdrawals was not accurately sent to NSLDS from the system. Additionally, 4 of 63 submissions to NSLDS were not responded to within 15 days of receiving an error report. Criteria: 34 CFR 685.309 Questioned Costs: $-0- Context: Out of 7 students tested, 2 students had incorrect effective dates reported for their enrollment status. All of these students were official and unofficial withdrawals. On the 4 late responses to NSLDS, the number of days late ranged from 1-2 days. Cause: The field being pulled for NSLDS enrollment reporting did not accurately capture official withdrawals and the last date of participation for unofficial withdrawals. Effect: Inaccurate reporting can impact a student?s loan grace period in school deferment eligibility, beginning loan repayments, appropriate interest charges, etc. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the Seminary put a system in place to ensure that the date being reported to NSLDS as the effective date of withdrawal is the actual last date of attendance for the student, that the Seminary is responding to errors within 15 days, and that the Seminary is completing spot checks of enrollment statuses to NSLDS. This may include working with National Student Clearinghouse. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.

Categories

Reporting Student Financial Aid Eligibility Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 20411 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 20412 2022-003
    -
  • 596853 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $1.51M
84.425 Covid-19 Education Stabilization Fund Heerf - Institutional Portion $162,781
84.425 Covid-19 Education Stabilization Fund Heerf - Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Formula Grant (fipse) $128,304