Finding 599202 (2022-002)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2022-12-07
Audit: 18555
Organization: United Lutheran Seminary (PA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: One out of three enrollment roster files was not submitted within the required 15-day timeframe.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with Title IV regulations for timely reporting of student enrollment data is critical for accurate Title IV student loan records.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Revise procedures to ensure timely submission of enrollment roster files and maintain qualified personnel in the financial aid director role.

Finding Text

Federal Program: Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Federal Direct Loan Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Not applicable Assistance Listing Number: 84.268 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: Title IV regulations stipulate institutions are responsible for timely reporting. Under the Federal Direct Loan programs, institutions must complete and return within 15 days the enrollment reporting roster file placed in the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG) (OMB No. 1845-0002) mailboxes sent by the Department of Education via the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Condition: One roster file out of three tested were not completed and returned within the 15-day requirement to the NSLDS. This sample was not statistically valid. Cause: The Organization's procedures for complying with this requirement were not designed appropriately to allow for timely return of the file. Effect: The accuracy of Title IV student loan records depends heavily on the accuracy of the enrollment information reported by schools. If an institution does not review, update and verify student enrollment statuses, effective dates of the enrollment status and the anticipated completion dates, then the Title IV student loan records will be inaccurate. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding. Context: The key position of financial aid director was vacant for part of the testing period. This position is responsible for reporting of the roster files. As of the time of our testing, this position has been filled. Recommendation: The Organization should revise its procedures to ensure timely completion and return of the enrollment reporting roster files. Views of Responsible Official(s): Management agrees with this finding and has recognized their need for a qualified individual who is knowledgeable about financial aid requirements. They have hired a new Director of Financial Aid and Student Housing.

Categories

Student Financial Aid Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 22759 2022-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 22760 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 22761 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 22762 2022-004
    Material Weakness
  • 22763 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 22764 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 599201 2022-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 599203 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 599204 2022-004
    Material Weakness
  • 599205 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 599206 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $564,857
84.425 Covid-19 Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Formula Grant $306,617
84.425 Covid-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (heerf) - Student Aid Portion $77,078
84.425 Covid-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (heerf) - Institutional Portion $35,080