Finding Text
2022-001 Significant Deficiency: National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Report (U.S. Department of Education, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, ALN #84.268 and Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN #84.063) (Repeat Finding 2021-001) Criteria: In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22(c) a student's withdrawal date is: (1) the date, as determined by the institution, that the student began the withdrawal process prescribed by the institution; (2) the date, as determined by the institution, that the student otherwise provided official notification to the institution, in writing or orally, of his or her intent to withdraw; (3) if the student ceases attendance without providing official notification, the mid-point of the payment period; (4) if the institution determines that a student did not begin the institution's withdrawal process or otherwise provide official notification to the institution of his or her intent to withdraw because of illness, accident, grievous personal loss, or other such circumstances beyond the student's control, the date that the institution determines is related to that circumstance; (5) If a student does not return from an approved leave of absence, the date that the institution determines the student began the leave of absence; or (6) if a student takes a leave of absence that does not meet certain requirements, the date that the student began the leave of absence. Statement of Condition: During the 2022 audit, it was noted that the University reported the incorrect date to NSLDS for the withdrawal date. Questioned Costs: Such information is not applicable for this finding since it is nonmonetary in nature. Perspective Information: The 2022 audit included a detailed testing of 40 student files, of which this significant deficiency applies to 4, indicating an error rate of 10.00%. Cause and Effect: The University used the incorrect withdrawal date in some instances, resulting in misrepresentation within the NSLDS system. Recommendation: The University should ensure that the correct withdrawal date is reported to NSLDS. View of Responsible Officials: The University of the Cumberlands has reviewed the NSLDS reporting procedures surrounding unofficial withdrawals and recognizes a deficiency. The Registrar?s Office and Financial Aid Office have determined the need for a supplemental enrollment reporting file after the end of each semester to automate the reporting of unofficial withdrawals. This additional file will lessen the number of manual corrections to withdrawal dates in NSLDS, thus increasing the level of accuracy in reporting.