Finding Text
2022 ? 001 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal program title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing Number: Various Award Period: July 01, 2021 - June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Department of Education (ED) requires an institution must return to ED (notwithstanding any state law, such as a law that allows funds to escheat to the state) any Title IV funds, except FWS program funds, that it attempts to disburse directly to a student or parent but they do not receive. If a check is returned, or an EFT is rejected, the institution may make additional attempts to disburse the funds, provided that the attempts are made no later than 45 days after the funds were returned or rejected. If the institution does not make an additional attempt to disburse the funds, the funds must be returned before the end of the 45 day period and no later than 240 days from the date of the initial attempt to disburse the funds (34 CFR 668.164(l)). Condition: During our testing, we noted two outstanding checks which related to federal funding which were not returned to the Department of Education within the 240 days. Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing, it was noted the College failed to return the funds in a timely manner. Cause: The College?s current process in place was not sufficient to ensure proper maintenance of outstanding checks. Effect: The College was not in compliance with FSA regulations. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the College reviews outstanding checks regularly to ensure funds are returned to the Department of Education before 240 days of the original disbursement attempt. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.