Finding Text
2022-001 U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Program Cluster Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (TEACH Grants) (Federal Assistance Listing Number 84.379) Federal Award Year: 2021-2022 Finding: A student was improperly awarded and disbursed a TEACH grant. This is a repeat finding of 2021-005. Criteria: Per 34 CFR 686.11, (a)(1)(iv)(B), ?If the student is beyond the first year of a program of undergraduate education as determined by the institution, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, or the numeric equivalent, through the most-recently completed payment period.? Condition: An undergraduate student was improperly awarded and disbursed a TEACH grant that did not meet the GPA requirements to be eligible. Cause: The student was awarded and disbursed the TEACH grant without verifying that the student had an eligible GPA. Effect: Noncompliance with federal regulations of the TEACH grant program. Context: One of six students that received the TEACH grant. All recipients of grant were tested. Questioned costs: Over award of $3,772 in TEACH grant funds. Recommendation: Management should review its awarding policies and controls to verify eligibility determination for TEACH grants are in compliance with federal regulations.