Finding 619112 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2022-11-21
Audit: 53483
Organization: University of Dubuque (IA)
Auditor: Rsm US LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University failed to report enrollment changes to NSLDS accurately and on time.
  • Impacted Requirements: Violations of 34 CFR 685.309(b) and 34 CFR 668.22(c)(ii) regarding timely updates and accurate withdrawal reporting.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Review and improve policies to ensure accurate and timely reporting of student status changes to NSLDS.

Finding Text

Finding: The University did not timely or accurately report enrollment changes to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Criteria: Per 34 CFR 685.309(b), a school shall - (1) Upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary; and within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary; and (2) Unless it expects to submit its next student updated enrollment report to the Secretary within the next 60 days, a school must notify the Secretary within 30 days if it discovers that a loan under Title IV of the Act was made to, or on behalf of, a student who was enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended. Per 34 CFR 668.22(c)(ii), the withdrawal date is 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. Condition: Two students who had withdrawn were not reported at the correct last day of attendance. Three students did not have any withdrawal data reported. Two students were not reported as withdrawn within the 60 day timeframe for University's reporting on the roster file submissions. Cause: One student had their withdraw date simply entered into NSLDS incorrectly. Five students were not within the 60 day roster submission timeframe or not yet reported due to University waiting to see if the student would come back for the next term. The last cause was due to school reporting withdraw date as last date of attendance when the student was not withdrawn until over 60 days later due to an investigation. Effect: Noncompliance with federal regulations for enrollment reporting. Questioned costs: None Prevalence: Seven of the 29 students selected randomly and tested were not reported in accordance with NSLDS enrollment reporting. Recommendation: The University should accurately report all student status changes to the NSLDS. In addition, the University should review its policies and procedures to ensure withdrawal dates are accurately reflected in the enrollment management system and enrollment changes are reported timely. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding.

Categories

Student Financial Aid Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $14.08M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $4.32M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $2.98M
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $315,331
84.042 Trio_student Support Services $237,962
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $215,677
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $204,164
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $55,629