Finding Text
Federal Program: Federal Direct Student Loans [AL #84.268]. Criteria: Per the Federal Student Aid Handbook, a leave of absence must meet certain conditions to be counted as a temporary interruption in a student’s education instead of being counted as a withdrawal requiring a school to perform an R2T4 calculation. If an LOA does not meet the conditions for an approved leave of absence, the student is considered to have ceased attendance and to have withdrawn from the school, and the school is required to perform an R2T4 calculation. Condition: 1 out of 17 students selected for enrollment reporting was incorrectly determined and reported as having a leave of absence. Additionally, 1 out of 6 students selected for return of funds testing was incorrectly determined and reported as having a leave of absence. Neither of the students met the conditions for an approved leave of absence and therefore should have been reported as withdrawn from the Academy. Cause: Both students mentioned to registrar they were considering a leave of absence. Once the semester ended, the Academy issued an administrative leave of absence. Effect: The Academy incorrectly reported two students as having a leave of absence when they should have been reported as withdrawn from the Academy. Questioned Costs: None Context: This is not a systemic problem. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Academy review their policy and procedures with regards to reporting leave of absences for students to ensure they meet the requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: When the leave of absence (LOA) notices are sent by the Registrar to Financial Aid, the Registrar will provide confirmation to Financial Aid the proper approved LOA criteria has been reviewed.