Finding 946942 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-02-26
Audit: 292086
Organization: Goddard College Corporation (VT)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The College is non-compliant with Uniform Guidance due to a student-employee not maintaining satisfactory academic progress and lacking proper notification.
  • Impacted Requirements: Failure to adhere to established SAP standards and inadequate segregation of duties in the registrar's office.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement automated alerts for SAP deviations, provide training for financial aid staff, and ensure proper segregation of duties to prevent conflicts of interest.

Finding Text

Condition: As of the audit period ending June 30, 2023, the College was found to be in non-compliance with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200, Subpart E, Section 200.90). A student (1 of 40 tested) failed to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP), was not provided a notice of a probationary period. It was noted that this student was also an employee of the College and proper segregation of duties did not exist. Context: The College has established SAP standards, including credit completion requirements, as outlined in its published financial aid policies. These standards are in accordance with the Uniform Guidance requirements for administering federal financial aid. In addition, the employee in the registrar's office was also the student in question. Cause: The student in question is a member of the registrar’s office, causing a potential conflict of interest or lack of segregation of duties. Effect or Potential Effect: Student did not receive notice of the probationary period. Questioned Costs: None noted. Recommendations: The College should ensure those in the registrars office are not able to award themselves credit. Implement Automated Alerts: Explore the implementation of automated systems to generate alerts when a student's academic progress deviates from the SAP standards, facilitating prompt intervention. Training for Financial Aid Staff: Provide additional training for financial aid staff to ensure a comprehensive understanding of SAP regulations and the importance of strict adherence. Segregation of Duties: The College should establish adequate segregation of duties to ensure a member of the registrar’s office is not also the individual responsible to review their own SAP status.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 370500 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 370501 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 370502 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 370503 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 946943 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 946944 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 946945 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $4.73M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $327,336
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $192,610
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $87,854