Finding 948741 (2023-002)

Finding 2023-002 - Significant Deficiency, Compliance Federal Assistance Listing No. 84.268 U.S. Department Of Education Student Financial Aid Cluster - Special Tests And Provisions Criteria: According to the Federal Student Aid Handbook, Volume 2, Chapter 6, a University must confirm that the student has completed face-to face or online counseling, or that the student has been mailed exit loan counseling material within 30 days of learning the student has withdrawn or failed to participate in an exit counseling session. Condition: In our nonstatistical sample of 40 students, it was noted for two individuals that the student had not completed exit counseling and the communication of exit counseling materials had not been completed within the 30 day threshold after learning that the student withdrew from the University. Cause: Management charged with oversight did not have proper processes and related controls in place to complete the exit counseling requirements within 30 days of the date the University determined the student withdrew. Effect: Students are not properly informed of their responsibilities for the repayment of loans received once leaving the University. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs to report as this finding relates only to exit counseling and is not related to eligibility. Context: The students in question were not provided exit counseling materials after the students withdrew in the Fall 2022 semester until after it was brought to the attention of management as part of our testing procedures. Identification As A Repeat Finding: Not applicable. Recommendation: The Financial Aid department should review and consider revisions to its processes and related controls in place to complete the exit counseling requirements for all students who have exited the University within 30 days of the date of the student’s exit. Views Of Responsible Officials/Corrective Action Plan (Unaudited): The University concurs with the finding. The Financial Aid office is in the process of tightening its policies and procedures to identify all students subject to the required exit counseling, with the goal of delivering said counseling within the prescribed 30-day window. Completion Date: June 2024 Contact Person: John Sircy, Interim CFO