Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued)
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education
Federal Program Name: Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program, Federal Pell Grant Program; Federal Direct Student Loans; Federal Work Study Program
Assistance Listing Number: 84.007; 84.063; 84.268; 84.033
Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P007A171583; P007A231583; P063P190147; P063P210147; P063P220147; P063P230147; P063Q210147; P063Q220147; P268K230147; P268K240147; P033A211583; P033A231583 - 2024
Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Type of Finding:
Criteria or specific requirement: An institution is required to establish written policies and procedures that incorporate the provisions of 34 CFR 668.51 through 668.61 for verifying applicant information for those applicants selected for verification by ED. The institution shall require each applicant whose application is selected by ED to verify the information required for the Verification Tracking Group to which the applicant is assigned.
Condition: Supporting documentation for students who were selected for verification was not maintained.
Questioned costs: None.
Context: During our testing of students selected for verification, we selected a sample of twenty-two students to test for proper documentation of verification. Three of the twenty-two students tested had instances of noncompliance as the institution did not retain statements of educational purpose, as required.
Cause: The University's policies and procedures did not ensure retention of required documentation.
Effect: Student could report incorrect information which could lead to incorrect EFC and over awarding of aid.
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023-012
Recommendation: We recommend management retain electronic files of student verification documentation more securely within school systems/networks.
Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.