SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

2023-002. Finding: Student Enrollment Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Assistance Listing Number: 84.007, 84.063, 84.268 Program Expenditures: $168,796,624 Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Award Number(s): P063P180116, P007A151286, P007A221285, P063P220115, P268K230115 Questioned Costs: None Southern Illinois University (the “University”) Carbondale (“SIUC”) and Edwardsville (“SIUE”) campuses did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure student enrollment data elements were reported accurately and timely. During our testing of students who withdrew or graduated from the University, we noted 3 out of 40 (7.5%) students did not have enrollment statuses reported accurately and timely. One student was reported as graduated on a date that did not reflect their degree date from the University (SIUE). One student was reported as active in the progr…

Corrective action: 2023-002. Finding: Student Enrollment Reporting– Both Campuses Response: The campuses have implemented processes to prevent further errors in enrollment reporting, despite the disconnects and system problems that have been observed. Corrective Action Plan: SIUC has implemented a process where in each time an NSLDS roster is received (twice a month), it is run against a list of Title IV aid students to identify any that are not on the roster in order to remedy the omission as soon as possible. The current course of action at SIUE is to monitor students per term who are up for graduation but are not enrolled for the full semester. Students who are up for graduation will be enrolled in UNIV 500…

2022-002. Finding: Inadequate Procedures for Ensuring Compliance with Earmarking Requirements for the Student Support Services Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Assistance Listing Number: 84.042 Program Expenditures: $1,011,855 Program Name: TRIO ? Student Support Services Award Number(s): P042A201635 Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Carbondale campus did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure the earmarking requirements for the Student Support Services program were met during the fiscal year. During our testing of earmarking requirements for TRIO Student Support Services at the University, we noted the program at the Carbondale campus served 160 students, of which 95 (59%) students met the criteria for being either low-income individuals who are first-generation college students or individuals with disabilities. The Univers…

Corrective action: 2022-002. Finding: Inadequate Procedures for Ensuring Compliance with Earmarking Requirements for the Student Support Services Program - Carbondale Campus Response: We agree and have implemented corrective actions. Ongoing changes at the university continue to impact the potential for enrollment growth of minority students, which directly impacts the success of the program. Corrective Action Plan: Realignment of support services has structured Trio programs in an area with other similar programs that serve students that meet the criteria of the program. This realignment of services is already producing positive results. We believe this upward trend will continue for the university and pr…

2022-003. Finding: Sliding Fee Discount Not Applied to All Eligible Patients Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistance Listing Number: 93.224, 93.527 Program Expenditures: $5,085,751 Program Name: Health Center Program Cluster Award Number(s): H8FCS41336, H80CS24098 Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Springfield campus did not properly apply the sliding fee discount to all eligible patients. During our testing of patients treated during the year under audit, we noted 3 of 26 (12%) patients treated did not have the sliding fee discount applied to their charges. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. The 3 patients? charges were partially paid for by Medicare, however, the sliding fee discount should have been applied to the remaining Medicare coinsurance. Federal guidelines require health centers to prepare and appl…

Corrective action: 2022-003. Finding: Sliding Fee Discount Not Applied to All Eligible Patients ? School of Medicine Response: We agree. We did not provide the sliding fee discount to eligible patients after a Medicare claim posting. Now that we are aware of the weakness, we are committed and have developed a corrective action plan to address the matter. Corrective Action Plan: The following corrective actions are in process: ? In conjunction with SIU Patient Business Services (PBS): Review and revise/update all billing policies/procedures that relate to the Sliding Fee Discount Program (SFDP). o Status: Currently in process of review o Anticipated completion date: 2-3 months (April-May 2023) ? Educate staff…

2022-004. Finding: Insufficient Controls over Review and Approval of Cash Drawdowns Federal Agency: Various Assistance Listing Number: Various Program Expenditures: $16,320,119 Program Name: Research and Development Cluster Award Number(s): Various Questioned Costs: None Southern Illinois University (University) Carbondale campus did not have procedures in place to consistently review cash drawdowns for the Research and Development Cluster. During our testing of the University?s Research and Development Cluster cash drawdowns, we noted 18 out of 40 (45%) drawdowns totaling $1,090,049 had no evidence the drawdown had been reviewed. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.303(a)) requires nonfederal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain effective internal control …

Corrective action: 2022-004. Finding: Insufficient Controls over Review and Approval of Cash Drawdowns ? Carbondale Campus Response: Implemented. We agree we did not have a consistent procedure in place during the audit period. Corrective Action Plan: We have since addressed the weakness by establishing segregation of duties in the performance of the drawdown procedure. Also, we have implemented measures to ensure that approvals are now documented appropriately prior to processing drawdowns. Contact Person: Ashley Matzenbacher (Office of Sponsored Projects Administration) Anticipated completion date: December 2022

2022-005. Finding: Inadequate Procedures for Ensuring Retention of Eligibility Documentation for the Upward Bound Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Assistance Listing Number: 84.047M Program Expenditures: $1,990,376 Program Name: TRIO ? Upward Bound Award Number(s): P047M170568 - 21 Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Edwardsville campus did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure the required documentation was retained for all students who received stipends during the audit period. During our testing of students who received stipends during the year under audit, we noted for 6 of 40 students (15%) students who received stipends totaling $1,405, the University did not maintain appropriate records to determine the students were eligible for the stipend received. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. Additionally, we no…

Corrective action: 2022-005. Finding: Inadequate Procedures for Ensuring Retention of Eligibility Documentation for the Upward Bound Program ? Edwardsville Campus Response: We agree we did not have adequate procedures to ensure the required documents were retained for all students who received stipends during the period tested. Corrective Action Plan: We will implement adequate controls to ensure document retention, including in instances where responsible staff have departed the University. Contact Person: Timothy Staples (Director of University Services to East St Louis) Anticipated completion date: June 30, 2023

2022-006. Finding: Inaccurate Reporting of Student Verification Status Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Assistance Listing Number: 84.007, 84.033, 84.038, 84.063, 84.268, 84.379, 93.342 Program Expenditures: $91,856,705 Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Award Number(s): P007A211285, P033A211285, P063P200115, P063P210115, P268K220115, P379T220115, N/A Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Carbondale campus incorrectly reported the verification status for a student to the Department of Education through the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) website. During our testing of students during the year under audit, we noted 1 of 40 students (2.5%) selected for verification was not correctly reported to the COD website. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. The student qualified for a verification waiver, which the Univ…

Corrective action: 2022-006. Finding: Inaccurate Reporting of Student Verification Status ? Carbondale Campus Response: We agree we did not correctly report the verification status for a student through the Common Origination and Disbursement website. Corrective Action Plan: We have implemented review procedures to ensure all students are reported accurately. Contact Person: Jason Ramsey (Student Financial Aid, Chief Accountant) Anticipated completion date: January 1, 2023

2022-007. Finding: Exit Counseling Not Completed Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Assistance Listing Number: 84.007, 84.033, 84.038, 84.063, 84.268, 84.379, 93.342 Program Expenditures: $83,176,764 Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Award Number(s): P033A191286, PO33A151286, P033A141286, P063P170116, P063P180116, P007A151286, P379T180116, P379T190116, N/A Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Edwardsville campus did not complete exit counseling for all necessary students within the required time period. During our testing of students who received title IV aid at the University, we noted 2 out of 25 (8%) students who received Direct Loans, did not complete exit counseling timely after leaving the Edwardsville campus. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. The University has not implemented sufficient processes and contr…

Corrective action: 2022-007 Finding: Exit Counseling Not Completed ? Edwardsville Campus Response: We agree. SIUE Student Financial Aid has reintroduced a Banner process which runs simultaneously with the current bi-monthly process, in order to notify students of exit counseling requirements at the earliest possible time. Corrective Action Plan: Implemented. Specifically, we are running exit counseling reports more frequently and comparing exit requirements from Banner process to in-house process to create a job that runs exit counseling through production control. We will continue to work with the appropriate office for assistance on how to ensure the appropriate flag gets checked to ensure the proper res…

2022-008. Finding: Procurement Requirements Not Followed Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Assistance Listing Number: 84.425F Program Expenditures: $16,705,064 Program Name: Education Stabilization Fund Award Number(s): P425F200234 Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Edwardsville campus did not follow procurement requirements for all purchases under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). During our testing of purchases made using institutional HEERF funds, we noted 1 out of 5 (20%) of transactions tested for procurement, purchased for $15,160, did not have documentation that procurement policies were followed. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. According to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.320), the University must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with federal standards. Additionally, per Uniform …

Corrective action: 2022-008. Finding: Procurement Requirements Not Followed ? Edwardsville Campus Response: We agree that procurement requirements were not followed for the identified purchases. Corrective Action Plan: Steps will be taken to reduce the risk of noncompliance going forward in instances where the procuring department may not regularly utilize grants funds for procurements. Contact Person: Matt Brown (SIUE Purchasing Director) Anticipated completion date: June 30, 2023

2021-002. Finding: Inadequate Procedures for Ensuring Compliance with Earmarking Requirements for the Student Support Services Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.042 Program Expenditures: $777,532 Program Name: TRIO ? Student Support Services Award Number(s): P042A201635 and P9042A151636 Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Carbondale campus did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure the earmarking requirements for the Student Support Services program were met during the fiscal year. During our testing of earmarking requirements for TRIO Student Support Services at the University, we noted the program at the Carbondale campus served 160 students, of which 100 (63%) students met the criteria for being either low-income individuals who are first-generation college students or individuals with disabilit…

Corrective action: 2020-002. Finding: Inadequate Procedures for Ensuring Compliance with Earmarking Requirements for the Student Support Services Program - Carbondale Campus Response: We agree. Ongoing changes at the university continue to impact the potential for enrollment growth of minority students which directly impacts the success of the program. Corrective Action Plan: Realignment of support services has structured Trio programs in an area with other similar programs that serve students that meet the criteria of the program. This reorganization directly locates Student Support Services in a pipeline of programs to serve students that meet the two-thirds requirement. The new alignment was designed …

2021-003. Finding: Exit Counseling Not Completed Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.007, 84.033, 84.038, 84.063, 84.268, 84.379, 93.342 Program Expenditures: $87,910,261 Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Award Number(s): P033A151286, P063P170116, P063P180116, P007A151286, P379T180116, P379T190116, P033A191286, P033A141286, P033A151286, N/A Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Edwardsville campus did not complete exit counseling for all necessary students within the required time period. During our testing of students who received title IV aid at the University, we noted 2 out of 25 (8%) students who received Direct Loans did not complete exit counseling timely after leaving the Edwardsville campus. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. The University has not implemented sufficient processes an…

Corrective action: 2020-003. Finding: Exit Counseling Not Completed ? Edwardsville Campus Response: We agree. SIUE Student Financial Aid has implemented processes to run exit counseling reports nightly, in order to notify students of exit counseling requirements at the earliest possible time. Corrective Action Plan: Specifically, we are running exit counseling reports more frequently and comparing exit requirements from Banner process to in-house process to create a job that runs exit counseling nightly through production control. Contact Person: Jeremy Baker (SIUE Student Financial Aid Associate Director) Anticipated completion date: July 31, 2022

2021-004. Finding: Information Technology Risk Assessment Not Performed Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.007, 84.033, 84.038, 84.063, 84.268, 84.379, 93.342 Program Expenditures: $87,910,261 Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Award Number(s): P033A151286, P063P170116, P063P180116, P007A151286, P379T180116, P379T190116, P033A191286, P033A141286, P033A151286, N/A Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Edwardsville campus did not document required risk assessments related to student information security. As a requirement under the University?s Program Participation Agreement with the Department of Education, the University must protect student financial aid information. However, during our testing, we noted they had not conducted a risk assessment identifying internal and external risks to the security, co…

Corrective action: 2020-004. Finding: Information Technology Risk Assessment Not Performed ? Edwardsville Campus Response: Agree. Implemented. Corrective Action Plan: In September 2021, at the request of the Office of the U.S. Department of Education, SIUE provided satisfactory response and attestation that the required risk assessment had been performed. The Federal Student Aid (FSA) Cybersecurity Compliance Team reviewed the information provided and determined it was sufficient to close the prior year finding. Contact Person: Mesha Garner (SIUE Director Student Financial Aid) and Jeff Laughlin (SIUE Chief Information Security Officer) Anticipated Completion date: September 2021

2021-005. Finding: Return of Title IV Aid Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.007, 84.033, 84.038, 84.063, 84.268, 84.379, 93.342 Program Expenditures: $87,910,261 Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Award Number(s): P033A151286, P063P170116, P063P180116, P007A151286, P379T180116, P379T190116, P033A191286, P033A141286, P033A151286, N/A Questioned Costs: None Southern Illinois University (University) Edwardsville campus did not complete the return of Title IV aid within the required timeframe for one student. During our testing of the University?s return of Title IV calculations, we noted 1 out of 40 (2.5%) students tested had Title IV aid that was returned to the Department of Education 48 days after the date of withdrawal of the student. The student was an unofficial withdrawal for the semester tested. The sample was not a statistically…

Corrective action: 2020-005. Finding: Return of Title IV Aid ? Edwardsville Campus Response: We agree controls should be strengthened to ensure student withdrawals are communicated timely to the appropriate departments so that Return of Title IV calculations are completed within the required timeframes. Corrective Action Plan: As such, processes have been implemented to require the necessary reports be run and reviewed on a weekly basis allowing for weekly identification of students for return calculations. Specifically, the reports included in this weekly review are: Official Report, Unofficial Report, Module Report, F and Unearned Grades Report, Any Grade With At Least One Unearned Report. Every Mon…

2020-003. Finding: Inadequate Procedures for Ensuring Compliance with Earmarking Requirements for the Student Support Services Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.042 Program Expenditures: $273,538 Program Name: TRIO ? Student Support Services Award Number(s): P042A151636 Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Carbondale campus did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure the earmarking requirements for the Student Support Services program were met during the fiscal year. During our testing of earmarking requirements for TRIO Student Support Services at the University, we noted the program at the Carbondale campus served 160 students, of which only 95 (59%) students met the criteria for being either low-income individuals who are first-generation college students or individuals with disabilities. The University had n…

Corrective action: 2020-003. Finding: Inadequate Procedures for Ensuring Compliance with Earmarking Requirements for the Student Support Services Program - Carbondale Campus Response: Agree. The Trio Student Support Services Project at Southern Illinois University (SIUC) was on target to meet all program goals pre-pandemic (covid-19), including the two-thirds earmark requirement. The university closed the SIUC campus the week of March 13, 2020 and moved all courses online. At this time, 63.76% of students enrolled in the program met the earmark requirement (first-generation and low-income), and the Project was just 2.19% points from reaching the goal 66.67%. Proof of this action was submitted to the auditor…

2020-004. Finding: Exit Counseling Not Completed Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.007, 84.038, 84.063, 84.268, 84.379, 93.342, 93.364 Program Expenditures: $202,334,276 Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Award Number(s): P033A141286, P033A151286, P033A191286, P063P170116, P063P180116, P007A151286, P379T180116, P379T190116, N/A Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Edwardsville campus did not complete exit counseling for all necessary students within the required time period. During our testing of students who received title IV aid at the University, we noted 3 out of 25 (12%) students who received Direct Loans did not complete exit counseling timely after leaving the Edwardsville campus. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. The University had not implemented sufficient processes and controls over the…

Corrective action: 2020-004. Finding: Exit Counseling Not Completed ? Edwardsville Campus Response: Agree. SIUE Student Financial Aid has revised the query used and created a semi-monthly communication schedule to notify students of their exit counseling requirements when enrollment is below 6 credit hours. Corrective Action Plan: The communication plan described above has been implemented and will continue to be performed on a semi-monthly basis. Contact Person: Jeremy Baker, SIUE Student Financial Aid Anticipated completion date: Implemented February 16, 2021

2020-005. Finding: Information Technology Risk Assessment Not Performed Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.007, 84.033, 84.038, 84.063, 84.268, 84.379, 93.342, 93.364 Program Expenditures: $202,334,276 Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Award Number(s): P033A141286, P033A151286, P033A191286, P063P170116, P063P180116, P007A151286, P379T180116, P379T190116, N/A Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University (University) Edwardsville campus did not document required risk assessments related to student information security. As a requirement under the University?s Program Participation Agreement with the Department of Education, the University must protect student financial aid information. However, during our testing, we noted they had not conducted a risk assessment identifying internal and external risks to the security, confidentiality,…

Corrective action: 2020-005. Finding: Information Technology Risk Assessment Not Performed ? Edwardsville Campus Response: Agree. Corrective Action Plan: SIUE Student Financial Aid (SFA) and Information Technology Services will co-lead a cross functional team that assess the internal and external risks associated to student data and privacy. That team will in turn provide a risk assessment that indicates how we plan to mitigate any breaches. SFA will conduct annual trainings for SFA team members. Contact Person: Mesha Garner, SIUE Director Student Financial Aid and Jeff Laughlin, SIUE Chief Information Security Officer Anticipated Completion date: August 15, 2021

2020-006. Finding: Insufficient Controls over Cash Management Federal Agency: U.S Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.425E Program Expenditures: $6,746,073 Program Name: COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund ? Student Portion Award Number(s): P425E200066 and P425E201839 Questioned Costs: None Southern Illinois University (University) did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure cash management requirements for the student portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) were met during the fiscal year. During fiscal year 2020, the University drew down the full student portion of HEERF dollars allocated without minimizing the time between the transfer of funds and the disbursement of those funds. For the Edwardsville campus, the student portion of $4,839,197 was drawn down on April 30, 2020 but as of June 30, 2020, $2,192,697 (45%) was unspent. For the…

Corrective action: 2020-006. Finding: Insufficient Controls over Cash Management ? Carbondale and Edwardsville Campuses Response: Agree. Response: SIUE and SIUC drew down the student portion of the CARES Act funding with the expectation that the campuses would be able to distribute student awards quickly and in accord with the grant provisions. When challenges with the distribution plans presented themselves, campus staff responded as quickly and appropriately as possible, and continued to focus on disbursing funds. At SIUE, the remainder of the CARES Act student support funding was completely distributed to students by 9/4/2020, leaving no remaining funds. At SIUC, the remainder of the CARES Act student…

2020-007. Finding: Return of Title IV Aid Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.007, 84.038, 84.063, 84.268, 84.379, 93.342, 93.364 Program Expenditures: $202,334,276 Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Award Number(s): P007A191285, P063P190115, P063P180115, P379T200115, N/A Questioned Costs: None Southern Illinois University (University) Carbondale campus did not complete the return of Title IV aid within the required timeframe for one student. During our testing of the University?s return of Title IV calculations, we noted 1 out of 40 (2.5%) students tested had Title IV aid that was returned to the Department of Education 54 days after the date of withdrawal of the student. The student was an unofficial withdrawal and never began academic attendance for the semester tested. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. If a student does not b…

Corrective action: 2020-007. Finding: Return of Title IV Aid ? Carbondale Campus Response: Agree. The SIUC Student Financial Aid Office has reviewed the current processes and procedures and determined an additional control can be implemented. Corrective Action Plan: The Associate Director will be added to the email notifications for the withdraw report, allowing for additional review. The produced report includes the name, ID, effective date, and number of days elapsed for each withdrawn student who has not had a return calculation completed. Contact Person: Dee Rotolo, SIUC Financial Aid Director Anticipated completion date: June 30, 2021

2020-008. Finding: Student Enrollment Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.007, 84.038, 84.063, 84.268, 84.379, 93.342, 93.364 Program Expenditures: $202,334,276 Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Award Number(s): P007A191285, P063P190115, P063P180115, P379T200115, N/A Questioned Costs: None Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (University) campus did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that program-level student enrollment data elements were reported accurately and timely. During our testing of students who withdrew or graduated from the University, we noted 1 out of 40 (2.5%) students did not have program-level enrollment status accurately reported. The student was reported as being active in the program despite withdrawing from the University. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. A school participating i…

Corrective action: 2020-008. Finding: Student Enrollment Reporting ? Edwardsville Campus Response: Agree. The issue is not believed to be a systemic problem, but rather an isolated incident. Corrective Action Plan: The SIUE Registrar and Director of Financial Aid will ensure that employees are trained appropriately to update both program and enrollment data for program withdrawals. Training staff and reviewing staff performance will be ongoing. Contact Person: Laura Strom, SIUE Registrar and Mesha Garner, SIUE Director of Financial Aid Anticipated completion date: July 15, 2021

2020-009. Finding: HEERF Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.425E Program Expenditures: $2,646,500 Program Name: COVID-19 - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund - Student Portion Award Number(s): P425E201839 Questioned Costs: None The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (University) campus did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required data elements for Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) 18004(a)(1) Student Aid Portion awards were publicly posted accurately and timely. During our testing of student aid portion awards, we noted that the first student aid portion report was not publicly posted on the University?s website until June 29, 2020, which is 66 days after the date of the grant award. U.S. Department of Education Electronic Announcement dated May 6, 2020: Institutions that received a HEERF 18004(a)(1)…

Corrective action: 2020-009. Finding: HEERF Reporting ? Edwardsville Campus Response: Agree. Corrective Action Plan: Controls are now in place within SIUE Student Financial Aid to ensure the required disclosures regarding the expenditure of HEERF funds are maintained and updated in accordance with the applicable guidelines. Contact Person: Mesha Garner, SIUE Director of Financial Aid Anticipated completion date: Implemented June 25, 2020

2020-010. Finding: HEERF Institutional Expenditures Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education CFDA Number: 84.425F Program Expenditures: $4,099,573 Program Name: COVID-19 - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund - Institutional Portion Award Number(s): P425E201839 Questioned Costs: $219,661 The Southern Illinois University Carbondale (University) campus did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) 18004(a)(1) Institutional Aid Portion awards were spent on allowable expenditures. The University issued payments for lost wages to student workers who continued to work and earn wages on campus. During our testing of institutional aid portion awards, we noted that 3 of 30 (10%) samples tested included students that were paid estimated wages for spring 2020 semester utilizing HEERF institutional aid portion awards. The period of payment…

Corrective action: 2020-010. Finding: HEERF Institutional Expenditures ? Carbondale Campus Response: Disagree. While we agree with the facts stated regarding the amount, source and type of payments made to our SIUC student workers during the noted time frame, we disagree with the auditor?s conclusion that payments totaling $219,661 were questionable and not spent in compliance with the HEERF guidance. The decision to pay all SIUC student workers (1,795) an estimated wage equal to their prior 8-week average ($888,115) was made when the campus was forced to close and was based on the best information available at the time. These payments were made entirely to minimize the disruption of the campus closure on ou…