(Estherville)– A special probe by the State Auditor’s Office has found no evidence of intentional misconduct by Iowa Lakes Community College in its administration of federal student aid and institutional grants between July, 2019 and February 2024.
The special investigation was requested by the U.S. Department of Education. 15 institutional grants totaling $16.1 million and 14 academic terms of Title IV compliance were reviewed. The report identified no misallocation of grant funds.
It also identified questioned costs related to how certain federal financial aid return amounts were calculated under Title IV regulations. Those findings concern technical compliance determinations regarding the application of federal rules and do not allege fraud or intentional misconduct.
ILCC officials emphasized the findings reflect a limited portion of the overall funding administered during the review period. College President Scott Stokes…
“We take compliance seriously and view this report as an opportunity to refine our practices. I want to thank our employees for the tremendous amount of work they devoted to this process and the state auditor’s office for their diligence. Iowa Lakes remains committed to supporting students with integrity and ensuring they have access to the resources needed for success.”
Board of Trustees President Arden Kinnander says the review reinforced the strength of the institution…
“The board has full confidence in Iowa Lakes, its leadership and its employees. We are proud of the difference this institution makes in the lives of students and in the growth of our communities, and we remain committed to guiding the college forward with integrity and accountability.”
A press release from Iowa Lakes says the State Auditor’s report recommended control procedures and reported differing conclusions on certain calculations, adding that guidance was sought from the U.S. Department of Education. It goes on to say Iowa Lakes Community College will “continue working with the Iowa Department of Education to ensure alignment with federal guidance and strengthen internal processes where appropriate.”
You can read the complete report from the State Auditor’s Office here.
