Audit of the Framingham State University (FSU)

This is a state performance audit of Framingham State University covering July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019.

“This report details the audit objectives, scope, and methodology for the audit period, July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019.”

The audit looked at whether FSU properly ran the MassTransfer A2B Degree Program.

“In this performance audit, we examined the administration of the MassTransfer Program, specifically the A2B Degree Program.”

The program is meant to make it easier for community college students to move into public four-year colleges and finish degrees.

“MassTransfer seeks to provide a broad population of students with straightforward and understandable options toward the completion of associate and baccalaureate degrees, clearing the way for student access and student success in Massachusetts’ public higher education system.”

If you are an eligible community college transfer student, the program can mean guaranteed admission when space allows, transfer credits, no application fee or essay, and possible tuition waivers.

“In addition, they are not required to pay application fees or submit application essays and are eligible to receive tuition waivers.”

The auditor concluded that FSU was administering the A2B Degree Program according to the required MassTransfer guidelines.

“Does FSU administer the A2B Degree Program according to the Department of Higher Education’s “MassTransfer Policy Guidelines”?”

The report does not identify required corrective action; the auditor says the audit contents were discussed with university management.

“My audit staff discussed the contents of this report with management of the university.”

For ordinary residents, the key point is that a public university receiving state funds was checked for how it handled a student transfer benefit program, and the audit found the data reliable enough to support its conclusion.

“Based on these data reliability procedures, we have determined that the data were sufficiently reliable for the purposes of our audit.”

A2B is a transfer pathway: students finish an associate degree at a Massachusetts community college, then transfer to a state university or UMass campus within one year to receive program benefits if they qualify.

“Students who complete their associate’s degrees at one of the Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges, and transfer to a state university or UMass campus within one year of graduation from community college, receive guaranteed admission (space permitting in the major and college) and transfer of credits.”