What happens if an effort reporting form is not returned?

The effort reports are created to provide a means to certify effort on federally sponsored projects. When salary is paid from these federal funds, the lack of effort certification can create an audit exception, which may require that these funds be repaid to the federal government.  In addition, statistical data pulled from the effort reporting system is weakened when effort reports are not returned. The Cost/Compliance Accounting Unit will make every effort to utilize departmental contacts to see that all effort reports are returned. When this is not successful, lists of delinquent forms may be distributed to appropriate collegiate officials.