Student Internal Auditors Deliver High-Impact Financial Aid Insights to University Leadership

At MSU Denver, experiential learning means doing work that matters.
This semester, students in the Risk Assurance and Advisory (Internal Audit) course took on Financial Aid—one of the University’s most complex and high-impact areas. Through this student-run model, teams evaluated risks, assessed controls, and developed recommendations to strengthen processes that directly support student access and success.

Their work culminated in presentations to University leadership and members of the Board of Trustees, including President Janine Davidson and past Finance Committee Chair Russell Noles. The audience reflected the significance of the students’ contributions—and the students delivered.

Offering thoughtful, actionable insights, the teams demonstrated strong technical skills and a clear understanding of how their work connects to broader institutional goals. Brook Engebretson-Horton further strengthened that connection by aligning each project with Pillar 1 of the MSU Denver 2030 Strategic Plan.

In recognition of their impact, President Davidson awarded each student an MSU Denver President’s Challenge Coin, honoring their leadership and excellence.

The Risk Assurance and Advisory course continues to stand out as a model for applied learning. Students don’t just study risk, governance, and controls, they engage with them in real time, navigating the complexities that organizations face every day.

By the end of the semester, students walk away with more than knowledge. They gain experience presenting to executive audiences, collaborating across departments, and contributing work that has a lasting impact on the University.

And for MSU Denver, the benefit is just as clear: fresh perspectives, actionable insights, and a continued investment in both operational excellence and student success.