FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: COMPTROLLER SEAN SCANLON ISSUES REPORT ON THE CONNECTICUT STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SPECIAL EXAMINATION
Csejka, Madi
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2024
COMPTROLLER SEAN SCANLON ISSUES REPORT ON THE CONNECTICUT STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SPECIAL EXAMINATION
Report outlines need for internal controls and recommendations for better enforcement of policies
(HARTFORD, CT) – Comptroller Sean Scanlon today announced the publication of the Office of the State Comptroller’s (OSC) Report to Governor Ned Lamont on the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Special Examination.
At the request of Governor Lamont in October, OSC reviewed CSCU’s financial documents and policies to identify potential instances of inappropriate spending, disregard for financial practices and procedures, inadequate reporting, and misuse of state property. OSC then selected a sample of transactions to examine further across CSCU leadership, including the Chancellor, university Presidents, and additional staff.
“At the request of Governor Lamont, this audit was conducted in an effort to bring greater accountability and transparency to spending within the CSCU system—both of which the students and taxpayers of our state deserve,” said Comptroller Scanlon. “Unfortunately, this audit revealed troubling gaps in oversight and questionable spending practices. Our recommendations provide a clear path forward with more comprehensive policies, consistent enforcement, and greater overall accountability.”
The full report notes instances in which Procurement Cards (P-Cards) were used improperly for expenses such as tickets for non-university business, purchases without properly state sales tax properly removed and missing travel authorizations or receipts.
Among the CSCU leaders’ whose misuse warranted further detail in this report were the system’s Chancellor, Southern Connecticut State University’s Interim President, and Charter Oak State College’s President. Their P-Card usage included splitting payments to bypass spending limits, using the P-Card for prohibited purchases (such as gas and automotive detailing), and excessive spending on meals and car services.
In light of these findings and more outlined in the report, OSC is making the following recommendations to CSCU:
- Reinstitute the internal audit function.
- Establish a centralized, system-wide P-card policy.
- Use university foundation funds for meals and entertainment.
- Set limits and review procedures for executive P-card use.
- Establish a centralized, system-wide vehicle use policy.
- Institute residency requirement for executives.
- Add CSCU to OpenConnecticut.
- Create uniform training for business functions and policies.
- Submit transactions for post-audit by OSC.
- Enforce accountability measures for misuse of P-Cards.
OSC extends its appreciation to the CSCU system staff and leadership for their voluntary provision of documents, cooperation, and time during this examination. The Office remains committed to assisting CSCU with bringing these recommendations to fruition for the benefit of the system, its students, and taxpayers.
The report can be accessed here.
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Contact: Madi Csejka
Press Secretary
C: 203-506-0191