State auditors found a number of flaws and questionable practices in operations for the University of Florida, the largest public college in the state, during the 2006-07 budget year.
According to a just-released audit, one of the biggest concerns was millions in long-running budget deficits in UF's largest college, Liberal Arts and Sciences, which spent $4.7-million more than budgeted in 2005-06 and nearly $3-million more than was budgeted for the following year.
UF has since reorganized the college, and made significant cuts. Trustees also adopted new budget guidelines and staff training requirements to prevent future overspending.
Auditors also question the legality and expenditure of certain UF fees, including those charged to students who study abroad and to students enrolled in master's level business programs. Business fees generated more than $8-million for the 06-07 budget year, yet UF did not provide documentation proving the revenues were properly spent or necessary, according to the audit.
UF also reimbursed employees for travel at 48.5 cents a mile - more than the 44.5 cents allowed under state law. In its response to the state, UF officials explain their rationale and right to charge certain fees, and they point out ways in which they have cleaned up financial controls and other issues brought up by auditors.
Read more in tomorrow's Times.
Get inside the world of Florida education with St. Petersburg Times staff writer Jeffrey S. Solochek and the rest of the Times education reporting team. We'll bring you up-to-date information about the latest education trends, fads and news and dig deep into Tampa Bay area school issues.
One comment/reaction to this article??? Oh, that's right- It doesn't have FAMU in the title. My bad.
Posted by: | December 07, 2007 at 12:27 PM
The rampant financial mismanagement at UF has been going on for a very long time. UF's financial problems are just beginning to come to light.
Posted by: | December 05, 2007 at 03:56 PM