SIU audit reveals missing computers, disturbing compliance failures

Earlier this year we looked at the Illinois Auditor General’s findings on Southern Illinois University and the entire state university system. Overall, we found a disturbing lack of compliance with state and federal law. But SIU was one of the lone bright spots, tying Illinois State University for the fewest amount of compliance violations with six...

Earlier this year we looked at the Illinois Auditor General’s findings on Southern Illinois University and the entire state university system. Overall, we found a disturbing lack of compliance with state and federal law.

But SIU was one of the lone bright spots, tying Illinois State University for the fewest amount of compliance violations with six total. In comparison, the University of Illinois had 30 violations.

Unfortunately, the latest report by the Auditor General shows SIU has taken a turn for the worse.

SIU now has 15 compliance violations including:

• Failure to locate 257 computers during their annual inventory, totaling $416,183 in value.
• Putting confidential student data at risk by not protecting computers with encryption software.
• Failure to adequately document and return federal Title IV funds on a timely basis.
• Failure to require employees to fill out timesheets, thereby violating of the State Officials and Employee Ethics Act.
• Noncompliance with ethics training requirements.

Recently, the SIU Board of Trustees approved a 5 percent tuition hike for the 2013-14 academic year. But the Auditors General’s report shows that while the university is asking for more money, students and the public are getting less in return.

The Auditor General’s compliance violation findings should serve as a wake-up call to the SIU Board of Trustees and the students who choose to attend the university.