2007 Feb 16
For Immediate Release
Chancellor Rufus Glasper Presents Ethics, Internal Control and Accountability Recommendations to Governing Board
View the recommendations of the Community Member Blue Ribbon Panel (pdf)
Dr. Glasper Enhances Panel's Recommendations With His Own
An extensive proposal for changes in the ethics, internal control, and accountability policies of the Maricopa Community College District was presented to the District's Governing Board today by Chancellor Rufus Glasper.
The proposal included the recommendations of the Community Member Blue Ribbon Panel on Internal Controls, as well as the Chancellor's additional recommendations for stronger controls.
Together, Dr. Glasper said, the recommendations will increase the ethics accountability of District employees, strengthen existing controls, and improve internal oversight.
In addition, the new rules establish more stringent requirements for reporting to the Governing Board and Chancellor. The recommendations also will standardize the response to certain matters such as disciplinary action.
"These actions are a step in the process of restoring public confidence in our system," Dr. Glasper said. "They will help remind District employees that ethical behavior is everyone's responsibility. The Panel's recommendations, in concert with those I've made, also will provide stronger centralized controls over operations and financial matters."
The Board took all the recommendations under advisement, and could act on them at its next meeting Feb. 27, 2007.
Dr. Glasper assembled the Panel in November 2006, to review internal controls and procedures. He took that action after internal audits revealed policy infractions and information that a small number of district employees had not complied with district policies.
The panel was chaired by Dr. Linda Blessing, former Deputy Arizona Auditor General and Executive Director Emerita for the Arizona Board of Regents. The other members are also highly respected, knowledgeable community leaders with financial expertise: Timothy R. Baughman, Vice President, Northern Trust Bank; Mark Landy, CPA, Partner, Miller Allen & Company; Dennis Mitchem, retired CPA, Part-time Director, Corporate Relations at Northern Arizona University and retired partner, Arthur Andersen; Nancy Roach, CPA, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House; Jaimie Soulvie, CPA, Deputy Administrator for Financial Services, Department of Economic Security; and Rick Wardrip, CPA, Corporate Auditor, Salt River Project.
Some of the major recommendations of the Panel are:
Mandatory Public Stewardship and Ethics Training. Training of all employees in public stewardship and ethics and in the legal requirements of public sector employees will be mandatory. Additionally every employee will be required to acknowledge their review and understanding of the District's Conflict of Interest Policy annually. Additional scrutiny will be placed on special services contracts.
Enhanced Whistleblower / Ombudsperson Office. An internal ombudsperson's office, where employees can find a neutral, interested third party to help resolve issues and concerns, will be established. The existing whistleblower policy will be strengthened through the addition of the ombudsperson, reporting, and a hotline through which employees can voice their concerns anonymously.
Expanded Internal Audit Function. The mission and scope of the Internal Audit Department will be strengthened. Internal control policies will be defined to ensure that management understands it is responsible for internal controls. A community member will chair the Audit and Finance Committee.
Adoption of Employment Standards. The Governing Board is being requested to adopt an Employment Standards Policy that sets forth the types of employee actions that will result in disciplinary action, including termination. The District's hiring policy will be clarified and all employees, on an annual basis, will be required to read and understand that policy.
Clearly Defined Travel Policies. A stricter policy that defines acceptable travel will focus on international travel that advances the District's mission. Each College will be required to provide an annual report to the Chancellor outlining all travel requests by employees and the benefits gained by the District from each trip.
In addition to the recommendations from the Community Member Blue Ribbon Panel, Chancellor Glasper proposed several specific recommendations to move the District forward. Dr. Glasper stated that he and all the members of his Executive Council, which include the District's Vice Chancellors and College Presidents, will be among the first taking the new, mandatory Public Stewardship and Ethics Training. Chancellor Glasper is also requesting that all Governing Board members attend the first sessions.
Additionally, Chancellor Glasper will be examining ways to expand and strengthen the internal audit function within the District. He will be reviewing the internal audit activities of comparable organizations and enhancing the internal audit capabilities of the District based on the best practices of these peer organizations.
Dr. Glasper is committed to increasing the focus of the District on proper financial operations and reporting. He is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Panel as well as working with the Board to provide more frequent, in-depth reports on financial and operational issues.