The University of Texas at Austin
A Limited Review of Management Controls at The University of Texas at Austin
January 1998
Report Number 98-018
Overall Conclusion
A limited review of The University of Texas at Austin (University) revealed weaknesses in certain management controls over environmental health and safety and internal audit. These weaknesses could impact campus safety and the timely oversight of University resources. Opportunities for improvement were noted concerning management of patent technology revenue and building renovation projects. The University should be commended for developing an innovative system for managing performance and budgets in its academic departments.
The scope of the review was confined to areas not addressed by recently completed or ongoing audits. A high-level assessment of management controls did not identify weaknesses in financial systems; however, other audits (planned or in-progress) address University contracts and grants expenditures.
Key Facts and Findings
Despite management efforts, risks continue to exist regarding the safety of faculty, students, and employees on campus. Certain research faculty members have repeatedly failed to comply with safety policies and procedures established by University management. Furthermore, while management has initiated and planned for selected safety renovations, some key sites on campus have not been fully evaluated or scheduled for upgrades.
Seventeen out of 21 internal audits planned for fiscal year 1997 did not have a report issued by year end, inhibiting timely oversight of University operations. Factors contributing to decreased audit coverage include staff turnover, prolonged delays in issuing reports, and inadequate administrative support systems within the Internal Audit Department.
The University has developed and implemented an innovative method for managing the performance and resources of its academic departments. The COMPACT 2000 system requires deans to enter formal contracts or "compacts" with the Provost concerning goals and underlying pledges for financial, personnel, and capital resources.
Contact the SAO about this report.
Download the PDF version of this report. (.pdf)
HTML Equivalent (utilizing Adobe's PDF Conversion by Simple Form).