Auditor General DePasquale to Audit PA State System of Higher Education

Calls for first system-wide comprehensive audit in modern history

June 10 2014

Auditor General DePasquale
to Audit PA State System of Higher Education

Calls for first system-wide comprehensive audit in modern history

HARRISBURG (June 10, 2014) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today announced that his department will conduct the first modern day comprehensive performance audit to evaluate the effectiveness of operations and policies of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

“College tuition and other costs are rising and we need to look at every possible option to keep from making college unaffordable to middle class families,” DePasquale said. “Our audit is going to look at everything from the process for setting annual tuition rates to the policies and procedures on how the state-owned universities handle sexual assaults on campus.

“Our audit of Kutztown University last year found the school’s energy improvements saved more than $1.4 million over two years. I want to know if other state schools are using examples like that to find ways to cut costs that could help keep tuition down,” DePasquale said.

The performance audit will cover the period starting July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014. It is anticipated that the audit will be completed in 2015. Specific audit objectives will be determined following a preliminary survey phase where auditors will gather background information that should help streamline the audit process.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education includes 14 state-owned universities:

• Bloomsburg University, Columbia County
• California University of Pennsylvania, Washington County
• Cheyney University, Chester County
• Clarion University, Clarion County
• East Stroudsburg, Monroe County
• Edinboro University, Erie County
• Indiana University, Indiana County
• Kutztown University, Berks County
• Lock Haven University, Clinton County
• Mansfield University, Tioga County
• Millersville University, Lancaster County
• Shippensburg University, Cumberland County
• Slippery Rock University, Butler County
• West Chester University, Chester County

The Department of the Auditor General ensures that state–owned and -aided facilities follow state laws and guidelines when they spend state funds. These audits identify ways that state tax money can be spent more effectively and efficiently.

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