As we did last week, I will brief you on the status of the investigation of former dean Robert Felner. Because all of these reviews are underway, I will give you everything I can, but I will not entertain questions.

We do have an important announcement after the update, and we will be open to questions about that issue. 

First, the federal investigation is ongoing.

• The University of Louisville brought this information to the federal authorities
• We continue to work with the federal agencies on this investigation and look forward to its conclusion
• Any other questions should be directed to David Huber, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky

Our internal reviews continue. 

We have six reviews currently underway.  These are:

1.    An internal audit of the finances of the College

2.    An external audit of the university’s grants management and contracts practices

3.    A Faculty Senate review of our Faculty Grievance procedure.

4.    A review, requested by our Faculty, Staff and Student senates, on managerial and administrative practices

5.    A review of the conflict of interest policy and proposal of a values statement.

All of these processes continue.  And while none of the committees are ready to issue findings or recommendations at this time, we do have an update to report.

One issue that has been raised by faculty and staff is a concern about the university’s grievance procedure.

As we have previously announced, a faculty senate group is looking at our grievance processes.  While we are awaiting their recommendations, we are setting up an interim Ombuds office, similar to those in existence at other major universities, such as Michigan, UCLA, Stanford, and Colorado. 

Although offices at these universities vary somewhat in their scope and functions, they share a commitment to providing an independent, neutral and, confidential resource to those who:

• request assistance resolving conflicts, disputes, or complaints
• who need information on university policies or procedures
• or who want an informal mechanism for resolution and mediation of problems that may arise in the workplace. 

The Ombuds Office will not serve an advocacy function, but will work impartially to help clarify, resolve, and expedite the alleviation of concerns, and to create a safe, fair and equitable resource to those who require assistance. 

The office will report to the Provost for administrative and budgetary purposes, but will serve an independent function. 

In addition to working with individuals or groups as requested, the Ombudsperson(s) will track categories of issues, and make recommendations for policy and procedural change as appropriate. 

We’ll  announce full details on this program, including personnel involved, next week. 

Also in response to recent events, the university will begin a financial training program for all deans, department chairs, faculty who control budgets, and unit business managers.

The half day sessions will begin by the end of the month for administrators, and will be co-taught by our vice presidents for finance and business affairs.  The unit business manager training will consist of on-line modules designed to strengthen and certify their skills.

Fact vs. Fiction

At this point, I would like to address a point of misinformation related to the Felner investigation.

First, it has been reported -- again –- by a Washington, D.C. media outlet that the Felner investigation could lead to loss of accreditation. We have been advised by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education that the facts as we know them ARE NOT an accreditation issue.

The media outlet has promised to correct this misinformation.