First, the federal investigation is ongoing. We brought this issue to the attention of authorities and continue to work with David Huber, U.S. Attorney for Western District of Kentucky.

Our internal and external reviews continue and include:

1.     An internal audit of the finances of the College of Education and Human Development

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

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

6.     And finally, a review of circumstances surrounding a PhD awarded by the CEHD during Robert Felner’s tenure as dean.

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1.     Regarding the first review - our Office of Audit Services has completed the first phase of its audit of the college’s financial records. The audit will continue into other areas of the college. David Barker, director of Audit Services, said he expects the review to continue for at least six more weeks. Audit Services is being diligent, and Dr. Ramsey has encouraged them to continue to be thorough in their review.

2.     The second review is the external audit of our contracts and grants management policies and procedures. This review is being conducted by Cotton and Allen, a local accounting firm. Cotton and Allen is an independent agency.

3.     Our Faculty Senate review of the faculty grievance procedures has begun. The committee already is reviewing internal documents and best practices for faculty grievance policies. The group will have its second meeting Friday, Sept. 26. The group expects to finish its work and report back to the president and provost by the end of November.

4.     The Faculty, Staff and Student senates recommended to the Board of Trustees that a committee be formed to look at policies and procedures related to managerial practices. The board supported that recommendation earlier this month. That committee is currently being formed and will have its first meeting in the next week or so.

5.     In light of allegations in the Felner investigation, a fifth committee will review the university’s policies and procedures regarding conflict of interest. The provost is asking the group to look at three things: a) Adequacy of policies regarding compliance b) How informed our faculty are regarding the policies and c) To what degree our compliance policies are being followed.

6.     Finally, the committee Dr. Ramsey appointed to review an allegation regarding the improper awarding of a doctoral degree continues its work. This committee has asked that it be allowed to conduct its work in strict confidentiality. Dr. Ramsey has asked this committee to be quick, but thorough.