Purpose

To determine whether the use of travel monies by selected government employees complied with rules and regulations and is free from fraud, waste, and abuse.  The audit covers the period April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2011.

Background

New York State’s executive agencies spend between $100 million and $150 million each year on travel expenses. These expenses, which are discretionary and under the control of agency management, include car rentals, meals, lodging, transportation, fuel, and incidental costs such as airline baggage and travel agency fees.  As part of a Statewide initiative to determine whether the use of travel money by selected government employees was appropriate, we audited travel expenses for the highest-cost travelers in the State. These employees incurred over $100,000 in travel expenses during the three-year period ending March 31, 2011. One of these employees worked at the College at Purchase (College) and incurred lodging costs totaling $991,999.

Key Findings

We found that the selected employee was responsible for arranging overflow student housing at local hotels each fall semester when on campus housing was exhausted, charging these expenses to her procurement card. Housing students at local hotels has been the practice since 2002. Our examination found the expenses were appropriately approved and documented. However, College management has not conducted a formal written study to examine the options for alleviating the student housing shortage and to ensure the most efficient use of State funds.

Key Recommendation

Conduct a formal written study to examine options for permanently alleviating the student housing shortage and implement the option that ensures the most efficient use of State funds.

Other Related Audits/Reports of Interest

State University of New York College at New Paltz: Selected Employee Travel Expenses (2012-S-140)
State University of New York College at Cobleskill: Selected Employee Travel Expenses (2012-S-143)
State University of New York College at Oneonta: Selected Employee Travel Expenses (2012-S-145)