Purpose

To determine the extent of implementation of the six recommendations included in our initial audit report, Administration of Fellowship Leaves (Report 2011-S-20).

Background

Our initial audit report, issued October 9, 2013, examined whether the fellowship leaves granted City University of New York (CUNY) instructional staff were awarded for authorized purposes and in compliance with all applicable requirements. We found that although most of the fellowship recipients we reviewed complied with CUNY policy, improvements were needed to protect taxpayer dollars and the integrity of CUNY’s fellowship leave program. For example, there was no single comprehensive record maintained by CUNY listing all fellowships granted during our audit period, and we found instances where fellowships were granted to ineligible employees. We also found instances where supporting paperwork was not available, including activity summaries required to be submitted by fellowship recipients upon the completion of their fellowship.

Key Finding

• CUNY has made progress in addressing the issues identified in our initial report. Four  recommendations were implemented, one was partially implemented, and one was not implemented.    

Key Recommendation

• Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of the follow-up review to provide information on actions planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this review.

Other Related Audit/Report of Interest

City University of New York: Administration of Fellowship Leaves (2011-S-20)