51ĀŅĀ×

ATHENS, Ohio (Sept. 18, 2018) - 51ĀŅĀ× has been cooperating with the Ohio Inspector Generalā€™s (OIG) review of our business practices for over three years. This morning, the resulting report was released. It can be accessed at: .

ā€œWe have been cooperating with the Inspector Generalā€™s office regarding its review of 51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s business practices for over three years, so we were anticipating the release of this report,ā€ said 51ĀŅĀ× General Counsel John Biancamano.

Part of the Universityā€™s participation included sharing of records, documents and interviews with key personnel involved in the state contracts and transactions that were under the purview of the Inspector Generalā€™s investigation.

ā€œAs soon as we learned there were issues surrounding this transaction, we acted immediately to investigate internally and take action, said Vice President Finance and Administration Deb Shaffer. ā€œWe have made some steps to address several issues identified in the report and will continue to do so.ā€

Some key findings detailed in the report include:

• OIG determined that there was no evidence of wrongful acts or omissions regarding the allegation that the university agreed to purchase the house owned by a local realtor in return for a large donation.
• OIG questioned certain costs and concluded the University had respectively made overpayments for maintenance on the lease in the amount of $20,449.
• OIG made a referral to the Ohio State Auditor for review and consideration of their investigative report and findings.
• Additionally, the OIG provided recommendations to 51ĀŅĀ× to strengthen internal controls for contracts and leases; accounting; real estate; and donations, gifts and pledges.

The University will continue its thorough examination of the report and provide a formal response to the Ohio Inspector General within 60-days as per the official process.