E-mail this pageSUNY Plattsburgh Internal Control Program
Memo from President Ettling
Date: March 27, 2008
To: Campus Community
From: John Ettling, President
Re: Internal Control Management Policies and Standards
In 1987, The New York State Governmental Accountability Act (commonly referred to as the Internal Control Act) was established to formalize a system of productivity and accountability in all state agencies, including SUNY. The Internal Control Act included provisions for strengthening campus internal controls and for measuring their effectiveness through establishment of a campus-wide internal control program.
Internal controls are those actions and processes that individuals and organizations establish to determine that programs are being used in an effective manner and for legally authorized purposes. Those actions include the development, documentation, communication and enforcement of policies and procedures; the development and monitoring of useful and reliable reports; and the implementation of appropriate control activities such as reconciliations, inventories, audits and assessments.
Internal Control Program
A good internal control program primarily relies on all employees at every position and level exercising good judgment in protecting the college and its resources from loss, waste, or damage and acting in the best interest of the college and the public at all times. In addition, college leaders from the president to department chairs and unit directors need to foster a positive internal control environment through both their words and actions.
As part of our ongoing Internal Control Program, the Internal Control Committee (ICC) at SUNY Plattsburgh is also mandated by the state each year to monitor and evaluate the overall state of the college’s internal control systems and report deficiencies. The ICC coordinates reviews in selected areas of the campus that, by the nature of the activities involved, present potential risks to the college.
The reviews include an assessment that critical items are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; relevant and reliable data can be generated; college assets are being safeguarded; resources are being used efficiently; and, ultimately, college and departmental goals and objectives are being met and accomplished. This year, the ICC has identified three specific areas for review to determine that controls are effective. They are procurement, human resource services and payroll.
Internal Control Hotline
Faculty, staff, and students who suspect intentional or unintentional misuse involving state funds, equipment, or supplies or other irregular activities may anonymously report matters of concern to the Internal Control Committee through the Internal Control Hotline (voice mailbox) at 866-633-6112. Your information – not your name – could prove useful in reducing losses.
Information concerning the Internal Control Program at SUNY Plattsburgh is available on line at www.plattsburgh.edu/president/internalcontrolhome.php. I hope you will take the time to review the information. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions concerning the Internal Control Program, please contact me or any member of the committee.
2008 Internal Control Committee
John Homburger (ext. 2130)
Vice President for Administration
Internal Control OfficerDave Gregoire (ext. 3613)
Director of Advancement Services, Institutional Advancement
Internal Control CoordinatorClark Foster (ext. 3601)
Budget Control Officer, BudgetingDr. Patricia Higgins (ext. 2195)
Associate Vice President for Academic AffairsDiana LaPorte (ext. 2539)
Assistant Vice President for Administration and Management ServicesJanet McDowell (ext. 3013)
Staff Associate, Computer Information SystemsDiane Merkel (ext. 2195)
Assistant to the ProvostMatthew Salvatore (ext. 3142)
Fitness Center DirectorMartin Stehlin (ext. 3614)
Staff AccountantKeith Tyo (ext. 3930)
Executive Assistant to the PresidentDiane Wyand (ext. 2130)
Controller, AccountingCindy Fuller (ext. 2538)
Information Technology Specialist, Management Services
Recorder