Possible High-Level Ethical Violations at UNCG

A state auditor’s investigation has uncovered possible unethical conduct by the vice-chancellor for Information Technology Services at UNC-Greensboro. Among the allegations listed in a letter sent by state auditor Leslie W. Merritt Jr. to UNC-Greensboro’s chancellor, Patricia A. Sullivan, were improperly awarding contracts to technical subcontractors and hiring an assistant who was not assigned to the duties of the position.

The auditor’s report has so far uncovered six contracts that violate university procedures, totaling $644,687. These activities came to light because of a tip given to the State Auditor’s Hotline.

In a written response to the auditor’s allegations, Chancellor Sullivan denied that the suspected activities were unethical, although she did admit to a need to better follow official procedures.

Although he was not named in Merritt’s letter, James Clotfelter has been the vice chancellor for Information Technology Services since 1991. He joined UNC-Greensboro’s faculty as a professor of political science in 1977. Before that, he was a reporter for Time Magazine. He is the author of three books on political science and has been active in community affairs.

To read a .pdf file of the state auditor’s letter to Chancellor Sullivan and Sullivan’s response, click here.