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A message to students from the Chancellor
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A MESSAGE TO THE STUDENTS OF THE MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES
You may have arrived on campus this week to find sheriff?s officers working in some of our offices, or have seen news stories describing these activities. Since you may have questions, I?m writing to assure you that we will not let this activity deter us from fulfilling our mission as an educational institution. You will continue to receive the same high quality education that you have every reason to expect from us.
On January 17, Maricopa County Sheriff?s Deputies with search warrants arrived at the District Office and Mesa, Estrella Mountain, and Scottsdale Community Colleges. The deputies are looking into matters that have been discussed in the press over the past several months. The district knew about the inquiry and, in fact, had been providing the Sheriff?s Department with information prior to their visits. We continue to cooperate fully.
The sheriff?s department inquiry relates in-part, to the district?s own internal audit reports from the past several years. Those audits resulted in some findings of misuse of public funds and the need to enhance internal controls. In response, we?ve taken corrective action, including dismissing an employee, requesting reimbursements from other employees, and conducting procedural reviews.
More recently, there were some other matters brought to my attention by newspaper reporters. In response, I called for internal reviews and placed an employee on administrative leave. I also initiated other actions including the formation of a Blue Ribbon Panel to make recommendations on internal processes, and requested an external third party review of one program. This multi-faceted effort is moving forward, and we remain committed to high ethical standards and the responsible stewardship of public funds.
In short, whenever we have uncovered or been made aware of potential wrongdoing, we have investigated, have taken, and will continue to take appropriate action. As a public institution, we take our responsibility for public resources, including the money you pay us, very seriously. What?s more, we believe we have an obligation to share with you not only what we do right, but also what we may need to improve.
Rest assured that we remain committed to our fundamental mission of teaching and learning, and will continue to do whatever it takes to provide you with the best education possible. The success of our 10 colleges is built on the many significant contributions and accomplishments of our staff, faculty and students.
Thank you for the faith you?ve placed in us. I assure you that we remain focused on helping you reach your educational goals.
Respectfully,
Rufus Glasper
Chancellor
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