Results from a financial investigation of Athletic Department travel expenses and procedures will be released a month later than originally expected because Oregon University System auditors have broadened their investigation to include every trip taken by student athletes.
Patricia Snopkowski, director for the OUS Internal Audit Division and OUS supervisor for the University investigation, said additional abuses have not been detected “at this point” among the $1.7 million in travel expenses for 2000-01.
“Basically, we need confirmation from students,” Snopkowski said. “The key audit step is confirming with the students.”
The questionnaire asks when athletes got money and how much they got, but it also allows them to respond that they don’t remember the details of the specific expense.
Snopkowski described the forms as “user-friendly,” and she said they will not require athletes to sift through piles of receipts or to make many phone calls.
She said she will mail the forms this week and hopes wrap up the investigation by late January if returns are sufficient.
Auditors said in November that the investigation, requested by University Athletic Director Bill Moos, would be complete by late December. But the OUS auditors examined more team travel records than originally planned, deepening the investigation and extending its duration, said Tom Larson, University director of finance and contracts for intercollegiate athletics.
“Initially we thought it would be random. But they’re looking at every trip,” Larson said. “Nothing has been brought to my attention regarding concerns of theirs.”
Moos requested the audit Oct. 10 after an OUS audit of the women’s softball team finances, requested by the Oregon Secretary of State Audits Division, revealed that former head coach Rick Gamez had misused $5,748.64 in travel expenses during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. Moos said he was concerned that additional fraudulent abuses of athletic funds have gone undetected.
The OUS Internal Audit Division reports to the vice chancellor for finance and administration, and it could also choose to report directly to the chancellor or president of the State Board of Higher Education if the situation warranted it.