The Department of Housing and Residential Life (HRL) at the University of Rhode Island is undergoing both an internal and state investigation into several complaints that were issued last November.
A statement put out by the university as of Sept. 27th states that “URI internal auditors immediately began an investigation of the complaints, which can be characterized as involving administrative and management issues.”
This investigation has continued on in part due to additional complaints made of the same nature in recent months and weeks. Complaints were issued to both the University’s Ethics Hotline and the new State Office of Internal Audit.
The University Ethics Hotline was implemented in 2012 to be used as a universal reporting mechanism for employees of the university. According to the URI website, “The Ethics Hotline is designed to receive reports regarding suspected unethical or illegal activities.” These activities may include fraud, theft, waste, violence or threatening behavior, accounting or financial irregularities, abuse and compliance issues. This is an anonymous supplement to the existing policies and procedures already in place. To report, go online to www.uriethicsonline.com or call 1-855-236-1845.
John Sears, assistant vice president and director of Housing and Residential Life, and Charles Hall, assistant director of Housing and Residential Life, have no comment on the ongoing audit and have directed all concerns to the University Spokesperson of this matter, Linda Acciardo.
Acciardo, director of communications & marketing at the University, says “this is an ongoing investigation” and as such, cannot offer any more information into what these claims specifically are and what has been discovered in the investigation. Acciardo and Sears have both stated that the report will be made public at the conclusion of the investigation.
Kathy M. Collins, new to URI as of July, has taken on a leadership role in this investigation. Coming to Rhode Island from Michigan State University with more than two decades of student affairs experience, Collins is now the vice president of student affairs.
“[Her previous experience] is very extensive so we’re fortunate to have her here,” Sears said.
While this investigation continues on, Sears and the rest of HRL are continuing to work on updating the residence halls and on moving forward with new housing facilities to accommodate for the school’s growing population.
“Most recently we’ve renovated the Fayerweather and Door residence halls and… this summer the Barlow and Weldin residence halls,” Sears said.
Along with this “aggressive asset protection plan,” HRL is also in the planning stages for a new residence hall that is projected to be finished by late spring of 20191.