May 13, 2008

An independent review of the matching gifts issue has been completed and is now available for faculty, staff and the public.

The report found that a flawed management decision in 1986 led to the university receiving funds over the years that it was not qualified to receive. The problem was fixed in 2003.

The auditor also found that “... no monies were taken from academic purposes and redirected to athletic purposes. … Fresno State’s academic programs were not harmed by the errors that were made in the matching gifts program and, in fact, can only benefit depending on how the matter is resolved with individual companies.” (Matching Gift Investigation - Page 5)

From 1986 to 2003 the university received up to $2.9 million in non-qualified matching gifts. Even though those gifts occurred many years ago, President Welty wants the university to be above reproach about its practices, so he is directing that all affected companies be offered repayments of their donations unless they choose not to be repaid. The independent report reaffirmed that the university successfully eliminated the problem through matching gift safeguards put in place in 2003.

The independent report provides a comprehensive review of the matching gifts program and makes a series of “best practice” recommendations to avoid similar problems in the future. The university will be following those recommendations.

Meetings have been held with Academic Senate leadership and the auxiliary boards to keep them well informed during the spring semester and as the report was being finalized.

Copies of the full report are available at www.fresnostatenews.com/2007/Report.htm.