Sen. Alfred "Al" Lawson has asked Chancellor Rosenberg to disband the Board of Governors Task Force on FAMU Finance and Operational Control Issues. Many of those responsible for the financial mismanagement at FAMU have left. Those that said the financial problems could not be fixed have been fired and a competent team has been assembled.
With an unqualified audit by the State Auditor General's Office and the green light from the SACS visiting team, it seems prudent and sound advice coming from Sen. Lawson. However, Chancellor Rosenberg is not too keen. Could it be the millions of dollars allocated from the State that allows the BOG and the Chancellor's office to continue hiring consultants? By the way, wasn't it consultants that got us into this mess, but it took competent permanent employees to fix it.
To read Sen. Lawson's letter click here.
Can you post Chancellor Mark Rosenberg contact info?
ReplyDeletethis is soooooo NOT breaking news. it was on the st. pete times this morning....
ReplyDeleteWell maybe not for you, but me in California it is.
ReplyDeleteNuRattler, I think you've hit the nail on the head.
ReplyDeleteThe Florida Legislature has never been eager to give the Florida Board of Governors any serious funding. However, the BOG has tried to use FAMU to justify hiring more consultants and getting a bigger budget.
They wouldn't even give Dr. Ammons one dollar from the FAMU Finance and Operational Control Issues task force to help him clean up Castell's financial mess.
The BOG is clearly using FAMU as a justification to squeeze more money from the legislature that they can put in their own coffers. Roberts and Rosenberg need to stop their dirty, exploitive, money-grabbing tactics.
If they want more legislative money, then they need to get off their tuffs and lobby for it on their own. Stop trying to get more funding off of FAMU's back!
Mark B. Rosenberg, Chancellor
ReplyDeleteState University System of Florida
325 W. Gaines Street, # 1614
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-0466
Fax: (850) 245-9685
Email: Chancellor@flbog.org
Email: mark.rosenberg@flbog.org
There are still 6 or 7 outstanding issues that need to be resolved.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the hurry?
Has the BOG task force helped FAMU an any way?
ReplyDeleteTHAT'S the BETTER Question! If not, then they are just there to further the attempted tarnishing of FAMU. Face it, you can't kill what God has raised! Long Live FAMU!
ReplyDeleteThe state auditors said that all outstanding issues on the preliminary audit were AT LEAST partially fixed.
ReplyDeleteIt's clear that there is no longer a financial crisis. Dr. Ammons has put out the fire that Castell left and now he's repairing the damage caused by the flames. The situation is under control.
Unless I'm missing something, Mark Rosenberg did not create the FAMU Task Force. His boss (The Board of Governors) created this. So, why was the letter sent to the Chancellor? hmmmmmmm!
ReplyDeleteAuditors flag 21 problems at UF
ReplyDeleteA school spokesman says the state agency found fewer problems than in most recent years.
By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER, Times Staff Writer
Published December 5, 2007
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State auditors found a number of financial flaws and questionable practices at Florida's flagship public university during the 2006-07 budget year, according to a new operational report.
The auditor general found 21 areas where the University of Florida overspent, didn't follow state procedures and failed to properly document payroll, contracts and other matters.
UF spokesman Steve Orlando said university officials have responded to auditors' concerns and are taking measures to correct the problems.
He pointed out that this most recent audit had fewer findings than previous years' audits. The operational audit for 2004, for example, found 25 problems.
"When you consider the size of the place and the number of people employed here, this is really middle of the pack," Orlando said.
One of the auditors' biggest concerns was millions in long-running budget deficits in UF's largest college, liberal arts and sciences, which spent $4.7-million more than budgeted in 2005-06 and nearly $3-million more than was budgeted for the following year.
The liberal arts college's woes were first reported in 2006, and UF has since reorganized the college and made budget cuts. This year, trustees also adopted new budget guidelines and staff training requirements to prevent future overspending.
Auditors also questioned the legality and expenditure of certain UF fees, including those charged to students who study abroad and to students enrolled in master's business programs.
Business fees for "materials and supplies" and other expenses generated more than $8-million for the '06-07 budget year, yet UF did not provide documentation to satisfy auditors that the revenue was properly spent or necessary.
UF's response maintains it has the right to charge those fees, based on UF policy, state law and Board of Governors regulations.
Auditors concluded the Institute of Food and Agricultural Science also needs to do a better job of collecting the money it is owed for contracts and grants.
Records show the institute last year was owed more than $16-million dating to before 2003. Orlando said that reflects contract and grant payments that various state agencies have yet to pay.
UF officials told auditors that they are developing policies to tighten up the collections process and that they have reduced the amount owed to the institute by $10-million.
Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler can be reached at svansickler@sptimes.com or 813 226-3403.
FAST FACTS
On the Web
The audit can be found at: www.myflorida.com/audgen/pages/summaries/2008-045.htm.
Where is the Task Force for UF there is none and there will be none...the more things change the more they stay the same and some of these findings go back to 2003! and in 2004 there were 25 findings. I learned on the Hill that people can make you think anything if they tell you enough and you accept it once then you are in trouble.
ReplyDeleteThe real financial problems aren't at FAMU. They're at UF.
ReplyDeleteUF received $580,426,350 in federal money in 2005.
http://www.fedspending.org/faads/faads.php?recip_id=901167&sortby=u&detail=-1&datype=T&reptype=r&database=faads&fiscal_year=2005&submit=GO
On UF's 2005 operational audit, the state auditors said UF "had not developed and tested a methodology to extract data from the myUFL systems required to produce a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards."
The audit also said: "The University did not timely establish written procedures or processes for reconciling its main operating bank accounts, and as of April 30, 2005, reconciliations of such accounts were not current."
http://www.myflorida.com/audgen/pages/summaries/2006-040.htm
The questions are: Why can't myUFL produce a proper report on how UF spends $580,426,350? Why aren't the banking reconciliations being done?
Just as I suspected. UF & FSU are two of the most corrupt colleges in America. Both school's administrative officials should be investigated by federal authorities.
ReplyDeleteThe $580 dollars in federal taxpayer money that myUFL can't properly report is more than FAMU's entire budget.
ReplyDeleteWhen FAMU sneezes, then it's a financial crisis. When UF's data system can't track how it spends half a billion in public money, the BOG doesn't think it's a big deal.
^^^
ReplyDeleteYou got that right!
The most recent audit at FAU turned up 22 audit findings, maybe this task force can go help them?
ReplyDeleteWhere are all of the pro FSU & UF faithful? This proves the racist motives of a system that has tried everything to tarnish the reputation of FAMU. At the behest of CVB, Jeb, Corbin, etc., they called for our dismantling. If SACS and BOG do not get involved, it speaks alot about the real motives behind our probation- GETTING RID OF FAMU! But see, wrong NEVER prospers!
ReplyDeleteI don't think bullying the BOG is going to win us any favors. FAMU should be careful and not point fingers and call the BOG names.
ReplyDeleteThe BOG has consistently made decisions that are against FAMU's best interests and we need to stand up to them. The BOG protected Castell, tried to reappoint Challis, supported FSU's attempt to takeover the E-School, refused to give Dr. Ammons one dollar towards the FAMU financial clean up, and is still pushing its Pappas Plan recommendation to take away all FAMU's graduate programs.
ReplyDeleteFAMUans need to fight the BOG tooth and nail just like we fought the now defunct Board of Regents.
Bullying? Are you serious? We are the ones who have been and continue to be bullied. For them to attempt to discredit us and strip us from the years of academic and institutional progress and give it to who that think is a more DESERVING university is bullying! Let's look at how this going to play out. You have to stop and wonder why St. Pete. TImes and the Democrat has not made this NEWS like our problems were. THEY SUPPORTED CVB! Bullying? We are fighting for the legacy of those who built this great university and the posterity of those who will walk the hallowed grounds of FAMU. This is not fair and we should let it be known.
ReplyDeleteFAMU will fight yes. But making inflammatory comments about the BOG and its chancellor will only hurt FAMU. FAMU is in a position of extreme weakness and needs to move carefully.
ReplyDelete12:24,
ReplyDeleteThe court of public opinion thinks that FAMU has been treated to lightly and many younger politicians believe the same. Again, FAMU is an extreme weak position with the Federal Gov't on campus investigating grade changes that possible involves federal money. My advise is to watch the inflammatory remarks.
I've read all of the comments and nothing that I have seen would I classify as inflammatory. I am sure that our FAMU administration will handle this with class and dignity. The bottom line is there should be demanded FAIRNESS across the board. This was done to tarnish FAMU. Weakness? I really have to question your assessment. I think this is positioning for our strength to shown. We were the laughingstock of the state. UF cannot account for half a billion dollars!! But WE have to play the high road and be the humble little university across the tracks. Your assessment does not do FAMU justice and is quite frankly, not fair. I'm just saying...
ReplyDeleteI know you are just expressing an opinion I respect that. I disagree with you and must say FAMU tarnished FAMU. Sad but true.
ReplyDeleteAs an alumnus of FAMU, I have been looking at how this has played over the last year or so and am quite frankly amazed at some of the comments on the board. With the reports concerning the other state universities who have found themselves in the same position as FAMU, we should learn something: Ineptness and ineffective people who are supposed to be responsible for fiscal and administrative maintenance are present everywhere. However, it does not speak to the entirety of the credibility of any of the universities in question. FAMU is responsible for the issues at FAMU. UF and the others are responsible for their issues. We nor they can blame anyone but the internal process that were ignore. Here, however, is the issue I think, the concern is. UF's credibility and integrity of existence will not be attacked. They will fix their problems and it will move on unscathed. FAMU will not enjoy that luxury. To ignore that is to be part of the issue that fuels the resentment on the board. We should finish the probation period for the simple fact of proving that we did the job it took for us to bring our university back up. To those who think that inflammatory remarks have been said, it is interesting that the BOG would read these blogs to determine the intent of the whole university especially when the veracity of statements and those who make them will always be in question. I think you insult the Board you are defending. FAMU will pay the price that others in the state will not pay. And we know this. But let us allow this to make us stronger and hold this administration and subsequent ones to higher levels of accountability. If there is unfairness by the BOG, remember, they TOO have someone to answer to. ONWARD FAMU ONWARD!
ReplyDelete" FAMU will pay the price that others in the state will not pay. And we know this."
ReplyDeleteAny other institution in this state run like FAMU would have been put into receivership. Be confrontational to the BOG all you want, but be reminded it will win you no political favors. FAMU is on a well deserved short leash. I personally know that FAMU is in a fragile situation. If the Federal Government finds what is rumored; FAMU's degree will become less valuable and the State will be forced into action.
FAMU is also in a position of weakness at the law school. The ABA has major issues with the administration of the school and its patience is running thin. The situation is dire and the ABA will act appropriately. Do not be surprised if the ABA does not give FAMU accreditation.
FAMU has been treated more than fair.
Any other institution in this state run like FAMU would have been put into receivership.
ReplyDelete24 years of clean financial statement audits up to 2002 warrants "receivership?" You are delusional!
FAMU's financial operation was well managed for two and a half decades before people like Jim Corbin and Castell Bryant began tampering with the financial books and sent the entire fiscal affairs division into chaos.
The Board of Governors has demonstrated gross incompetence in its oversight of FAMU, especially during the Castell Bryant era.
ReplyDeleteThey sat on their hands and did nothing while Castell was ruining the financial books to the point that FAMU received the first qualified audits in Florida history.
Then, they tried to reward Challis Lowe's refusal to hold Castell accountable by reappointing her to the board. Carolyn Roberts should be ashamed of her actions. The state audits proved that the financial situation got steadily worse under Lowe's watch. Yet, Roberts thought that type of performance was worthy of a pat on the back and thumbs up to continue.
SACS placed FAMU on probation in part because of it did not have an "active governing board." Roberts knew that Challis Lowe, as head of the board, beared tremendous responsibility for that problem. Her attempt to reappoint Lowe was nothing short of sabatoge against FAMU's efforts to lift its probation.
1:48 AM, it is really interesting how you pulled out that one phrase in the alumnus' comment. You seem to be taking this board out of context. Once again, Pres. Ammons summons the Feds to investigate this. This was not a cover-up on FAMU's part by any means. All of the reports show that. What is your point? Political favors? I see now. This has to do with politics-"the MOST TRUSTED PROFESSION IN THE WORLD" Whatever. As the alumnus poster said, FAMU will pay the price. NO one has done FAMU a favor. They were light on us? So we are worthy of more than this? We wear the SCARLET LETTER OF THE STATE and other get away with credibility intact? And we SHOULDN'T say anything but YUSSAH MASSAH? Get a grip!
ReplyDeleteFAMU was a mess BEFORE the Bryant era. That is not her fault. Sure, we all wish she had been able to clean the place up, but it was not pristine when she got here.
ReplyDeleteFAMU was a mess BEFORE the Bryant era.
ReplyDeleteThe state audits have already discredited that untrue assertation.
FAMU had 24 years of clean financial statement audits up to 2002. That is clear, verifiable proof that the university was not a mess.
Stop trying to challenge the work of the state auditors!
The CVB faithful never give up. Please rest with the untrue statements. At this juncture, her legacy at FAMU has been cemented. We are in a new day of REAL accountability.
ReplyDeleteYou have to understand the history between Rosenberg and Humphries. Humphries did something that white folks still to this day resent. They resent the fact the FAMU College of Law was rebirth. Because of this rebirth, Rosenberg then VP and provost of FIU lost.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bitter long fight. But, Humphries slayed the last dragon. At his side was his worthy provost and vice president for academic affairs, President James Ammons. Ammons basically beat Rosenberg at his game when they were serving as provost together.
Understand the history and you will understand why these folks act the way they do towards FAMU.
It's not business, it's personal.
12/06/2007 5:14 PM
ReplyDeleteGood point. FIU believes that FAMU's law school is eating away at pocket of legislative money that it could be using for its own law school.
Considering that, it's no surprise that Rosenberg championed the Pappas Plan calling for all FAMU's grad/professional programs to be discontinued.
As FIU's provost, Rosenberg was also wary of Humphries and Ammons' push for Med School. He worked hard to land a Med School at FIU and doesn't want FAMU to enter that academic area, either.
FIU would love for FAMU's Pharmacy program to be discontinued so it can make a case for establishing one.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, FAMU's great pharmacy faculty and students have made that much harder by scoring a PERFECT performance on the national licensure exam. Achievements like those are the best answers to those who are plotting against FAMU.
Now that one thinks about it, is it any coincidence that Castell -- whose tampering with Pharmacy resulted in probation -- came to FAMU using her Miami political connections?
Clearly, this is now making some sort of SENSE. She never came with an INTERIM agenda. It was a well devised plan to dismantle FAMU programs at the behest of those who could bestow political favors. WOW! Let's be watchful and prayer. The positives will be meant with a challenge, but we will prevail.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that the 2006-07 fiscal year started on July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007. Under Florida State guidelines, the books were closed; thus, no financial transactions commenced on the 06-07 books under Dr. Ammons since he started on July 2, 2007. Therefore, if the preliminary audit findings suggest clean books. Wouldn't Castell V. Bryant received the kudos?
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the Auditor Generals Office will have to credit that to CVB. I work for another state agency and that's the financial cycle. Hmmmmmm!
Sadly no one that matters agrees with that point but the CB faithful. If that was the case, all of the SACS findings, BOG Task Force, etc. would be a moot point. If they had it together, what was the point of allowing FAMU be placed on probation? The financials were not the only items that were cited. As much as you want to give CVB the credit, wiser people know the real deal.
ReplyDeleteAnd just look how successful the law school "rebirth" was?
ReplyDeleteABA is about to yank accreditation from FAMU. And it should, it is corrupt, the faculty on average are under qualified, and the students are not making the grade. There is one student suing the school, and more from what I understand are on the way. It is an embarrassment to the entire SUS and state.
FAMU had issues with Humphires, but did not receive any qualified audits. However, there were many glaring problems, just like the UF audit that the board is going crazy about.
Dr. Bryant is not solely responsible for FAMU's mess. If this board believes that FAMU has clean audits during the Humphries era, then by definition UF also had a clean audit that was just announced.
Is your information published anywhere so that we will be enlightened to what you seem to be so informed about? I understand people can spin any information to support their views. Your proof would be helpful. Then we as alumni can petition our administration to make sure our law school is not lost.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the Auditor Generals Office will have to credit that to CVB. I work for another state agency and that's the financial cycle. Hmmmmmm!
ReplyDelete12/06/2007 6:24 PM
When Castell exited to the LEFT; the financial books had not been closed for two WHOLE years. The statement "QUALIFIED AUDIT" will forever bear CASTHELL's name.
Ms. Hardee's team came in and closed those books. We are now witnessing the efforts of their labour.
Ammons was smart not to step foot on campus until July 1. A new fiscal year.
if the preliminary audit findings suggest clean books. Wouldn't Castell V. Bryant received the kudos?
ReplyDeletePlease remember that Castell resigned in May before the Grace Ali submitted the interim administration's final financial statement audit on June 30, 2007.
As usual, Castell's financial numbers were jumbled and state auditors contacted FAMU with additional questions and requests for information.
Ammons and Hardee's work to balance the accounts that Castell/Ali left unreconciled and reconstruct FAMU's financial books helped the university fulfill the information requests from the state auditors.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robin Holmes
ReplyDeleteNovember 1, 2007 (407) 254-3290
Pamela Tolson
(850) 412-5211
American Bar Association Concludes Site Visit at FAMU College of Law
Orlando, FL. – A seven-member team of legal and education experts concluded their visit at Florida A&M University (FAMU) College’s of Law on Wednesday, October 31, as part of an accreditation site evaluation by the American Bar Association (ABA).
During the four-day visit, the ABA Site Evaluation team met with students, faculty, staff and administrators from the law school, as well as law school alumni and community supporters. In addition, the team met with University officials, including the president, provost, legal counsel and chief financial officer. The team reviewed the law school’s programs and its progress toward compliance with each of the ABA’s Standards for Approval of Law Schools.
The Site Evaluation team was complimentary of the progress made by the law school. PROGRESS MADE SINCE AMMONS ARRIVED
“We are committed to ensuring that the FAMU College of Law becomes fully accredited,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “We must ensure that the College of Law continues its mission of producing excellent legal professionals for the state of Florida and the nation.”
The ABA evaluation was the full site visit while the College of Law is in its provisional status and before it will make its application for full accreditation. The ABA granted the FAMU College of Law provisional approval in August 2004.
According to the ABA, a law school that is provisionally approved is entitled to all the rights of a fully approved law school. Similarly, graduates are entitled to the same recognition afforded graduates of fully approved schools.
The team will compile a report to be submitted to the Accreditation Committee and Council that will outline other issues for the school to take under consideration as it pursues full accreditation status. The report will be shared with the University and the law school in 2008.
SACS is meeting Dec. 8-11 in New Orleans and FAMU has an excellent chance to get its probation lifted.
ReplyDeleteThe on-sight review committee had glowing praise. Plus, the state auditors have stated that all the financial problems Ammons inherited from Castell have either been completely fixed or partially fixed -- proving that the new administration has things under control.
The ABA accreditors will take all this in during their decision-making progress.
If this board believes that FAMU has clean audits during the Humphries era, then by definition UF also had a clean audit that was just announced.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, you've shown that you don't know what you're talking about.
FAMU had clean financial statement audits for 24 years up to 2002. Those audits simply check to make sure that a university's books are balanced.
The operational audits check a wide range of MANAGEMENT issues. It's rare for any university to receive a perfect operational audit. FAMU averaged 5-6 findings on its operational audits during the Humphries years, which is not above average. However, Castell's last operational audit had 35 findings -- which proves she was incompetent.
UF has not received clean financial statement audits for two consecutive years because its books are not balanced. Plus, UF's last two operational audits both had over 20 findings. UF's accounting is not in good shape and it needs to get it's financial books in order.
OK, 7:07 PM, now we need proof of the veracity of your statements. We have already seen the verifiable proof to refute your argument. As a concerned alumnus, I have searched for the truth of your assertions and have not been able to. Your assistance is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteLetter didn't sway higher education officials
ReplyDeleteBy Angeline J. Taylor
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER Print Email to a friend Subscribe
ORLANDO – State Sen. Al Lawson’s letter to Florida university chancellor Mark Rosenberg doesn’t appear to have swayed higher education officials.
Lawson sent a letter to Rosenberg Tuesday asking the board of governors to dissolve the task force created to help Florida A&M University administrators to right the glaring wrongs that evolved in areas of finance and operational control.
But Rosenberg, board of governors chairwoman Carolyn Roberts and task force chairwoman Lynn Pappas have all agreed. They say the request by Lawson was premature.
Not one word was uttered about Lawson’s letter during sessions of the Thursday board of Governors’ meeting. Instead, each higher education official preferred to discuss the amount of work that has been done by the task force.
“We needed to give the university’s (administrators) time to implement the (corrective action) plan,” said board of governors inspector general Derry Harper.
After the governors’ auditing subcommittee meeting, Pappas explained her opinions regarding Lawson’s suggestion to disband the committee.
“In my opinion that is not the appropriate step at this time,” she said.
Return to tallahassee.com for more details.
This is not a surprise, right? I hope not. Let's keep moving forward.
ReplyDeleteWe need to let this play so that they can all show their true colors and motives. Everything hidden against will be revealed. TRUST THAT!
ReplyDeleteFAMU law "traumatic and disheartening"
ReplyDeletehttp://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/
2007/11/famu-law-trauma.html
Former FAMU law Professor Dale Rubin has started a blog, and his first post does not put FAMU in a good light. "I have never had a more traumatic and disheartening experience," he writes, referring to his time as a visiting professor at FAMU in 2004-2005. He cites late paychecks, phantom employees and "whimsical decrees by top administration officials."
Rubin's post may be significant because it goes public with complaints other FAMU professors have been making privately for years. Rubin attended Stanford University as an undergrad and got his law degree from Berkeley. He now teaches at Appalachian School of Law in Virginia, where his faculty bio does not mention FAMU. To see his blog, A Better HBCU Experience, click here.
FAMU law students: Sorry, but good-bye
ReplyDeleteLeRoy Pernell, recently tapped to be FAMU's next law school dean (see previous posts here), will have his hands full when he assumes the job in January. Growing frustration has led many students to apply to other law schools. Some of the best students have transferred. Others are thinking about it. Two told the Gradebook this week that their decision to leave wasn't an easy one.
When I started at FAMU, I was gung ho," said Torie Orton, 26, who transferred the University of Missouri last spring after completing her first year at FAMU. Orton said the new building in Orlando dripped with excitement and potential. Her classmates elected her to be their student representative. But problems mounted, she said: A dysfunctional financial aid system. Little academic support. Faculty turnover and infighting. Poor communication between students and administrators. And looming over everything: Anxiety over whether the law school would win full accreditation from the American Bar Association.
Orton said she concluded, sadly, that FAMU wasn't fixing things fast enough. "I wanted to stay," said Orton, who is married and has a young son. But "I was nervous for my degree. I felt like my degree was jeopardized because of the inner workings of Florida A&M."
Continue reading "FAMU law students: Sorry, but good-bye" »
FAMU law prof leaves
ReplyDeleteJames Smith said he left his job as an Army prosecutor to join FAMU's fledgling law school because he believed so strongly in its mission. But last week, Smith (left) abruptly resigned, stunning his students and raising fresh questions about the depth of the law school's problems. Smith told The Gradebook in an e-mail that he quit for "professional, personal and financial reasons" but declined to be more specific. "While there some frustrations," he wrote, "I will choose to focus on the good times, for there were plenty."
Smith might not be talking, but FAMU law students are. Some said the departure of a popular, highly regarded professor should send red flags to FAMU administrators and to supporters outside the law school. "He was the best professor there by a long shot," one former student, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution from other faculty and administrators, said by email. His departure is "just indicative of the situation at the school," said another student, Robert Grimaldi, also by e-mail. "Faculty members are apparently being treated poorly by the COL administration. … I am disappointed he would leave, but I can't blame him either."
Smith got his bachelor's degree from historically black Hampton University and his law degree from Duke, where he said he was one of only four black men in his class. "We have a long way to go in terms of diversity in the legal profession, particularly with regard to African American men, and I wanted to be part of the solution," Smith wrote in his email. To continue reading Smith's comments, click here.
FAMU law prof says complaint sigs forged?
ReplyDeleteCan FAMU legal writing professor Victoria Dawson, who was the subject of written complaints from law students in the spring (see St. Petersburg Times story here and Gradebook post here), really be alleging that other faculty members forged some of the signatures on those complaints?
It sounds far-fetched, but sources tell the Gradebook it's true.
FAMU officials aren't exactly quashing the allegation, either: "In light of the fact that this matter involves issues re Professor Dawson’s tenure and promotion, the information requested is confidential," FAMU general counsel Avery McKnight writes in an e-mail to the Gradebook.
- Ron Matus, state education reporter
Former FAMU law student files lawsuit
ReplyDeleteThe FAMU College of Law failed to follow its own rules and procedures when it academically dismissed a former law student in July, and also failed to comply with American Bar Association accreditation standards, according to a lawsuit filed yesterday by a former first-year student.
Clayton Hallford also alleges in the suit that a former FAMU law professor, Wallace Rudolph, used multiple-choice questions from a commercially available test-prep guide to develop a final exam for a Torts II class that Hallford took in the spring. Since the exam was open book, "some students who had these supplements with them had these answers readily available and simply copied them on to their scantrons," says the suit, which was filed in Orange County Circuit Court. Hallford says he did not have the guide.
Nonetheless, Hallford initially earned a B in the class, enough to maintain a cumulative GPA that was slightly higher than the minimum 2.0, the suit says. But when interim law Dean Ruth Witherspoon decided to "throw out" the multiple-choice portion of the final exam, Hallford's grade dropped to a D, and his cumulative GPA fell below 2.0, the suit says. Hallford is seeking to have his grade restored to a B, and to be readmitted to the law school as a second-year student in good standing.
His attorney, David Maxwell of Orlando, told The Gradebook last month that he was preparing a suit on behalf of several students. He could not be immediately reached for comment this morning. FAMU officials did not immediately respond to e-mails from The Gradebook. To see the suit, click here.
Hope that assisted you!
ReplyDelete8:57,
ReplyDeleteWhat is the argument about UF operational audit then?
If it is no big deal when Humphries was president to have 5 or 6, why is it a big deal for UF to have 21? The university is 4 to 5 times as big FAMU.
With regard to clean financial audits, if my memory serves me correctly UF did not receive a qualified audit, but FAMU did.
What is the point? What is the argument?
What is this about Broadway in the running for the head coaching job at Duke University. Would he pick FAMU a Division IAA team over Duke a nationally ranked Division I team. The NCAA is under scrutiny for not having enough African American head coaches so, Broadway may be a shoo-in
ReplyDeleteOkay. This is old news. Not trying to be little the students and their lawsuit, however, many of their complaints originated with the previous administration. This administration is trying to resolve those issues. They were not created overnight and THEY will not be resolved overnight.
ReplyDeleteBut they will be resolved and I hope to the satisfaction of the students in particular.
Now as far as the faculty, people quit jobs everyday. BTW, they quit their previous job to come to the FAMU-COL. If everything was peaches and cream at their previous place of employment, they probably would have stayed.
SACS, ABA, Auditor General, and ACPE have all given a positive nod towards the efforts of the Ammons' leadership team. It has been only five months since the new leadership took office. At least give them the same amount time you gave Castell Bryant to fix our problems.
My point, people move on and continue living. And, when you are no longer a student you too will understand this as well.
I should have request CURRENT information! Look, state your business on this blog because it is surely not in the best interest of FAMU. You were so predictable.
ReplyDeleteTO THE BLOGGER COMPLAINING ABOUT LAW PROFESSORS LEAVING
ReplyDeleteStop gossiping, start respecting
When Florida A&M University law professors were asked what they must do to move the law school forward towards accreditation, they told a professional facilitator they must stop "creating division by gossiping" and start "valuing and respecting people," according to the facilitator's summary report, which was recently obtained by The Gradebook through a public records request. Professors also cited a pressing need to create straightforward guidelines regarding retention, promotion and tenure.
The three-page document, generated in the aftermath of a faculty retreat in September 2006, does not name names or detail the nitty gritty of specific gripes. And yet, it offers the most telling evidence to date that problems at the law school go far beyond student frustration with administrators (see St. Petersburg Times stories here and here). Even with precious time running out on the American Bar Association's 5-year accreditation clock, the report suggests, FAMU law professors were mired in bickering.
Sources say the retreat was prompted by that bickering, and held at a posh Orlando resort. It's not clear how many faculty members attended, but the follow-up report by Wilhelmina Tribble of Lowe Tribble & Associates was e-mailed to 30 professors and administrators. These are the issues "you identified that could keep you from succeeding as a faculty and a law school," Tribble wrote in an e-mail accompanying the report. "Working on the things you want to STOP, START AND CONTINUE doing in order to acquire accreditation requires a lot of patience, and in some cases, great effort and personal commitment."
Continue reading "Stop gossiping, start respecting" »
http://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/
2007/10/stop-gossiping-.html#more
See there is always more to the story than what folks are willing to tell. Now is the time for Mr. Dale Rubin to speak up and tell his part in this sordid story. His hands are not clean by a long short.
Denying there are current problems at the law school will not make them go away. FAMU Law is what it is, and the ABA knows what that is in Orlando.
ReplyDeleteThey know that a law student is, with more suits on the horizon, suing the school for violating ABA's procedures. I might add that the school has not received full accreditation, and a lawsuit and more than likely more suits, does not help the cause. If you do not think that the ABA is talking to the professors, students, and administrators that have left then you will be in for a rude awakening when the ABA does not give FAMU its blessings.
Hey 12:07,
ReplyDeleteRubin was there from 2004 - 2005. He had not been teaching at FAMU for over a year when the retreat took place.
How would Rubin's hands be dirty? What do you mean?
"See there is always more to the story than what folks are willing to tell. Now is the time for Mr. Dale Rubin to speak up and tell his part in this sordid story. His hands are not clean by a long short."
ReplyDeleteHe did tell his "sordid" side of the FAMU story. You should read his blog A Better HBCU Experience.
"I should have request CURRENT information! Look, state your business on this blog because it is surely not in the best interest of FAMU. You were so predictable."
ReplyDeleteThe lawsuit is very much current. My business is to state an opinion just like everyone else.
The major point is that we NOW have an administration that is addressing these problems. It is high on the agenda of Dr. Ammons and must be handled with care as not to allow leaks and rumors to end on the board to further cause insinuations of neglect. It is not fair for us to ask Dr. Ammons to do something in the 6 months that he has been here and we did not hold CVB accountable. Dr. Ammons is one of the primary persons responsible for us getting the law school. He is not going to lose it. These problems will be repaired. And of course, we will find something else to gripe about. I hope we all are on this blog not just to spew rumors and information, but to also be key contributors to finding solutions...if that what we are really on here to do...
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that the famu faithful see that everyone is out to get them. Get real! Most everyone couldn't care less about famu; but they do care that famu is wasting taxpayers dollars.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to clean financial audits, if my memory serves me correctly UF did not receive a qualified audit, but FAMU did.
ReplyDeleteFAMU never had a qualified audit of ANY type under Humphries. All his audits were unqualified. FAMU did not have a qualified audit until Castell. It was her fault.
Plus, all university presidents are expected to keep balanced books -- which the state audits check during the financial statement audits.
Humphries accomplished this every year. UF have not accomplished this for the past two years.
There is no excuse for failing to have the financial accounts reconciled at the end of the year.
If it is no big deal when Humphries was president to have 5 or 6, why is it a big deal for UF to have 21? The university is 4 to 5 times as big FAMU.
The problem is that people like you try and claim that FAMU is unique in getting operational audit findings when there are very serious operational findings over at UF.
It's hypocritical to single out FAMU when there are major problems at UF. UF is much larger than FAMU, which makes the financial problems larger and the amount of taxpayer money in question larger.
She said.....The problem is that people like you try and claim that FAMU is unique in getting operational audit findings when there are very serious operational findings over at UF.
ReplyDeleteFAMU is not unique when it comes to operational audits, but FAMU is unique in receiving a qualified financial audit.
If operational findings are o.k. with Humphries then why are they not o.k. with Machen?
You are right Humphries never received a qualified audit, nor has Machen.
FAMU is not unique when it comes to operational audits, but FAMU is unique in receiving a qualified financial audit.
ReplyDeleteFAMU received a qualified audit because Castell's financial information was incomplete.
UF's financial information was complete, but it was not accurate.
"Bank reconciliations for six of the University’s eight main operating accounts included reconciling items dating back to the 2004-05 fiscal year, or before, and transactions in the accounting records that were not matched to transactions recorded by the bank."
Why aren't UF's books being properly reconciled? UF's operating budget is $1.8 billion, the largest in Florida. That proves that UF is the state's leader in financial mismanagement.
Actually, UF's operating budget was $2.4 BILLION in 2005-2006.
ReplyDeletehttp://ufspaceresearch.com/uf_facts.php