Letter from the Office of Administration & Finance
To: Faculty and Staff
From: Michele Halstead, Vice-President
Date: July 14, 2022
Dear Colleagues:
We make every effort to ensure a working environment that is safe, effective, efficient, and that supports our collective and individual responsibilities to be ethical and accountable as public employees. Each of us plays a key role in achieving these goals, including by being informed of and adhering to campus policies and internal controls.
The New York State Governmental Accountability, Audit and Internal Control Act of 1987 embodies New York State’s commitment to efficient and effective business practices, quality services, and ethics in the operations of State government. As part of the State University of New York, New Paltz is committed to the concepts and requirements of this legislation. In addition to general policies and standards, each employee is expected to comply with standards and policies applicable to his/her specific duties and responsibilities.
Internal controls are the methods and measures adopted by the College to meet its mission, and to promote performance leading to effective accomplishment of our goals and objectives. Internal controls promote organizational efficiency, safeguard assets, ensure accuracy and reliability, minimize and help manage institutional risks, and ensure compliance to prescribed managerial policies and practices. All supervisors and employees are responsible for adhering to the internal controls established by the College.
The Office of Internal Controls has responsibility for providing specific training for all supervisors to enhance the ability to accomplish the campus goals and objectives. In addition, the office can provide further training for individuals, departments, or broader audiences. If there are areas in which training might benefit you and your department, please do not hesitate to call the Office of Internal Controls.
We are all responsible for creating and maintaining a compliance-conscious environment. Early recognition of a problem mitigates the negative impact it might have on the campus. Please report any concern you may have to your supervisor, the campus Internal Controls office at 845-257-6960, or the anonymous SUNY New Paltz Fraud Hotline at 845-257-7800. If you have any questions concerning this memo or the Internal Control program itself, please contact the campus Internal Controls office, Peter Fairbrother at 257-6960.
We already are a well-run, thriving community and your continued support and diligence will help us continue meeting the expectations placed upon us as a public institution.
