Do not allow an external auditor or investigator to look at documents or interview personnel without the involvement of these central offices. Do not allow the FBI, attorneys, or any other investigators or law enforcement officials to proceed with an investigation without involving the Vice President for Research or the UA Attorneys Office. The audit agency notifies the University of an audit by letter. The letter should clearly define the scope of the audit and the date. Sufficient lead time is necessary in order to pull appropriate documents and schedule office space for the auditor.
Auditors provide the important function of keeping the system in balance and protecting the public.
Occasionally, the auditor provides valuable feedback and advice to management for making improvements to the process. The central administrators from Sponsored Projects and Financial Services play the role of host. They are the single point of contact between the auditors and institutional staff, coordinating interviews, monitoring the flow of information, and ensuring that the auditors have appropriate space and equipment. The central administrators monitor the audit to ensure that the audit is conducted within the rules of accepted audit practice and to ensure that the audit is conducted within the originally-defined scope. The purpose of the Entrance Conference is to define the scope of the audit and lay the groundrules for the audit.