Office of the President
Dear Employee:
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 the flagship campus of the State University of New York, Stony
Brook is committed to the concepts and requirements contained in this legislation.
As you begin your career at Stony Brook, I want to take this opportunity to
ensure that you are aware of what internal controls are, why they are important
and how they affect you as a member of our campus community.
Internal controls are the methods and measures adopted by the University to meet its missions of teaching, research and service, to promote performance leading to effective accomplishment of goals and objectives, to promote organizational efficiency, to safeguard assets, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of accounting and operating data and to ensure compliance to prescribed managerial policies and practices. Internal controls include the ongoing evaluation of the control systems themselves, where appropriate removing controls that are either unnecessary or non-cost effective. All employees are responsible for adhering to the internal controls established by the University.
Internal controls are an integral part of the responsibilities of all managers and employees. The same people who are responsible for day to day operations and decision making for any activity of the University (programmatic, administrative, financial) are responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, documentation, supervision, review and evaluation of adequate, efficient and effective internal controls within their area of responsibility. They are also responsible for ensuring that internal controls are modified, as appropriate, to reflect changes in the operating environment and to correct weaknesses identified in internal control evaluations and audits. The Standards for Internal Controls in New York State Government apply to Stony Brook as a state-operated campus of SUNY and can guide employees in establishing efficient and effective internal control systems.
If you have any questions concerning the University's Internal Control Program, please contact the University's Internal Control Officer, Mr. Daniel J. Melucci.
Sincerely,
Shirley Strum Kenny
President