About ACUA
History
On February 24, 1958, Fred Vorsanger of Purdue University and Stanley Smith of the University of Illinois, unbeknownst to them at the time, were on a mission from the ACUA gods. They circulated to the other Big 10 schools the idea of forming a group to meet and discuss mutual audit issues. The first meeting took place at the La Salle Hotel in Chicago on Monday April 7, 1958. It lasted from 9 am to 3 pm and included eight of the Big 10 schools. Participants were so pleased with the results that they agreed to meet again that same year! Gathered at Northwestern University that December, 19 people representing 11 universities decided to form the Association of College and University Auditors. ACUA was born!
The founders created a Board of Directors (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) and Bylaws, a format which remains true today except for the addition of five "members at large" to the Board beginning in 1992. These positions were created to ensure that the majority of Board members are elected, and to provide opportunities for additional volunteer service...more history.
CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
Annual Conferences follow much the same format as they did in the beginning: days in workshops, evenings devoted to "networking opportunities" disguised as social functions! The combination of camaraderie and a focus on issues that relate to internal auditing in higher education continue to serve as the foundation for all ACUA activities today.
Our Midyear Seminar debuted in 1980 and provides more than two days of focused instruction on topics ranging from compliance to IT auditing. The Midyear Seminar historically draws many entry-level auditors ..... more
ACUA-L
A huge part of the ACUA experience and a valuable part of ACUA membership is the listserv, ACUA-L. Formed in 1989 by Chuck Jefferis of the University of Vermont in the days before many auditors had access to emails, it has grown to over 1,000 individuals and dozens of messages per day. Conversations range from NCAA compliance auditing to Fraud Policy drafts to the occasional weather report, and the list both demonstrates and promotes the feeling of "family" that is ACUA... more
PROFILES
Strategic Plan
The ACUA Strategic Plan is a living document that guides the decision making of our board of directors and volunteers as they carry out their leadership responsibilities on behalf of ACUA members. The foundations of the plan are the mission and core values, which remain constant even in an environment of significant change. Also included in the plan are specific initiatives designed to assist ACUA members in becoming the recognized resource for higher education leaders who manage and address risk.
The Strategic Plan is reviewed and updated as our committees and task forces complete their work and to consider environmental changes impacting the higher education horizon. We evaluate risks, challenges and opportunities to update the plan and create new strategies and goals that serve as guides for our volunteer efforts.
ACUA members will be the recognized resource to higher education leaders who manage and address risk....more