Audit findings indicate IT security needs to be addressed at NPC

By China Cassidy During the Jan. 12 meeting of the Navajo County Community College Governing Board, the board authorized the acceptance of the comprehensive annual financial report and single audit report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. Donna Miller, the Auditor General financial audit director and Dave Glennon, the Auditor General manager of the financial audit division presented the information to the board. Miller noted that NPC was the first college in the state to submit its reports and has been since Ellison has been employed with the college. Miller explained that when they do the college audits there are really no adjustments of any significance, with Miller noting that it has been reliable and correct information. But, she noted, the report had several findings relating to security. The three findings that were in the audit were ones familiar to the college. Glennon noted, “We included three findings in our single audit report, all of which came from a review of the district’s information technology or IT controls over its network and significant systems. If these sound familiar it’s because we’ve reported similar issues in prior years.” In the first finding Glennon noted that the district did not have a documented process for identifying, analyzing and responding to information technology risks such as potential harm from unauthorized access. The district had not also complied with Federal requirements that required a risk assessment over student financial aid information. The second finding in the report was in regards to IT control procedures, showing that it was not sufficiently documented developed or implemented to restrict access or maintaining the security of its systems. “With both of those reports, I think the key words are policies and procedures. Because we reported similar issues in prior years, we recommend the district continue to develop, document and implement its policies and procedures. “We did have a finding relating to the federal compliance audit. A corrective management plan was provided as part of the report. I just want to point out that the district has made significant progress since these issues were pointed out to the administration,” added Glinnen. NPC CIO Henry Estes reported that the procedures for compliance is currently in draft form but hopes to have the procedures in place before the next audit. Regarding security, he reported that is already being addressed. Vice President Maderia Ellison reported that the White Mountain Skill Center was approved for modifications at a cost of $593,290 for 26,500 square feet facility, based at $250 per square foot but as the project progresses, Ellison said the cost may change. The skill center will include automotive welding, energy and industrial technician as well as the maintenance department. Ellison notified the board that approval will be necessary on a later date in February to finalize construction design with an RFP for a general contractor to go out in March in order to begin construction in June. Ellison also provided an update on the Transwestern Pipeline litigation that began last year. Although the college is not specifically identified in the litigation, Navajo County is among the counties involved in the natural gas pipeline litigation. Transwestern’s claim that the Department of Revenue which oversees the valuation and assessment for utilities had been over assessing the utilities and that Transwestern was due a refund. Currently NPC is impacted with a $299,000 refund to Transwestern, without interest which will accrue until resolved. The college is waiting the final decision on the matter. Recipients of the Emeritus and Meritorious Award were recognized by the board. Dr. Eric Henderson received the Administrator Faculty Emeritus. Eli Blake was honored with the Faculty Emeritus. Myrtle Dayzie-Grey received the Meritorious Service Award. Bobbie Sample received the Meritorious Service Award. Tracy Holt-Mancuso received the Administrator Emeritus Award. Dr. Debra McGinty received the Administrator Emeritus and Mark Vest received the Administrator Emeritus. Interim Human Resource Officer Peggy Belknap announced that Robert Ficken MA, BS, & SHRM-CP, will begin his position as the Chief Human Resources Officer on Feb. 1. Ficken has 19 years of experience in human resources at both community college and university settings as director or higher. Director Betsy Ann Wilson of NPC (Northland Pioneer College) Friends and Family announced that there has been an endowment scholarship renamed to include the late Louis Smith who recently passed away at the age of 94. Since establishing the scholarship 11 years ago, Wilson said it has already proven to benefit students who have chosen to pursue other avenues outside of art. Some have graduated from universities and are currently continuing their education in the law and medical field. At the request of Louis longtime companion, Lee Sweetman, the endowment scholarship which was originally named the Martia A. Smith Memorial Art Scholarship will change to the Martia and Louis Smith Memorial Art Scholarship. The scholarship will provide $3,000 to a student each year. Applications for the scholarship are being accepted now through Feb. 26, until noon. For students to qualify, they must be registered for at least 12 credits for the 21-22 fall and spring semester and maintain a 3.5 grade point average or better. For more details on the endowment scholarship, visit, www.npc.edu/scholarships/martia-smith-memorial-art-scholarship. Students should be prepared to write an essay and present a digital portfolio. The board also discussed the upcoming interviews Northland Pioneer College presidential candidates, which will be done between March 22-26. In other business, the board: * Voted to have Chair Frank Lucero to remain as chair for 2021. * Voted to have Everett Robinson be the board secretary. * Voted to have Chair Lucero be the Association of Community College Trustees representative and board member Kristine Laughter as the backup. * Approved the consent agenda which includes curriculum modifications to various degrees and certifications, as well as program deletions. * Approved the mission values and vision statements. For strategic goals, the board opted to schedule a retreat for a future date to discuss them.