State auditors found a number of flaws and questionable practices in operations for the University of Florida, the largest public college in the state, during the 2006-07 budget year.

According to a just-released audit, one of the biggest concerns was millions in long-running budget deficits in UF's largest college, Liberal Arts and Sciences, which spent $4.7-million more than budgeted in 2005-06 and nearly $3-million more than was budgeted for the following year.

UF has since reorganized the college, and made significant cuts.
Trustees also adopted new budget guidelines and staff training
requirements to prevent future overspending.

Auditors also question the legality and expenditure of certain UF
fees, including those charged to students who study abroad and to
students enrolled in master's level business programs. Business fees
generated more than $8-million for the 06-07 budget year, yet UF did
not provide documentation proving the revenues were properly spent or
necessary, according to the audit.

UF also reimbursed employees for travel at 48.5 cents a mile - more
than the 44.5 cents allowed under state law. In its response to the
state, UF officials explain their rationale and right to charge certain
fees, and they point out ways in which they have cleaned up financial
controls and other issues brought up by auditors.

Read more in tomorrow's Times.