The Campuses of the University of Colorado

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Mission Text

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to strengthen the university's ability to create, protect, and sustain value by providing the Board of Regents and university management with independent, risk-based, and objective assurance, advice, insight, and foresight.

We carry out our mandate by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes across the university system.

We strive to enhance CU's:

  • successful achievement of objectives;
  • governance, risk management, and control processes;
  • decision-making and oversight;
  • reputation and credibility with its stakeholders; and
  • ability to serve the public interest.

OUR VISION

Insight with Impact

  • We are trusted partners.
  • We deliver timely and relevant perspective on risks and opportunities.
  • We are committed to our core values, intellectual curiosity, and alignment with our stakeholders.

CU Ethicsline

CU EthicsLine Reporting

Are you aware of questionable ethical practices such as fraud, waste or abuse at the University of Colorado?

REPORT TO CU ETHICSLINE

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OUR PROFESSIONAL CODE OF ETHICS

In conducting our activities, Department personnel apply and uphold the following principles of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Code of Ethics.

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Integrity
The integrity of internal auditors establishes trust and thus provides the basis for reliance on their judgment.

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Objectivity
Internal auditors exhibit the highest level of professional objectivity in gathering, evaluating, and communicating information about the activity or process being examined. Internal auditors make balanced assessments of all relevant circumstances and are not unduly influenced by their own interests or others in forming judgments.

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Confidentiality
Internal auditors respect the value and ownership of information they receive and do not disclose information without appropriate authority unless there is a legal or professional obligation to do so.

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Competency
Internal auditors apply the knowledge, skills, and experience needed in the performance of internal audit services.

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We also comply with other applicable professional standards required by our individual certifications. In performing IT audits, Department team members assigned to the engagement follow the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics. In performing investigations of potential fiscal misconduct, Department team members assigned to the engagement follow the Code of Professional Ethics promulgated by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

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Core Values: IA Cares

CoreValues-Integrity

Integrity
We are honest, respectful of others, and seek to model the highest standards of ethical behavior in our service to the community.

“If you have integrity, noting else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.” - Senator Alan Simpson

CoreValues-Accountability

Accountability
We are accountable to each other, to the Internal Audit team, to the university community and its stakeholders. We take responsibility for providing accurate, timely, valuable, and actionable insights and recommendations.

“A culture of accountability makes a good organization great, and a great organization unstoppable.” – Henry J. Evans

CoreValues-Community

Community
We support each other, assist when needed, give credit where credit is due, and celebrate each other’s successes. We work as a team and seek insightful solutions together. We share information, suggestions, and concerns freely, which contributes to our growth and creativity.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Hellen Keller

CoreValues-Agility

Agility
We identify opportunities for improvement and innovation for our clients and for ourselves. We pursue further training to advance our knowledge, skills, and awareness of emerging issues affecting the university. We take an agile approach to our work; we embrace change and think outside the box.

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein

CoreValues-Respect

Respect
We respect each other and our clients. We respect each other’s work. We are considerate, fair, and seek to understand. We are caring and compassionate. We communicate clearly with our clients and each other, and listen deeply with an open mind. We value time, experience, views, and contributions, and assume the best intent of others.

“Any worthwhile conversation starts with listening.” – Simon Sinek

CoreValues-Excellence In Service

Excellence In Service
We are committed to the success of the university and its stakeholders. We are humble, curious, authentic, encouraging, trustworthy, and visionary. We collaborate with our colleagues to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the university processes. We seek to understand the needs of our stakeholders and strive to exceed their expectations.

“Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.” – Jessica Guidobono

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FY 24 Internal Audit Annual Report

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2024 Highlights

  • Supported the Regent Audit Committee in fulfilling responsibilities outlined in its annual work plan
  • Achieved the highest level of compliance with Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards as an outcome of the Quality Assurance Review (QAR)
  • Continued to engage and educate stakeholders about risks and opportunities to strengthen internal controls through assurance and advisory engagements
  • Expanded integration of data analytics into audits and fiscal misconduct investigations
  • Kept pace with increased CU Ethicsline activity and number of fiscal misconduct investigations
  • Engaged the broader higher education internal audit community by hosting the 2023 Pacific Northwest Higher
  • Education Internal Audit (PNWHEIA) conference and presenting at the 2023 Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA) Conference

View the FY2024 Internal Audit Annual Report