Regents to question UC President about audit tampering

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- The results of an independent investigation into tampering with a state audit of University of California finances will be released Thursday.

Before the results are released publicly the board of regents will question UC President Janet Napolitano about the tampering in a closed session.

Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom is on the board.

"Bottom line is the Office of the President did not conduct itself appropriately during the state audit," said the Lt. Governor.

Assemblymember Phil Ting, Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, called for the audit last year after the UC President's office budget doubled between 2007 and 2016.

The audit included surveys for UC's campuses.

REPORT: State auditor says UC Santa Cruz leaders altered survey responses

"Campuses were told, told after they already submitted surveys to the auditor to go back and change their answers," said Assemblymember Ting.

In May, UC President Napolitano told ABC7 News there was no nefarious or inappropriate interference.

"Frankly I've regreted and expressed my regret for the way my office dealt with the surveys," said Napolitano.

Last week, UC President Napolitano's Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief resigned.

"It's hard to believe that she would not have direct significant involvement in this," said Assemblymember Ting.

ABC7 News asked Lt. Governor Newsom if he believes Napolitano should keep her job. "Yeah, I'm not willing to go that far," he responded.

Assemblymember Ting says the situation questions whether the state should continue to invest in an institution that deceives them.

"Why was everyone so intent on covering things up what are they trying to hide," said Ting.

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