The Office of the Auditor General released a performance audit report on Memorial University’s Facilities Management on Jan. 21.

The Office of the Auditor General had four objectives in its current review:   

• Whether university policies and procedures for the management of its capital portfolio are clear and complete
• Whether the university appropriately manages its capital portfolio additions, renovations, replacements, removals and maintenance, as well as its current and expected space needs
• Whether the university appropriately manages its deferred maintenance and the funding attributed to it
• Whether the university has appropriate and effective oversight of the management of its capital portfolio  

Memorial provided the Office of the Auditor General with all information requested and co-operated throughout the process.

The university accepts all nine recommendations detailed in the report and welcomes the audit findings as an additional opportunity for continual improvement.

“This report shows the complexity of infrastructure across Memorial’s campuses,” said Dr. Neil Bose, president and vice-chancellor, pro tempore. “As the province’s only university, Memorial has many dedicated spaces for teaching, learning, research, public engagement and working and living on campus, and all are underpinned by critical digital infrastructure. The recommendations from the auditor general are consistent with work that has already started and we will continue to seek innovative approaches to address infrastructure challenges.” 

Changes since the audit

The report covers the period from Jan. 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024. The university has implemented a number of changes since this review period.

A list of some of the actions taken since the audit period is available online.

They include the following:

• Developing a plan to address deferred maintenance and renew technology infrastructure
• Developing a multi-year Department of Facilities Management Strategic Plan
• On Dec. 5, 2024, the Board of Regents approved the updated Physical and Digital Infrastructure Committee’s Terms of Reference. This will position the committee to provide oversight, stewardship and strategic direction of the university’s physical and digital infrastructure

Now that the university has received the final report, work is underway to review and analyze its findings.

More information will be shared on the auditor general website as work continues.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Chad Pelley, media relations manager, Memorial University, at chad.pelley@mun.ca or 709-853-4281.