In the rush to complete tasks, documentation, review, and approval requirements may be viewed as obstacles. However, a recent incident at the University of Connecticut, where a faculty member faces first-degree larceny charges, underscores the importance of these requirements. They are not obstacles; rather, they ensure accountability and provide a clear path for getting things done effectively.
Allegations and Investigation
Here are two accounts of the situation at UConn:
The Daily Campus - UConn professor arrested for misuse of funds
NBC Connecticut - UConn faculty member arrested for allegedly misusing school funds to travel
A university spokesperson said the allegations emerged after the compliance office received an anonymous tip suggesting that the professor had been making questionable charges.
Following an investigation, the university found that between June 2021 and December 2023, the professor had misused $58,000 of university and grant funds for personal travel and expenses related to 19 trips.
The emphasis in Rob's quote is mine because "The Art of Noticing" is a theme essential to internal control systems. That's why I use his book to promote the WSU Internal Control All-Star Credential badge course.
Do your control systems provide the information you care about and help you notice when things go awry?
Supporter Spotlights
In January, Rob reached out to me to see if I would be interested in being a featured guest. He mentioned he would be "featuring subscribers who are doing interesting work, projects, or everyday activities that align with the spirit of The Art of Noticing."
I briefly share my background and interests, explain how I discovered The Art of Noticing, and describe how it helped inspire the WSU Internal Control All-Star Credential.
Little did I know that the first person he would feature was a nature photographer with a PhD from Australia, living in Arctic Greenland, who also writes haiku poetry! That's a tough act to follow!
Here are the four supporter spotlights:
Supporter Spotlight: Lisa Germany
No. 1 in a new series! Photographing, hiking, and nature journaling in Greenland.
Supporter Spotlight: Chris Cavanaugh
No. 2 in a new series! Parkruns, long walks, complementing analytical thought. Plus: Nancy Sinatra for RC.
Supporter Spotlight: Erin Bumgarner
No. 3 in a new series! Pointless projects, Quakerism, library love, and family creativity.
Supporter Spotlight: Kris Farren Moss
No. 4 in a new series! Ritual design, deep listening, and thinking about one's funeral.
If you're interested, you can subscribe to The Art of Noticing newsletter here: https://robwalker.substack.com/
Rob has over 58,000 subscribers. There are both free and paid subscription options.