[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6211695,"mediaKeyId","3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9","parentId",3690507,"title","PwC reports clean uniform guidance audits and board reappoints firm; audit fees to rise 2.75% for 2025","audioSeconds",1394,"startMs",6644000,"endMs",8038000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9&start=6644&end=8038","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9/thumbnail_6644000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6211695/Alabama/PwC-reports-clean-uniform-guidance-audits-and-board-reappoints-firm-audit-fees-to-rise-275-for-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211695-0de377ca11f07243408402a11f47152e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770888420&Signature=BuP3r--9812s49k6v-ljc0slvHrViDR65bZbrHEc6mpjUvMUwQj7bkBoc4PX1FzeWkZex5PfwMvQvWSgLSxaNe-oGUWtVtaSuo~meDkz3QAYXv~THwAuWPyLRS7UCDUH2ZLVeCCsYyynFA9R76hJ-bq4T5nk~s2ajOCkQNRbdLzRkuDiDdo~2ia7zBmV4Fudc65sUTgal8sLF3ldBvONH5LZvB5UboSl3LAaULSTyJZqgoXhystiZVylN3kz0EwqORmW-fWK5rxXfks28Xy45oaoY88cmJiowQB924DCifnIQGifQDeWlS~MTcDCULqcUtFHYmFkpAr0q2~DvrVR7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","University of Alabama System","date","2025-06-06T15:56:26Z","article","PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) briefed the University of Alabama System’s Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the full board on June 6 about uniform guidance audit results for fiscal year 2024 and presented the proposed audit plan and fees for the 2025 engagement.

PwC lead engagement partner Drew Wagner told trustees the firm completed FY24 uniform guidance testing for research-and-development cluster programs across the three campuses and reported no compliance findings at UA or UAB. PwC reported a single administrative compliance finding at UAH related to procurement rules; Wagner described that issue as administrative in nature with no questioned costs and not indicative of a material control weakness. \"All in all, a clean report as it relates to all of these uniform guidance audits,\" Wagner said.

The nut graf: PwC emphasized the scale of federally funded research in the system and said their audit work included both compliance testing and financial-statement work on the major programs; the firm reported unmodified opinions on compliance and did not find internal control deficiencies over the major programs tested.

On fees, PwC said it proposed a 2.75% fee increase for the 2025 audits, following a 5% increase in 2022–23 and a 3% increase in 2024. Wagner noted the firm is beginning to incorporate generative AI tools for limited accounting research and data analysis but said those tools currently are not driving material fee reductions; he said PwC expects efficiencies could develop over time.

The board approved a resolution to appoint PwC as external auditors for fiscal year 2025 and later approved an updated Office of Internal Audit Charter presented by the system’s chief audit officer, Chip Bivens. The charter was revised to align with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ updated global standards and the system office said it remains consistent with board rule 408.

Ending: Trustees recorded no opposition and approved both resolutions by voice vote; management will continue to coordinate scheduling and any follow-up audit observations with the audit committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Trustees Meeting - June 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","PricewaterhouseCoopers reported largely clean FY24 uniform guidance audits for the system campuses, disclosed one minor administrative finding at UAH, and the board approved PwC’s appointment for fiscal year 2025 and an updated internal audit charter.","taxTitle","University of Alabama System, School Districts, Alabama","taxId",79433,"location","Alabama","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6211700,"Board reviews planned closure of Alabama Cyber Institute as university advances high-performance computing center proposal",149,2482000,2631000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9&start=2482&end=2631","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9/thumbnail_2482000.jpg","/articles/6211700/Alabama/Board-reviews-planned-closure-of-Alabama-Cyber-Institute-as-university-advances-high-performance-computing-center-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211700-8f07a836764795742104b497a015edf5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770888420&Signature=HeEQQPZCGljrDD-Ns8l56HekEmxG1FMvBmExXcZrRh3lmBh6oqLOnelWeCOMaUWSuwjiM-5U6z5-tRjRs4Gm-Exj42u3fnJcEDBMtFbn~6ZZDpJzBRbne5fwB3scF5G8ncDlFG9t7pq2o1isne0GurzKhTxO2GdxTVWexy0MLkGAsc2zlyKHjsNPuIZ9cnqMI3xHsIks-c3o4E4mm9aUC5txf4fJfzzEIJwHmNqDCgaHXWU2kW1yMjuSDl0NTzq94L53n8WM6VewI6rcEwUU1nAWEMxQ7IiIwmOEwwo572qUs8bxgnfCWlIYnuqFI-RiJ~xhbkHaXTueJuGhtbHsoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The University of Alabama informed trustees on June 6 that it is proposing to close the Alabama Cyber Institute (ACI) effective Sept. 30, 2025, as part of a two-phase plan to establish a new High Performance Computing (HPC) and data center.

Senior academic officers told the academic affairs committee that ACI’s essential efforts will be incorporated into the formal proposal for the HPC center, which the university expects to request for formal establishment this fall. \"The university sees this as the first of a 2 phase plan and is working to determine how best to incorporate the essential efforts of the ACI into the proposal for the new High Performance Computing Data Center,\" the system presentation said.

The nut graf: trustees were advised that the closure has been reviewed with campus and system officials and is not expected to negatively impact students, gifts or endowments; the administration will work with affected ACI faculty and staff to identify elements to include in the HPC proposal and to minimize disruption.

Additional details: the proposed HPC center is described as supporting interdisciplinary research and workforce development in computational science and is expected to strengthen research infrastructure across campus. University presenters said the ACI closure is intended to be administratively neutral for gifts and student programs and that affected personnel and activities will be evaluated for incorporation into the HPC plans.

Ending: The board took the informational item as presented; no separate vote or funding authorization for the HPC center was taken at the June meeting.","Trustees were notified of a proposed closure of the Alabama Cyber Institute as the University of Alabama prepares a two-phase plan to establish a high-performance computing and data center.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6211705,"Board approves new degrees, program changes and administrative reorganizations across UA, UAB and UAH",2684,618000,3302000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9&start=618&end=3302","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9/thumbnail_618000.jpg","/articles/6211705/Alabama/Board-approves-new-degrees-program-changes-and-administrative-reorganizations-across-UA-UAB-and-UAH","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211705-bb41d3bc1979d24396e74e84c4e5c8df/orig.mp4?Expires=1770888420&Signature=i1JCiymFesYtQLMeDnoBdOA9imKo2u978VAjKVnceBGzIFB5a27-QTsCacmCCR8cjJeNFSTkKP3ekjOqmgFt~tmqucplZ4lHZUw~550JSaHCgLio3Uh42btnZcncGY1ioqohNZqeYK~YVUIHRq9Xk4PbhfRD1GgAmW1KiP~Xjut9dh7Pzsq-a-VsWyvIViedCeLaddKeQ0Aj3DDrlF-jHy6m22dfxYueRjx4RdkLamEBAHtSPIR1FF0Ob1QHOrtM9u31A7GkTj4BJZCP4jUnEABnX0SnqVeMeS0RyEPFGGzBMDiNRlxySRr4eUMHzhfxMc8lx59WVBBfgdV1s4~amA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The University of Alabama System’s academic affairs committee presented and the board approved a package of academic program and administrative actions affecting UA, UAB and UAH at the June 6 meeting.

Among approvals for UA: final approval for a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (originally approved by committee and board in February), and a proposed Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) was cited as expected to review or approve certain program requests. UA also sought board permission to renew participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program for its children’s program in the College of Human Environmental Sciences; the board approved the renewal after officials said the required documentation had been reviewed.

At UAB trustees approved final implementation of the Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical and Health Informatics (previously approved by ACHE in March 2025) and approved two initial proposals: a Master of Science in Higher Education Intercollegiate Athletic Administration (with tracks in general athletic administration and eSports organization and management) and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (proposed as a STEM-designated program to assist international students seeking certain visas). UAB presenters said the exercise physiology program blends exercise nutrition, research methods and statistics and that graduates would be prepared for certifications and roles across healthcare and fitness fields.

Administrative items approved across campuses included degree name changes and reorganizations: UAB requested the bachelor of science degree in biobehavioral nutrition and wellness be renamed to the BS in Nutrition Sciences (no curriculum changes); UAB announced establishment plans for an endowed professorship in reproductive health research and a proposed Healthy Living Research Center; UA informed trustees of revisions to six graduate certificates and a strategic reorganization of the Capstone College of Nursing into three academic divisions to take effect by mid-August 2025. UAH received approval for a 24-hour post-master’s certificate in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and for establishment of a Department of Engineering Technology in the College of Science, the presenters said.

The nut graf: the package included degree approvals, naming and reclassification of certificates (aligned with IPEDS definitions), faculty appointments to endowed positions, and campus reorganizations intended to reflect programmatic growth and workforce needs; trustees approved the items by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Supporting details: presenters cited employment projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics when discussing exercise physiology program demand. For the biomedical engineering program, presenters said the program prepares students for medical school, doctoral programs and industry careers. Several faculty appointments and endowed positions were enumerated in committee materials and approved together with the program items.

Ending: Campus leaders said they will proceed with ACHE notifications and implementation steps and will provide follow-up reports to the board as needed.","At the June 6 meeting trustees approved multiple academic program actions across the system, including new and revised degree programs, certificate updates, faculty appointments and administrative reorganizations.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6211709,"Chancellor and trustees praise President Bell as he prepares to step down; Rising Tide 2 campaign tops $1.8 billion",461,8819000,9280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9&start=8819&end=9280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9/thumbnail_8819000.jpg","/articles/6211709/Alabama/Chancellor-and-trustees-praise-President-Bell-as-he-prepares-to-step-down-Rising-Tide-2-campaign-tops-18-billion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211709-b13da67a5690879671c486b4453e1d7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770888420&Signature=Cg5Oc55Quolvwl-qupsV2uHyOXe6vYHTfmXKLK0SfCHaxJ7zENnEpfG9aI0qJtYId2WNrcL7sivS~lDVmVedOP7cC~jVj2WZ1zRoyjf-9dlrbB9ix~14KW6sFGAcWtDbNWElPD8Oe6oT0hBglBnHOkbfXeNLLjmhxTXqF-RNwN3QHE4GDR~sLtZFnKj-W7plMKqwY9rDI0uvwUo~0NDzErjkPVZdAarCDOdWbYs6R5qEjzNNmjqHW2xmkFl~V-iBR4zUrs~36ewTmktaUmhCF0szafm~ROT3KdPp3dG1YAFDvB8wNwBlXWT9owzi5cR8yvlzLR6JtKUuwSZUCO5RsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","University of Alabama System leaders used the June 6 board meeting to praise President Stuart R. Bell’s decade-long tenure and to announce a major fundraising milestone for the system.

Chancellor Sid Tran opened the board meeting with a public tribute to Bell, noting Bell will complete his presidency later this summer and — as Tran put it — is expected to return to the faculty. \"When Dr. Bell assumed the presidency in 2015, he brought with him a deep understanding of higher education,\" Tran said, summarizing accomplishments in enrollment, research and student programs.

The nut graf: Tran highlighted growth under Bell, citing enrollment rising from \"just over 36,000 in 2014 to a record of 40,846 in 2024,\" a rise in National Merit Scholars, and a reported tripling of sponsored research funding to $270 million in 2024. Tran and other speakers also noted institutional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and Bell’s role in fundraising and athletics governance.

Separately, President Bell reported a milestone for the Rising Tide 2 capital campaign: as of the morning of the meeting, the campaign had surpassed a newly stated goal of $1,800,000,000. Bell told trustees the campaign has supported more than 500,000 square feet of new or renovated facilities, about 1,160 new scholarships and nearly 70 faculty support endowments. \"This accomplishment was achieved more than 15 months ahead of schedule,\" Bell said, and he noted fundraising will continue through the campaign’s original timeline ending Sept. 30, 2026.

Board members and attendees responded with public thanks. The meeting record shows praise for Bell’s focus on students and his leadership during the pandemic; the board said it plans public recognition of Bell’s decade of service and that Bell will return to campus faculty duties after his presidency.

Ending: Trustees concluded the remarks with formal thanks and signals of continued engagement; no governance action to name a replacement was taken at this meeting.","Chancellor Sid Tran and trustees lauded President Stuart R. Bell’s decade of leadership, and the board heard that the Rising Tide 2 capital campaign has surpassed a $1.8 billion goal ahead of schedule.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6211714,"Trustees approve $35 million gift and rename College of Arts and Sciences for donor J. Frank Barefield",0,9800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9&start=9800&end=9800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3690507-dbe8b373876f09f6d16de549bb0ee3f9/thumbnail_9800000.jpg","/articles/6211714/Alabama/Trustees-approve-35-million-gift-and-rename-College-of-Arts-and-Sciences-for-donor-J-Frank-Barefield","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211714-2deaaa619a3a5a003db1fd7b456b0614/orig.mp4?Expires=1770888420&Signature=ZH56jhTBHZW6y48ZBOdp4DOoTH5RxYvTC3b9FgPsqcTEsDvWm42OsoMkeQru3~JyaF28xECXYuS6t7JX1f6Yp-sEgNix0GcVgMoeuXefpjZDJeenAgxc9G0ynVc66WSdoH-50v53lXMyUfwfrH-QYmU3j4ai-Kx86U2PFib3UK0zG955TY2vZTTbvrrqn~dPm5POVbaps0kZXRoKp0KW5mVTwIi6I4aAJa6j~Omvx1UzVIaccPvNBFN10UWhHAJfacGj-O8tMPXGHjXeDj-mycEfBc6IzVmO53UKcbjZpRkC20nl5cZT-yflpet7wFHeGRraUGteVzHKUUmz20vlCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees of the University of Alabama System on Friday approved a $35 million gift commitment from alumnus Frank Barefield and voted to rename the University of Alabama’s College of Arts and Sciences to recognize his contribution.

The gift, presented by President Stuart R. Bell during the board meeting, will create a fully discretionary endowment for the college. \"Today marks a truly transformational moment in our college of arts and sciences,\" Bell said as he asked the board to accept the donation and approve the proposed name change to the J. Frank Barefield College of Arts and Sciences.

The nut graf: the College of Arts and Sciences is the system’s largest academic unit, awarding the most credit hours and serving a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs; university leaders told trustees the endowment will support priorities across those programs and provide discretionary funds for dean-level decisions.

In presenting the request, Bell described Barefield as a longtime supporter of UA and the broader system and noted the donor was present in the meeting room. \"We respectfully request the board’s favorable consideration of this resolution,\" Bell said. Board members responded with a motion and second and then approved the naming by voice vote.

Background and details: Bell said the college serves dozens of majors and a large alumni base and that the $35 million commitment is intended to be a permanent endowment. The board’s action was taken during the regular June meeting after the committee reports and followed the customary motion, second and voice vote. Trustees did not attach conditions in the meeting minutes to restrict use beyond the donor’s stated intent for a discretionary endowment.

Ending: Board members thanked Barefield and his spouse for the gift at the meeting. The naming takes effect upon formal acceptance of the gift and execution of gift documents, and university officials said they will provide implementation details and stewardship plans in coordination with the donor and the college.","The University of Alabama board accepted a $35 million commitment from alumnus Frank Barefield and voted to name the College of Arts and Sciences in his honor, marking the largest single academic naming announced at the June 6 meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

PwC reports clean uniform guidance audits and board reappoints firm; audit fees to rise 2.75% for 2025

Board reviews planned closure of Alabama Cyber Institute as university advances high-performance computing center proposal

Board approves new degrees, program changes and administrative reorganizations across UA, UAB and UAH

Chancellor and trustees praise President Bell as he prepares to step down; Rising Tide 2 campaign tops $1.8 billion

Trustees approve $35 million gift and rename College of Arts and Sciences for donor J. Frank Barefield