Board committee approves updated internal audit charter with new institutional assurance scope

Arby Gonzales, assistant commissioner for internal audit and compliance, presented an updated internal audit charter to the agency operations committee on Oct. 22, 2025, and sought committee approval. Gonzales said the charter was last updated in January and must be approved by the board to align with professional standards and statute.

Gonzales described the charter's purpose as defining internal audit activities, authority and responsibilities and said the update clarifies leadership roles and adds institutional assurance activities related to community college finance and institutional misconduct reporting. He said the internal audit director will be responsible for audit activities related to community college finance and for misconduct reporting reviews should they occur.

Committee member Emma Navarez moved to approve the internal audit charter and Mr. Clemmer seconded the motion. The committee voted unanimously in favor. Chair Wilson recorded no opposed votes and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The charter defines the scope and independence of internal audit work, including newly clarified responsibilities for institutional assurance in community college finance and misconduct reporting. The change frames how internal audit will carry out planned audits and follow‑up work in those areas.

Next steps: Internal audit will continue the audit plan, including community college finance field work and grants administration projects that were discussed elsewhere on the committee agenda.