Audit committee sets 2025–26 work plan; compliance officer role remains open

At its October 2025 meeting, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents’ Audit and Compliance Committee reviewed a 2025–26 committee work plan that schedules recurring oversight items and leaves room for emerging topics.

Chief Auditor Gwick told the committee the December agenda will include the annual institutional compliance and conflict-of-interest reports presented by the chief compliance officer, John Gooden, and that the committee expects to hold a closed session at the end of that meeting “to discuss information security.” Gwick also said the chief compliance officer role is currently open and the administration is taking the opportunity to reassess how compliance work is organized.

Molly Viola, assistant vice president and controller, reminded committee members that the audit sign-off and report issuance is scheduled for Oct. 29 and asked trustees to submit any follow-up questions ahead of that deadline so staff can prepare for the October meeting.

The work plan that Gwick described includes regular internal audit updates, enterprise risk management briefings and space in the February and April meetings for recent audit reports and follow-up. Gwick said the plan is designed to “advance our charge as a committee” while leaving flexibility for emerging issues.

The committee did not take formal action at the meeting; staff said they will provide updates on recruitment for the compliance role and on December’s closed-session arrangements as part of the committee’s next agenda.