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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: May 18, 2007
The Georgia Institute of Technology today announced that it has terminated an administrative employee who is under investigation for the fraudulent use of a state procurement card for personal purchases valued at a minimum of $25,000. The employee's name is being withheld at the request of the investigating agency while the investigation is ongoing.
"We deplore this conduct," said James Fetig, associate vice president for communications and public affairs. "Georgia Tech expects the highest standards of integrity from its employees, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement."
The fraud was brought to the attention of Georgia Tech officials in April 2007 by state auditors who were reviewing purchasing card practices. The employee was terminated on May 4, 2007. No other current or past Georgia Tech employees have been implicated in this investigation.
Georgia Tech is reviewing procurement card controls to see if improvements or further administrative actions are needed. "The Institute has stringent internal controls," Fetig said. "A review of the actions of the employees who had oversight responsibilities in this case is underway."
Georgia Tech is insured against this type of fraud and will seek reimbursement for the stolen funds, and also will seek repayment from the employee.
Georgia Tech employees are encouraged to report PCard waste, fraud or abuse at the Internal Audit anonymous hotline: 1-866-294-5565 or on the Internal Audit web site: https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/en/report_custom.asp?clientid=7508
PCards are widely used in business, government and higher education to provide significant cost savings over other purchasing tools. A Visa purchasing card is the Institute's primary tool for purchases of non-equipment, business related items. Cardholders must follow State and Georgia Tech purchasing guidelines. The PCard provides significant cost savings to Georgia Tech while providing electronic control and accountability. PCards may not be used for personal purchases. The Georgia Tech PCard policy is located at:
http://www.admin-fin.gatech.edu/business/purchasing/0500218.html
