In a response to the Florida Auditor General’s recently released findings on former UF President Ben Sasse identifying overall unnecessary spending, the university acknowledged some wrongdoing but defended itself with a seven-page memo.
The university’s response, sent by Interim General Counsel Ryan Fuller on Feb. 5, acknowledged the state’s concerns over misuse of the UAA’s charter jets and Sasse’s administrative hires, and outlined recently implemented policies meant to curb future excess spending.
Sasse, reached by email, phone call and text Tuesday afternoon, didn’t respond for comment.
The state’s initial report honed in on eight instances of needless spending out of the president’s office, including an allegedly fruitless $6.4 million consulting contract, unnecessary event costs and hiring practices that dodged university regulations, The Alligator reported last week. Auditors also recommended the university lower Sasse’s post-resignation pay, arguing his role as an administrative adviser and full-time professor isn’t enough to justify his $1 million salary.
Another finding revealed that during Sasse’s tenure, the president’s office spent over $335,000 for chartered flights on the University Athletic Association’s private jets. Sasse often flew on those flights with family members, university employees or alone. State auditors said UF didn’t provide documentation justifying the business necessity of the trips or explain why Sasse flew on chartered jets rather than commercial flights.
Fuller stated the majority of travel expenses identified in the audit were non-state funds. Additionally, the university reviewed state fund travel expenses and found they were allowable under state guidelines, he said.
State auditors also raised concerns about Sasse’s $1 million post-resignation salary. The university defended Sasse’s current salary in its response, noting he contributes to the university through teaching and curriculum development in the Hamilton Center. Sasse currently co-teaches one class, Civil Discourse and the American Political Order, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Under state law, Fuller noted, the use of public funds for a president’s salary is capped at $200,000. The remaining $800,000 comes from non-state funds, he said.
Auditors also noted Sasse splurged on presidential parties and tailgating events, including a $169,755 holiday party costing $285 per guest. Fuller said a majority of the funds used for Sasse’s presidential events were non-state funds, but defended the chosen caterer, writing there’s only one vendor in the area who can provide the “quantity and quality needed for a presidential event.”
“Nevertheless, the University has discontinued presidential pre-football game events and the presidential holiday party,” Fuller wrote.
University expenses grew by 72% from the 2022-23 fiscal year to the 2023-24 fiscal year, totaling to $14.8 million, the audit noted. According to the university’s response, UF trustees first became aware of Sasse’s spending in June and “immediately took steps to review and address them.”
Sasse’s predecessor and Interim UF President Kent Fuchs issued a memo in September advising the cabinet to be more vigilant with funds and to review any travel, entertainment and consultant hirings, according to Fuller. The memo also required any consulting agreements of $100,000 to be approved by the president, chief financial officer and general counsel.
In December, the UF Board of Trustees approved rules addressing the state’s concerns, including a need for business justification towards non-commercial aircraft use; further oversight on hiring administrative employees; and safeguards for consulting contracts exceeding $1 million.
Two university spokespeople didn't immediately respond to an email requesting comment Thursday afternoon.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
Garrett Shanley contributed to this report.
This is an Alligator staff report.
