Originally, KnightNews.com first reported that the University of Central Florida was investigating possible employee misconduct in the Student Union.
On Thursday, UCF confirmed that the investigation began in late February when employees came forward with allegations of misconduct of three of the division’s employees.
According to UCF, Paul Constantino, director of the Activity & Service Fee Business Office, admitted to taking complimentary tickets provided by vendors to the Ticket Center as well as not reporting leave he should have taken when he was out of office. Constantino resigned from his position on March 22. Kristine Nola, senior accountant, resigned on April 10.
As the investigation furthered, the Director of the Student Union, Suzi Halpin, admitted to not reporting leave taken when she was out of office as well as the inappropriate use of UCF resources for personal use, which included repairing a chair for her personal use and building a bench for her homeowners association. Suzi Halpin resigned from her position on April 3.
Several employees came forward and raised the allegations during a meeting with Dr. Sharon L. Ekern, Associate Vice President of Student Development and Enrollment services, who then outlined the allegations in an e-mail to Kathy Mitchell, the Associate Director of the University Audit.
On Thursday night, the $20 million dollar Activity Service and Fee budget will be voted on. When KnightNews.com contacted the Student Government association on the matter, they predicted that the investigation will not affect students directly.
“There is no foreseeable affects that would disrupt students. If we believe the results of the investigation will affect students we will step in and operate in our role as the primary advocate for them.” Funlola Falade, the Public Relations Specialist for SGA, said in an e-mail.
