Our Shared Responsibility for Internal Controls
September 24, 2026
As a flagship of The State University of New York, we have been entrusted with significant resources from the public, students, patients, and donors to fulfill our education, research, healthcare, economic and cultural development, and diversity missions. Strong internal controls enable us to manage these resources responsibly, and promote efficiency, accountability, compliance, integrity, and ethical behavior. They are essential in preventing loss due to fraud, waste, error, or misuse, while also protecting employees and preserving the university’s reputation.
The New York State Governmental Accountability, Audit, and Internal Control Act of 1987 requires the university to establish internal control programs and provide accountability for its activities. As president, I affirm my support for a strong and structured system of internal controls at Stony Brook University.
For our internal control program to succeed, it is critical that members of the university community understand their respective roles to:
- identify risks within their areas of responsibility,
- establish appropriate controls to mitigate risks,
- implement and adhere to policies and procedures to address risks,
- fulfill the duties and responsibilities established in position descriptions,
- understand and comply with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations,
- take all reasonable steps to safeguard university assets,
- attend training to increase understanding of internal controls,
- continuously develop skills and abilities,
- report internal control breakdowns where observed, and
- complete annual financial and conflict of interest disclosures as required.
While individuals’ roles in the internal control system may vary based on position, every member of our community has a role to play in fostering a culture of ethical conduct and responsible stewardship. Should you have questions on internal control-related matters, please contact Douglas Panico, our internal control officer. Your continued contribution and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Andrea Goldsmith
President