Audit of the Salem State University (November 4, 2024)

This is a state performance audit of Salem State University covering January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022, focused on parts of the federal campus safety reporting law known as the Clery Act.

“In this performance audit, we examined SSU’s compliance with certain aspects of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), as amended.”

Because Salem State receives federal student aid funds, it must follow the Clery Act, which requires colleges to publish campus crime and safety information each year.

“As a participant in federal student financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, SSU is required to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).”

If the school reports crime data incorrectly, students, employees, families, and the public may get the wrong picture of campus safety.

“If SSU inaccurately reports its Clery Act crime statistics, current and prospective students, SSU employees, and members of the public may draw incorrect conclusions about campus safety.”

The auditor found problems in two main areas: some required crime statistics were wrong, and the university did not properly identify and train campus security authorities.

“SSU did not properly identify and train campus security authorities (CSAs).”

Salem State said it agrees with the findings and is taking steps to fix the problems; the auditor said the office will check back in about six months.

“As part of our post-audit review process, we will follow up on this matter in approximately six months.”

The issue is not just paperwork: inaccurate reporting can mislead the public and may also expose the university to federal fines.

“Additionally, not complying with the Clery Act’s ASR reporting requirements may result in SSU having to pay fines to the US Department of Education.”

A campus security authority, or CSA, is someone the university treats as responsible for receiving and reporting certain campus crime information, such as people involved in student housing, student discipline, athletics, or campus activities.

“According to No. 202 of Volume 79 of the Federal Register, dated October 20, 2014, CSA is a term used to define “an official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing, student discipline, and campus judicial proceedings.””