Wednesday, September 4, 2024

The University of Iowa is committed to managing its resources responsibly and expects all employees to follow the conflict of interest and purchasing policies outlined in the university’s policy manual. 

When university officials learned of a potential violation in the Department of Physics and Astronomy Machine Shop, they took immediate action to protect the interests of taxpayers, students, and families. The university began an internal audit to review processes and procedures and requested a state audit to better assess the role of the individuals involved. 

When investigations or workplace issues arise, the university may place employees on administrative leave to provide time to assess the situation, ensure compliance, and maintain neutrality. The university retains the right to recover paid leave if an investigation finds wrongdoing. 

  • Brian Busch was placed on paid administrative leave effective Sept. 17, 2021. He was terminated on Aug. 28, 2024, following the completion of the state audit. 
  • William Crile was placed on paid administrative leave effective Sept. 29, 2021. He left the university on July 17, 2023.
  • Spencer Kuhl was placed on paid administrative leave effective July 6, 2023. He was terminated on Aug. 28, 2024, following the completion of the state audit.

The university is investigating all potential avenues to recoup wages paid to these individuals during the period of their leave.

Following the completion of the internal audit, the Machine Shop updated its job intake and tracking procedures, recording jobs as they are assigned, in-progress, completed, or deleted. This ensures that work performed in the Machine Shop is properly documented and included in monthly shop accounting. The university continues to review the state audit and will adopt any recommendations not previously addressed in the internal audit. 

The university also will review its conflict of interest and employment leave of absence practices to determine if new rules or procedures are necessary to mitigate prolonged administrative leaves.