On Mar. 6, 2025, the NCCFT asked New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to conduct a comprehensive audit of Nassau Community College (NCC), reviewing NCC budgeting, expenditure processes, capital projects, staffing, grants, and enrollment management processes over the past 15 years, from September 2009 through today. We have concerns over several troubling trends that point to inefficiencies and questionable financial practices, which undermine our college’s long-term viability and ability to serve its students and Nassau County. Key areas of our concern include:
Budgeting and Financial Oversight
The college has not requested an increase to its operating budget since 2008 despite claiming fiscal instability. In addition, while there has been an increase in the county’s tax base, this has not resulted in an increase in funding from the dedicated County tax levy for the College as operational funding from the County has been flat. Third, the college’s poor financial management and oversight is evident in discrepancies between various budget documents, including internal spreadsheets, board-approved budgets, and county-submitted budgets, suggesting that the college may be misrepresenting its financial condition.
Mismanagement of Capital and Operational Resources
Concerns over untracked capital improvements, unspent funds, and poor facility maintenance point to inefficiencies in the college’s capital expenditure process. The administration’s lack of oversight of external contracts and failure to implement performance reviews has led to escalating costs without noticeable improvements in campus facilities.
Enrollment and Revenue Losses
Enrollment growth has been suppressed due to policies like “skeleton scheduling,” which reduce the number of courses offered, making it difficult for students to maintain full-time enrollment and jeopardizing their eligibility for financial aid. The implementation of strict class cancellation policies and disenrollment of students for late payment or attendance issues has led to reduced retention rates and fewer students enrolling each semester.
Misuse of Grants and Student Fees
A review of federal, state, and SUNY grants reveals that some grants, including a $5.4 million SUNY grant and a $5 million National Science Foundation grant, may not have been used according to their original purposes. Student fees intended for academic resources and technology have been diverted, leading to unsafe lab conditions and delays in degree completion.
Staffing and Administrative Practices
Concerns have been raised about the exorbitant compensation along with a $4000/month
stipend of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Maria Conzatti, who is reported to be one of the highest-paid chief operating executives at a New York State community college. The college has failed to conduct proper searches for key positions, such as the Vice President for Finance, relying instead on temporary contractors, which may affect the institution’s long-term financial stability and leadership consistency.
Legal and Contractual Irregularities
The use of outside legal counsel, Ingerman and Smith, raises concerns over billing practices, including possible double billing, performing routine tasks for the college despite the fact the college employs two in-house counsel, as well as the increasing cost of disciplinary investigations and the use of private investigators.
Facilities and Land Management
Questions surrounding the college’s property management, including land transfers and leases that do not appear to follow the education law requirements for fair market value, have raised concerns about the institution’s ability to appropriately utilize its assets.
Financial Impact of College Policies on Student Life and Academics
Policies that disproportionately benefit athletics programs, while radically cutting funds for student clubs and academic resources, have negatively impacted the campus community, leading to fewer opportunities for students outside of athletics.
At this point in time, we strongly believe that a comprehensive audit of NCC is required to clarify the fiscal and operational practices at NCC, to protect students’ educational opportunities, to safeguard taxpayer dollars, and to restore public trust in one of New York State’s most important public educational institutions. Below is Newsday’s coverage:
https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/nassau-community-college-comptroller-audit-r587ga6x
One Response
This is shocking and very sad. I hope that Comptroller DiNapoli conducts this much-needed audit!