Memorial University has already made multiple changes to its operations as the latest report from the Auditor General heavily scrutinizes the institution.

The report, released yesterday, reveals high price tags for items purchased during the tenure of former President Vianne Timmons—such as chocolates and limousine services. As well, criticism is aimed at high salaries and the overall administrative structure.

The university says it has already made numerous changes to address some of the core issues. These include the use of resources within the HR Department to support executive searches rather than the use of search firms, salary reviews to align them with national standards, and work on a new budget model.

Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell says she will be meeting with university leadership in the coming weeks to discuss the recommendations and how to move forward.

Meanwhile, Opposition Education Critic Barry Petten believes MUN’s autonomy for its finances should be scaled back in the wake of the report, but President Dr. Neil Bose doubles down on why autonomy is needed.

Petten believes that Memorial should be autonomous in its academics and research, but when it comes to money it should have to follow the Financial Administration Act. Bose counters that autonomy is essential to how universities function, and MUN is no different.