Deseret News | State legislators 'disappointed' by actions of college's trustees

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State legislators 'disappointed' by actions of college's trustees

More than Upset | 7:14 p.m. Oct. 21, 2009

So DO something!

Audit Quote: "...our most significant concern is the Campus President’s disregard for the law and use of his position to attempt to override internal controls designed to detect and prevent improper disbursements..."

Brems didn't take responsibility for his misuse of public funds, it is clear that others have been involved in additional ethics violations in this hiring process. Legislators: Don't just shake your head and note that this is wrong, put a stop to this farce.

Leadership | 7:22 p.m. Oct. 21, 2009

There is no leadership in UCAT, which was established in 2001. They have had 4-5 presidents. This position requires lobbying for UCAT funds from the legislature and trying to improve relations with higher education... because of the controversy surrounding this hire, Brems will be useless on both fronts. This renders the entire UCAT administration and Board of Trustees useless to the eight campuses.

With state budget cuts, please consider eliminating UCAT and put that money toward the campuses that actually serve the taxpayers.

Questionable | 7:24 p.m. Oct. 21, 2009

Is anything remotely questionable ever a good idea?

Comments continue below

Embarrassment | 7:32 p.m. Oct. 21, 2009

As a UCAT employee, I want it to be known this is humiliating, demoralizing and wrong. I have no power over this situation except to hope the legislators wake up and allow me to work for an organization with integrity. Brems AND the trustees behavior is a representation of our organization. They expose corruption, cronyism, desire to 'show them' (to USHE) that exceeds objectivity and honor. This action stands in the way of OUR organization progessing to make a great name and reputation for ourselves as we could.

UCAT employee | 7:33 p.m. Oct. 21, 2009

hey! we need to step back and look what's really happening here. it was very gutsy for Brems to even consider applying, and even worse for those in UCAT leadership to encourage it, then to select him. I wonder if Mr. Brems is reading any of these articles and getting what the general public is saying. This is not right. I'm sure he is playing the waiting game...for this to blow over thinking that he can then just move forward like he did after his last resignation. UCAT needs good leadership...Rob should be smart enough to step down...and move into a career that would suit him much better...ie I see him going on to the "celebrity apprentice" program to compete with Rod Blagojevich. Good luck to both of you!

State Leaders | 9:01 p.m. Oct. 21, 2009

The title is, "State Leaders are Upset." Does this translate to their acknowledgement that something wrong happened and they want to speak out against it--but not take action to correct it? It takes courage to do what is right and is testimony to character.

Utah Dem | 10:48 p.m. Oct. 21, 2009

To Leadership -"With state budget cuts, please consider eliminating UCAT and put that money toward the campuses that actually serve the taxpayers."

Are you saying to eliminate the UCAT Board or the entire UCAT system? Because if any institute serves the taxpayers UCAT colleges do far more than any state university.

Fix it | 11:46 p.m. Oct. 21, 2009

Legislators, you created the problem, so fix it. Eliminate the UCAT board for incompetence.

Thank you Mr. Garn | 12:41 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Thank you Mr. Garn for looking into this fiasco!

Now more than ever we need integrity in our leaders and Mr. Brems has exposed bad lapses in judgment.

The UCAT board does not deserve another chance. Give them the boot and open up this position with increased oversight.

Vote Garn OUT | 7:48 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Garn sponsored the bill to make this possible. He needs to be taken out of office BEFORE he spoonsors any more stupid bills that leave results like this.

I am assuming a majority of legislators voted for Garn's bill.

Could we see a list of the legislators that voted against giving the UCAT board power to do something like this?

Concerned | 8:27 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

If we look at programs within post-secondary education that waste tax payer money, then each USHE institution should be in line first for cuts. Let's save tax payers money. Here, here! Technical training leads to employment in high skill/high wage jobs. Too many people get a four year degree that leads to nothing.

Straight Record | 9:21 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

If you look at technical training, by far the majority of it is done at the USHE institutions. In fact, UCAT provides less than 10 percent of all post-secondary training in the entire state! One USHE instition--SLCC--provides over 1/3 of the entire state's technical training. UCAT pads their numbers on top of it--if you walk through the doors and take a workshop they consider you a "student," and if anyone really looked into it, they would find a lot more than just a questionable hiring...

Mark Walker | 3:02 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I have read with some interest (and dismay) this forum for comments of people who range from the under informed, the misinformed, the well informed, and the blatantly rude, offensive, and vulgar. The two things that strikes me are #1… some people assume that both sides of the issue are being fairly brought forth in one article and #2… under the guise of “anonymous name” there seems to be absolutely no accountability. If you are passionate, pleased, or irate enough to take the time to post a comment you should be willing or courageous enough to offer up your good name to stand up and be counted. Here is a partial comment I previously made in the Deseret News. “I totally and unequivocally give my support to Rob Brems as the new UCAT President. He is a man of integrity and ability… I applaud Mr. Bingham and the UCAT Board for being fair-minded and far-sighted …”. (I failed to hear that most of the “general public” [including UCAT employees] is not pleased to have President Brems back. Must have missed that exhaustive survey.) Every year UCAT issues over 80% of the 2 year or less CTE Certificate in Utah.

Nothing better to do? | 4:06 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Does Mark Walker have nothing better to do than recite quotes he gave to the D News in support of Rob Brems? If the UCAT Board thought Brems was the right man for the job, fine. This board must also realize he comes back to UCAT with much baggage and legislators have long memories. The way the Board treated Rick White is a shame. He is a fine man who was railroaded right out of his position so Brems could return.

What we deserve | 4:29 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Hello? Is the legislature really paying any attention? You can't blame Rob Brems for working the system. The real blame lies with the legislators that continually give the ATC's (who are not colleges by any stretch of the imagination)this unbridled freedom to do whatever they want whenever they want and however they want. Rep. Bigelow has blaently been creating this monster for almost ten years now and he should accept the responsibility. The ATCs need to be moved back under the authority of the board of regents. In fact, each ATC needs to be under its local "real" college or university to inusure proper oversight, accountability and meeting local community needs. Wake Utah Legislature! Quit wasting tax payers dollars and duplicating services!

Birds of a feather | 6:56 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Mr. Walker, you are entitled to your support of the current system that allowed a person with a history of questionable actions to be hired. You must be willing to overlook the blatant disregard for rules by Brems. Birds of a feather flock together...

UCAT System Mistake | 6:58 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009

Mr. Walker, you obviously know Mr. Brems on a friendly basis and believe he is "a man if integrity and ability" - the critical issue here is that Mr. Brems has lost his credibility with the State Board of Regents and also many Utah legislators. This is extremely detrimental to the entire UCAT system! Brems is starting out with two black eyes. This reappointment may set well with you, but it is extremely detrimental to the UCAT system as a whole. You need to look at the whole picture.

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