When a multi-million-dollar ticket scalping scam rocked the Jayhawks last year, KU's chancellor reported it to the Kansas Board of Regents.
The 9-member board also supervised the handling of former K-State football coach Ron Prince and his so-called "secret agreement" with the former athletic director.
But who would investigate a situation like Penn State's scandal, if it happened here?
"This would be a situation where our board of regents would be interested in,” Wichita State University Vice President and General Counsel Ted Ayres said.
He believes the Board of Regents would take action.
"The members of the Board of Regents are appointed by the governor. And, confirmed by the senate. And they're appointed on a rotating basis,” Ayres said.
The board governs the six state universities. But the schools create their own policies and procedures. A university's respective president or chancellor makes sure those rules are enforced.
The board basically oversees financial matters. When it comes to all other issues, a board spokeswoman says there's an expectation to report to the board. Afterall, it hires and fires university presidents.
"We feel we have an obligation to not surprise the Board of Regents,” Ayres said.
Ayers served as the general counsel for the Board of Regents for a decade, before coming to WSU. He doesn't think a policy is needed for every controversial issue that pops-up.
"I think… it's a situation of taking the time, to self-evaluate, use it as a learning experience, and suggest to people, there are ways to handle certain situations. You should always be comfortable in reporting a situation,” Ayres said.
But the Penn State situation has at least one state university re-thinking its procedures. In a letter to students and staff, KU's chancellor says the university is "examining its policies" when it comes to reporting crimes. K-State feels it has all the appropriate policies in place. And, Ayers doubts WSU will add more rules.
"How many policies do you need? How specific can you be? Do you try to address every situation with a policy,” Ayres asked.
