The university recently has grumbled about a lack of funds. It has said parking expansion is a must, but nothing can be done until funding is available. It has advocated boosts in student fees to pay for maintenance of the Recreation Center and to support NIU athletics because the university couldn’t afford to do it on its own.

In addition, the university is hoping the governor’s tax boost will pass through the legislature to cover expenses for faculty raises and campus expansion.

While some have objected to increased funding for such ventures, all of these requests for money could have been justified to some extent. They could have been justified, that is, until the Illinois Auditor General issued a report Wednesday that detailed university misspending and misappropriation of funds.

The report revealed the university misspent thousands of dollars on remodeling the president’s house last year. Yet, the auditing manager for the auditor general indicated the overspending could have been prevented.

Unfortunately, the university and the Physical Plant did an inadequate job of keeping track of how money was being distributed. Because of this, money was senselessly funneled into the remodeling.

The report showed that 80 percent of the interior of the house was repainted three times due to changes in plans. This meant that $18,000 was spent because the paint wasn’t “just right.” That money could have been targeted at more worthwhile ventures, such as expansion and renovation that benefits the entire campus.

The auditor general found that the Physical Plant failed to track costs or check work orders regularly. In general, there was no system in place to ensure against overspending. And apparently, some people took advantage of this shortcoming.

Fortunately, hindsight is 20/20. In this case, while the report provides a source of embarrassment for NIU, it also provides the university with an opportunity to rectify a faulty system.

Representatives at the Physical Plant now claim there is a system in place to prevent future spending blunders. Regardless, the university should investigate the matter and implement a solid program to ensure against overspending.

The university can’t help looking foolish for the time being. Students and others connected with NIU will rightly be skeptical of the administration for an indefinite period. However, by taking appropriate measures now, the university can avoid getting egg on its face in the future.