The building where I work is a joint effort of the University and a private non-profit (PNP) organization.
Over the months, I have heard many rumors; it’s damn common in academics. Most are about “big name” staff members interviewing with other institutions, a smattering of who maybe dating who, and what’s the latest trend in grants or funding. Then there where rumors that seemed darker, scarier, and harder to believe: misuse of funds, skimming money, conflicts between contractors and the Powers that Be here.
Since things have been very stressful, in the back of my mind was the thought, “When I leave this place for good, I am going to tell some sort of journalist what’s going on here!” Then, I would come to my senses, realize that I have no proof and that pissing off powerful people is a bad idea.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only unhappy soul thinking this. Someone tipped off the Feds, and the big wigs here have a “pending investigation.” The PNP head researchers can’t keep an administrative assistant more than six months. I got to know two of them, and it wouldn’t surprise me if one of them ratted out.
This may all come to nothing, or the next few months will be even **more ** interesting.