Former dean and associate vice president at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), Michael Schroder, is under investigation by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for accumulating tens of thousands of dollars in improper travel expenses.
Schroder resigned from his position after the San Diego Union-Tribune revealed records of his spending spree in 2019. According to his Linkedin profile, he is now working as a self-employed consultant.
After a formal audit was conducted by the California State University chancellor’s office, it was found that Schroder amassed more than $41,000 in unauthorized expenses. The Los Angeles Times reported that according to the review, he “filed dozens of fraudulent claims, submitted duplicate expense reports and collected improper reimbursements.”
Schroder worked in the CSUSM system as the Dean of Extended Learning and Associate Vice President for International Programs.
Luxury Travel Using Taxpayer Money?
The San Diego Union Tribune uncovered his stays at luxury hotels, chauffeured car trips, and expensive meals. Other administrators at the university, such as former provost Graham Oberem and former university president Karen Haynes, were also found to have been using state tax money to cover their luxury expenses.
Margaret Chantung, Chief Communications Officer of CSUSM, stated through an email that she was unable to provide additional details due to the ongoing criminal investigation.
Amidst the investigation, the university is also seeking restitution from Schroder for unauthorized expenses.