American horror writer H.P. Lovecraft famously observed that “the oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.”

The University of Oregon Office of Internal Audit is taking these words to heart and working to eliminate the unknown from the audit process.

From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 10, at the Suzanne Schoenfeldt Fields Library in the Ford Alumni Center, the team from the audit office will host a special reception where the campus community can learn about their need and approach to their work.

“May is International Internal Audit Awareness Month and we thought we would use it as a way to get better acquainted with the campus community, and hopefully reduce some of the apprehension people feel when they hear the word ‘audit,’" said Trisha Burnett, chief auditor.

The event is one of several ways the office is attempting to connect with campus, which includes visiting departmental meetings, one-on-one introductions and an enhanced website that features a new video with President Michael Schill.

The event will include several members of senior university leadership, as well as Chuck Lillis, chair of the UO board of trustees. Refreshments will be served.

“We firmly believe that the best way for us to have a successful internal audit function is to build relationships with the very people we are here to work with and support,” Burnett said. “We are here to help, and we hope that by getting to know us we will build understanding of how we can help.”

—By Tobin J. Klinger, University Communications