'Two "leadership seminars" on Caribbean cruises for the university president, just a year apart. Two plane tickets upgraded to first class for an extra $1,500. A $995 meal tab that covered $139 worth of alcohol and a 28 percent tip.

A state audit Thursday questioned dozens of expenditures by Chicago State University, saying in most cases there was little or no documentation to justify the spending.

University president Elnora Daniel attended the cruises and on at least one, the room rate was 3,000 for the nine-day affair when $1,499 rooms were available, according to the report by Auditor General William Holland.

Five family members attended one or both cruises at state expense, a perk allowed by Daniel's contract, which allows for $10,000 in travel for family members.

Thirteen charges to the university's credit card totaled $3,932 for "various theatrical events," including "The Lion King" and the Lyric Opera, but included no details or reasons for the spending, the audit found. Employees slept in hotel rooms whose rates exceeded the state limit; stayed past the end of conferences they attended; and were reimbursed for movies, gifts and alcohol.

Lawmakers who review the audit could decide to take action against the school.

Robyn Wheeler, spokeswoman for the 6,600-student school refused to answer specific questions about Daniel's travel, the audit, or the $10,000 in family travel perks, which Holland noted was not reported as income as required for tax purposes.

... State travel rules don't allow reimbursement for alcohol or entertainment, Holland said. They also require that the most economical mode of travel is used and that hotel rates not exceed the state limit unless there's special approval.

The $995 meal, charged to Daniel's university-issued credit card, covered 12 people and occurred when Daniel was not traveling. She's only supposed to be reimbursed when on the road.

A spokesman for Holland did not immediately know who took a $13,751 trip out of the country that was not preapproved by the school. [Er, checking, checking...]

In most cases, the audit found, there was insufficient documentation to justify the expenditures, such as a two-night pre-cruise reception on one of the Caribbean seminars.

Holland's report also noted prohibited expenditures including "movies, gifts, alcohol, and supplemental charges related to a seminar aboard a cruise," but said the total amount of spending for these items could not be determined.

During the audit period _ the year that ended June 30 _ Holland also found the university was charged $520 for hotel no-show or early departure penalties, charges related to extended hotel stays and a lengthy automobile rental with no explanation.

University officials said in the audit that longer hotel stays were required in some instances because flights or vehicles were unavailable. The officials also said they would sometimes try to avoid penalties for changing travel arrangements.

The first-class plane ticket upgrade was necessary because of the length of the trip and the need for travelers to "finalize preparations for the trip/mission," the school said, without elaborating.

Officials said they will train staffers in properly filing travel vouchers. [You need to train the president.]

Senate Higher Education Committee Chairman Edward Maloney praised Daniel for progressive ideas to improve the school.

"Educationally, they're definitely going in the right direction," the Chicago Democrat said. "These are some serious allegations which I'm sure, hopefully, they will be able to adequately answer."'