Another spate of news reports about the compensation practices in the state's higher education system appears headed for a formal state audit.

Last time, it was all about the University of California system. This time, it's the California State University system.

Following two days of reports by the San Francisco Chronicle into special perks given to departing CSU executives-- perks that have apparently included full tenure positions-- Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-LA) has requested a full audit of the new CSU controversy.

The state's auditor concluded an investigation of UC's compensation practices back in May.

This morning, Nunez formally requested that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee approve a formal investigation of CSU's "post-employment... and 'special assignments'" policies. The next JLAC hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 9.

In a prepared statement, Speaker Nunez said: "I'm deeply troubled by allegations that former high-level CSU officials have been given dubious positions after their tenures, collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars to do no discernible work while students have seen their tuition rise almost 30 percent in the past three years."

The Chronicle's latest installment of the CSU series is here.