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Contact UsFrom Student Auditors to Cyber, Fraud, and Audit Pros: RAA Center December Activities Knocked It Out of the Park
December 18, 2025
The Risk Assurance and Advisory (RAA) Center at MSU Denver wrapped up 2025 with two powerful events that showcased both the talent of its graduate student auditors and the relevance of its professional education mission.
Student-Led Data Analytics Review: Financial Aid Promise Programs
On December 10, RAA graduate students presented the results of a semester-long internal audit and data analytics project to MSU Denver’s Financial Aid leadership and members of senior administration. The students conducted a deep analysis of key financial aid programs, including the Roadrunner Promise, Indigenous and Native Peoples’ Grant, and the Displaced Aurarians program.
Their project included a review of student GPA and retention before and after receiving promise program funding, assessing whether these aid programs are contributing to student success. This real-world review is part of a graduate-level internal auditing course in which students serve as MSU Denver’s third line of defense, offering independent insight into institutional strategies and helping drive data-informed decisions.
RAA Center Education Event: Real-World Insight from the Field
On December 15, the RAA Center hosted its first education event open to students, faculty, and professionals. Attendees gained valuable insight from experts in forensic accounting, cybersecurity, and internal audit strategy.
FBI forensic accountants provided a behind-the-scenes look at financial investigations in both criminal and national security contexts, walking participants through the forensic accounting process from initial referral to real case resolution.
The Colorado Cybersecurity State Coordinator from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency presented on current cybersecurity threats facing the United States and how organizations can proactively strengthen their defenses.
The final session focused on the importance of understanding and responding to emerging risks, including cyber threats, artificial intelligence, inflation, and workforce challenges. The presentation emphasized how internal audit functions can support organizations by identifying and assessing risk and helping leaders take action that supports long-term
Together, these December events highlighted the RAA Center’s mission to elevate risk awareness, develop student talent, and connect MSU Denver with the broader professional community through timely and relevant assurance and advisory programming.