The concept of "audit" does create apprehension for most people. Part of my interest in the process of internal audits is to demonstrate that an auditor can have the same goals as the campus/department reviewed and that by identifying issues internally,t here is even more opportunity to meet the challenge of improvement before the matter becomes a serious issue. Unfortunately, some auditors, internally and externally, take a "gotcha" approach to the process which further instills the fear you mention. Part of audit preparation may need to include coaching those who will be involved to do some deep breathing to reduce the "lump in the throat" syndrome!