MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota is launching an investigation of its athletics department and its former director who resigned due to sexual harassment complaints.

Two female employees say former athletics director Norwood Teague groped them and made inappropriate comments advances at a recent event. A third woman came forward after Teague’s resignation last week to say she was victimized in a separate incident in 2013.

The Board of Regents and President Eric Kaler agreed Tuesday to hire an outside attorney to determine whether Teague sexually harassed more employees. A separate audit will examine whether any department funds have been misspent.

Regents chair Dean Johnson says that step is necessary given Teague’s behavior. He says the school needs to build confidence in its athletics department.