Anonymous Hotline Supports UC Commitment to Ethics

To demonstrate a commitment to ethics and compliance, the University of Cincinnati uses an Anonymous Reporting Hotline to provide a simple and anonymous way to report activities that may involve illegal, unethical or inappropriate behavior in violation of UC policies. 

“The University of Cincinnati is a state institution committed to excellence and the development of educated and engaged citizens,” said UC President Santa J. Ono. “As such, we must hold ourselves to high ethical standards so that we set a good example for the community in which we live, work and serve.”

Navex Global, formerly EthicsPoint, an outside vendor specializing in anonymous reporting services, manages the Anonymous Reporting Hotline. 

“Reports of illegal, unethical or inappropriate acts may be reported by telephone or by a secure website and can be submitted anonymously,” said Christine Ackerman, associate vice president and director of Internal Audit. “This anonymous reporting hotline is not intended to be a vehicle for reporting general complaints or matters involving student conduct.” 

Harassment, fraud, theft, research misconduct, NCAA noncompliance are some examples of serious issues that could be reported through UC’s hotline, Ackerman said.

Members of the university community are still encouraged to utilize existing reporting mechanisms, such as one’s supervisor or other campus entities, as appropriate, she said.  In addition, UC has its tool, “UC is Listening”[ http://feedback.uc.edu], that allows for reporting of general complaints or feedback.  The Anonymous Reporting Hotline is an alternative for those in the university community who do not feel comfortable bringing a matter to one’s supervisor. 

UC’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline is staffed 24/7 with live operators from Navex Global, or, alternatively, one may make a report via the web. 

UC’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline: Toll-free telephone number:  1-800-889-1547
Web page:  https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/22314/index.html
The web page is also accessible from the Internal Audit web page:  http://www.uc.edu/af/intaudit.html

Ackerman noted that the Ohio Auditor of State’s office also maintains a system for the reporting of fraud, including misuse of public money by any official or office.  The system allows all Ohio citizens, including public employees, the opportunity to make anonymous complaints through a toll free number, the Auditor of State’s website, or through the United States mail. 

Auditor of State’s fraud contact information:    Telephone: 1-866-FRAUD OH (1-866-372-8364)
   US Mail: Ohio Auditor of State’s office
   Special Investigations Unit
   88 East Broad Street
   P.O. Box 1140
   Columbus, OH 43215
   Web: www.ohioauditor.gov