You may use either of the following two methods to submit a report:
After you complete your report you will be assigned a unique code called a "report key." Write down your report key and password and keep them in a safe place. After 5-6 business days, use your report key and password to check your report for feedback or questions.
EthicsPoint is NOT a 911 or Emergency Service:
Do not use this site to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. Reports submitted through this service may not receive an immediate response. If you require emergency assistance, please contact your local authorities.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is dedicated to fostering a culture based on strong values of respect, responsibility and integrity. To fulfill this mission, all of us are expected to perform our work in an ethical and accountable manner, and interact with our colleagues and associates with professional respect in keeping with established policies and procedures.
There are many procedures already in place within the Institution to help ensure accountability and transparency. For example, the Institution regularly participates in audits conducted by outside agencies; oversight committees made up of Trustees – such as the Finance Committee and Audit Committee – review our activities to ensure fiduciary and management responsibilities are being addressed.
Human Resources and the Workplace Climate Committee provide guidance on a wide range of personal and professional issues and help to train and administer important policies such as our policies on Harassment, Code of Conduct, Drug-free Workplace, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Respectful Workplace and Violence Prevention.
Additionally, there are multiple safety committees and inspections to help oversee and address Environmental Health and Safety issues.
We can do more, however, in achieving our goals of a respectful workplace climate, transparency and accountability. One method is to provide a way for individuals to confidentially report concerns about their workplace environment, unethical activities or violations to Institution policies. A mechanism for confidential reporting provides the Institution with an additional measure that supports compliance with established policies and procedures of the Institution.
With this in mind, the WHOI Ethics Hotline is available to you through EthicsPoint. Offering integrated telephone and web-based anonymous hotline reporting services, EthicsPoint provides individuals with the tools and information necessary to report, receive, investigate, and analyze all identified issues that may be inconsistent with our policies. The Institution continues to be committed to an environment where open, honest communications are the expectation and not the exception. Thus, you are encouraged to report concerns directly to your supervisor, manager, Department Chair or Director, Ship Master, Chief Scientist, academic advisor, Vice President, or the Institution’s EEO Officer or Title IX Coordinator. The WHOI Ethics Hotline is not regarded as a normal venue for resolving conflict or registering concerns and should not be used casually or inappropriately. However, recognizing that there may be circumstances in which you are apprehensive to report matters through one of the resources mentioned above or if you feel you have exhausted all other reporting avenues, I hope you will use the WHOI Ethics Hotline.
Peter de Menocal
President and Director
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution