Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What is EthicsPoint?
EthicsPoint is a comprehensive and confidential reporting and case management tool created by NAVEX to assist management and University stakeholders to work together to address reports of fraud, abuse, and other misconduct in University operations, all while cultivating a positive environment.
Q. Why do we need a reporting tool like EthicsPoint?
- By creating open channels of communication, we can promote a positive work environment and maximize productivity.
- An effective reporting system augments our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making.
Q. May I report using either the Internet or the telephone?
Yes. You have the ability to file a confidential, anonymous report via either the telephone or the Internet.
Q. What type of situation should I report?
The EthicsPoint system is designed to receive reports of any violation of our stated Code of Conduct or other concern you may have.
Q. Why should I report what I know? What's in it for me?
We all have the right to work, study, live, and have a campus experience that is a positive environment and with that right, comes the responsibility to act in an ethical manner and let the appropriate people know if someone is not acting appropriately. Also, offering positive input may help identify issues that can improve the culture at UO.
Q. What type of situations should I report?
Our hotline is currently designed to receive reports in many categories. After visiting the page, if you are unsure where to report, please contact the Office of Internal Audit for guidance or to file your report. The Office of Internal Audit can be reached at 541-346-3200 and is held to the highest standards of confidentiality and objectivity.
Q. If I see a violation, shouldn't I just report it to my manager or human resources and let them deal with it?
Our preference is that you use existing campus reporting methods when at all possible. However, the reporting hotline is another way stakeholders can voice concerns, especially when they may not feel comfortable with the existing system.
Q. It is my understanding that any report I send from a university computer generates a server log that shows every website that my PC connects with, and won't this log identify me as a report originator?
EthicsPoint does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your PC to EthicsPoint is available.
Q. Can I file a report from home and still remain anonymous?
EthicsPoint is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter’s identity.
A report from home, a neighbor's computer, or any internet portal will remain secure and anonymous. The EthicsPoint system strips away internet addresses so that anonymity is maintained.
Q. I am concerned that the information I provide EthicsPoint will ultimately reveal my identity. How can you assure me that will not happen?
The EthicsPoint system is designed to protect your anonymity. However, you as a reporting party need to ensure that the body of the report does not accidentally reveal your identity, for example, ''From my desk next to Jan Smith''... or ''In my 33 years in x unit''....
Q. I am aware of some individuals involved with unethical conduct, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?
As stewards of public funds, misconduct has implications for the entire institution and consequently all stakeholders. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts everyone. If you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, consider it your duty to report it.
Q. Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Reports are entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. EthicsPoint makes these reports available only to specific individuals at the University of Oregon who are charged with evaluating the type of violation and facts of the incident. Each of these report recipients has been trained to keep these reports in the utmost confidence.
Q. What if my boss or other managers are involved in a violation? Won't they get the report?
The EthicsPoint system and report distribution are designed so that reports are not distributed to persons named in the report.
Q. What if I remember something important about the incident after I filed the report? Or what if the university has further questions for me concerning my report?
When you file a report, you receive a unique user name and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the EthicsPoint system again either by internet or telephone and access the original report to answer questions and add further information that will help resolve open issues. We strongly suggest that you return to the site to answer any questions submitted by those reviewing the report. You and the University of Oregon have now entered into an ''anonymous dialogue” where circumstances can be clarified and additional information obtained.
Q. Are these follow-on reports as secure as the first one?
All EthicsPoint correspondences are held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the umbrella of anonymity.
Q. What if I want to be identified with my report?
There is a section in the report for identifying yourself, if you wish.
Q. Is the telephone toll-free hot line confidential and anonymous too?
Yes. You will be asked to provide the same information that you would provide in an internet-based report and an interviewer will type your responses into the EthicsPoint Web site. These reports have the same security and confidentiality measures applied to them during delivery to the University of Oregon.