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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

  1. What is the Compliance Hotline?

    The Hotline serves as a channel for employees to report or seek guidance on possible compliance issues. It is supported by a third-party vendor, NAVEX, and is staffed by their professionals. It is available to the Columbia community by telephone and the internet. There is also an option to report anonymously unless your country of origin does not permit it.

  2. Is the Compliance Hotline for emergency situations?

    This Hotline is NOT an emergency service. Do not use this site to report an immediate threat.  Reports submitted through this service may not receive an immediate response.  If you require emergency assistance, please contact your local authorities.  In New York City, you should call 911 and Columbia University Public Safety at (212) 854 – 5555.

  3. What types of issues are reportable through the Compliance Hotline?

    The Hotline serves as a channel for employees to report or seek guidance on possible compliance issues. Examples of compliance concerns might include the following:

    • Financial and Business Integrity
    • Discrimination and Employment Matters
    • Environmental, Health, & Safety
    • Construction
    • Research Matters
    • Academic Matters
    • Clinical Matters
    • Billing Compliance
    • Information Technology
    • Athletics

  4. What should I do if there is a compliance issue?

    Columbia expects the University community to inform the appropriate contacts if they have observed unethical, illegal, or suspicious activity. Those who have concerns about possible noncompliance with laws and regulations or University policies are expected to report promptly.

  5. Can I report anonymously?

    In the United States anonymous reporting is permitted. Elsewhere, if your country permits anonymous reporting, you may remain anonymous. (Note that in the United States anonymous reporting is permitted.) You will be advised of any restrictions, after selecting your country of origin and the location of the incident.

    Please provide detailed information to enable an effective investigation including a description of the alleged misconduct, those involved, and location. You may include relevant documentation. Anonymous reporters are encouraged to follow-up periodically in the event that there is a request for additional information.

  6. What happens when I file a report?

    We carefully review and take seriously all information that is submitted to the Compliance Hotline.  All reports will be handled by the appropriate University personnel as promptly and discreetly as possible.

  7. What is the University’s policy on retaliation?

    The University prohibits retaliation against employees who report compliance or ethics concerns in good faith.

    Read the full Non-Retaliation Policy.

  8. What if I need to follow up on my initial report or provide additional information?

    You can follow up on an existing Hotline Report or provide additional information.  The phone number and web address are the same for a follow-up report for as an initial report.  You will need your case identification number to check the status of a previously submitted report.

    When you file a report, you receive a unique user name and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the system again either by Internet or telephone. You can access the original report to add more detail or answer questions posed by a company representative.

  9. What should I do if I forget my Report Number or Password?

    If you lose your report key or password, you will need to file a new report. Mention in the new report that it is related to a report you previously filed.