About EthicsPoint

What is EthicsPoint?

EthicsPoint is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool created by NAVEX Global to assist management and employees in working together to address fraud, abuse, and other misconduct in the Baylor community, all while cultivating a positive environment.

Why do we need a system like EthicsPoint?

• By creating open channels of communication, we can promote a positive environment and maximize productivity.
• As a Christian institution, Baylor is committed to promoting a culture of the highest ethical standards of conduct in carrying out its mission and addressing any deviations in a diligent manner.
• An effective reporting system will augment our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making.

Reporting – General

May I report using either the Internet or the telephone?

Yes. With EthicsPoint, you have the ability to file a confidential, anonymous report via either the telephone or the Internet.

What type of situations should I report?

You should report any issue that appears to be in violation of Baylor’s policies, or federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Are there any situations that should not be reported through EthicsPoint?

EthicsPoint is not a 911 or emergency service. Do not use EthicsPoint to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property or other emergency. Reports submitted through EthicsPoint may not receive an immediate response. If you require emergency assistance, please call 911.

If I see a violation, shouldn't I just report it to my manager, security, or human resources and let them deal with it?

When you observe inappropriate or unethical behavior, we expect you to report it. Ideally, you should bring any concerns forward to your direct manager, other member of university leadership, or established reporting mechanism. We recognize, however, that there may be circumstances when you are not comfortable reporting the issue in this manner. It is for such circumstances that we have partnered with EthicsPoint. We would rather you report anonymously than keep the information to yourself.

Why should I report what I know? What’s in it for me?

We all have the right to learn and work in a positive environment and with that right comes the responsibility of acting in an ethical manner and letting the appropriate people know if someone is not acting appropriately. By working together, we can maintain a healthy and productive environment. Ethical misconduct can threaten the reputation of a university.

Does the university really want me to report?

We certainly do. In fact, we need you to report. You know what is going on in our university - both good and bad. You may have initial knowledge of an activity that may be cause for concern. Your reporting can minimize the potential negative impact on the Baylor community. Also, offering positive input may help identify issues that can improve university culture and performance.

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 within the university who are responsible for evaluating reports.

Typically, the ordinary course of action taken when a report is filed is as follows. As appropriate, supervisory personnel and/or supporting offices are notified, facts are collected and reviewed, and leadership takes appropriate actions, if any. Throughout the process, Baylor takes measures to protect the identity of the EthicsPoint reporter if they choose to remain anonymous.

Due to legal, policy principles, and privacy, it is inappropriate to divulge information to the reporter about steps taken in a particular report, including the outcome.

Isn’t this system just an example of someone watching over me?

The EthicsPoint system concentrates on being a positive aspect of our overall philosophy, and allows us to assure a safe, secure, and ethical environment. You are encouraged to seek guidance on ethical dilemmas, provide positive suggestions, or communicate a concern. Effective communication is critical and this is a great tool to enhance that communication.

We have carefully chosen the best reporting tool to meet our compliance obligations while maintaining a positive reporting environment.

Reporting Security & Confidentiality

It is my understanding that any report I send from a university computer generates a server log that shows every web-site 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. In fact, EthicsPoint is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter’s identity.

If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work PC, you have the option of using a PC outside your work environment (such as one located at an Internet café, at a friend’s house, etc.) through the EthicsPoint secure website. Many people choose this option, as EthicsPoint’s data shows that fewer than 12% of reports are generated during business hours.

Can I file a report from home and still remain anonymous?

A report from home, a neighbor’s computer, or any Internet portal will remain secure and anonymous. An Internet portal never identifies a visitor by screen name and the EthicsPoint system strips away Internet addresses so that anonymity is totally maintained. Plus, EthicsPoint is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter’s identity.

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, if you wish to remain anonymous, you - as a reporting party - need to ensure that the body of the report does not reveal your identity by accident. For example, “From my cube next to Jan Smith…” or “In my 33 years…”.

It may be helpful to you to know that Baylor has a strict policy against any sort of retaliation against a reporter. Baylor University’s Whistleblower Policy (BU-PP 037) may be found at https://www.baylor.edu/risk/doc.php/339244.pdf.

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.

What if I want to be identified with my report?

There is a section in the report for identifying yourself if you wish.

Tips & Best Practices

I am aware of some individuals involved with unethical conduct, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?

Our university promotes ethical behavior. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts the Baylor community, including you. Misconduct and unethical behavior can have disastrous effects on lives and organizations. So if you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, consider it your duty to yourself and the rest of the Baylor community to report it.

I am not sure if what I have observed or heard is a violation of university policy, or involves unethical conduct, but it just does not look right to me. What should I do?

File a report. EthicsPoint can help you prepare and file your report so it can be properly understood. We'd rather you report a situation that turns out to be harmless than let possible unethical behavior go unchecked because you weren't sure.

What if my boss or other managers are involved in a violation? Won’t they get the report and start a cover-up?

The EthicsPoint system and report distribution are designed so that implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.

What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report? Or what if the university has further questions for me concerning my report?

When you file a report at the EthicsPoint Web site or through the EthicsPoint Call Center, 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 add more detail or answer questions posed by a university representative and add further information that will help resolve open issues. We strongly suggest that you return to the site in the time specified to answer questions. You and the university now have entered into an “anonymous dialogue,” where situations are not only identified, but can also be resolved, no matter how complex.

Are these follow-ups 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.

Can I still file a report if I don’t have access to the Internet?

You can file an EthicsPoint report from any computer that can access the Internet. You can file from home. Many public locations, including the public library, have Internet computers. If you don’t have access to or are uncomfortable using a computer, you can call the EthicsPoint toll-free hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.