What is Speak Up WGU?

Speak Up WGU is a reporting system used to enhance communication and empower individuals to promote safety, security, and ethical behavior. This system can be used to anonymously and confidentially report situations, events, or actions by individuals or groups that you believe unethical or otherwise inappropriate.

If you are uncertain if a situation violates University policy, is illegal, or otherwise constitutes inappropriate behavior, you may use Speak Up WGU to obtain clarification. We would much rather have you ask questions than let potential problems go unchecked.

Why is Speak Up WGU important?

We believe that Speak Up WGU is needed for a variety of reasons, including:

• We believe that our employees and students are our most valuable assets. Through open channels of communication, employees, students, and others can participate in improving the University and helping to create a safe and ethical environment.
• An effective reporting system will augment our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision making.
• An external reporting system, such as Speak Up WGU, ensures that reports are escalated to, and addressed by, the appropriate individuals.
• Speak Up WGU is available 24 hours per day and 365 days per week, making this platform available for reporters at their convenience.

How can I report concerns through Speak Up WGU?

You can report concerns through Speak Up WGU either by phone or online. Speak Up WGU allows employees and students to file reports anonymously and in the manner most convenient to them.

Is it important that I report misconduct concerns that I might have?

Yes, it is important that you report allegations of misconduct. Employees and students are best positioned to know what is going on at the University—both good and otherwise. Your reporting can minimize potential negative impacts that misconduct may have on the University, its employees and students. Also, offering input may help identify issues that can improve the University’s culture and overall performance.

Why should I report the concerns I have?

Helping to ensure the integrity of our community is the right thing to do. Letting questions go unasked, or potentially inappropriate activities or conduct go unchecked may harm our students, employees, or the University. Action by an individual or a group of people that is inconsistent with WGU standards can have a significant adverse impact on the entire community.

What can I report through Speak Up WGU?

Speak Up WGU is a reporting tool that provides an avenue to share information about a wide range of concerns, including:

• Compliance Issues
• Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
• Workplace Issues such as harassment and discrimination
• Safety and Security Issues; and
• Title IX Issues

Can I still report concerns to my manager or People & Talent?

Yes, you can report concerns to your manager or People & Talent and we encourage you to continue to have conversations with your leaders or People &Talent where you feel comfortable doing so.

If I use my work computer to submit a report, won’t the server log identify me as the originator of the report?

Speak Up WGU does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your device to Speak Up WGU is available.

Where do reports go and who can access them?

Reports are entered directly on a third-party’s secure server which is used to minimize the possibility of a security breach. Speak Up WGU makes reports available only to specific employees within the University who are charged with evaluating the type of violation alleged. The Speak Up WGU system and staff are trained and committed to ensure that the report is not shared with implicated parties, their peers, or subordinates.

What if I remember something important about the incident after I filed my report? Or what if the University has further questions for me after I submitted my report?

When you file a report whether online through the Speak Up WGU platform or via the Speak Up WGU hotline, you receive a unique username and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the Speak Up WGU system again either by Internet or telephone and can access the original report to answer questions posed by a University representative or you can add additional information that will help resolve open issues.

When will I hear back from someone? How long does the process take?

In general, you should expect an initial response from a University representative within five to six business days. Please note, however, that it may take much longer to investigate and resolve any issues.

Should Speak Up WGU be used to report a potentially dangerous situation where there may be risk to an individual’s safety?

Speak Up WGU is not 911 or an emergency service. Do not use Speak Up WGU to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. If you require emergency assistance, please call 911 or contact your local authorities without delay.

For more information on the Speak Up WGU platform, please contact People & Talent at People@wgu.edu.