Frequently Asked Questions

About EthicsPoint
Reporting – General
Reporting Security & Confidentiality
Tips & Best Practices

About EthicsPoint

What is EthicsPoint?

EthicsPoint is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool created by NAVEX Global to assist the campus community to work together in addressing fraud, abuse, and other misconduct in the workplace, all while cultivating a positive work environment.

Why do we need a system like EthicsPoint?

Hofstra University is committed to promoting a culture of ethical conduct and adherence to law and policy, and provides several channels for students, staff, faculty, and other members of the University community to report or discuss concerns. While we recommend that you report your concerns directly to your department or school, we understand that in certain circumstances you may wish to report through a third party and remain anonymous. The EthicsPoint tool enables you to communicate issues and concerns associated with unethical or illegal activities while maintaining your anonymity and confidentiality.

Reporting – General

What type of situations should I report?

Hofstra University supports an environment of open, honest communications and encourages community members to approach appropriate University personnel in instances where they believe violations of policies or standards have occurred. However, in situations where you prefer to place a report on an anonymous basis or through an outside party, Hofstra has implemented the EthicsPoint hotline.

No. EthicsPoint supplements the many existing reporting channels across the University.

Does EthicsPoint replace existing reporting channels?

No. EthicsPoint supplements the many existing reporting channels across the University. For example, there are existing policies and processes in place for Grade Appeals or for handling Academic Honesty violations in the Guide to Pride.

For students, the best place to start if you have concerns about a class you are taking, but aren’t completely certain they fall under any of the categories indicated here, is usually the Instructor. If you aren’t comfortable raising your concerns with your Instructor directly, the next best person to contact would be the Chair of the department. For employees with concerns regarding the workplace, they can speak to their supervisor or department head. If you aren’t comfortable raising your concerns to someone within your department, you can reach out to the Office of Human Resources.

Why should I report what I know?

The University relies on the support and participation of all faculty, administrators and staff to maintain a healthy and productive campus climate. If you have knowledge of activity that may be cause for concern, it is imperative that you report it. Early reporting of unethical or inappropriate behavior may minimize its potential negative impact to the University and/or campus community.

Does the University really want me to report?

We certainly do. In fact, we need you to report. You may have initial knowledge of an activity that may be cause for concern. Your reporting can minimize the potential negative impact on those involved and on the wider University community. Also, offering positive input may help identify issues that can improve our campus climate.

What happens after I file my report?

Your report is entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. EthicsPoint then routes your report to a small triage group that evaluates the report and works with the University based on the type of violation and the individuals involved.

Reporting Security & Confidentiality

Can an anonymous EthicsPoint report be traced back to me?

No. Calls are not traced or recorded. EthicsPoint does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your computer to EthicsPoint is available. In fact, EthicsPoint is contractually committed not to pursue an anonymous reporter’s identity.

You may submit your report from any Internet portal (campus, home or public computer), and the EthicsPoint system strips away Internet addresses to maintain complete anonymity.

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…”.

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.

Am I required to identify myself?

No. You do not have to reveal your identity to EthicsPoint. While you may choose to make an anonymous report, please know that by not revealing your name, it may limit the University's ability to investigate or resolve your concern. Additionally, in response to an anonymous complaint, the University will review and address the concerns you have raised as deemed appropriate, which may include providing a copy of your report and/or communicating the concerns to identified individuals accused of misconduct.

If you want to be identified with your report, there is a section in the report for identifying yourself.

As a reminder, Hofstra strictly prohibits retaliation again any member of its community for reporting or inquiring in good faith about suspected wrongful or unlawful activity.

Are there confidentiality protections regarding the person a report is about?

In general, the University maintains confidentiality throughout the review process to the extent that they can do so while completing their review. Please see the applicable University policies for more information about confidentiality.

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.

Tips & Best Practices

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 company representative and add further information. We strongly suggest that you return to the site often for updates.

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

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.

Are there any situations that should not be reports 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.

How do I file a report?

EthicsPoint is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You have the ability to file a confidential, anonymous report by telephone or via the Internet.

If you call the hotline number, a specially trained EthicsPoint phone representative will walk you through the reporting process by identifying the broader compliance categories and specific issues within each category that you may report. Similarly, the online reporting system interface provides a series of questions to assist you in accurately identifying the category you want to report.

Whether you file your report via phone or online, you will be asked to describe the suspected compliance problem with as much detail as possible, including when and where the incident occurred and who was involved.

Once you complete your report, you will receive a unique report key and create your own password. This information enables you to return to the EthicsPoint system – either by Internet or by phone – to access your report.

How do I follow up with more information or hear about the outcome of a report?

By using your report key and password, you can access your report in EthicsPoint throughout the process – from initial review through resolution and closure. It is important that you check the system regularly for updates. The University may reach out to you through EthicsPoint to ask questions or request further information to aid their review.

What protections do I have when I report?

Hofstra strictly prohibits retaliation against any member of its community for reporting or inquiring in good faith about suspected wrongful or unlawful activity. The University considers such actions to be protected activities in which all members of its community may freely engage without worry of negative consequences.

False Reports found to have been intentionally dishonest or made maliciously or without regard for the truth will constitute a violation of university policy as further set forth in the Guide to Pride.