About EthicsPoint
Reporting – General
Reporting – Security & Confidentiality
Tips & Best Practices
About EthicsPoint
What is EthicsPoint?
EthicsPoint is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool that enables our university community to work together to address fraud, abuse, and other misconduct on our campus.
Why do we need a system like EthicsPoint?
- Our campus community is our most important asset. By creating open channels of communication, we promote a positive environment and create sensitive, transparent channels of communication to make sure we’re operating safely and ethically.
- An effective reporting system augments other campus efforts to foster a culture of inclusivity, integrity and ethical decision-making.
Reporting – General
May I file a report using either the Internet or the telephone?
Yes. EthicsPoint enables you to file a confidential, anonymous report via either the telephone or the Internet.
What types of situations should I report?
The EthicsPoint system allows members of the university community to report any violation of our policies and procedures, or any other concern you may have.
If I see a violation, shouldn't I just report it to a trusted university employee, or human resources, and let them deal with it?
When you observe some behavior that you believe violates our policies, you should always report it. There may be some circumstances, however, when you are not comfortable reporting the issue face-to-face. In these circumstances, please use the EthicsPoint system rather than keeping the information to yourself.
Why should I report what I know? What’s in it for me?
Everyone has the right to study and work in a positive environment. With that right comes the responsibility of acting in an ethical manner and letting the appropriate people know if someone is acting inappropriately. By working together, we can maintain a healthy, safe, and productive environment, and deal effectively with any misconduct that arises.
Does the university really want me to file a report?
Absolutely. In fact, we need you to file a report. You know what is happening on campus - 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 university and our people. Also, offering positive input may help identify issues that can improve our overall culture.
Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Reports are entered directly into EthicsPoint, a secure (non-EMU) server. Access to reports is limited to specific individuals within the university who are charged with evaluating the report based on the type of violation and location of the incident.
Isn’t this system just an example of someone watching over me?
No. EthicsPoint is a positive aspect of our overall philosophy that allows us to ensure a safe, secure and ethical university environment. You are encouraged to provide positive suggestions or communicate a concern. Effective communication is critical, and we think EthicsPoint is a great tool to enhance that communication.
Reporting – Security & Confidentiality
It is my understanding that all computers are identified by an IP address. Won’t this identify me as the originator of the report?
EthicsPoint does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your PC to EthicsPoint is available. If you choose to report anonymously, whether it be from home, a neighbor’s computer, or any Internet portal, no data in the report will identify you as the originator.
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 protects your anonymity if you wish it to be protected. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, you - as a reporting party - need to ensure that the body of your report does not reveal your identity by accident. For example, “From my office next to Jan Smith, I saw…”
Is the telephone toll-free hotline 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?
You may identify yourself in your report, if you wish.
Tips & Best Practices
I am aware of some individuals acting unethically, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I report it?
Our university is committed to ethical behavior. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts the university and our entire campus community. If you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, consider it your duty to yourself and your 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. The EthicsPoint system can help you prepare and file your report so it can be properly assessed. We'd rather you report a situation that turns out to be harmless than let possible unethical behavior go unchecked.
What if my boss or other managers are involved in a violation? Won’t they get the report and start a cover-up?
EthicsPoint limits report distribution to ensure 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 through the EthicsPoint web site or Call Center, you will receive a unique, randomized number called a “Report Key” and are asked to choose a password. PLEASE KEEP THE REPORT KEY AND PASSWORD SAFE. Using your Report Key and Password, you can return to the EthicsPoint system again either by Internet or telephone. This allows you to access the original report to add more detail, either on your own, or in response to questions posed in the portal by someone following up on your report.
Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?
Yes. All EthicsPoint correspondences are held in the same confidence as the initial report.
What if I lose my Report Key or forget the Password I created?
If you lose your report key or password, you will need to file a new report. This ensures that security and confidentiality are maintained, just mention in the new report that it is related to a report or question you previously submitted.
Can I still file a report if I don’t have access to the Internet?
Yes. If you don’t have access to or are uncomfortable using a computer, you can call the EthicsPoint toll-free hotline at , which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.