Handbook of Operating Procedures 3-1022
Protection from Retaliation for Suspected Misconduct Reporting (Whistleblower)
Effective September 30, 2015
Executive Sponsor: Chief Compliance Officer
Policy Owner: Associate Vice President for Investigation and Adjudication
The University of Texas at Austin ("University") is committed to the ethical stewardship of University resources in compliance with laws and the rules, policies, and procedures of The University of Texas System ("UT System") and the University. To this end, it is the policy of the University to:
Links to University policies related to misconduct in research and academic misconduct may be found in Sec. X below.
To set forth responsibilities and steps for good faith reporting of material violations of law or University policies in the employment setting and to aid in the protection of individuals from retaliation for such reporting.
This policy applies to reports of misconduct in the employment setting and applies to University employees, students, affiliates, and visitors.
Misconduct:
An individual's action that is unlawful or unethical including but not limited to: illegal or fraudulent activity; financial misstatements, accounting or auditing irregularities; conflicts of interest or commitment; violation of laws, regulations, rules, or policies. Examples of misconduct may be found in the Office for Inclusion and Equity's Procedure and Practice Guide.
Retaliation:
Any action that adversely affects the employment or institutional status of an individual who, in good faith, advances a report of misconduct to University officials or participates in an investigation of such report.
University Community Member:
Refers to any University employee, student, affiliate, or an individual external to the University who conducts business with the University.
University Policy:
This collectively refers to The University of Texas System ("UT System") Board of Regents' Rules and
Regulations, UT System policies, as well as the University's own policies.
Whistleblower:
An individual who raises a concern about suspected violation of law or University policy.
https://secure2.compliancebridge.com/utexas/public/getdoc.ph?file=3-1022
CONTACT | DETAILS | WEB |
Office for Inclusion and Equity |
Phone: 512-471-1849 |
Email: equity@austin.utexas.edu |
University Compliance Services Hotline |
Phone: English:1-877-507-7321 Espaol:1-800-216-1288 |
Email: compliance@austin.utexas.edu
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The supervisor/manager, dean, director, or other University official receiving such report must assure the report is further brought to the attention of the University designee handling such reports. Refer to the Procedure and Practice Guide.
Related to this policy, an employee will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, for any of these actions:
Office for Inclusion and Equity Procedure and Practice Guide
None
University Compliance Services Reporting Hotline
UT System Policy UTS131 - Protection from Retaliation for Reporting Suspected Wrongdoing
HOP 3-1021 - Suspected Dishonest or Fraudulent Activities
HOP 7-1230 - Misconduct in Science and Other Scholarly Activities
Applicable state and federal laws: Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008; Equal Pay Act of 1963; Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974; Executive Order of 11246; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Texas Labor Code; Chapter 21
Last review date: September 30, 2015
Editorial changes made February 18, 2016
Next scheduled review date: October 2017