Investigation and Non-Retaliation Policy for Employees

Purpose:  

Willamette University is committed to acting ethically and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.  All university employees share responsibility to ensure that the university can fully and accurately investigate any conduct that is alleged or suspected to violate laws or regulations applicable to the university or policies of the university.

Investigations pursuant to Title IX are subject to the University’s Title IX Policy.  

Definitions Related to this Policy: 

Investigation means a university authorized examination, inquiry, analysis or review to determine facts. An Investigation is not a hearing or legal proceeding and may be formal or informal.

Policy:

1. The University may determine an Investigation is necessary when there is an allegation or suspicion that a faculty, staff, student, or other community member has violated a law, regulation, or university policy.
   
   
2. Investigations may be conducted by university staff such as Human Resources, Division Leaders, Managers, or neutral third-parties hired at the direction of the General Counsel, the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources or the Vice President for Student Affairs.
   
   
3. All employees of the Willamette community who have involvement with an Investigation are required to fully cooperate in the Investigation. Cooperation with an Investigation includes, but is not limited to:
   1. Promptly acknowledging and responding to requests for information;
   2. Making oneself available for meetings with Investigation officials;
   3. Providing full, accurate and truthful information;
   4. Keeping information learned or transmitted during the Investigation confidential, unless directed by legal authorities, and 
   5. Preserving relevant information and documents.
      
      
4. Confidentiality for individuals who are interviewed or participate in an Investigation will be maintained to the extent possible. Absolute confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed but information will be kept private and shared with only those on a need to know basis or where required by law.
   
   
5. Failure or refusal to cooperate with or interference with a campus Investigation may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination.
    
6. Retaliation or reprisals against participants in an Investigation is prohibited and will be treated with seriousness if confirmed, and is likely to result in immediate termination of the person engaging in such acts.

Revision Date: October 21, 2024
Responsible Person/Primary Contact: Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
Responsible University Office: Office of Human Resources