Policies & Procedures
Policies & Procedures / Whistleblower Policy

Whistleblower Policy

Purpose: 

This policy provides information about the protections available to employees who, in good faith and with reasonable belief, report known or suspected illegal or dishonest activity. This policy also provides information on how to report the prohibited activity.  

To report concerns specific to illegal, dishonest, or irregular financial activity, please see the University’s Fraud, Waste, & Abuse Policy.

Definitions Related to this Policy: 

Illegal or Dishonest Activity means a violation of any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation, unethical business conduct, financial fraud, or a substantial and specific danger to the employee’s or public’s health and safety.  

Retaliation means when an employer takes any adverse employment action against an employee for making a good faith report of suspected or known illegal or dishonest activity. Adverse employment actions can include discharge, demotion, suspension, discrimination or retaliation in any manner against an employee with regard to promotion, compensation or other terms, conditions or privileges or employment. 

Policy: 

  1. Willamette University strictly prohibits Retaliation against employees who report known or suspected Illegal or Dishonest Activity by an agent of the University. 
  2. All University employees shall report known or suspected Illegal or Dishonest Activity. Reports may be submitted in the following ways:
    1. Submitting an oral or written (electronic or hard copy) report to a supervisor or Human Resources. Supervisors receiving a report of Illegal or Dishonest Activity should immediately notify Human Resources. If a supervisor or Human Resources is implicated in the Illegal or Dishonest Activity, a report can be submitted to the Chief of Staff.
    2. By calling Ethics Points, an independent, third-party vendor, at 1.844.727.0808, or by using the EthicsPoint online reporting form. Reports can be made anonymously, if needed.
  3. Reports of Illegal or Dishonest Activity will be promptly investigated.
  4. The University will maintain the confidentiality of employees who submit reports to the fullest extent possible, however, it may be necessary to share this information to fully conduct an investigation, or comply with the law. 
  5. If an employee feels they are being retaliated against for making a report covered under this policy, the employee should immediately contact the AVP for Human Resources for assistance. Employees may also file a complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries or file a civil action. 

Effective Date: April 14, 2025
Responsible Person/Primary Contact:  AVP for Human Resources
Responsible University Office: Human Resources