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Reports of suspected violations submitted to the Ethics Hotline may be made confidentially or anonymously. However, the more information that is given, the easier it is to investigate the reports.

Report It adheres to the highest level of professional business standards and practices and will not voluntary disclose your identity at any time without your consent.

Further, those bringing forth concerns in good faith are protected by the university's and :

"A report of a suspected violation is a service to the university and will not in itself jeopardize employment with the university. That is, no person who makes a good faith report of a suspected violation will be reprimanded or retaliated against in any way."

Reporting – General

What types of situations should I report?

Use EthicsPoint to report any violation of university policies or other concerns you may have.

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. We'd rather you report a situation that turns out to be harmless than let possible unethical behavior go unchecked.

If I see a violation, shouldn't I just report it to my supervisor or Human Resources and let them deal with it?

When you observe some behavior that you believe violates university policy, you are expected to report it. Ideally, you should report concerns through standard management channels, such as to your immediate supervisor or other appropriate university officials. However, there may be circumstances when you are not comfortable reporting the issue in this manner. It is for such circumstances that the university has an Ethics Hotline. We would rather you report anonymously than keep the information to yourself.

Where do these reports go? Who can access them?

Reports are entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server and are available only to specific individuals within the university who are charged with evaluating the report, based on the type of violation and location of the incident. Each of these report recipients has had training in keeping these reports in the utmost confidence.

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 EthicsPoint, you get a unique, randomized number called a "report key" and are asked to choose a password. You can return to EthicsPoint either online or by phone and access the original report to add more detail or answer questions posed by a university representative. We strongly suggest that you return to the site in the time specified to answer university questions. You and the university now have entered into an "anonymous dialogue," where situations are not only identified, but can also be addressed, no matter how complex.

What if I lose my Report Key or forget the password I created?

To ensure that security and confidentiality is maintained, if you lose your report key or password, you will need to file a new report. Please mention in the new report that it is related to a report or question you previously submitted.

I am aware of some individuals acting unethically, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it? 

As a member of the university community, you are responsible for reporting unethical or illegal behavior and violations of university policy through your supervisor or other appropriate university officials. In situations where you are not comfortable reporting through standard channels and/or prefer to report anonymously, you should use the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ Confidential Ethics Reporting Hotline.

We all have the right to learn and work in a positive environment, and with that right comes the responsibility of acting in an ethical manner and letting the appropriate people know if someone is not acting appropriately. By working together, we can maintain a healthy and productive environment.

Does the university really want me to report?

We certainly do. In fact, we need you to report. As stated in the Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, each member of the university community has the responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance and report suspected violations of any university policy, applicable law or regulation, or contractual or other obligation of the university.

You know what is going on in our university ― both good and bad. You may have initial knowledge of an activity that may be cause for concern. Your reporting can minimize the potential harm to others and negative impact on the university and our people. Also, offering positive input may help identify issues that can improve university culture and climate.

Reporting Security & Confidentiality

Won't my ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ computer's server log identify me as the report originator?

NAVEX Global does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses. Carnegie Mellon logs all traffic on the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ networks but does not routinely monitor IP addresses or users. If you feel uncomfortable making a report while on campus, you can call the toll-free number, file a report from a mobile device using cellular (not Wi-Fi) or initiate the report when outside of the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ campus network.

What if my supervisor or other managers are involved in a violation? Won't they get the report and start a cover-up?

The EthicsPoint system and report distribution ensure that implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.

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. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, you — as a reporting party — need to ensure that the body of the report does not accidentally reveal your identity. For example, "From my cube next to Jan Smith …" or "In my 33 years …"

Is the telephone hotline confidential and anonymous too?

Yes. You will be asked to provide the same information that you would provide in an online report and an interviewer will type your responses into the EthicsPoint website. These reports have the same security and confidentiality measures applied to them during delivery.

Are the follow-ups on reports as secure as the initial report?

All EthicsPoint correspondences are held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the umbrella of anonymity.

What if I want to be identified with my report?

There is a section in the report to identify yourself, if you wish.

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ EthicsPoint

What is EthicsPoint?

Carnegie Mellon uses NAVEX Global EthicsPoint as the platform for the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ Confidential Ethics Reporting Hotline. EthicsPoint is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool that enables management and employees to work together to address fraud, abuse and other misconduct in the workplace while cultivating a positive work environment.

Why do we need a system like EthicsPoint?

Carnegie Mellon community members are our most important asset. By creating open channels of communication, we promote a positive academic and work environment that promotes the confidence to work, study, innovate and perform at our potential. An effective reporting system augments our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making.