Statement on Misrepresentation

Ohio University is committed to fostering a campus community built on honesty, authenticity, and integrity. The Code of Federal Regulations Title 34 section 668.71-75 provide the following definitions that outline the scope of these guidelines:

Misrepresentation: Any false, erroneous or misleading statement an eligible institution, one of its representatives, or any ineligible institution, organization, or person with whom the eligible institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, or to provide marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services makes directly or indirectly to a student, prospective student or any member of the public, or to an accrediting agency, to a State agency, or to the Secretary. A misleading statement includes any statement that has the likelihood or tendency to deceive or confuse. A statement is any communication made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means. Misrepresentation includes the dissemination of a student endorsement or testimonial that a student gives either under duress or because the institution required the student to make such an endorsement or testimonial to participate in a program.

Prospective student: Any individual who has contacted an eligible institution for the purpose of requesting information about enrolling at the institution or who has been contacted directly by the institution or indirectly through advertising about enrolling at the institution.

Substantial misrepresentation: Any misrepresentation on which the person to whom it was made could reasonably be expected to rely, or has reasonably relied, to that person's detriment.

The Code of Federal Regulations designate misrepresentation to include:

• The nature of the educational program
• The nature of financial charges
• The employability of graduates
• The relationship with the Department of Education

Reporting Concerns 
An employee's concerns regarding institutional misrepresentation should be brought to the attention of his or her immediate supervisor, as the supervisor can review the matter and address appropriately. Additionally, Ohio University's provides an anonymous, toll-free hotline to report any concerns at 1.866.294.9591.