Fraud FAQ

What if I suspect fraud?

We suggest you read through our Fraud information, which includes the details of how to report fraud. Once received, the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance will look into the information you provide. You should consider making an anonymous report via Ethics Point since they will facilitate discussion between you and our office in a manner that preserves your anonymity.

Employees are advised not to conduct their own investigations after initially identifying suspected fraud.

What if I want to report fiscal matters, fraud, conflict of interest, or other concerns about the mismanagement of University resources?

Those matters should be referred to us (the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance) in whatever manner you find to be the most comfortable. Anonymous reports are best made through the Ethics Point service where your identity will be protected by an independent third party. We will be able to communicate through that third party, which is handy if we need to ask follow-up questions or if there is information to pass back to you.

What if I want to report harassment or discriminatory misconduct?

Ohio University Policy 03-006 directs that these reports should be made to the Office of Institutional Equity. If you make an anonymous report through Ethics Point, the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance will refer the matter to them. Matters of race, ethnicity, age, religion, national origin, sex, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, or socioeconomic status can be complex and not all instances of controversial speech are illegal or a violation of policy. You should consider if involving the Campus Climate Concerns Team.

What if I want report a violation of federal law, state law, governmental regulations, or Ohio University Policy?

Ohio University Policy 03-006 directs that these reports should be made to the Office of Legal Affairs. If you make an anonymous report through Ethics Point, the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance will refer the matter to them.

What if I want to report inappropriate workplace behavior, work conduct, or violence related to the workplace?

Ohio University Policy 03-006 directs that these reports should be made to Human Resources. If you make an anonymous report through Ethics Point, the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance will refer the matter to them.

What if I want to report criminal conduct that occurs within the geographic jurisdiction of Ohio University?

Ohio University Policy 03-006 directs that these reports should be made to the Ohio University Police Department. If you make an anonymous report through Ethics Point, the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance will refer the matter to them.

If I make a report, what protects me from retaliation?

Ohio University Policy 03.006 addresses "Whistle-blowing and Retaliation." So long as you are making a "good faith" report the policy prohibits retaliation. Still, we recognize being a whistle-blower is not easy and best not done casually or informally. The Ethics Point service was chosen because it offers anonymous reporting.

If you're still not comfortable making a report to the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance, you might look to external reporting avenues that are listed within Ohio University Policy 03.006.