UC Offers Anonymous Reporting Hotline

To demonstrate a commitment to ethics and compliance, the University of Cincinnati uses an

Anonymous Reporting Hotline

to provide a simple and anonymous way to report activities that may involve illegal, unethical or inappropriate behavior in violation of UC policies. 

EthicsPoint Inc., an outside vendor specializing in anonymous reporting services, manages the Anonymous Reporting Hotline. 

“Reports of illegal, unethical or inappropriate acts may be reported by telephone or by a secure website and can be submitted anonymously,” said Christine Ackerman, associate vice president and director of Internal Audit. “This anonymous reporting hotline is not intended to be a vehicle for reporting general complaints or matters involving student conduct.” 

Harassment, fraud, theft, research misconduct, NCAA noncompliance are some examples of serious issues that could be reported through UC’s hotline, Ackerman said.

Members of the university community are still encouraged to utilize existing reporting mechanisms, such as one’s supervisor or other campus entities, as appropriate, she said.  In addition, UC has its tool, “UC is Listening”, that allows for reporting of general complaints or feedback.  The Anonymous Reporting Hotline is an alternative for those in the university community who do not feel comfortable bringing a matter to one’s supervisor. 

UC’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline is staffed 24/7 with live operators from EthicsPoint, or, alternatively, one may make a report via the web. 

To use UC’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline:

• Toll-free telephone number:  1-800-889-1547
• Web page:  https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/22314/index.html

The web page is also accessible from the Internal Audit web page at http://www.uc.edu/af/intaudit.html

Ackerman noted that the Ohio Auditor of State’s office also maintains a system for the reporting of fraud, including misuse of public money by any official or office.  The system allows all Ohio citizens, including public employees, the opportunity to make anonymous complaints through a toll free number 1-866-FRAUD OH (1-866-372-8364), the Auditor of State’s website at www.ohioauditor.gov, or through the United States mail: 
      Ohio Auditor of State
      Special Investigations Unit
      88 East Broad Street
      P.O. Box 1140
      Columbus, OH 43215