Questions and Answers
When should I call the hotline or file an on-line report of suspected fraud, theft or misuse of University property?
You should call the Hotline number or file an on-line report if you have any knowledge of suspected fraud, theft, misrepresentation, noncompliance with policies or misuse of any University assets or property.
Can I report the situation without providing my name?
You have the option to file a report without providing your name. However, having your name and contact information will allow the person(s) investigating your report of alleged fraud or non-compliance to ask you follow-up questions that are critical in the normal course of an investigation. You may also be able to assist in the investigation by providing documents and other materials to support the allegations.
If I provide my name, how will the University protect my identity?
Should you provide the University with your name and contact information every effort possible will be made to keep your identity confidential. There may be situations where your knowledge is critical to criminal proceedings as a potential witness or to file an affidavit. These situations may result in the need to disclose your identity as required by law or under the order of a judge.
What is fraud, misconduct or unethical behavior?
Perhaps this question is best answered by providing examples, some of which include:
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Theft, misuse or failure to protect University assets.
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Altering financial records or filing inaccurate or falsified financial reports for the benefit of the employee or the employee’s department, coworkers or others that have responsibility for the area covered by the financial records or reports.
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Improper allocation or use of monetary donations or property gifted to The University.
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Violation of The University’s policy on travel and the reimbursement of travel expenses.
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Providing confidential and proprietary information or documents to a person(s) or organization that is not normally allowed access to the information or documents.
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Improper reporting of hours worked on time sheets, including the improper reporting of medical leave, vacation time or any other form of compensated leave.
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Falsification of contracts, purchase orders or other documents that bind The University into an agreement with another party.
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An employee accepting or soliciting a gift, favor, or service that will influence the employee to direct business to the person or organization making the offer.
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Filing false, improper, inflated or exaggerated medical, disability or worker injury claims against The University.
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Violation of The University’s policy on substance abuse.
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Inaccurate reporting or falsifying results of research.
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Signing documents or agreements that are outside of the authority granted the employee.
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Accepting outside or dual employment from an individual or business that could impair the employee’s judgment or influence the employee to influence or make decisions for the benefit of the other employer.
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Providing access to data, information systems or other electronic systems to persons(s) or organizations that are not normally granted access.
Who should I call if I have human resources issues?
For general human resource matters you should call the HR Partner assigned to your department unless the matter involves fraud, misconduct or unethical behavior.
If your matter involves any form of discrimination, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs to discuss your situation and possible options.
Who will take my call or online report if I elect to report a situation possibly involving fraud, noncompliance or violation of University policy?
The University of Alabama System (UAS), Office of Internal Audit has engaged The Network, Inc., to accept the reports of alleged fraud, noncompliance or violation of University policy. The Network is a firm specializing in taking a variety reports, both online and via phone, most of which are confidential in nature.
Once the report is made, what happens?
The UAS Office of Internal Audit will receive notification of the report and will investigate the allegation in accordance with standards and guidelines established by The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama and professional organizations such as Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA), the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
There may be certain University departments engaged to assist in the investigation or to provide materials, documents and other information necessary to thoroughly investigate the reported matter.
If the complaint includes possible criminal allegations, it may be necessary to report the matter to law enforcement agencies to either assist or take control of the investigation.
When a report is made, you will receive a confirmation number that will allow you to monitor the progress of the investigation.
What if a false report is filed?
Any person filing a false report is subject to disciplinary action as described in University Human Resources policies. The person filing a false report may be subject to termination and criminal charges are possible.