CU EthicsLine video launches

A newly released video serves as an animated reminder of the CU EthicsLine, a simple, anonymous way for members of the university community to report concerns or suspected misconduct.

The video was presented during the Dec. 13 meeting of the Regents Audit Committee as part of the quarterly EthicsLine report from Kathleen Sutherland, senior advisory manager.

Via CU EthicsLine, university community members may report such instances as:

• Suspected fraud or fiscal misconduct by university employees or contractors
• Violations of federal or state law
• Serious or recurring violations of university policy in the performance of university duties
• Gross waste of university funds and property
• Serious or recurring abuse of university authority (improper conduct)

CU EthicsLine should not be used to fulfill mandatory reporting requirements established by law or university policy. Depending on the nature of the issue, mandatory reporters should report directly to the office or agency designated by university policy or applicable law.

Once a reporter contacts CU EthicsLine using the web portal or by phone, a file is created and assigned a unique number, enabling the reporting employee to revisit it and post or respond to additional questions from those investigating. It is important to follow up to allow for a full review of the concerns raised. The reporter may choose to remain anonymous or to provide contact information.

All information from those reporting is kept offsite on a secured server managed by NAVEX, the vendor for CU’s EthicsLine. CU’s Internal Audit maintains the infrastructure so that questions and concerns are routed to the appropriate university contact person or responsible office for follow-up.

CU EthicsLine isn’t intended as the only, or even best, way to resolve concerns. Employees are encouraged to speak with a supervisor or manager when issues arise. Personnel issues, such as complaints of discrimination or harassment, also should be addressed with a supervisor, Human Resources, or the campus institutional equity offices. When an issue arises, CU EthicsLine can be a resource to provide support as needed.

Learn more about CU EthicsLine here.

Other presentations at last week’s Regents Audit Committee meeting included results of the 2022-23 fiscal year audit by FORVIS; the quarterly financial statement review; the quarterly Internal Audit report from Agnessa Vartanova, associate vice president and chief audit executive; and a report on the process for handling fiscal misconduct allegations.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2024.