Whistleblower Policy

  • How to Report

    On The Internet: An individual may make an online report by completing and submitting the form available at colum.ethicspoint.com.

    On the Phone: Dial toll-free, within the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and Canada: 1-844-406-8158 to speak with a live operator.

  • What to Report

    Reportable Misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

    • Misappropriation or theft of college funds, supplies, or assets
    • Fraud in handling or reporting of cash or financial transactions
    • Providing false information to or withholding material information from the college’s auditors, accountants, and other officials responsible for ensuring college compliance with fiscal and/or legal responsibilities
    • Embezzlement or other financial fraud
    • Violation of any anti-harassment and discrimination policy, including the college’s Sexual Misconduct Policy & Procedures
    • Coercion or compulsion by a supervisor, peer, or student to violate Columbia policy, laws, or regulations
    • Plagiarism or wrongful attribution of any kind, including misrepresentation on a curriculum vitae or resume
    • Cheating on an academic assignment
    • Personally accepting or seeking anything of material value from outside vendors providing products or services to the college
    • Knowingly receiving or providing payment for hours not worked
    • Identity theft or disclosure of a student’s education records in a manner inconsistent with the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
    • Other activities that violate the law or college polices
  • Retaliation Prohibited

    It is a violation of this Policy to retaliate in any way against an individual who has reported Misconduct or otherwise assisted in an investigation under this Policy. The college will promptly investigate any claim of retaliation. Retaliation is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion.

  • Sanctions for False Reports

    Reports made through the Whistleblower Hotline must be submitted in good faith. Good faith means that there is a reasonable basis for believing Misconduct has occurred. Making false or misleading allegations of Misconduct is a violation of this Policy and may subject an individual to disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion.

  • Confidentiality and the Investigation Process

    EthicsPoint will forward each report to designated Columbia employees who will evaluate it and determine whether additional investigation is necessary. The Associate Vice President/Chief Audit Officer will oversee this process. If it is determined that a report has merit, it will be forwarded to the appropriate college administrator, as designated by college policy or established practice, for investigation and remedial action, as necessary.

    The college will investigate each report and share details only with those with a "need to know." All reports will be kept confidential to the extent practicable. Circumstances may dictate that the college adjust or modify these procedures in a particular case.