Walla Walla University Whistle Blower Protection Policy
WWU Code of Ethics
Employees and representatives of Walla Walla University (“WWU”) must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling their responsibilities and in addition should seek to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. WWU therefore expects and requires its directors, officers, employees, students and volunteers to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. In addition to these general expectations and requirements, there are a number of specific codes of ethics and conduct that may apply to those in particular jobs or professions, such as the Title IV Code of Conduct under the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 applicable to student loans, and discipline-specific codes of ethical conduct such as the AICPA and state CPA society codes of ethics applicable to certified public accountants and the state bar rules of professional conduct applicable to attorneys. These various expectations of ethical conduct as applicable to each specific situation are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “WWU Code of Ethics”.
Reporting Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all directors, officers, employees, students and volunteers to uphold WWU’s Code of Ethics and to report violations or suspected violations in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy.
No Retaliation
No director, officer or employee, student or volunteer who in good faith reports a violation of the WWU Code of Ethics shall suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequence. Anyone who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns within the Organization prior to seeking resolution outside the Organization.
Reporting Violations
1. Employees:
WWU maintains an open door policy and employees are free to share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with someone who can address them properly. In most cases, an employee’s supervisor is in the best position to address an area of concern. However, if an employee is not comfortable speaking to their supervisor or are not satisfied with their supervisor’s response, they are encouraged to speak with someone in the Human Resources Department or anyone in management whom the employee is comfortable in approaching. For suspected fraud, or when an employee is not satisfied or is uncomfortable following the Organization’s open door policy, individuals should contact the Organization’s Compliance Officer (Ombudsman) directly. Finally, in situations where anonymity is desired, WWU will soon provide a forum for anonymous reporting with a link at the bottom of this page (stay tuned).
2. Supervisors:
Supervisors and managers are required to report suspected violations of the WWU Code of Ethics to the Organization’s Compliance Officer (Ombudsman), who has specific and exclusive responsibility to investigate all reported violations.
3. Non-Employees:
Non-Employees are welcome to share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with any WWU employee that they trust. In addition, they may contact the WWU Compliance Officer (Ombudsman) or participate in anonymous reporting (WWU will soon provide a forum for anonymous reporting with a link at the bottom of this page - stay tuned).
Compliance Officer (Ombudsman)
Pedrito Maynard-Reid is Walla Walla University's Compliance Officer (Ombudsman). The ombudsman (also called ombudsperson) is appointed by the university to protect the interests, privileges and rights of students, staff and faculty and functions as an impartial and neutral resource to assist members of the campus community. While the ombudsperson does not replace or supersede other grievance, complaint, or appeal procedures, they are able to provide information relating to university policies and procedures and facilitate the resolution of problems through informal investigation and mediation.
Accounting and Auditing Matters
The Finance Committee of the WWU Board of Trustees shall address all reported concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing. The Compliance Officer (Ombudsman) shall immediately notify the Finance Committee of any such complaint and work with the Finance Committee until the matter is resolved.
Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation of the WWU Code of Ethics must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation of the Code. Any allegations which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.
Handling of Reported Violations
The Compliance Officer will notify the sender and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation within five business days. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.
Confidentiality
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or may be submitted anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Anonymous Reporting
You may make an anonymous report at our General Feedback page. Your anonymous report will be forwarded by WWU’s feedback coordinator to an appropriate responder that can address your concerns. If you supply an e-mail address, you will receive acknowledgment that WWU has received your feedback, and you may also receive a request for additional information. To report incidents of sex discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual violence, please see the Discrimination, Harassment & Sexual Misconduct page.