Approved by: The President
History: Issued              -- January 29, 2019
Revised            -- March 20, 2020
Last Reviewed -- March 20, 2020
Related Policies: Code of Conduct for Staff and Faculty; Code of Student Conduct; Employee Indemnification Policy; Non-Retaliation Policy; Reporting Financial Irregularities Policy; Government and External Requests for Information Policy
Additional References:
Responsible Official: Chief of Staff and Counselor to the President tel. (202) 319-5104

 

I. Policy Statement

 

The Catholic University of America is committed to conducting its affairs ethically and in compliance with laws, regulations, and University policies, and to safeguarding members of the University community and University resources.

Per the Code of Conduct for Staff and Faculty and the Non-Retaliation and Reporting Ethical Misconduct Policy, suspected ethical misconduct must be brought to the attention of the appropriate University officials.  A list of those officials appears at the end of this policy. 

When a report of potential ethical misconduct or other wrongdoing is made, the University has a responsibility to investigate thoroughly, objectively, consistently, and as promptly as possible so that it can implement corrective action, if necessary. To meet this responsibility, employees of the University community must cooperate with University Investigations (defined below).

II. Definitions

 

A. Investigation means a University-authorized internal examination, inspection, inquiry, analysis, or review to determine facts. An Investigation is not a hearing or legal proceeding, and may be formal or informal. Investigations may be undertaken by University units, including, but not limited to Compliance, the Office of the Dean of Students, Equal Opportunity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, General Counsel, Human Resources, Internal Audit, and Public Safety.

III. Duty to Report

 

Individuals normally should report suspected ethical misconduct to their supervisors. If an individual is uncomfortable speaking with a supervisor, the report may be made to the department responsible for the law, regulation, or subject area (see the list of officials at the end of this policy). Individuals also may make a report directly to the Director of Compliance (tel. (202) 319-6170 or CUA-COMPLIANCE@CUA.EDU).  In the event that the report pertains to the Director of Compliance, the report may be made to the General Counsel (tel. (202) 319-5142 or CUA-OGC@CUA.EDU.)

Individuals who are not comfortable using the foregoing reporting channels may make a report anonymously through The Catholic University of America's Compliance and Ethics Helpline (toll free at tel. (855) 350-9396, or online at www.thecatholicuniversityofamerica.ethicspoint.com). The Helpline is a safe and confidential reporting mechanism for reporting suspected ethical misconduct anonymously, and is administered by a third-party vendor (not the University). All reports forwarded by the third-party vendor to the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer are investigated per University procedure.

IV. Duty to Cooperate

 

All employees (staff and faculty) must cooperate fully with investigations undertaken by persons charged with conducting the inquiry. Cooperation with investigations includes, but is not limited to:

  • Promptly acknowledging and responding to requests for information;
  • Making oneself available for meetings with investigating officials;
  • Providing full, accurate, and truthful information;
  • Keeping confidential information learned or transmitted during the investigation, unless directed by legal authorities, and
  • Preserving relevant information and documents.

Non-cooperation or obstruction of an investigation is subject to University disciplinary action, to include termination of employment.

V. Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

 

Confidentiality for individuals who are interviewed or otherwise cooperate in an investigation will be maintained to the extent possible by law. While absolute confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed, all matters will be kept private (i.e., shared only with those with a need to know).

To protect the confidentiality of individuals who participate in investigations, and to protect the integrity of the investigative process, individuals normally will not be informed of the outcome of an investigation.

Per the University's Non-Retaliation Policy, retaliation based on an individual's cooperation with an investigation is prohibited.  Knowingly initiating or causing a false or bad faith report also is strictly prohibited. Violations of these provisions are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. All suspected reports of retaliation or bad faith reports should be reported immediately to the Director of Compliance (tel. (202) 319-6170 or CUA-COMPLIANCE@CUA.EDU), to the Office of General Counsel (tel. (202) 319-4142 or CUA-OGC@CUA.EDU), or other senior level personnel.

Where to Report Suspected Ethical Misconduct

 

We must report non-compliance with a law, the Code of Conduct, a University policy, or other standard or requirement applicable to the University. 

Abuse or Neglect of Minors
Public Safety, tel. (202) 319-5111 or Metropolitan Police Department tel. 911
 
Conflicts of Interest
Lou Mejia, Director of Compliance, tel. (202) 319-6104, CUA-COMPLIANCE@CUA.EDU
 
Crimes or Emergencies
Public Safety, tel. (202) 319-5111
 
Discrimination or Harassment
Jim Marcotte, Manager, Employee Relations, tel. (202) 319-6735, marcotte@CUA.EDU
 
Employee Relations Matters
Jim Marcotte, Manager, Employee Relations, tel. (202) 319-6735, marcotte@CUA.EDU
 
Environmental or Occupational Health or Safety Issues
Louis Alar, Senior Director, Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management, tel. (202) 319-5789, CUA-EHS@CUA.EDU
 
Privacy or Information Security Matters
Lou Mejia, Director of Compliance, tel. (202) 319-6104, CUA-COMPLIANCE@CUA.EDU or
Information Security Officer, tel. (202) 319-6418, TS-SECURITY@CUA.EDU
 
Sexual Harassment or Violence
See the Title IX Website for reporting options
 
Theft, Fraud, or Misuse of University Resources
 Lou Mejia, Director of Compliance, tel. (202) 319-6104, CUA-COMPLIANCE@CUA.EDU
 
Research or Scientific Misconduct
Ralph Albano, Vice Provost for Sponsored Research tel. (202) 319-5218, CUA-OSP@CUA.EDU
 
Other Ethical, Regulatory or Policy Concerns
Lou Mejia, Director of Compliance, tel. (202) 319-6104, CUA-COMPLIANCE@CUA.EDU or Office of General Counsel, tel. (202) 319-5142, CUA-OGC@CUA.EDU