About the Hotline

No.  When submitting a report, you may identify yourself and provide your contact information.  If you choose to provide your identity, either at the time your report is submitted, or after it is received by Harvard, Harvard will make every effort to maintain your privacy, whenever possible.

When you report via the Hotline’s Website, you will be asked to complete a form by answering questions and providing a description of your concern. You may also upload documents relevant to your report and post a message for the hotline staff.

When you call the Anonymous Reporting Hotline, a trained communications specialist will ask you for the same information that you would provide in an online-based report to better understand the nature of your concern.   The job of the specialist is to collect accurate information on incidents in an unbiased, objective manner.

If you want to provide additional information after you submit your report, you can log in or call back to access your report, upload documents or send a new message.  You will need the unique Report Key that was generated and the password you were asked to create when you filed the report.

Harvard posts messages to all reporters within the hotline system.  It is important to check the case file after filing your report, and at regular intervals, to ensure the University does not have questions or need additional information in order to properly understand and manage your concerns. 

Please keep in mind you will need the unique Report Key, and the password you were asked to create when filing the report to login or call in for updates.

Access to reports is restricted to only those individuals who are able to provide the unique Report Key and the password associated with their report.  Without it, you will not be able to access the report.  However, if you misplace the Report Key or the password, you may submit a new report at any time.

If you misplace the Report Key or the password, you will not be able to access the report.  You may submit a new report at any time.

The Anonymous Reporting Hotline is one location for reporting concerns, including those involving policy violations, unprofessionalism and other misconduct.  When you use the Hotline website to make a report, you may select from the following categories:

• Academic misconduct - Any type of behavior that violates established ethical standards and expectations in an academic setting including plagiarism, cheating, falsification, bestowing or seeking academic favors or advancements on the basis of friendship or gifts, and other unethical academic behaviors. 
• Athletic Integrity and Compliance - Concerns regarding actions or behavior that violate established ethical guidelines, rules, and standards specific to the conduct of student-athletes, coaches, and athletic programs.  May include, but is not limited to, recruitment, eligibility standards, substance abuse, academic support and performance, fair play and competition, financial aid and scholarships, and health and safety compliance. 
• Credentials Misrepresentation - Falsifying, exaggerating, or otherwise dishonestly presenting qualifications, education, work history, certifications, skills, or professional accomplishments.
• Discrimination and Harassment - Adverse treatment of an individual based on, but not limited to, age, race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and gender expression, as well as pregnancy), genetic information, ancestry, religion, caste, creed, veteran status, disability, military service, sexual orientation, and political beliefs.
• Financial Misconduct - Any unauthorized, irregular or wasteful financial actions including, but not limited to, fraud, theft, embezzlement, improper giving or receiving of gifts or financial awards, mishandling of funds, unethical recording and analysis of financial transactions, falsification of financial reports or contracts, and the misuse of institutional resources.
• Healthcare Concerns - Concerns related to the healthcare services provided by the University such as quality of care, access to services, patient privacy and confidentiality, and/ or any type of behavior that violates established healthcare regulations and laws.
• Human Resources-related Concerns - Issues related to staff and faculty and their employment, workplace relations, and staff management. Concerns may include, but are not limited to, conduct in the work environment, the treatment of employees, and violation of workplace policies and standards as defined in employee handbooks, union contracts, etc. 
• Information Security and Technology Misconduct - Concerns related to the safeguarding of data, secure use of technology, and appropriate utilization of University IT resources. Reports in this category may involve, but are not limited to, data privacy violations, data security breaches, malicious use of technology, inappropriate use of technology, unauthorized use of IT resources, and negligence in handling technology.
• Intellectual Property Infringement - Unauthorized or unlicensed use of creations or inventions that are protected by intellectual property rights such as copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.  Includes improper use of the Harvard logo and name.
• Legal or Regulatory Violation - Statements, conduct or actions that violate local, state, or federal laws, as well as breaches of industry-specific regulations.  This includes non-compliance with educational regulations, labor laws, environmental laws, and other statutory requirements.  May also include the disclosure or inappropriate use of confidential and proprietary information belonging to the University.
• Research Misconduct - Unethical behaviors and actions in the conduct of research such as falsification of research data, unethical research practices, violations of research protocols, and abuses involving human or animal subjects.
• Student Misconduct - Any actions or behaviors that breach the standards and policies pertaining to students established by the University to promote a safe, respectful and ethical campus environment such as violations of the student code of conduct, alcohol and drug use, vandalism, hazing, unauthorized access or use of University facilities, and disruptive behavior.
• Safety and Security Matters - Concerns related to the physical safety and well-being of the University community, as well as potential risks that might threaten individuals or property. If you believe there is an immediate or imminent threat to the safety of individuals or property, call 911 or HUPD (617-495-1212) immediately.
• Other - Any concerns, issues, or incidents that do not clearly fit into the predefined categories otherwise listed. By selecting "Other," you can bring to our attention any unique or specific matters that require the University's consideration and action. We encourage you to provide as much detail as possible to ensure a thorough understanding of the concern.
• Suspected cases of abuse or neglect or other inappropriate behavior involving minors in Harvard programs.  **Please Note that the preferred reporting method is directly to Harvard University’s Police Department at (617) 495-1212; additional information can be found at youthprotection.harvard.edu.

When a report is submitted through the Anonymous Reporting Hotline, it is first received by a designated team who will review the report and assign it to the appropriate University officials to assist with follow up and resolution.

If your report names a senior leader or a staff member who would typically receive the report, or a member of the designated team at Harvard who receives hotline reports, the report will be redirected to an alternative contact for review and follow up.

There are numerous resolution options available, depending on the nature and seriousness of the concern, as well as the roles of the individuals involved, such as students, staff, faculty, or others. The university takes each concern seriously and works to ensure reports are directed to the appropriate office for review. When applicable, the individual making the report will be informed about the potential resolution options and supports available to them. Additionally, based on the details provided in the report, University policies and resources may dictate or suggest the response action that is taken.

Harvard will post a message in the hotline system to inform you that your report has been closed.