# About the Hotline Harvard University depends upon our employees to conduct business with integrity and in full compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. By working together and raising concerns when we have witnessed or experienced actual or potential violations that go against our community’s values, we can help to maintain a healthy and safe environment. In fact, voicing your concerns is a gift to the University. ## The Purpose of the Hotline Harvard University established the reporting hotline to enable you to report your concerns in an anonymous manner. The Hotline is an anonymous, toll-free, 24-hour-a-day resource for reporting concerns when speaking with a supervisor or other available resource is not considered to be a comfortable or viable option. This hotline may be used by anyone including, but not limited to, students, faculty, postdocs, staff, patients, vendors, contractors and visitors, anywhere in the world. The University will not tolerate retaliation against members of the University community for raising concerns in good faith. ## Anonymous Reports All reports, including anonymous reports, are managed by an independent, third-party provider, Navex. Harvard will never know your identity unless you choose to disclose it. When reporting anonymously online through Navex’s reporting portal, Navex does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking a computer to the reporting website is available. A report from home or any other personal device connected to the internet will remain anonymous. When reporting anonymously by phone, no call tracing or recording devices are ever used by Navex. A telephone representative will provide a written report of your concerns to Harvard. These reports have the same security and privacy measures applied to them during delivery as a report that is made online. In all cases, your report will be kept confidential as much as practicable. However, absolute confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed in every situation. Legal requirements or the need to enforce Harvard policies may necessitate sharing information internally or externally. Any such disclosure will be limited to individuals who have a legitimate need to know the information. Communications between the person making an anonymous report and Harvard staff are possible via the hotline system (Navex EthicsPoint), allowing reporters to maintain anonymity while exchanging important information. It is important to note that there are times when reports made anonymously may limit the University’s ability to follow up on concerns. Anonymous reporters should plan to check their hotline report at regular intervals to respond to requests, view available resources and supports, and receive updates. ## FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ### Do I need to be anonymous? expand\_more 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. ### What can I expect when I submit a report online? expand\_more When you [report via the Hotline’s Website](https://secure.ethicspoint.com/Domain/media/en/gui/50047/index.html?clientid=50047&locationid=-1&override=yes&agreement=no%20), 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. ### What can I expect when I call the Hotline? expand\_more 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. ### What if I forgot to include important information when I filed my report? expand\_more 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. ### Will I receive updates on my report? expand\_more 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. ### Why do I need the Report Key and Password? expand\_more 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. ### What should I do if I misplace the Report Key and Password? expand\_more 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. ### What types of concerns can I report through the Hotline? expand\_more 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](http://youthprotection.harvard.edu/). ### Where does my report go? expand\_more 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. ### Will my report result in an investigation by the University? expand\_more 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. ### How will I know when my report has been closed? expand\_more Harvard will post a message in the hotline system to inform you that your report has been closed. ## I want to... ![web.png](/sites/g/files/omnuum9196/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/hotline/files/web.png?itok=BktCaGux) [Submit a Report ](https://secure.ethicspoint.com/Domain/media/en/gui/50047/index.html?clientid=50047&locationid=-1&override=yes&agreement=no) ![phone.png](/sites/g/files/omnuum9196/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/hotline/files/phone.png?itok=5bGSlg3s) Call the Hotline **1-877-694-2275** ![followup.png](/sites/g/files/omnuum9196/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/hotline/files/followup.png?itok=TdSe_gTY) [Follow-up on an Existing Report ](https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/en/default_reporter.asp?pagetype=followup) Report Key & password needed ![other.png](/sites/g/files/omnuum9196/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/hotline/files/other.png?itok=wc1v-ti5) [Explore Other Ways to Report at Harvard](/other-ways-report)