Ethics hotline enables Rice community to report problems anonymously

Rice University’s ethics hotline is a great resource for members of the Rice community who have observed or experienced improper behavior to voice their concerns or ask questions, said Janet Covington, Rice’s director of internal audit.

“We often say that if you see something, then say something,” she said. “But what if you can’t? What if you are worried or unsure? That is why we have the ethics hotline.”

Reports can be made confidentially or anonymously by phone or online through Rice’s contracted vendor, EthicsPoint.

EthicsPoint allows people to communicate with Rice’s administration or board of trustees. Any member of the Rice community, including staff, students, faculty and visitors, can use EthicsPoint to report concerns about improper accounting, auditing and internal control processes; financial misconduct; employment practices or actions; research misconduct; sexual harassment; workplace violence; unsafe work conditions; possible violations of law; and other issues.

“You can access EthicsPoint’s website or toll-free number from home,” Covington said. “Once you file an initial report, there’s an anonymous chat feature that allows you to schedule a time to discuss your concerns online or provide additional information.”

Covington noted that even if employees contact EthicsPoint from their office computer, the process is still anonymous (unless the employee chooses to be identified) because the vendor does not track a computer’s IP address.

Covington said faculty and staff members are encouraged to communicate their concerns directly and through personal meetings whenever possible and appropriate, but the important thing is to speak up. “EthicsPoint is there to provide an alternative way to raise concerns or ask questions,” she said.

To contact EthicsPoint online, visit www.rice.edu/ethics. The website includes frequently asked questions and a link to Rice University policies.

To contact EthicsPoint by phone, call the toll-free number: 866-294-4633. The EthicsPoint operators can take reports in English or Spanish. Arrangements can be made to take reports in other languages, if needed.

If you have questions about EthicsPoint or other methods for reporting questions or concerns about workplace behavior, contact Covington at 713-348-6312. More information on the many ways to report concerns is also available on Rice’s compliance website at http://rucompliance.rice.edu/.