Compliance FAQs
The way USF lives out its Jesuit Catholic mission is shaped by the rich diversity of our community and the San Francisco Bay Area. Grounded in Catholic social thought, and cura personalis (care for the whole person) USF celebrates the dignity of all workers and envisions a community where everyone can develop as persons. The University also recognizes its obligation to its employees and constituents to maintain the highest ethical standards and will protect the integrity of the University’s learning community, and ensure the highest standards of conduct within the University community.
All members of the University community are strongly encouraged to report any potential improper activity. The preferred method of reporting an issue is for the employee to first discuss the problem with their supervisor. Alternatively, if you are uncomfortable discussing your concerns with your supervisor, you can speak to your Dean, Human Resources or Labor Relations. You can also submit your concerns anonymously through the University’s Whistleblower Hotline or by calling 800-316-4315.
The USF Whistleblower Hotline is the University's anonymous compliance reporting resource. It provides a confidential way to raise concerns, ask questions, or report problems. It is easy to use--you can make a report online or through a toll-free telephone number. To access the Hotline, go to the Internal Audit page on myUSF or the Compliance and Ethics website or dial 800-316-4315.
Examples of issues to raise through the Hotline: conflicts of interest, environmental health and safety concerns, sexual harassment, theft or fraud, accounting irregularities, athletics compliance, violations of law, contract or University policy. If you have doubts about whether an issue should be reported through the Whistleblower Hotline, contact HR, Compliance or the Office of the General Counsel.They are available to answer policy questions, help you identify an issue, assist you in avoiding compliance risks, and help you meet your compliance responsibilities.
The aim of this policy is to encourage employees who have serious concerns to come forward and voice those concerns.
Retaliation is prohibited. Reports through the Whistleblower Hotline (and reports made through other University channels) are covered by the Whistleblower Policy, which recognizes that reporting is a service to the University and prohibits retaliation of any kind for reports that are made in good faith and are not specious. (see Whistleblower Policy page).