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What kind of concern should I report?
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Any University community member can report a situation or conduct they believe violates a law, regulation or University policy. Examples of issues to report include, but are not limited to, theft; wage, benefit, or hours abuses; discrimination or sexual harassment; misuse of University property or equipment; violation of safety rules; OSHA or environmental abuse concerns; conflicts of interest; NCAA violations; and intentional misuse of the University’s network or computers; and bribery or corruption.
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If I see a concern, should I report it to my manager, human resource lead or other unit leader?
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Yes. All employees are expected to report known or suspected non-compliance. Reporting your concerns directly to your manager, human resource lead, or other unit leader is encouraged. However, the University acknowledges that there may be circumstances where reporting directly to a manager, human resource lead, or other unit leader is not seen as a viable option for the reporter. The University maintains a 24 hour reporting line that should be used in these circumstances. Reports may be made anonymously if the reporter chooses.
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What is the UReport?: An anonymous reporting line.
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The University contracts with a vendor that maintains a 24 hour reporting hotline that anyone can call to report known or suspected non-compliance involving the University. This service also maintains a website where employees can report their concerns. Reports may be made anonymously. The University refers to this anonymous reporting system as the UReport.
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Why did the University contract with a third party vendor?
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The vendor offers important services that would be impractical or cost prohibitive for the University to provide. The company provides trained interview specialists and the option of caller anonymity. Some reporters like that an impartial third party located off campus is the intake point for their concern. The anonymous reporting line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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How can I submit a UReport?
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You can file a report either by calling the toll-free number (1-866-294-8680) or by submitting a report online. You will receive a unique username and be asked to choose a password.
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What happens to the UReport after I submit it? Who will read it?
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UReports are received by the Office of Institutional Compliance (OIC) and shared with the UReport Consultative Team (UCT). The UCT is comprised of the chief compliance officer, the compliance program director, the chief auditor, the vice president for Human Resources, and senior associate in the Office of the General Counsel. The consultative team assigns the UReport to the most appropriate existing process or position in the University system for review. The findings of all UReport related reviews are reported back to the UCT which monitors the review process and findings.
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How can I follow up on a UReport I've made?
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To follow up on a report you have made you can either call the toll free number (1-866-294-8680) or visit the UReport website and click on the Follow Up on a Report button. You will need the report key and password provided when you submitted the UReport. Unfortunately, if you lose the report key and or password you will not be able to access the report. Please be assured that the University follows up on all UReports regardless of whether or not a reporter ever checks back into a report.
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How long will a review of my UReport take?
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The length of the review depends upon many factors, such as the nature of the concern, the complexity of the issue, the number of people involved, and the type and extent of documents or other evidence involved. Keeping track of your report key and password and logging in to the UReport is one way to communicate and keep track of the progress of your UReport. UReport process is typically completed within 75 days, but some circumstances may require a longer review period.
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I have documentation to support my concern. What should I do with it?
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If your documentation is in an electronic format, you may upload it by clicking on the Click here to upload files link that appears toward the end of the UReport after you have logged in. If you have documentation that is not in electronic format, indicate in your report that you have documentation that you haven’t included.
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How can I find out about the status of an investigation about my UReport?
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If you have reported anonymously, you may post a request for an update. If you have provided your name, and have been contacted directly by a University official looking into your report, you should communicate directly with that official to determine the best method to learn about the status.
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Will I be told about the details of a UReport review or its outcome/result?
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No. UReport documentation, including but not limited to any investigation related files, and findings from a review or investigation, are considered confidential information and they are not shared through the Office of Institutional Compliance. Contact the University’s Office of Records and Information Management to inquire about how the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act guide access to this information.
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What should I do if I am experiencing retaliation for making a UReport?
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Retaliation at the University of Minnesota is prohibited in the following Board of Regents Policies: Retaliation, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Relationship Violence, Code of Conduct, and Conflict Resolution Process for Employees.
The Retaliation Policy clearly states that no member of the University community may retaliate against an individual because of the individual’s good faith participation in:
- reporting or otherwise expressing opposition to, suspected or alleged misconduct;
- participating in any process designed to review or investigate suspected or alleged misconduct or non-compliance with applicable policies, rules, and laws; or
- accessing the Office for Conflict Resolution (OCR) services.
A causal relationship between the good faith participation in one of these activities and an adverse action is needed to demonstrate that retaliation has occurred.
Individuals who believe that retaliation is occurring or has occurred, as a result of their good faith participation in one of the above referenced activities, should follow the reporting options available to them in the Retaliation policy.
Reports of retaliation will be reviewed and investigated in the same manner in which other concerns of misconduct are handled. Any University member who engages in retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or expulsion.
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I'm a student. What should I report here?
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If you are a student employee and your concern relates to an issue connected with your employment, you should file a UReport.
For complaints and grievances related to your status as a student, One Stop Student Services - Twin Cities has compiled a comprehensive list of resources.