V. Reporting Violations or Concerns

Each member of the USA community is expected to report potential violations of state or federal law, regulations, statutes, USA policies or procedures, or concerns about a violation, that come to his/her attention. Managers have a special duty to adhere to the standards set forth in this document, to recognize violations, report through applicable channels, and to enforce the standards. Violations of applicable laws, policies and standards, or retaliation against anyone who reports possible violations, may result in an adverse employment action.

Confidentiality of individuals reporting potential violations will be maintained to the extent practicable, particularly if reported anonymously through the Ethics and Compliance Hotline. Suspected violations should be reported in good faith.  The complaint process shall not be used to bring frivolous or malicious complaints against faculty, staff or administrators. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if information has not been provided in good faith.

All individuals reporting violations in good faith will be protected from retaliation by USA’s Non Retaliation Policy (also included in the Staff Employee Handbook).

Managers and supervisors are responsible for knowing the legal and regulatory requirements that pertain to their areas of oversight and responsibility. They are responsible for determining and ensuring that each community member has adequate knowledge in order to do his/her work correctly and receives appropriate information and training on an ongoing basis. Managers and Supervisors are especially encouraged to foster an environment whereby employees feel comfortable bringing potential compliance concerns to them.

There are several options for reporting concerns, including the following:

1. To your immediate supervisor
2. To an administrative office that has specialized expertise relating to your concern
3. To the Office of Compliance: ph # (251) 460-7115, or e-mail CCO@southalabama.edu
4. Via USA’s Ethics and Compliance Hotline, as follows:
   Ethics & Compliance Hotline: SouthAlabama.edu/Hotline
   Ethics & Compliance Hotline: (844) 666-3599*
5. For reporting student-related misconduct, please use Maxient

You may also inquire about policies or procedures, or request guidance from the Office of Compliance’s “Questions, Inquiries, Suggestions” box.

* The Ethics & Compliance Hotline (phone option) is answered by a third party and the information gathered is referred to USA’s Office of Compliance for follow-up and appropriate action.

Reporting Criminal Activity: USA Students, employees, patients and visitors are to report any criminal offense or suspected criminal activity directly to the USA Police Department, who can be reached via their website at or by calling 251-460-6312.

Other References:

• Non Retaliation Policy:  (Staff Employee Handbook) (Faculty Handbook)
• Ethics and Compliance Hotline Policy