Policy 6.33: Whistleblower Policy
Effective Date: Tue, May 13, 2008
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General
Haywood Community College expects its employees, and other representatives to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of Haywood Community College, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
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Reporting Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all employees to report Wrongful Conduct in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy.
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Wrongful Conduct
"Wrongful Conduct" is defined in this Whistleblower Policy to include: a serious violation of Haywood Community College policy; a violation of applicable state and federal law; or the use of Haywood Community College property, resources, or authority for personal gain or other non-institutional-related purpose except as provided under Haywood Community College policy.
This definition of Wrongful Conduct is not intended to be an exclusive listing of the illegal or improper activity encompassed by the Whistleblower Policy. Rather, the improprieties that potentially impact the integrity and effective operations of Haywood Community College.
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No Retaliation
No employee who in good faith reports Wrongful Conduct will suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequence. Any employee who retaliates against anyone who has reported Wrongful Conduct in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns regarding Wrongful Conduct within Haywood Community College prior to seeking resolution outside Haywood Community College.
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Reporting Wrongful Conduct
Haywood Community College encourages its employees to share their questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints with someone who can address them properly. A concern should be addressed to the supervisor or a manager or the Human Resources Officer. These individuals are required to report Wrongful Conduct to the President, who has specific and exclusive responsibility to investigate all reported violations. If the President does not address the Wrongful Conduct or the suspicion of Wrongful Conduct based on related procedures, the concern should be taken to the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
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Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a complaint of Wrongful Conduct must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates Wrongful Conduct. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.
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Confidentiality
Reports of Wrongful Conduct or suspected Wrongful Conduct must be submitted in writing by the complainant. Reports of Wrongful Conduct or suspected Wrongful Conduct will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
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