Policy Author:
Student Affairs
Responsible Department:
Student Affairs
Effective Date of Policy:
August 18, 2022
Policy Narrative
Daemen University requires all trustees, officers, and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the University, we must practice honesty and integrity when fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The University’s internal controls and operating procedures are intended to detect, prevent, or deter improper activities; however, even the best systems of control cannot provide absolute safeguards against irregularities. Accordingly, the University has adopted this Whistleblower Policy to provide a mechanism to assist and encourage trustees, officers and employees to come forward in good faith with reports or concerns about suspected compliance issues on a timely basis.
Reporting Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all trustees, officers, and employees to report suspected financial misconduct. This Whistleblower Policy governs only the reporting and investigation of suspected financial misconduct, such as violations of applicable laws, external regulations, University policy of a financial nature, or misuse of University resources. Financial misconduct may include, but is not limited to, ethics violations, fraudulent transactions, conflicts of interest, inappropriate expenditure of funds, questionable internal controls, failure to comply with accounting standards and audit practices, theft or inappropriate use of cash or other University resources, falsification of hours worked for payroll purposes, and inappropriate spending of cash through the accounts payable process. The policy is not intended and may not be used for personal or employment grievances, general compensation and benefit complaints, opinions on policy, etc. Such concerns should be pursued in accordance with pertinent policies articulated in the appropriate sections of employee and student handbooks. While this policy pertains only to trustees, officers and employees of the University, students with concerns in this regard are encouraged to discuss their concerns with the Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives (or designee), who will determine the most appropriate course of action.
The complete policy may be viewed on the University’s website at: daemen.edu/employeepolicies.
Crime Reporting Policy
Daemen University strives to maintain a safe campus and relies on all members of the campus community to do their part to keep our campus safe. Any member of the campus community – faculty, student, staff, trustee – who observes criminal activity on the Daemen main campus or at any off-campus instructional site is expected to report such conduct promptly to the police and to the Office of Campus Safety (persons designated as Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under the Clery Act or Responsible Persons under Title IX are obligated to report criminal activity and have received training accordingly.)
Criminal activity includes, but is not necessarily limited to, physical assault, including sexual assault and abuse; burglary, robbery, arson, or the unauthorized display or use of a dangerous weapon; and the illegal distribution or manufacture of controlled substances. If you observe a crime, phone 911 immediately and follow police instructions. Contact Campus Safety immediately thereafter. Any crime directly involving a member of the campus community, whether as victim or alleged perpetrator, should also be brought to the prompt attention of the Office of Campus Safety. In addition, there are occasions when minors (persons under 18 years of age) are on the Daemen University campus or involved in University events. Any person who observes the sexual abuse of a minor or has a reasonable suspicion of such abuse, should immediately notify Campus Safety and the local police authorities (call 911). A call may also be made to the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720. Any such conduct involving a Daemen student or employee should also be brought to the attention of the Office of the President. The prompt reporting of criminal activity is essential to securing a safe campus environment for all persons, including guests and members of the public. No one is exempt from the expectation of law-abiding behavior. There shall be no form of retaliation within the Daemen University community against any person making a good-faith report of suspected criminal activity.
Purpose of Policy
To create and maintain an equitable environment where students have the optimal opportunity to succeed academically, personally, and professionally and where any and all Daemen University Community members feel safe, valued, and respected.
This policy’s virtual location is in the General University Policies section (Section ) of the Student Handbook – https://www.daemen.edu/student-life/student-affairs/student-handbook/section-5-general-university-policies.