WHISTLEBLOWERS
Effective: August 15, 2024
Purpose: To outline the obligations and protections for employees reporting violations of law or policy
Scope: This policy applies to all University employees campus wide.
Responsible Office: President’s Office
Policy Statement: The University encourages good-faith disclosure of violations of law, Kansas Board of Regents, or University Policy to University administration without reprisal as articulated in K.S.A. 75-2973. University employees are required to comply with applicable state and federal law, University policies, and Kansas Board of Regents policies. An employee cannot be compelled by University officials or their supervisor to violate these provisions. University employees who have knowledge of specific acts which they reasonably believe violate the law or policy must report those acts to the appropriate University official.
No employee shall take retaliatory action against any individual for reporting, or causing to be reported, suspected wrongdoing, or for assisting in an authorized investigation of alleged wrongdoing. Retaliation, if confirmed, will result in disciplinary action. Individuals who believe they have been retaliated against in violation of this policy should notify the University Internal Auditor or the University General Counsel. In follow-up, a written complaint to the University Internal Auditor is considered appropriate. Policy does not protect an individual who files a report knowing it to be false or with reckless disregard for truth or falsity or subject to confidentiality or lawful privilege. If it is determined an employee knowingly made false reports, they may be subject to discipline. The Kansas Whistleblower Act, K.S.A. 75-2973, is available to all employees on the University Internal Audit web page and posted on employee bulletin boards.
Definitions: All words and phrases shall be interpreted utilizing their plain meanings unless otherwise defined in another University or Board of Regents policy or by statute or regulation.
Procedures: All procedures linked and related to the policies above shall have the full force and effect of policy if said procedures have first been properly approved by the University’s administrator in charge of General University procedures.
[Office of General Counsel procedures - coming soon]
Related Policy Information: K.S.A. 75-2973