Whistleblower Policy

Adopted December 10, 2009

Download the Whistleblower Policy PDF format

I. Purpose

The Whistleblower Policy of the Winthrop University Foundation

Winthrop University employees are covered by the Code of Laws.

II. Guidelines

A. Encouragement of Reporting

The Foundation encourages reports of suspected or actual occurrences of illegal, unethical, or inappropriate events, including illegal or improper conduct by the Foundation itself, by its leadership, or by others on its behalf. Appropriate subjects to be raised under this policy would include financial improprieties, accounting or audit matters, ethical violations, misappropriation or misuse of Foundation resources, or other similar illegal or improper practices or policies. Other subjects on which the Foundation has existing complaint mechanisms should be addressed under those mechanisms, such as raising matters of alleged discrimination or harassment via the Foundation’s human resources channels, unless those channels are themselves implicated in the wrongdoing. This policy is not intended to interfere with legitimate employment decisions.

B. Protection from Retaliation

The Foundation prohibits retaliation by or on behalf of the Foundation against individuals for making good faith disclosures under this policy or for participating in a review or investigation under this policy. This protection extends to those individuals whose allegations are made in good faith, but prove to be mistaken. The Foundation reserves the right to discipline individuals who report false allegations that are both unsubstantiated and made with malice or who otherwise abuse this policy. Individuals who self report their own misconduct are not afforded protection by this policy.

C. Where to Report

Complaints, reports, or inquiries may be made under this policy on a confidential or anonymous basis. They should describe in sufficient detail the specific facts demonstrating the basis for the disclosure and should be directed to the Foundation’s Executive Director or the President of the Foundation Board as appropriate. If both of those persons are implicated in the report it should be directed to the Vice President of the Foundation Board. The Foundation will conduct a prompt, discreet, and objective review or investigation. An investigation of unspecified improprieties or broad allegations will not be undertaken without verifiable evidentiary support.

It is the intent of the Foundation to take whatever action may be needed to prevent and correct activities that violate this policy and to protect individuals against false allegations of illegal or improper conduct.

Winthrop University Foundation
Phone: 803 / 323-2229
Fax: 803 / 323-4550

302 Tillman Hall
Rock Hill, SC 29733, USA