Auburn University (Auburn University, Auburn University at Montgomery, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station) uses the EthicsLine Reporting System (powered by Ethico) to enhance communication and empower individuals to promote safety, security, and ethical behavior.

Use this anonymous, confidential system to report situations, events, or actions by individuals or groups that you believe unethical or otherwise inappropriate. Frivolous or unfounded reports do not help foster a positive workplace.

This hotline service does not replace our existing reporting methods for reporting fraud, waste, abuse or other potentially illegal activities. The University continues to encourage stakeholders to report concerns or suspected violations to their supervisor or other campus entities as appropriate.

If you are uncertain if a situation violates University policy, is illegal, or constitutes harassment or discrimination, you may stilll use Ethics Line. We would much rather have you report concerns than let potential problems go unchecked.

What to Report

Individuals should report in good faith any suspected misconduct, fraud, abuse, hazing, or other wrongdoing. Include enough detail to allow review and assessment of the allegation(s). If you are uncertain if a situation violates University policy, is illegal, or constitutes harassment or discrimination, you may use still use Ethics Line. We would rather you report concerns than let potential problems go unchecked. Ethics Line should not be used for immediate threats to life or property. If the situation presents an emergency, call 911.

Why Should I Report?

We all have the right to work, study, and live in an honest and respectful environment, and to have a positive campus experience. With that right comes the responsibility to act ethically and notify the appropriate people if someone is not acting appropriately. In addition, as stewards of public funds we have a responsibility to the public to ensure these funds are expended in accordance with legal requirements.

Confidentiality

The Ethics Line System (powered by Ethico) strips away Internet addresses so that anonymity is totally maintained. Plus, Ethics Line is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter's identity.

Ethics Line makes reports available only to specific individuals at Auburn University who are charged with evaluating the type of violation and facts of the incident. Each of these report recipients is trained in keeping these reports in the utmost confidence.

The Process

The appropriate office reviews the allegation promptly, discretely, and professionally to determine whether it can be substantiated. Any discussions and inquiries will be kept in confidence to the extent allowed by law.

If additional information is needed, further communication with the reporter is facilitated through Ethics Line because of the anonymous nature of the report. Log back in to Ethics Line with your report key to answer any follow-up questions or obtain information on the status of your report.

Concerns are addressed with appropriate parties to be resolved. Corrective action and/or disciplinary action may be warranted.

Making a Report

We encourage faculty, staff, and students to bring concerns initially to their supervisor. However, the Ethics Line anonymous reporting system is available to report concerns anonymously to the Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy. Simply click on "Report a Concern" below and select the general category of your concern.
Report a Concern

How to File a Report (Step by Step)

Ethics Line should not be used for immediate threats to life or property. These types of reports should be directed to 911.

How to File a Report: Reporting is as easy as 1-2-3.

  1. Access Ethics Line to report

  2. Complete a report

  3. Follow-up to check your report for feedback/questions.

Ethics Line (powered by Ethico) is carefully designed to maintain your confidentiality and anonymity (if desired) at every step. Step-by-step instructions guide you to help ensure that you do not inadvertently compromise its safeguards.

Step 1: Access Ethics Line to report:  Use any one of these three convenient channels of communication.

Auburn University OACP Web Site

Click on the "Report a Concern" button above on this page. You will automatically be linked to the Ethics Line Reporting System (powered by Ethico) secure Web site. Once there, click on the appropriate report category.

Direct Internet Access

From any computer having Internet access (home, public library, neighbor, etc.), go directly to the Auburn Ethics Line Ethico Website and click on "Submit a Report." (You may also go to https://app.mycompliancereport.com and enter "AU" in the Company ID field and click "New Report.")

Toll-Free Phone

Call Ethico's toll-free hotline at 1-800-361-9025 (Para hacer una denuncia en español, favor de llamar 1-800-361-9025). A compliance specialist at Ethico will assist you in entering your report into the Ethics Line system.

Step 2: Complete the report: Completing the report is a simple as either placing a phone call to the Ethics Line (powered by Ethico) hotline and speaking to a representative or by navigating to the Ethics Line website, selecting a "Submit a Report."

You will be given the choice as to whether you to remain anonymous or not.  Even if you choose to remain anonymous, you can provide an email address  (which will NEVER be shared with Auburn University) which the system will use to provide you with any follow-up questions. 

Be sure to retain the Report ID number and create a password to be able to log in to check for feedback or add additional information to your report.

Step 3: Follow-up to check your report for feedback/questions: At any time you navigate back to the Ethics Line website and click on "Follow-Up on a Report" to answer any follow-up questions or provide additional information.  You will NEED the original Report ID number and the password you created when submiting the original report.