Effective Date: May 8, 2023
Issuing Authority: Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance
Policy Contact: Vice President for Audit and Compliance, 478-301-2300
Purpose
In all its business practices, and particularly in its dealings with the United States Government, the University seeks to conduct itself with the highest degree of integrity and honesty. Through its Internal Audit Department and through external audits, the University periodically reviews its business practices, policies, procedures and internal controls for compliance with standards of business ethics and with the special requirements of Government contracting.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees at Mercer University.
Exclusions
None
Definitions
As used in this policy, the following term(s) have the meaning specified below:
Employee: any faculty (including, but not limited to, regular, visiting, or adjunct), any individual who has an appointment at the University, and all regular and temporary staff.
Policy Statement
Any employee who suspects that improper or illegal conduct or any other irregularities have occurred, especially in connection with government contracts, is expected and encouraged to promptly report such concerns so that the matter may be investigated and corrective action taken where appropriate. Such reports may be made to the employee’s supervisor, who will refer the matter to the Internal Auditor for investigation, or the employee may report suspected improper conduct directly to the Internal Auditor. Employees may file an anonymous report through an independent provider, NAVEXGlobal’s Ethics Point (see Additional Resources below).
The University will not discharge or otherwise retaliate against any employee for disclosing information to appropriate University or Government officials which the employee reasonably believes evidences a violation of any Federal law or regulation relating to federal contract procurement, charges to the Government, or the subject matter of federal contracts.
Additional Resources
- To file an anonymous report in confidence, click on https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/62627/index.html and follow the instructions.
- Handbooks: https://provost.mercer.edu/resources/handbooks/