51°µÍø

Best business practices affirm that a fraud reporting program is an integral part of a good business environment. The University has financial and operating controls in place to provide reasonable assurance that fraudulent, illegal or dishonest activity by employees, officers, trustees, business contacts or others is prevented or detected.

However, management recognizes the potential for inappropriate activities and behavior still exists. To align with best business practices, 51°µÍø Internal Audit has engaged with NAVEX, an independent ethics and compliance firm, to utilize their EthicsPoint hotline solution. 

Internal Auditing and Consulting Services is responsible for the administration of the  51°µÍø Fraud Reporting Program through a partnership with NAVEX which provides a third-party hotline solution, EthicsPoint. Any questions regarding the program can be addressed by contacting the Director of Internal Auditing and Consulting Services, Chandra McQueen, at (214) 768-4767 or chandram@smu.edu. 

There may be times when employees, students or other University contacts suspect or become aware of questionable acts concerning the University. Reportable activities include, but are not limited to: theft, embezzlement, improper reporting of time (e.g., timecard, exception leave reporting), payments, misuse or questionable use of cash, diversion of or lack of timely deposit of University revenues, credit card fraud, inappropriate communication of confidential information (e.g., pay, social security information, other protected personal or financial information, grades), and any other illegal or questionable acts.

The program is not designed to monitor personnel issues, which should be addressed through departmental management, Human Resources or the Office of Institutional Access and Equity.

Individuals reporting a concern may remain anonymous, if they choose to do so. Whether an individual prefers to remain anonymous or not, they will be protected from retaliation.

The 51°µÍø Fraud Reporting Program is fully supported by management and has been established to provide a mechanism to report suspected inappropriate activities. We want you to feel confident about using the program.

There are multiple means by which reports may be made through the EthicsPoint solution. This includes a toll-free hotline, and online reporting portal, and a mobile reporting option, all of which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All reports filed through EthicsPoint will be routed to the Internal Audit Department for evaluation. 

Depending on the nature of the report, Internal Auditing and Consulting Services may work with or forward the information to the 51°µÍø Police Department, Legal Affairs, the Controller's Office, Risk Management, Human Resources, the Office of Sponsored Research Administration, Student Judicial Programs or another relevant office. Internal Auditing and Consulting Services will not forward any information revealing the reporting individual's identity if anonymity has been requested.