Campus Life

      Penn State shares resources for reporting wrongdoing

      Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

      Penn State is here to help.

      As members of the University community, we all have a responsibility to uphold Penn State Values and to help promote a safe and ethical campus environment.

      Be part of the solution — all students and employees are encouraged to report potential issues related to misconduct and violations of University policy. The University does not condone wrongful conduct by any member of the Penn State community, no matter what position they hold.

      If you witness or are a victim of misconduct and make a report, be assured that the University will work to hold individuals accountable and to protect you from retaliation.

      For more information on University policies, please see the resources available at the end of the story.

      Before you report, consider the following:

      Is it an emergency?

      If it is an emergency, you need to report a crime or if you need immediate assistance, contact emergency services by calling 911 or Penn State Police at University Park or your campus location.

      Is it a policy violation?

      Review the appropriate policy before making a report. You also may raise concerns with your immediate supervisor or contact your Human Resources Strategic Partner for advice or additional information.

      What is the misconduct?

      The information below summarizes how to report specific types of misconduct. In addition to making a report directly to the appropriate department/person, all violations also can be reported through the 24/7 Penn State Hotline or by calling 800‑560‑1637.

      Have questions before you report?

      If at any time you are unsure what is reportable or where to report nonemergency misconduct (including ethics violations, fraud, theft, conflict of interest, retaliation and more), contact the Office of Ethics and Compliance at 814‑867‑5008 or psoec@psu.edu.

      Prefer to remain anonymous?

      Anonymous 24/7 reports can be made online through the Penn State Hotline or by calling 800‑560‑1637.

      What happens after reporting a violation?

      Penn State takes your concerns seriously. All reports are referred to the appropriate department for review. To best serve you, please provide as much detail as you are able regarding your concerns in order to help the University conduct a thorough review. Due to the confidential nature of any investigation, findings and subsequent action must remain confidential and, in most instances, cannot be shared with the person reporting.

      Making a report:

      Crime or emergency

      In an emergency, call 911 or Penn State Police at University Park or your campus location.

       

      Athletics or NCAA suspected violations

      Suspected athletics violations, including recruiting inducements; extra benefits or other improper gifts; fraudulent activities designed to influence the outcome of sporting activities; impermissible agent involvement with student-athletes; arrangement of fraudulent academic credit; falsification of transcripts; and booster, recruiting and financial aid misconduct, can be reported to:

       

      Behavioral threat

      If you feel that a visitor, employee or student presents behavior that is aggressive, disruptive or threatening to their own or others’ health and safety, you are strongly encouraged to report your concern, which can help people get the assistance and services they might need.

       

      Bias and discrimination

      Bias incidents refer to conduct that is in violation of a University policy, rule or regulation and is motivated by discriminatory bias against or hatred toward other individuals or groups based on characteristics such as age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, genetic information, national origin, political belief, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. If you experience, witness or learn of a bias incident or an act of discrimination or intolerance, report it. To learn more, review AD91 Discrimination and Harassment and Related Inappropriate Conduct.

       

      Child abuse

      Penn State requires employees who have reasonable suspicion of abuse to make a report. To learn more, review AD72 Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or the “Building a Safe Penn State: Reporting Child Abuse” training available on the Learning Resource Network.

       

      COVID-19

      Penn State has established requirements and expectations with respect to measures intended to uphold the health and safety of the University community and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Learn about the latest guidance, current masking requirements, and other health and safety protocols on the University’s Coronavirus Information website.

       

      Environmental health and safety concerns

      University community members can share questions about safety and health conditions or report potential hazards.

       

      Hazing

      Hazing by any student organization or individual is against Penn State’s Code of Conduct and a violation of Pennsylvania law.

       

      Research misconduct

      Individuals with questions or concerns related to research ethics, compliance and integrity, can contact the Office for Research Protections.

       

      Sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct

      If you have been subjected to sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct, Penn State encourages you to report your experience. To learn more about resources, support offerings, and campus-specific services and reporting options, visit the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response website.

       

      Student conduct

      To promote a safe and supportive living and learning environment for all students, report behavior that you believe may violate the Student Code of Conduct to the Office of Student Conduct.

       

      Resources

      Last Updated January 26, 2022

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