Report Improper Conduct
If you are experiencing an emergency please call your local emergency services at 911 or the Campus Security:
- Pomona Campus Security: (909) 706-3000 Extension 3000 from an on-campus phone.
- Oregon Campus Security: (541) 968-4840 Extension 4840 from an on-campus phone.
At WesternU, we conduct our activities with the highest standards of conduct in mind.
To further its mission of producing, in a humanistic tradition, health care professionals and biomedical knowledge that will enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities, WesternU is committed to the principle that all of its affairs be conducted in compliance with applicable laws and the University’s own policies. Employees and other individuals representing the University are expected at all times to act in conformity with this principle.It is University policy to receive, evaluate and, where the information provided reasonably permits, investigate any allegation that an individual affiliated with the University has engaged in Improper Conduct. The University encourages individuals, acting in good faith, to report suspected Improper Conduct to the University.
Reporting Improper Conduct: Improper Conduct is generally defined in the Reporting Improper Conduct Policy. Members of the university community are expected to report concerns of potential unethical conduct and/or allegations of noncompliance with laws, regulations, or university policies. You can report a concern 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via EthicsPoint, managed by a third-party provider, NAVEX Global, which works in conjunction with the University Compliance. More information on reporting to EthicsPoint can be found at the bottom of this page. Options for reporting can be found in the list below.
The University’s Reporting Improper Conduct Policy sets forth the full scope of reporting obligations, definitions, and procedures. Community members are encouraged to review the Policy, which is available [here].
The Chief Compliance Officer has oversight responsibility for investigating suspected Improper Conduct and for reporting matters received under this policy to the Board of Trustees and the University’s senior leadership. The contact information for the Interim Chief Compliance Officer is:
Shelby Reyes, Interim Chief Compliance Officer
Western University of Health Sciences
309 E. Second Street
Pomona, California 91766
Telephone: 409-469-8616
Email: compliance@westernu.edu
For consultation or inquiry, please email University Compliance or call 909-469-8616
Upon receipt of a report of alleged Improper Conduct, the Compliance Officer will conduct a threshold review to assess whether the report contains sufficient information to warrant a formal investigation. As part of this review, University Compliance may:
- evaluate the nature, severity, and credibility of the alleged conduct;
- determine whether the report falls within the scope of another applicable University policy; and
- assess whether the matter should be referred to another University office, external authority, or designated investigator with appropriate subject matter expertise.
Based on the outcome of the threshold review, University Compliance will take appropriate action, which may include redirecting reports to the department or office with subject matter expertise and jurisdiction over the matter. Any department or office to which a report is referred bears an affirmative duty to promptly review, investigate, adjudicate, and/or resolve the matter and to provide status updates — including final disposition — to the University Compliance Office for tracking and oversight purposes.
When University Compliance determines that a report warrants an investigation, the University will promptly investigate in compliance with applicable University policy/procedure governing the subject matter. Anyone, regardless of position or title, found to have engaged in conduct that violates the code of conduct or any University policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment where merited and permitted by local law. In addition, the University reserves the right to pursue criminal and/or civil action(s) for wrongdoing where appropriate.
The University endeavors, to the extent possible, and within the limitations of law and policy, and the need to conduct a competent investigation, to maintain confidentiality. However, all persons making a report should understand that it is possible that their identity may become apparent during the course of the University’s investigation. If a person making a report self-discloses their identity, the University is no longer obligated to maintain confidentiality of that person’s identity.
The University prohibits retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports suspected Improper Conduct or participates in an investigation under this policy. This protection applies regardless of the reporting individual’s relationship to the University, including employees, students, trainees, faculty, volunteers, vendors, contractors, patients, and other individuals affiliated with the University. Retaliation includes any adverse action taken because an individual engaged in reporting Improper Conduct under this policy, including but not limited to:
- For employees: termination, demotion, reduction in pay or hours, denial of promotion, or other adverse change to the terms or conditions of employment;
- For students: adverse changes to academic standing, grades, disciplinary status, clinical placements, or restricted access to University programs or resources;
Any individual who believes they have experienced retaliation for reporting under this policy should contact the Compliance Officer at compliance@westernu.edu. Reports of retaliation will be promptly reviewed and, where warranted, investigated. Any individual found to have engaged in retaliation is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or of the individual’s relationship with the University. Employees are also separately protected from retaliation under the Whistleblower Protections Policy.
An individual who reports suspected Improper Conduct to the University:
- Provides the initial information related to a good faith belief that there was Improper Conduct
- Shall not obtain evidence to which he or she does not have a right of access
- Must be truthful and cooperative with the Compliance Officer, investigators and others to whom he or she makes a report
- Has the right to be informed of the disposition of his or her disclosure.
Reporting Avenues
We encourage employees to use the following list of reporting contacts to share any complaints applicable to the subject matter identified below. Additional information on where or how to report can be found using the reporting avenues below.
- Accessibility: The university is committed to making our physical and digital spaces accessible and usable to everyone, including people with disabilities. To report an accessibility or usability issue that affects someone’s ability to access WesternU facilities, services, websites, or other digital content please complete the following form available at www.westernu.edu/cdhp/access/. The Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy (CDHP) will forward your report to the appropriate department for review. If you need assistance completing the form, contact CDHP at disabilityaccommodations@westernu.edu or phone 909-469-5441.
- Data Privacy: The Data Breach Incident Response Team (DBIRT) manages reports of data incidents or privacy concerns. This includes reports under FERPA, HIPAA or other privacy concerns. All suspected data incidents should be submitted using the Incident Report Form.
- Disability Policy Grievance Procedure: The grievance procedure is applicable to all students requesting or enrolled in services at the Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy (CDHP). It covers all complaints regarding contesting accommodations or access to programs or activities.
- Discrimination or Harassment: Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed based on a protected characteristic(s) defined in and covered by the Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity policies may submit reports to the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity Office (OTIXEO) via the form: https://westernu.guardianconduct.com
- Employee Relations: Reports can be submitted directly to EmployeeRelations@westernu.edu or you may submit your report via the Guardian reporting platform. Additional options include contacting the Office of Human Resources or you can also submit the Employee Relations Complaint Form (PDF).
- Facilities Repair: Maintenance or repair work needs can be submitted to the Facilities Service Request TDX Ticket (requires WesternU login). For Emergency Service Requests (e.g. plumbing issues, electrical failure, fire hazards, HVAC malfunctions) do not use this form. Instead, call ext. 5258 for immediate action. You can also email the office at facilities@westernu.edu with any questions.
- Faculty Concerns and Grievances: Faculty are encouraged to discuss their concerns with their department head, or, where applicable, the supervisor of the pertinent academic or service unit, and/or their Dean. Faculty may also contact the Vice Provost of Faculty Affairs in the Office of the Provost. The process for filing a formal grievance is outlined in the Faculty Handbook Appendix II Grievance Procedures. Faculty will be referred to the Office of Human Resources for matters involving allegations of discrimination and/or harassment, or concerns/issues of an interpersonal nature between or amongst faculty members.
- Grade Appeals: Each school/college has a grade appeal process. Students should contact their dean’s office for the process specific to their school/college.
- Hazing: Any member of WesternU who experiences, witnesses, or suspects hazing is required to immediately report it to the University. WesternU provides multiple methods to report hazing concerns or allegations. Reports can be made to any of the following:
- Online Report Form through OTIXEO: Online Hazing Incident Report Form
- For Anonymous Reporting, please call the Hazing Hotline: (909) 865-2620
- Email: OTIXEO@westernu.edu
- Incident and Accident Reporting: Incidents (e.g., slip, trip, fall, theft, damage, blood borne pathogen exposures, chemical exposure or spill) resulting in personal injury or illness, and/or damage to university property. Incidents are to be properly reported using the . Timely and accurate reporting of incidents is critical and supports effective risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. This form must be submitted within 24 hours of the incident date. To report a work-related injury or illness, complete the Incident Report Form.
- Research Misconduct: Reports of observed, suspected, or apparent misconduct in research, as described in the Research Misconduct Policy, can be submitted anonymously using the Research Misconduct Report or directly to the Office of Research and Regulatory Affairs.
- Sexual Harassment: The Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity (OTIXEO) responds to reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating and/or domestic violence, and provides supportive measures to individuals affected by these issues. Submit a report via the form: https://westernu.guardianconduct.com
- Student Behavior: Reports of alleged student misconduct (including academic dishonesty but excluding Title IX-related matters) must be submitted to Office of Student Conduct and Professionalism.
- Threat Assessment Team: The Threat Assessment Team is a cross-functional team comprised of a variety of University offices that addresses concerns about threatening behavior that could result in violence directed towards a faculty, staff, or student. Reports of concerning (non-emergency) behavior can be submitted here.
- Workers’ Compensation Incident Reporting: To report a work-related injury or illness, complete the Incident Report Form
Reporting to EthicsPoint
If you are unsure what to do, please reach out to University Compliance, either by reaching out via our contact information found below or by submitting a report to EthicsPoint, the university’s hotline reporting feature. Reports submitted can be anonymous if preferred and may be submitted either online by clicking the button at the bottom of this page or by calling the EthicsPoint Hotline Phone Number at (833) 470-7266. More information about reporting and EthicsPoint can be found in this list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
For consultation or inquiry, please email University Compliance or call 909-469-8616
If you are experiencing an emergency please call your local emergency services at 911 or the Campus Security:
- Pomona Campus Security: (909) 706-3000 Extension 3000 from an on-campus phone.
- Oregon Campus Security: (541) 968-4840 Extension 4840 from an on-campus phone.
REPORT A CONCERN: westernu.ethicspoint.com
Mobile Intake Site URL: westernumobile.ethicspoint.com
Hotline Number:(833) 470-7266
Reporting to EthicsPoint
If you are unsure what to do, please reach out to University Compliance, either by reaching out via our contact information found below or by submitting a report to EthicsPoint, the university’s hotline reporting feature.