SIU University Guidelines

7.1 General Statement

As state employees, we have a duty to conduct ourselves in a manner that will maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of Southern Illinois University. Furthermore, we are obligated to follow state law, which includes the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430). As stewards of the University’s resources and property, we must make ethical decisions and avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

The University does not condone and will not tolerate fraudulent, illegal or improper business practices, or practices of questionable ethics or conflict of interest in the conduct of University business. Any employee, regardless of position or length of service, found responsible for such actions shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

7.2 Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for being aware of exposures and symptoms of exposures in their areas of responsibility, and for detecting wrongdoing and fraudulent activities. Each Unit Head, Dean, Director, and Department Head shall be alerted for any indication that improprieties might exist and work to prevent or detect such improprieties.

7.3 Employees Responsibilities

All University employees have an obligation to safeguard the property and assets of the State and help to maintain the high standards of professional conduct we expect from all University employees. If you know of any violation of Illinois law or the Ethics Act, you must report it to the appropriate authorities. All employees are required to participate in ethics training on an annual basis.

7.4 Procedures for Reporting Misconduct

University employees are responsible for reporting any suspected wrongdoing or fraudulent activity. Reports may be made directly to the Office of Executive Inspector General via the toll free hotline 866-814-1113, or to the University Ethics Office at (618) 453-8645. SIU employees may report suspected wrong doing to the University Ethics Office in writing to Southern Illinois University Ethics Office, 1205 W. Chautauqua, MC 6823, Carbondale, IL 62901. Any reports made to the University Ethics Office will be referred to the OEIG within five business days after the Ethics Office conducts an initial review for possible exceptions to the referral requirement for certain misconduct, criminal activity and emergency situations. All reports will be treated confidentially.

7.5 Investigating Authority

The State Officials and Employees Ethics Act vests jurisdiction with the Executive Inspector General to investigate allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or violations of the Ethics Act, and violations of other related laws and rules. This jurisdiction extends to all officers and employees of, and vendors doing business with, the Illinois public university systems.

OEIG is responsible for conducting all internal investigations. The University may be called upon by OEIG to conduct its own internal investigations on a case-by-case basis. The University will take all necessary steps to protect the confidentiality of any employee who reports such activity and protect such employees from retaliation of any kind. After referral, University employees are prohibited from taking any further action until we have consulted with and received approval from the OEIG.

7.6 Exceptions for Certain Misconduct, Criminal Activity and Emergency Situations

The following matters do not require referral to the OEIG for investigation:

1. Anything that has been fully adjudicated or is pending before an administrative agency or pending in civil or criminal court.
2. Complaints of purely management issues where an employee is merely dissatisfied with another employee, work assignment, performance rating, or faculty research-related issues.
3. Any student misconduct unless the claim arises out of the student’s position as a state employee.
4. University police shall be responsible for the investigation of criminal conduct or criminal incidents on university property requiring an immediate response.
5. Illinois law requires state employees to report attempted bribery to the Illinois State Police.

7.7 Duty to Cooperate with Investigation

All affected offices and/or employees have the responsibility to cooperate fully and provide assistance to the OEIG in the performance of any investigation. Employees should feel free to report misconduct and participate in investigations without fear of retribution. Any officer, employee, or appointee who violates this provision shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge. All University resources are open to inspection including equipment, books, records, or papers in the possession of the University.

If an investigation finds sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, the University has the responsibility to take action towards the offending employee(s) and to notify appropriate law enforcement authorities if necessary.

Under state law, the knowing provision of false information to the OEIG by any officer or employee shall be cause for discipline, up to and including discharge. Caution should be exercised when dealing with suspected misconduct or fraudulent activities to avoid: making incorrect accusations; prematurely alerting suspected individuals of an investigation in progress; violating the employee’s right to due process; and making statements that could lead to claims of false accusation or other offenses.

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