Frequently Asked Questions

Purdue University has a simple anonymous way to report suspected fraud, waste, issues of academic integrity or scholastic misconduct, or misuse of University assets, as well as regulatory noncompliance. This service allows you to communicate anonymously and confidentially via internet or telephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the Hotline is not monitored 24/7, and reports received will be triaged and referred to the appropriate area during regular business hours (Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm). If you have an immediate concern, please call 911. If your question is not answered here, please contact iadirector@purdue.edu.

What Should I Report?

Examples of issues you should report include, but are not limited to:

• Conflicts of interest
• Workplace misconduct
• Academic or Research misconduct
• Environmental health and safety concerns
• Harassment or discrimination
• Theft or misappropriation of funds, supplies, property, or other university resources
• Fraud
• Intentionally reporting inaccurate financial results
• Accounting irregularities
• Athletics compliance
• Forgery or alteration of documents
• Unauthorized alteration or manipulation of computer files
• Improper and wasteful activity
• Falsification of reports to management or external agencies
• Authorization or receipt of compensation for hours not worked
• Violations of law, contract, or University policy

How does the Hotline process work?

Purdue utilizes EthicsPoint, a third-party hotline provider, to assist us by documenting your concerns or reports of possible misconduct. With EthicsPoint, you can file a confidential, anonymous report via the telephone (1-866-818-2620) or the Internet. The Internal Audit Office will either conduct an investigation or forward the information to the appropriate office for action. If the information provided is not sufficient or detailed enough, an investigation may not be able to be conducted. Reports received will be triaged and referred to the appropriate area during regular business hours. If you have an immediate concern, please call 911.  

Will I remain anonymous?

Yes, you do not have to provide your contact information unless you choose to do so. EthicsPoint system strips away internet addresses so that anonymity is totally maintained. At the conclusion of your contact, you will receive information on how to return to the EthicsPoint system again, either by Internet or telephone, to access the original report so you can add more detail or answer questions posed by an organization representative. The EthicsPoint system is designed to protect your anonymity. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, you - as a reporting party - need to ensure that the body of the report does not reveal your identity by accident. Due to the nature of certain claims, the University may be limited with respect to the action(s) it may be able to take in response to a report if the individual submitting the report does not wish to make his or her identity known.

How will individuals reporting suspicious acts or behavior be treated?

All matters related to your report will be handled with discretion. Reporting can be done anonymously. Individuals may choose to identify themselves and will not suffer any retaliatory action for reporting or inquiring in good faith. Please refer to the University's policy Protection Against Reprisal for Good Faith Disclosures (Whistleblower Protection) (III.A.4).

Who is responsible for oversight of the program?

The Internal Audit Office is responsible for the oversight of the Hotline. 

Does the Hotline replace existing reporting mechanisms?

Purdue University offers a number of local reporting options. For a partial list, see Local Reporting Options.

Related information

University Policies