Policy Summary: To provide a vehicle for reporting alleged financial impropriety, misuse of organizational resources, unethical behavior or a violation of laws.

[Rational: This “Whistleblower” policy is voluntarily adopted by Juniata College in order to provide a comprehensive reporting and investigative process with the aim of encouraging the reporting of threats to the College’s assets, unethical behavior or violation of law.  This policy provides protection for individuals who make such reports in good faith.]

The College understands the importance of protecting its assets and offering its many constituencies the ability to participate in this College-wide endeavor.  Therefore, the Board of Trustees of Juniata College has adopted, as revised, this Whistleblower Policy.

In adopting the Whistleblower Policy, the College communicates the responsibility of each member of the College community in acknowledging their role in this endeavor.  The College acknowledges its responsibility to ensure an effective methodical process is in place to address each alleged violation.

The College has a responsibility to conduct its affairs ethically and in compliance with all laws.    The College strives to ensure adequate controls are in place to deter fraud and other acts inconsistent with this responsibility.  The College’s Whistleblower Policy establishes a comprehensive process within the College community for addressing any violations.

The Whistleblower Policy prohibits College officials from interfering with the right of anyone to report alleged financial impropriety, misuse of organizational resources, unethical behavior or the violation of any laws.  Furthermore, it prohibits the College from retaliating against any individual for having made a good faith disclosure or complaint or for having refused to do something illegal or unethical.  

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT:

You may share your questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints directly with your supervisor.  However, if you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor, or are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to speak with anyone in management.  Alternatively, you may report your concern directly to either of the following individuals:

Karla Wiser
Controller & Chief Financial Officer
Tel. (814) 641-3301

James A. Troha
President
Tel. (814) 641-3135  

If you wish to file an anonymous report, you may do so using this link:
https://www.juniata.edu/about/presidents-office/policies/instituitional/whistleblower-guidelines.php  

If you do not wish to use any of the procedures listed above, or if the matter is of such a nature that you want to communicate directly with the Chair of the Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management Committee (“Audit Committee”), she can be contacted at the following address:

Jayne K. Donahue
Home mailing address:
25 Darlene Drive
Southborough, MA 01772
E-mail:  jaynekdonahue@yahoo.com 

Supervisors and managers should refer all reports they receive from employees to the Controller unless the circumstances require that the report be directed elsewhere, in which case the report can be directed to any of the other individuals named above.

The Board of Trustees has designated the Controller as the person primarily responsible for receiving and coordinating the investigation of all reported complaints and allegations concerning violations under the Whistleblower Policy.  S/he will have direct access and is required to report to the President and the Audit Committee at least annually on his/her compliance activity.  S/he will follow the process as outlined in the Juniata College Whistleblower Complaint Handling Process which is reviewed annually by the Audit Committee.  At the discretion of the Chair of the Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management Committee, the investigation may be assigned to another person or entity if the nature or scope of the problem warrants, or if the conduct of the Controller is in question.  Reports of alleged violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation. 

The College values all of its stakeholders and recognizes its responsibility to safeguard their rights and reputations.  The Whistleblower Policy will be administered in a manner intended to protect the rights of those accused of wrongdoing and their accusers until such time as a determination has been made upon a thorough and fair investigation.  Persons submitting a whistleblower report are asked to use their best efforts to ensure their report is made with good intention, is deemed to be in the best interest of the College and is not a result of self-interest.