Compliance & Ethics
Mission Statement
The Houston Community College System is committed to maintaining an environment where ethical conduct and decision-making are expected and in which we can achieve accountability and transparency in all System-wide operations. As such, we seek to promote a culture of due diligence and compliance with the law and relevant College Policy.
Ethics and Compliance Hotline
HCC is pleased to provide a third-party Ethics and Compliance Hotline for employees, students, and members of the public to encourage the reporting of any fraud, waste, and abuse and violations of College District policy and law.
The Hotline, called EthicsPoint, is a service provided and operated by an independent third-party company and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report suspected wrongdoing either by telephone or via a secure website. It is our commitment to you to ensure that you have the ability to report concerns or ask questions freely, even anonymously if you prefer, without the fear of retaliation.
For more information, please go to: http://www.hccs.ethicspoint.com/ or by phone at 855.811.6284
Ethics and Compliance Hotline FAQs
Who can file a report with the hotline?
Anyone - employees, students, and other community members.
Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Reports are entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. EthicsPoint makes these reports available only to specific individuals within HCC who are charged with evaluating the report, based on the type of violation and location of the incident. Each of these report recipients has had training in keeping these reports in the utmost confidence.
Why does HCC have a Hotline?
HCC is committed to conducting business ethically and complying with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. There are a variety of reporting channels for expressing compliance concerns and resolving them. For example, a possible violation of the Employee Standards of Conduct is typically resolved by an employee referring the concern to a supervisor, Talent Relations partner, or to the relevant department (e.g., The Office of Institutional Equity for discrimination/ harassment).
Though we encourage utilizing these conventional methods, we understand there are circumstances in which you might not be comfortable making such a report. The EthicsPoint Hotline provides an option for you to provide information to a third party and with total anonymity if you wish.
What if I remember something important about an incident after I file the report? Or what if administration has questions for me about my report?
When you file a report at the EthicsPoint website or through the EthicsPoint Call Center, you will have a unique username and password, which will allow you to access your report to add more detail or answer questions posed by an HCC representative. (If you have reported anonymously, this can remain an “anonymous dialogue.”)
Does the administration really want me to report?
We certainly do. In fact, we need you to report. We can’t fix what we don’t know about. You may have information regarding an activity or situation that may be cause for concern. Your reporting can minimize the potential negative impact on HCC and other community members, like yourself.
State of Texas Auditor
State of Texas Auditor: Report fraud to 1-800-TX-AUDIT or visit sao.fraud.texas.gov/ReportFraud/
Reporting Workplace Violence
Reporting Workplace Violence
Employees can report instances of workplace violence or suspicious activity by contacting the Department of Public Safety (DPS) through the iWatchTexas Community Reporting System at www.iwatchtx.org, or by calling 844-643-2251. Employees have the right to make a report to DPS anonymously.
Reportando La Violencia en el Trabajo
Los empleados pueden denunciar casos de violencia en el trabajo o actividades sospechosas comunicándose con el Departamento de Seguridad Pública (DPS) a través del Sistema de Informes Comunitarios iWatchTexas en www.iwatchtx.org, o llamando al 844-643-2251. Los empleados tienen derecho a presentarle una queja al DPS de forma anónima.
Coming Soon
Information about HCC's System-wide Compliance Program, including, but not limited to:
- Compliance Matrix with contact information for Compliance Partners responsible for specific areas of compliance;
- Topical Resources and Links;
- Access to Mandatory Employee Training Modules; and
- Standards of Conduct/Code of Ethics
- HCC's System-wide Policies and Administrative Regulations
Questions? Please contact us at: hcc.compliance@hccs.edu
Compliance & Ethics
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