Whistleblower Policy

St. Lawrence University (the “University”) is deeply committed to appropriately protecting its physical, financial and human resources. It is the intent of the University to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, and the underlying purpose of this policy is to support the University’s goal of legal compliance.

PURPOSE AND POLICY

The purpose of this Whistleblower Policy is to provide a channel through which employees or anyone else can report certain suspected improper activities within the University.

These suspected improper activities are:

fraud, including questionable accounting, financial, transactional or auditing matters;
illegal activities, including noncompliance with a state or federal statute, regulation or policy; and
noncompliance with certain University policies as required under New York law.

The University’s internal controls and operating procedures are intended to detect and deter improper activities. However, even the best systems of control cannot provide absolute safeguards against intentional and unintentional violations.

No one who reports a suspected improper activity in good faith shall be subject to retaliation, intimidation, discrimination, harassment or, in the case of an employee, adverse employment consequences. However, any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and that were made maliciously or with knowledge that such allegations were false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

REPORTING

Website: https://report.syntrio.com/stlawu

Anonymous Reporting App: Keyword: stlawu

Detailed app instructions download here

Toll-Free Telephone:

English-speaking USA and Canada: 888-850-4266

Spanish-speaking USA and Canada: 800-216-1288

Spanish-speaking Mexico: 800-681-5340

French-speaking Canada: 855-725-0002

E-mail: reports@syntrio.com (must include company name with report)

Fax: 215-689-3885 (must include company name with report)

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee shall have full authority to investigate suspected improper activities raised in accordance with this policy and may retain outside legal counsel, accountants, private investigators, or any other resource that the committee reasonably believes is necessary to conduct a full and complete investigation of the allegations.

The Committee is responsible for assuring:

the proper investigative channels are utilized;
that appropriate resources are brought to bear;
that there are no conflicts of interest on the part of any party involved;
that allegations are timely and thoroughly addressed;
that the Board of Trustees receives a final report of the investigation with suggestions, if appropriate, for corrective and remedial action; and
that there is follow-up with the complainant.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Information may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or may be submitted anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations and the source will be kept confidential, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.