FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 9, 2011
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124
aperkins@pa.muw.edu

New Ethics Line enables MUW personnel to report improper activities

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Individuals on the campus of Mississippi University for Women are now able to report improper activities and remain anonymous while doing so.

The Ethics Line, operated by EthicsPoint, provides a 24/7/365 reporting of improper activities and offers protection for whistleblowing.
“MUW is committed to being responsible and ethical and maintaining the highest standards of integrity in its daily operations. In an effort to promote transparency, Ms. Allegra Brigham approved an agreement with EthicsPoint, to establish and independently operate a reporting website and a telephone hotline,” said Lesia Bryant, interim director of internal audit. “Individuals should report issues through established channels; however, if not possible, reports can be made using MUW’s Ethics Line. Good-faith reports will be investigated as appropriate by internal audit, police, resources management, human resources, provost, information technology services, and/or general counsel.”

Anonymous reports may be made online at www.muw.ethicspoint.com or by calling1-877-310-0424.

MUW personnel may report:

--A violation of applicable state and/or federal laws and regulations

--A serious violation of university policy

--The use of university property, resources, or authority for personal gain or other non university-related purpose except as provided under university policy

--Abuses related to federal American Recovery and Reinvestment funds

In conjunction with the Ethics Line, MUW has developed a new whistleblower policy, which is near the final stages of approval.

Nora Miller, vice president for finance and administration, said, “The benefit of the proposed whistleblower policy is that it expressly outlines established procedures for individuals to make a good faith report of wrongful conduct and reinforces the university's responsibility to protect those making a good faith report from retaliatory academic or employment action.  This policy supplements existing law, and shows the University's commitment to compliance with these laws.”

MUW is benefitting from the EthicsPoint service at a very minimal cost as a result of Mississippi State University sharing internal audit services with MUW. One of the IHL Board initiatives was for MUW and MSU to explore opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies.