604-7 - Whistle blower

Title:  Whistleblower
Owner: Human Resources
Last Updated/Revised:  01/06/2022

Policy:  A whistleblower is defined as an employee of AGI/AU/USU who reports an activity that he/she considers to be illegal or dishonest. If employees have information regarding possible violations of state or federal statutes, rules, or regulations, or violations of fiduciary responsibility by the Company, United States University encourages employees to report it immediately to their manager or Human Resources.

When employees notify a supervisor, manager, or an appropriate government or law enforcement agency that they have reason to believe their employer is violating a state or federal statute, or violating or not complying with a state or federal rule or regulation, those employees are protected from retaliation. As such, the Company has a strict policy that prohibits retaliation against employees who make such reports while employed in any form of employment. The Company also does not permit retaliation against employees who refuse to participate in an activity that would result in a violation of a state or federal statute, or a violation or noncompliance with a state or federal rule or regulation.

If an employee wishes to report any such matters anonymously, employees may call the appropriate Whistleblower Hotline. Reports from the Whistleblower Hotline will be sent directly to United States University’s outside legal counsel and United States University’s Executive Committee Chair, who is not an employee of AGI, AU, or USU:

Whistleblower Hotline for USU Employees:

English Speaking Callers: (877) 472-2110

Spanish Speaking Callers: (800) 216-1288

Via E-mail at reports@lighthouse-services.com

Alternatively, if you are an employee in California, you may contact the California State Attorney General's Whistleblower Hotline at (800) 952-5225. The Attorney General will refer your call to the appropriate government authority for review and possible investigation.

Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to encourage staff to come forward with information that may be considered illegal practices or violations of adopted policies of the institution.

Scope: This policy applies to all university employees.