USM Communication Channels for Anonymous, Confidential Reporting of Fraud
Employees,
students and other members of the University System of Maryland (USM) community
are strongly encouraged to communicate suspected fraud or other financial
irregularities to appropriate authorities.
At http://www.usmd.edu/usm/IAO/ReportFraud/index.php and via telephone
"Hotline" (1-877-330-2320), members of the USM community may
report such
concerns. This user-friendly process is both anonymous and confidential. It is designed
to deter and detect fraud, unethical business practices, and financial
irregularities at USM institutions.
In
addition to the portal and hotline, reports of fraud may be submitted to a fax
number and mailing address. A full summary of contact information for all of
these channels follows at the bottom.
Upon
receipt of a report, the Office of Internal Audit will evaluate the allegation
and determine the appropriate strategy for resolution. On a case-by-case basis,
officials at USM institutions, the Office of the Attorney General of Maryland, or
the USM Office of Internal Audit may be asked to conduct or collaborate in an
investigation.
The
Chancellor and USM Board of Regents have given their full support to
responsible, proactive reporting systems as a priority to address any potential
fraud or abuse of USM assets. The program adds another level of proactive
custodial responsibility to USM's continuing strong management of System
resources.
Establishment
of the Hotline assures USM compliance with the FAR (Federal Acquisition
Regulation) Contract Code of Business Ethics Requirements, which requires a
hotline or other internal mechanism to facilitate anonymous, confidential
employee reporting of improper conduct. FAR applies to organizations carrying
federal contracts whose value is more than $5 million or with a performance
period of at least 120 days.
We
encourage anyone familiar with any fraud, misuse or misappropriation of USM
resources to use the Web portal, hotline and other channels to confidentially and
anonymously report suspected fraud so that it may be appropriately
investigated.
1. Web Portal Link: http://www.usmd.edu/usm/IAO/ReportFraud/index.php
2.
Toll-free Telephone Hotline 1-877-330-2320
3.
U.S. Mail: University System of Maryland
Office of Internal Audit; ATTN: HOTLINE
10630 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 450
Columbia, Maryland 21044
4. Fax Transmissions - (443-367-3551)