The systemwide UC Whistleblower Hotline allows anyone to report suspected improper governmental activities by phone (800-403-4744) or online, through a platform known as “Ethicspoint.” The great majority of reports in FY24 came through the Ethicspoint portal.
Reports can be made to the Whistleblower alleging the following types of reportable conduct (for definitions, please see the UC Whistleblower Hotline website):
- Child / Elder Abuse
- Conflict of Interest / Commitment
- Contracting for Covered Services
- Discrimination / Harassment (Referred to Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination)
- Fraud / Theft / Embezzlement
- Health / Safety / Violence
- Information Security / Privacy Violations
- Medical Care & Misconduct
- Research Misconduct
- Retaliation
- Sexual Misconduct (Referred to Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination)
- Waste / Misuse of University Resources
- Workplace Misconduct
Each UC campus has a Locally Designated Official (LDO), charged with administering the Whistleblower Policy and Whistleblower Protection Policy. At Berkeley, the LDO is Kellie Brennan, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Civil Rights, Whistleblower, and Clery Compliance. The LDO reviews reports of conduct, as well as general inquiries, that are made via Whistleblower and pertain to the Berkeley campus. In consultation with a campus team, the LDO resolves complaints or routs them to the appropriate campus departments.