Ethics FAQs

Yes you may. By providing choices, the system helps ensure that our employees can file a report in the manner most comfortable or convenient to them.

We believe that you are our most important asset. Through open channels of communication, you can participate in improving the Alamo Colleges and helping to promote a safe and ethical environment. 

Yes. In fact, we need you to report. You know what is going on in the Alamo Colleges - both good and bad. You may have initial knowledge of an activity that may be cause for concern. Your reporting can minimize the potential negative impact on the Alamo Colleges and our people. 

We all have the right to work in a positive environment. But with that right comes the responsibility of acting in an ethical manner and letting the appropriate people know if someone is not acting appropriately. By working together, we ensure that we maintain a healthy and productive environment. As shown by companies like Enron and WorldCom, misconduct anywhere in an organization can threaten the entire organization. 

The hotline system is designed for reporting suspected violations of laws, regulations, or Alamo Colleges policies or Code of Conduct. In most cases, these suspected violations should first be discussed with your immediate supervisor, except when the supervisor is involved. In this case, discuss it with the next level supervisor, who will advise you as to the appropriate action to be taken. If administrative channels for resolution do not exist, or have been exhausted, or you wish to remain anonymous the hotline is available for reporting these suspected violations. It is not a substitute for employment-related grievances or appeals, as Alamo Colleges policy and procedures provide administrative channels for resolution of these issues. Do not report these matters directly to the hotline system. The time spent in reporting a matter to the hotline instead of following Alamo Colleges policies and procedures could result in a delay and jeopardize your ability to resolve a grievance or appeal within the established timelines. For further information on the use of the hotline system, consult the Alamo Colleges Ethics Handbook, available on the Alamo Colleges website. 

The Alamo Colleges chooses to promote ethical behavior. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts the Alamo Colleges and its employees, including you. You only have to consider what happened in recent corporate scandals to see the disastrous effects that a seemingly harmless lapse in ethics can have on an otherwise healthy institution. So if you know of an incident of an ethical violation, consider it your duty to yourself and your co-workers to report it. 

There is a section in the report for identifying yourself, if you wish. Providing your identity and contact information can be helpful in certain types of cases, but the choice is up to you.