Ethical Panther Hotline Notice and Consent
Terms And Conditions
This page sets out some key terms and conditions that govern the use of the Ethical Panther Hotline. By proceeding, you agree to be bound by these terms.
Emergency Situations
This tool is not intended to report emergencies or a substitute for contacting law enforcement and the information you submit may not be reviewed immediately. If you are facing an emergency, a crime or threat to property is in progress, or believe you or someone else is facing the threat of imminent bodily harm, please contact your local police or emergency responders immediately.
Notice & Consent
By providing information through the telephone or webform in this reporting tool, you agree that we may use the information for the purposes of reviewing, investigating, and addressing your report as appropriate.
Anonymity & Confidentiality
When reporting, you may choose to provide your name and contact information, or you may choose to remain anonymous. If you choose to remain anonymous, you should ensure that the description of the issue or incident you are providing does not reveal your identity by accident. If you are the only individual who could possibly know the reported facts, there may be an unintended disclosure of your identity. The University will honor and protect your request for confidentiality to the extent possible as it fulfills its obligations in responding to the report.
Florida Public Record Law
Please note that Florida International University is subject to the State of Florida public records law. While we can protect any documents or identifying information you have provided while the investigation is ongoing, once the investigation closes, we may need to turn over certain documents or identifying information in response to a public records request. Florida International University will protect the confidentiality of the information we receive from you to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law.
Whistleblower Status
If you are NOT reporting anonymously and are seeking whistle-blower status under the “Florida Whistle-blower’s Act”, please file your complaint directly with the Office of Internal Audit:
FIU Office of Internal Audit
11200 SW 8 ST, CSC 447
Miami, Fl 33199
Email: Auditors@FIU.edu
Telephone: 305-348-2107
Fax: 305-348-6421
If whistle-blower status is granted based on the nature of your complaint, your name and identity are exempted from public record. This status will only be granted if your complaint reaches the threshold required to meet criteria for whistle-blower status as defined by Florida Statute.
Please note that the statute sets a high qualification standard based on the impact of your allegations and not everyone who requests this status will receive it.
Who at the University Sees My Report?
Reports submitted through the Ethical Panther Hotline are handled as promptly and discreetly as possible. Your concerns are first referred to the Hotline Reports Review Committee (“Committee”) consisting of the University Compliance and Privacy Officer, the Vice President for Human Resources and the Chief Audit Executive. The Committee reviews all reports to determine the University’s immediate and initial response and also to determine what other University personnel, if any, must be involved in the investigation and ultimate resolution of this matter. Relevant information will only be shared with other University personnel if it is necessary or appropriate to investigate or resolve a matter. The University is committed to safeguarding the confidentiality of individuals who submit reports whenever possible. Further, no one submitting a report will be subjected to retaliatory action for inquiring about possible criminal, unethical, or otherwise inappropriate activity or behavior, or reporting them in good faith.