Reporting Improper Activities (Whistleblower)

The University of California has a responsibility to conduct its affairs ethically and in compliance with the law. If you suspect that a UC employee is engaged in improper governmental activities, you should know that UC has policies on reporting suspected improper governmental activities and protection from retaliation for making such a report. 

Improper governmental activities include:  

• Violations of state or federal laws or regulations (e.g., corruption, malfeasance, bribery, theft or misuse of government property, fraud, coercion, conversion);
• Economic waste; and
• Gross misconduct, gross incompetence or gross inefficiency.

You can report suspected improper governmental activities via one of these resources: 

• Your Supervisor, Manager, or Department Head
   
• UC Systemwide Whistleblower Hotline 
  • Online UC Whistleblower Hotline or call 800-403-4744
  • The hotline is independently operated to ensure anonymous and confidential reporting
     
• UC Merced's Locally Designated Official (LDO)
  • Viola Kinsman, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer (CECO)
  • UC Merced Whistleblower Poster
     
• California State Auditor
  • Online Complaint Form or call 800-952-5665
  • Report Improper Activity (Poster)
  • Report Improper Activity (Brochure)
  • For more information about reporting to this outside agency, please see the Whistleblower page on the State Auditor's website 

The University prohibits retaliation against employees who in good faith, report suspected ethical, legal or policy violations. 

For more information about reporting suspected improper governmental activities, please see the following resources: 

• UCOP Whistleblower Website
• UC Whistleblower FAQ
• UC Systemwide Whistleblower Policy
• UC Whistleblower Protection Policy
• UC Merced Whistleblower Protection Policy Implementation Procedures