Whistleblower Policy

Lipscomb University is committed to providing all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, vendors and guests, with a safe and productive environment. If any member of the University community has reason to believe or reasonably suspect that the University or any of its agents is acting contrary to any applicable federal, state or local laws or regulations, or contrary to any established University policy, that person may report such action or activity without fear of reprisal or retaliation.

Any University employee with reasonable suspicion of such illegal or improper activity should notify his/her immediate supervisor. If the complaint involves the immediate supervisor, the employee should contact his/her next higher level of supervisor and/or the Administrator having authority over the employee's area. In lieu of or in addition to notification of supervisory personnel, any University employee with such a complaint may contact the University General Counsel to register a complaint.

Any University student with reasonable suspicion of such illegal or improper activity should notify one of the student deans. In lieu of or in addition to notification of a student dean, any University student with such a complaint may contact the University General Counsel to register a complaint.

Any vendor, guest or alumnus of the University, or any other interested person with reasonable suspicion of such illegal or improper activity should notify the University General Counsel to register a complaint.

After notification of alleged illegal or improper activity, the General Counsel will conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action to the University President or Board Chair. All such allegations shall be logged and kept under seal in the Office of General Counsel.

Should retaliation actually occur, such act shall be considered a serious violation of University policy and will be dealt with accordingly. Encouraging others to retaliate is also a violation of this policy. Those who file fraudulent or bad faith complaints pursuant to this policy will be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action as well.