Queen’s University seeks to promote a culture of honesty, transparency, and accountability, maintaining high ethical standards in all its activities.
To assist with this, the university has a policy and procedure related to the reporting of “Improper Acts”, which enables all members of the university community to report what they believe to be an Improper Act for review and possible investigation.
How can you report a possible Improper Act?
You should complete the online form.
What is an "Improper Act"?
- Contravention of university policies or procedures;
- Contravention of relevant local, provincial, or federal laws;
- Creating a danger to the life, health, or safety of persons or the environment;
- Interference through direct or indirect action, or use of authority, to obstruct a person’s right to make a report of an alleged Improper Act; and
- Reprisals for reporting an Improper Act.
Can you make an anonymous report?
Yes; however, it may not be possible to refer, investigate, or respond to anonymous reports because the respondent has a right to be informed of the allegations made against them. This should not prevent you from making an anonymous report, but you should be aware of its limitations.
What happens when you report a possible Improper Act?
- The report is received by the university’s Reporting Officer, who is the University Secretary.
- The Officer reviews the report and determines which intake process of the most applicable policy it should be referred to.
- If the report is accepted for investigation, it will be assigned to a Responsible Officer. Outcomes from investigations are generally confidential; however, if it is appropriate to share the outcome with you as the reporter, it will be shared.
- If the report is not accepted for investigation, you as the reporter will be informed of this and provided with an explanation.
- All of these steps are included in the procedure.
Can you get in trouble for reporting a possible Improper Act?
No. The policy specifically prohibits retaliation for the reporting of a possible Improper Act. Engaging in an act of reprisal constitutes a breach of the policy.
What other policies relate to possible Improper Acts?
The university has a number of policies designed to ensure honesty and transparency on campus. They include the following:
Academic Integrity Policy
Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources Policy
Collective Agreements for Faculty and Staff
Fraud Policy
Free Expression at Queen’s University Policy
Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy
Network and Systems Security Policy
Policy on Integrity in Research
Policy on Sexual Violence Involving Queen’s University Students
Resident Harassment and Discrimination Investigation Procedure
Senior Administrators Code of Conduct
Students at Risk Policy
Student Code of Conduct
Need Help?
Please reach out to the University Secretariat at univsec@queensu.ca for assistance. All communications will be held in confidence.