Statement of Intent

Danville Area Community College (“College”) is committed to the highest ethical standards and conducting its operations in compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations. To ensure that this standard of ethics is maintained, please see Board Policy 4016.0 “Ethics Policy.” In addition all members of the College community are encouraged to report or disclose allegations of internal wrongdoing. The College provides both an internal and external mechanism for reporting.

Whistleblower Procedure

All members of the College community are encouraged to report or disclose allegations of internal wrongdoing. The complaints may be reported anonymously.

Internal Reporting – Complaints of internal wrongdoing may be reported to the Dean of Student Services or the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services. The complaint may be made by telephone or in writing.

External Reporting – Complaints of external wrongdoing may be reported to the Ethics Advisor, currently the College’s attorney, Mr. Jerry Davis, Davis and Delanois. Complaints may be made by telephone (217-446-5255) or in writing via e-mail (davis@davis-delanois.com) or by mail (28 West North Street, Danville, IL 61832).

Definition of Wrongdoing

Wrongdoing may include but not be limited to the following activities:

1. Crimes or violations of the law or governmental regulations.
2. Fraud or financial irregularity.
3. Improper use of College funds, property or assets.
4. Corruption, bribery or blackmail.
5. Endangering the health or safety of an individual.
6. Harming College property.

Protection of Whistleblower

Upon receipt of a complaint of wrongdoing, the College will initiate an internal investigation, regardless of reporting mechanism. The College may take appropriate action against anyone found to have engaged in fraudulent or dishonest conduct, including disciplinary action by the College, and/or civil and criminal prosecution when warranted.

In accordance with the Illinois Whistleblower Act, 750 ILCS 174/1 et. Seq., neither the Board nor employees of the College may retaliate against a whistleblower who has reasonable cause to believe that the information reported discloses a violation of a state or federal law, rule or regulation or for refusing to participate in an activity that they reasonably believe would result in a violation of a state or federal law, rule or regulation.

Whistleblowers who believe they have been retaliated against may file a written complaint with the Director of Human Resources or the President. Any complaint of retaliation will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective measures taken if allegations of retaliation are substantiated. This protection from retaliation is not intended to prohibit managers or supervisors from taking action, including disciplinary action, in the usual scope of their duties and based on valid performance-related factors.