Applies to: All faculty and staff
1. POLICY
Issued: May 15, 2018
Last Revised: May 15, 2018
Last Reviewed: November 13, 2024
2. Policy Purpose
This policy identifies which conduct the Office of Professionalism and Ethics (“OPE”) may elect to investigate.
3. Scope and Application
This policy applies to the investigation of reported non-protected class conduct that has not been investigated by the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX; Office of Culture, Ethics and Compliance; Office of Audit Services, Human Resources; Employee and Labor Relations; or other University office.
4. Definitions
| Term | Definition |
| Non-Protected Class Conduct | Conduct, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and violence, that is not based upon a protected characteristic as defined in the University’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation. |
5. Policy Details
Office of Professionalism and Ethics and Non-Protected Class Conduct in Violation of University Policy
The Office of Professionalism and Ethics (“OPE”), or its delegate, investigates violations of University policy that have not been investigated by the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX; Office of Culture, Ethics and Compliance (OCEC); Office of Audit Services; Human Resources; Employee and Labor Relations; or other University office. It should coordinate appropriately with other investigative offices, and may draw on reports from affiliated institutions and from schools.
Similar to the other University investigative offices, OPE investigates, makes findings of fact, and determines if University policy was violated.
Findings involving staff are submitted to the Office of the Senior Vice President of Human Relations, Equity and Compliance, or its delegate, for evaluation and remediation in compliance with University policy.
Findings involving faculty are submitted to the Faculty Committee on Professional Responsibility for evaluation and remediation in compliance with the Faculty Handbook and University policy.
Findings may also be used in conjunction with active or current investigations by the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX; Office of Culture, Ethics and Compliance; Office of Audit Services, Human Resources; Employee and Labor Relations; or other University office.
6. Procedures
N/A
7. Forms
N/A
8. Responsibilities
| POSITION or OFFICE | RESPONSIBILITIES |
| Office of Professionalism and Ethics | 1. The Office of Professionalism and Ethics (“OPE”), or its delegate, is responsible for investigating reported conduct that is applicable to this policy. |
9. Related Information
Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
10. Contacts
Please direct any questions regarding this policy to:
| Office of Professionalism and Ethics | 213-740-5755 | ope@usc.edu |
11. Policy URL
The policy will be listed at policy.usc.edu. This link may be shared in community messages and on the We are SC website.