Purpose and Scope
Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all its academic and administrative operations. This Whistleblower Framework (“the Framework”) is established to encourage and enable members of the University community to report suspected misconduct or violations in good faith, with the assurance that such reports will be handled confidentially and without fear of retaliation. The Framework applies to all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and any other individuals (such as contractors or volunteers) associated with PSAU.
Covered Misconduct: This Framework covers any academic or administrative misconduct that undermines the ethical or legal standards of the University. Examples of reportable wrongdoing include, but are not limited to:
- Academic or Research Misconduct: plagiarism, cheating on exams, fabrication or falsification of research data, violation of research ethics, or other breaches of academic integrity.
- Administrative or Financial Misconduct: embezzlement, fraud, theft of University assets, bribery, misappropriation of funds, procurement irregularities, or other corrupt practices.
- Violation of Laws or University Policies: any action by a member of the University that violates applicable laws, regulations, or University policies – including discrimination or harassment, misuse of authority, endangerment of health and safety, and willful non-compliance with official regulations.
- Other Unethical Conduct: serious improper conduct such as abuse of power, nepotism, gross mismanagement, or deliberate concealment of any wrongdoing listed above.
Definitions
For purposes of this Framework, the following definitions apply:
- Whistleblower: An individual who reports in good faith a suspected act of misconduct, wrongdoing, or violation of law/framework within the University. Whistleblowers may include students, faculty, staff or any person associated with PSAU who voices a concern about improper activities.
- Good Faith: The honest and reasonable belief that one is reporting a real or potential issue of misconduct. A report made in good faith means the reporter genuinely suspects wrongdoing, even if it is later found to be unsubstantiated. Reports made with knowledge of their falsity or with malicious intent are not in good faith and are not protected by this Framework.
- Misconduct: Any unethical behavior, violation of law or regulation, or breach of University framework. This includes academic misconduct (such as cheating or research fraud) and administrative misconduct (such as financial impropriety or abuse of authority), as detailed under Purpose and Scope.
- Retaliation: Any form of adverse action or reprisal against an individual for reporting misconduct or for cooperating in an investigation. Retaliation can include harassment, intimidation, demotion, firing or expulsion, unfair grading, blacklisting, or any other action that negatively impacts the individual’s status or working/learning environment as a consequence of their whistleblowing. Retaliation is strictly forbidden under this Framework.
Reporting Procedures
- PSAU has established clear and multiple channels for reporting suspected misconduct. The University encourages individuals to report through the channel they are most comfortable with. These channels include:
- Generic Reporting System: PSAU has implemented a confidential, web-based Generic Reporting System accessible through the University's official website. This platform allows all members of the University community to securely submit concerns, whether anonymously or with their identity disclosed. Reports are automatically logged and routed to the appropriate University units for review. The platform ensures user privacy and enables follow-up communication where needed.
- Access the system at: www.psau.edu.sa/report
- Features:
- User-friendly interface for submitting complaints or reports
- Anonymous submission option
- Reference code for status tracking and follow-up
- Secure data handling and confidentiality protection
- Immediate Supervisor or Academic/Administrative Head: In many cases, employees or students should first consider reporting concerns to their direct supervisor, department chair, Dean, or another appropriate official within their faculty or unit.
- Designated University Offices: Depending on the nature of the concern, certain offices have particular responsibility.
