ConfidenceLine is USask's confidential reporting option for concerns about suspected wrongdoing, unethical conduct, or misconduct connected to the university. It is available for individuals who are not comfortable using regular reporting channels or who wish to report anonymously or confidentially.

What Can Be Reported?

You can use ConfidenceLine to report concerns such as:

• Fraud, theft, or misuse of university resources
• Financial irregularities
• Falsification of records or documents
• Breaches of privacy or confidentiality
• Conflicts of interest
• Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or violence
• Unethical conduct or behaviour that may violate university policies, laws, or professional standards

You may also report concerns that you witnessed or became aware of through another person. Include as much information as possible about what you observed and how you became aware of the concern.

Reports may involve students, faculty, staff, leaders, contractors, vendors, or other conduct connected to the University of Saskatchewan.

Who Can Use ConfidenceLine?

ConfidenceLine is available to:

• Students
• Faculty and staff
• Trainees and adjuncts
• Contractors, suppliers, and vendors
• Alumni
• Members of the public with concerns connected to USask

When Should I Use ConfidenceLine?

ConfidenceLine may be a good option if you:

• Prefer to report anonymously or confidentially
• Do not feel comfortable using regular reporting channels
• Are concerned about possible retaliation
• Are unsure where to direct your concern
• Believe the matter involves serious wrongdoing or misconduct

When Should I Use Another Reporting Option?

Many concerns can be addressed through existing university processes.

For example:

• Employees may normally speak with their supervisor.
• Students may normally work through their college or school.
• Some concerns may be better addressed through Human Resources, Protective Services, or Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services.

ConfidenceLine does not replace other university policies or processes. Depending on the concern, your report may be referred to the university office responsible for addressing that type of issue. This may include processes relating to student misconduct, discrimination or harassment, workplace concerns, safety, research conduct, financial irregularities, or other matters.

ConfidenceLine provides a confidential way to report concerns involving suspected wrongdoing, misconduct, or unethical conduct connected to the University of Saskatchewan. Whether you choose to identify yourself or remain anonymous, you can submit a report and communicate securely throughout the review process.

Submit a Report

Reports can be submitted online through ConfidenceLine or by phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When making a report, you may be asked to provide information such as:

• What happened
• When and where the incident occurred
• Who was involved
• Whether there were any witnesses
• Whether the concern has been reported previously

Providing as much information as possible can help support the review process. If you are unsure whether your concern should be reported, you may still submit a report.

Supporting Information and Evidence

If available, you may include supporting information such as documents, emails, screenshots, photographs, or other records that help explain your concern. However, you do not need proof to submit a report. If you have a genuine concern, you can still report what you observed, what you were told, and anything you are uncertain about.

Access Your Report

fter submitting an online report, ConfidenceLine will provide you with a username and ask you to create a password. Keep this information in a secure place, as you will need it to access your report in the future.

Stay Connected

You may receive an acknowledgement that your report has been received or be asked to provide additional information. ConfidenceLine allows you to communicate securely with designated Safe Disclosure Officers, even if you choose to remain anonymous.

We encourage you to check your report regularly, as responding to follow-up questions may assist in the review and assessment of your concern.

Review and Assessment

Reports submitted through ConfidenceLine are reviewed by USask's designated Safe Disclosure Officers. Concerns are assessed and directed to the appropriate university office, policy, or process for review and, where appropriate, investigation.

Depending on the nature of the concern, this may include processes related to student conduct, discrimination or harassment, workplace concerns, safety, research conduct, financial irregularities, or other university policies and procedures.

ConfidenceLine does not replace existing university processes. Rather, it provides a confidential reporting channel that helps ensure concerns are directed to the appropriate process for review.

Participation in the Process

If you no longer wish to participate after submitting a report, you can communicate this through ConfidenceLine. Depending on the nature of the concern and the information already available, the University may still need to assess or respond to the matter.

Timelines and Outcomes

The time required to review a concern will vary depending on the complexity of the issue, the information available, and the process that applies. Additional information may be requested if needed.

While the university may be able to confirm that a report has been received, privacy, confidentiality, employment, student, and legal obligations may limit the information that can be shared about investigations or outcomes.

ConfidenceLine is designed to support confidential reporting and allows individuals to report concerns anonymously if they choose. Reporters control how much personal information they share and can continue to communicate with the university without revealing their identity.

Reporting Anonymously

You can submit a report without providing your name or contact information. Choosing to remain anonymous will not prevent your concern from being reviewed and assessed based on the information provided.

Protecting Your Identity

ConfidenceLine does not provide the University with your IP address or caller ID. The University will only know your identity if you choose to disclose it or include information that could identify you within your report.

Protecting Your Information

Information submitted through ConfidenceLine is stored securely in Canada in a facility that meets applicable federal and provincial privacy requirements. The information is not subject to the U.S. Patriot Act.

Communicating Securely

Even if you choose to remain anonymous, you can continue to communicate with designated Safe Disclosure Officers through the ConfidenceLine reporting system. After submitting an online report, you will receive login credentials that allow you to access your report, receive messages, and respond to requests for additional information.

Protection from Retaliation

The Safe Disclosure Policy protects individuals who make reports in good faith. The University and its designated Safe Disclosure Officers are committed to protecting reporters from reprisal or retaliation for raising concerns honestly and with a genuine belief that wrongdoing may have occurred.

What Does "Good Faith" Mean?

A report made in good faith is one submitted honestly, based on a genuine concern or reasonable belief that wrongdoing may have occurred. A report does not need to be proven true to be made in good faith. The expectation is that concerns are raised honestly and without malicious intent. The original policy content defines good faith as a report made honestly based on a genuine concern or reasonable belief that wrongdoing may have occurred.

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to conducting investigations fairly, impartially, and in accordance with applicable university policies, collective agreements, and legislation. If a concern involving you is reviewed or investigated, you will be treated fairly throughout the process.

Fairness and Procedural Rights

Investigations are conducted in accordance with principles of procedural fairness and the rights, privileges, and protections available under applicable university policies, collective agreements, and labour legislation.

If a concern is being investigated, you will have an opportunity to understand the concerns being raised and provide your perspective.

Confidentiality

The University takes confidentiality seriously during the investigation process. Individuals involved in an investigation are expected to keep investigation details confidential, and the University will protect the confidentiality of those involved wherever possible.

Information may only be disclosed when required by law or when necessary to conduct a thorough investigation.

The Investigation Process

Reports submitted through ConfidenceLine are reviewed and, where appropriate, referred to the university office or process responsible for addressing that type of concern. Investigations are conducted by qualified university personnel with expertise relevant to the allegations being reviewed.

ConfidenceLine serves as a reporting mechanism and does not conduct investigations itself.

Your Opportunity to Respond

If an investigation involves you, you will have an opportunity to provide information and respond to the concerns being reviewed. This may occur through a meeting with the investigator or by providing a written response.

Providing your perspective helps ensure that investigators consider all relevant information when assessing the matter.

Seeking Advice and Support

You may seek independent advice before responding to an investigation. You may also ask the investigator for guidance regarding the information that may be helpful to provide during the process.

ConfidenceLine is one way to raise a concern, but it is not the only option. Depending on the situation, another university service or reporting process may be better suited to help. If you're unsure where to start, you can still submit a report through ConfidenceLine and your concern can be directed to the appropriate university process.

I Have a Workplace Concern

Employees are generally encouraged to discuss workplace concerns with their supervisor. Additional support may also be available through Human Resources, Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services, or the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

Resources

• Human Resources
• Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

I Have a Student-Related Concern

Students can often address concerns through their department head, dean, executive director, or designate within their college or school. Additional support may also be available through the Governance Office.

Resources

• Governance Office
• College or School Administration

I Have a Safety Concern

For concerns related to campus safety, security, or urgent assistance, Protective Services and Safety Resources may be able to help.

Resources

• Protective Services
• Safety Resources

I Need Support

Some situations can be difficult or stressful. Support services are available to help members of the university community access information, guidance, and assistance.

Resources

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services
• Safety Resources

Not Sure Which Option Is Right?

If you're uncertain where your concern should be reported, you can still use ConfidenceLine. Reports are reviewed and directed to the university office or process best suited to address the concern.

Looking for more information? The following resources provide additional details about the University's Safe Disclosure process, reporting requirements, and investigation procedures.

Related Policies and Guidelines

• Safe Disclosure Policy
  Learn about the principles, responsibilities, and requirements that guide the University's Safe Disclosure program.
• Safe Disclosure Reporting Mechanism Operating Guidelines
  Learn how reports submitted through ConfidenceLine are received, reviewed, and managed.
• Safe Disclosure Investigation Guidelines
  Learn about the investigation process and the principles that guide investigations conducted under the Safe Disclosure framework.