University of California
Office of the President
March 11, 1992

UNIVERSITY POLICY ON SAFEGUARDING RES0URCES AND INVESTIGATING
MISUSE OF RESOURCES

It is the policy of the University of California to safeguard University resources. University administrators are primarily responsible for safeguarding University resources by establishing and maintaining sound business controls designed to deter and detect potential misuse of resources, by taking action to minimize financial loss when misuse occurs, and by correcting abuses.

Misuse is the inappropriate use of University resources for non-University purposes. Resources include, but are not limited to, cash, property, personnel, and time due to the University by employees. Criteria used to determine whether certain activities or employee behavior constitute misuse of resources include State and Federal laws and University policy and procedures, which are contained in Business and Finance Bulletins, the Accounting Manual, personnel manuals, and other University documents.

Investigations of known or suspected misuse of University resources may arise because of a variety of reasons, which include questionable circumstances discovered by University administrators, allegations made by employees or members of the public, or facts disclosed during the course of routine audits. Such investigations shall be conducted and reported in a manner that:

1.

fulfills the University's legal and fiduciary responsibilities;

2.

minimizes loss and promotes recovery of University resources;

3.

identifies controls which should be strengthened to reduce future vulnerability regarding misuse of University resources;

4.

protects the rights of the accused, the interests of those making allegations, and the public interest;

5.

provides confidentiality compatible with an effective response and applicable reporting requirements; and

6.

guards against real or apparent conflict of interest.

The Senior Vice President--Administration has overall responsibility for matters concerning known or suspected misuse of University resources. As part of this responsibility, the Senior Vice President--Administration shall ensure that timely and complete information about significant investigations is reported to the President and to The Regents, as appropriate, and shall issue Universitywide procedures to provide guidance to the campuses and Laboratories on implementation of this Policy.

Chancellors and Laboratory Directors are responsible for implementing the Universitywide procedures. Chancellors and Laboratory Directors, or their designees, shall refer to the University Policy and Procedures for Reporting Improper Governmental Activities, and Protection Against Retaliation for Reporting Improper Activities to ensure coordination of allegations which may be reported under this Policy and to advise on procedures to protect against retaliation.