Whistleblower

The University of California has a responsibility to conduct its affairs ethically and in compliance with the law. Employees and others are encouraged to report all known or suspected instances of misuse of University resources and/or known or suspected instances of improper governmental activities by University employees.

Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation for making such reports. This site will provide information and links to help guide you through the policies and show you how to “blow the whistle.”

Executive Director of Civil Rights & Whistleblower Compliance Kellie Brennan is the Locally Designated Official (LDO) for UC Berkeley, charged with implementing the UC Whistleblower Policy and Whistleblower Protection Policy.

The Office of Investigations responds to reports of known or suspected improper governmental activity and retaliation.

What You Can Report

Any activity by UC or a UC employee that:

  • Significantly violates University policy
  • Violates a state or federal law or regulation, such as:
    • Corruption
    • Malfeasance
    • Bribery
    • Theft or misuse of government property
    • Fraud
    • Coercion
    • Conversion
  • Demonstrates economic waste, or involves gross misconduct, gross incompetence, or gross inefficiency

How You Can Report

  • In writing or verbally
  • With as much specific factual information as possible
    • Anonymously, if preferred

Protection from Retaliation

If you believe you have been retaliated against for reporting an improper activity, you may file a complaint with your Locally Designated Official, your Human Resources or Academic Personnel office, or your supervisor.

Where You Can Report

Other Reporting Mechanisms

  • California State Auditor’s Whistleblower Hotline: auditor.ca.gov/hotline or (800) 952-5665
  • California Attorney General’s Hotline: (800) 952-5225
  • You may also report fraud, waste & abuse involving specific Federal programs directly. Information on Federal whistleblower programs can be found at ucop.edu/uc-whistleblower/index.html.

Whistleblower Posters/Brochure 

*The Whistleblower Hotline is independently operated to ensure confidentiality. We strongly recommend that you provide your email address when filing an anonymous report. Your email address will not be shared with UC Berkeley. The Hotline system will only use your email address to notify you of updates made to your report, including follow-up communications from the Whistleblower office. It is critical that you are available to answer follow-up questions, as many anonymous reports cannot be fully addressed without additional information. 

Make a report online or call the University-wide Whistleblower Hotline: (800) 403-4744.