UECO Charter

The University Ethics & Compliance Office (UECO) oversees Villanova’s University Ethics & Compliance Program (UECP) and is dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards and promoting compliance with all applicable laws in every aspect of Villanova University's operations. The UECO strives to raise awareness of high-risk compliance areas, as well as the policies and processes in place to support them. Villanova University’s risk assessment process enables the UECO to identify and assess potential risks and choose appropriate management strategies to minimize their potential impact.

Additionally, the UECO coordinates compliance-related functions and offices throughout the campus to ensure a cohesive approach to compliance.  The UECO’s ultimate goal is to assure all internal and external stakeholders of the University's unwavering commitment to ethical behavior and compliance with laws and regulations.

The UECO proactively oversees and coordinates the University's overall compliance efforts and stands ready to assist the University community with any questions or concerns related to compliance.  

University Ethics & Compliance Officer

The University Ethics & Compliance Officer is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the University Ethics & Compliance Office and reports to the Vice President and General Counsel, the President and the Stewardship Committee of the Villanova University Board of Trustees. The Office is responsible for the creation and maintenance of a compliance and ethics program that supports the University’s Mission and strategic goals and promotes the highest ethical standards by members of the University Community in the pursuit of the University’s academic, administrative, athletic, engagement and research activities.  

The University Ethics & Compliance Officer prioritizes compliance areas to be addressed in Annual Work Plans presented for consideration and approval to the Stewardship Committee.

• The UECO shall function so as to satisfy the requirements of the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s guidelines for an effective compliance and ethics program.

• The UECO staff will be members of appropriate professional associations and will participate in continuing education to remain current with best practices and emerging issues in Compliance.

• The UECO staff will be independent in fact and appearance by upholding the principles of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and competency.

• The UECO staff will be independent of the activities or operations they review; they will not engage in any activity which would impair their independence of judgment. They shall be independent of any other influence or control of any kind.

The UECO will fulfill its responsibility to the Vice President and General Counsel, President, and the Board of Trustees by:

• overseeing the Villanova Policy Library (VPL), which is a centralized policy repository designed to provide quick, easy access to the current version of University-wide policies;
• investigating potential violations of laws, regulations, and policies;
• coordinating, reviewing, and providing feedback to University policy owners who will then continue the approval process.  In the event that there are any outstanding legal issues, UECO will work with the Office of General Counsel for review of such issues;
• promoting awareness of the University’s Code of Conduct, compliance risks and the objectives of compliance activities through communicating with and educating the University community;
• aiding in the enforcement of compliance-related policies through established University processes; and reports to senior leadership and the governing board on a regular basis on the status of compliance readiness, assessments, and responsibilities;
• assessing the need for, and assisting in the creation of education and training opportunities to address high risk compliance areas;
• developing and implementing effective training and education programs to ensure that employees are aware of, adhere to and report potential violations of laws, regulations or policies and procedures;
• encouraging an environment where members of the University Community are recognized for doing the right thing;
• providing mechanisms for the University Community to raise compliance concerns including via confidential or anonymous means and addresses these concerns through consultation, investigation by monitoring the EthicsPoint Hotline while maintaining a confidential safe harbor; and directing compliance issues for investigation and resolution;
• working with senior leadership to promote and enforce compliance through appropriate incentives and disciplinary measures; and
• implementing a risk assessment process to assess and monitor high risk compliance areas and the adequacy of internal controls;
• overseeing Title IX compliance led by the Title IX Coordinator including oversight of the University’s centralized review, investigation and resolution process for matters arising under the University Sexual Misconduct Policy;
• monitoring of the University’s minors on campus programs which includes raising awareness of child abuse reporting obligations and policies and procedures; overseeing minors on campus program assessments, online program registration and education and training requirements; and
• overseeing the University Council on Ethics & Compliance (UCEC) , Web Accessibility Work Group (WAWG), Minors on Campus Committee; Title IX Policy Steering Committee led by the Title IX Coordinator.