Compliance Compass

Updates from the Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics
April 2025

A student sitting by himself on a bench in school grounds while other students play ball around him. It reads: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month Recognizing the Signs of Abuse. Abuse isn’t always visible. Changes in behavior, withdrawal, difficulty in social interactions, or unexplained injuries can be signs that a student needs help.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

National Child Abuse Prevention Month highlights the vital role families and communities play in protecting children. By working together, we can prevent child abuse and neglect.

Montgomery College employees are mandated reporters. Under Maryland Family Law Article § 5-704, certain professionals, including police officers and educators, are considered mandated reporters who are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. We are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. If you have any suspicion—no matter how small—you must report it. “If you see something, say something!”

Your reporting obligation also extends to cases where an adult discloses abuse they experienced as a minor. Even if the abuse happened years ago, you are still required to report it. If you ever have doubts about your responsibilities, reach out to the Youth Protection Coordinator for guidance.

In cases of suspected child abuse or neglect, swift action is imperative:

For emergencies, call 911 immediately.
For non-emergencies, report details to local authorities, such as Montgomery County Child Welfare Services. Also, notify Montgomery College’s Department of Public Safety and the Youth Protection Coordinator to ensure the College is informed.
If a Dual Enrollment Program student is involved, the Youth Protection Coordinator will notify Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) or the relevant school system.

Protecting minors is a shared responsibility—your actions can make a difference.

Please plan to attend the Open Forum during the Self-Study Preparation Visit! A representative from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education will meet with the College community on the Rockville Campus on April 28, 2025. The Open Forum currently is scheduled from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Watch for details Inside MC!

A woman looking up with several question marks around her.

What Happens When Someone Reports a Concern?

Are you reluctant to report a concern? Have you ever wondered what goes on after you report a wrongdoing to the Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics? Following is information regarding the investigation process.

The College provides employees with the EthicsPoint Confidential Reporting Line, a third-party reporting line where you can make your anonymous report of alleged wrongdoing by phone or online. Employees also can send an email or walk-in to the Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics to submit a report.

Once the report is logged, the Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics reviews and determines the appropriate unit/team to investigate the complaint, claim, incident, or violation. The assigned unit/team conducts the investigation; it can take a few weeks to months to collect all the facts, interview relevant persons, and analyze the data. The unit/team keeps the knowledge of the case as confidential as possible.

When the investigation is finalized, a resolution is determined. In most situations, the results of the investigation are not disclosed to the College community nor to the person who originally reported the concern.

The College encourages you to report any concern. To make an anonymous and confidential report, visit www.montgomerycollege. ethicspoint.com or call 844-572-2198. Or you may contact the Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics at 240-567-7396.

A pink sticky note that reads “thumbs up;” a red sticky note that reads “you rock;” a green sticky note that reads “way to go!;” a yellow sticky note that reads “good job;” and an orange sticky note that reads “well done.”

Great News!

OCRE is excited to share that Kristen Roe passed the ADA Coordinator Certification program exam. This is a professional certificate she has been working towards since assuming the role of ADA coordinator. Kristen, congratulations on achieving this goal! Keep climbing!

Situations and Solutions

I am planning a college sponsored public event involving minors. However, minors will attend the event with their parent(s) or guardian(s). What are my obligations?

Pursuant to Section V.E. of the College’s Protection of Minors Policy and Procedure 75005, public events are exempt from the program registration process. This applies to events open to the general public where minors are in the immediate care, control and custody of their parents/guardians. Event organizers should consult with the Youth Protection Coordinator Debbie Bouyer if they are unsure about the applicability of the provisions of the Protection of Minors policy and procedure.

The word NO written on the street with fall leaves scattered around.

Say NO ... With Tact!

Suppose you’re faced with a situation in which either a co-worker proposes an action that you believe is wrong or you receive an instruction that you feel is questionable at best. What do you do? You may be tempted to “go along to get along.” But that would be knowingly doing what you believe is unethical—making you equally as wrong as the other person. Fight the temptation. Take a stand. Say NO ... with tact. Here’s how:

1. State your objection and concern without indictment.
Don’t accuse the person of being unethical. Instead, use “I statements” to describe your feelings: I have serious concerns about that, and I need your understanding. I honestly believe it’s wrong because ... and I can’t do what I feel is wrong.

2. Propose an alternative action that you feel is ethical.
I think I know what you want to accomplish, and I feel there’s a better way to do it. How about we …

3. Ask for the person’s help and agreement.
I really need your help. I want to make sure we both do the right thing. Will you go with me on this one?

4. If the person doesn’t agree, seek assistance from a higher or a designated authority.

If you have any questions, please read our Policy 61008—Reporting Suspected Acts of Wrongdoing or contact the Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics at 240-567-7396. In addition, you may file an anonymous and confidential report at 844-572-2198 or www.montgomerycollege. ethicspoint.com.

Resource: Harvey, Eric and Airitam, Scott. Ethics 4 Everyone—The Handbook for Integrity-Based Business Practices. Page 18.

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