Fellows Program, Fraud Prevention, and a New Face in Compliance
Fellows Program, Fraud Prevention, and a New Face in Compliance
A photo of Montgomery College's Germantown campus

Compliance Matters

Insights from the Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics
February 2020
Photo of three people looking out a swath of windows across the Germantown campus and surrounding area from the vantage of the new SA building.

Announcing the Inaugural Compliance and Ethics Fellows Program

Drumroll, please . . . Do you want to have a say in compliance and ethics activities, programs, and training? If so, apply to join the new Compliance and Ethics Fellows Program.

What’s in it for you?

  • Professional development opportunities to grow as an ethical leader at the College
  • Camaraderie with a cohort of employees from across the College, unified by a commitment to student success and making MC a great place to work
  • Add value by helping develop innovative approaches to compliance and ethics

Fast Facts:

  • Application deadline: March 10, 2020
  • Orientation (mandatory): April 27, 2020, 2:00–4:00 p.m., in the CT building
  • Meetings: The second Monday of each month, 2:00–4:00 p.m. in CT, starting September 2020 (alternate schedule in December 2020 and May 2021)
  • Time commitment: One-year or two-year terms available
  • Eligibility: Full-time and part-time faculty and staff are welcome to apply
Check out our website for more information or contact compliance@montgomerycollege.edu with any questions.
Apply to the Compliance & Ethics Fellows Program

Awareness Trumps Fraud

The College’s vulnerability to fraud is a “known unknown.” Despite research showing that institutions of higher education are not immune from occupational fraud, it is hard to predict where and how such fraud will occur—without taking a disciplined approach to detection and prevention.
In 2018, the education industry ranked seventh highest out of 24 different industries by number of fraud cases reported. See Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, 2018 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, at p. 24. Because of this high rate of fraud, many institutions are being proactive in educating students and employees on how to spot the warning signs of fraud. MC, likewise, has designed a fraud prevention program using best practices.
Image showing frequency of fraud schemes in the education industry. Payroll 6%; Cash larceny 19%; Exense Reimbursements 18%; Corruption 38%; Skimming 14%; Cash on Hand 19%; Billing 23%; Financial Statement Fraud 6%; Non-cash 19%; Check Tampering 6%.
Source: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, 2018 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, at p. 25.
A fraud prevention program helps us recognize where the vulnerabilities in our institution are. Fraud can encompass waste and abuse, improper payments, conflicts of interest, money laundering, and cybersecurity.
If you want your department to gain confidence in fraud detection and prevention, contact the Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics to schedule a two-hour Fraud Awareness Training at your campus. Goli A. Trump, internal audit and advisory services director, delivers customized and interactive training for the College. Goli has over 12 years of experience in forensic examinations and fraud and compliance investigations. The training will help you gain an understanding of how to:
  • Define “fraud,” “waste,” and “abuse,” and identify associated risks in your environment.
  • Explore current and emerging challenges from wrongdoing, misconduct, and fraud.
  • Emphasize the College’s bright spots—where existing fraud prevention controls are already working at MC.
  • Discuss fraud examples.
  • Discuss how to mitigate fraud risks through fraud risk management.
Red Image with mountains, with a quote overlay reading "Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." Attributed to Stevie Wonder.

Spotlight: Bill Wilson


Mr. William (Bill) Wilson has recently joined the Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics, transitioning from his prior role in the Office of General Counsel. Bill has a wealth of experience in conducting investigations, as well as equal opportunity compliance and legal analysis. In his new role as Senior Compliance Investigator and Title IX Hearing Officer, Bill will bring his experience to bear in the following areas:

Investigations

Conduct neutral, independent fact-finding investigations regarding alleged compliance violations. As an investigator, Bill will interview witnesses, gather evidence, and prepare detailed findings of fact and an analysis of the alleged violation.

Professional Development Training

Monitor changes in regulatory requirements which affect the College. Bill will also assist in the development and implementation of training to enhance awareness of and adherence to ethical standards, transparency, and accountability.

Title IX Hearing Officer

Serve as Hearing Officer in Title IX cases where a formal hearing is appropriate under the law. As Hearing Officer, Bill will:
  • Preside over live hearings, listening to and reading arguments by opposing parties;
  • Evaluate whether presented information supports the alleged violation; and
  • Outline facts and reasoning in a written determination, which is issued to the parties.
Bill looks forward to applying his skills and experience in his new role in the Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics, and to working with our compliance partners in nurturing a culture of ethics and accountability at the College.

Save the Date: 2020 Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day
Mark your calendars: Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is coming to MC on Thursday, April 23, 2020. The national theme for this year’s event is Meet the Workplace Superstars.
Plans are underway for an exciting day offering employees two different options for participation: structured and unstructured. Registration will open in mid-March—stay tuned!
The four-hour, structured event will take place simultaneously on all three campuses. Preregistration is required and will be limited to 30 children per campus. Join in on interactive and hands-on experiences designed to engage parents and children in meaningful discussion about the world of work.
Employees who are not able to participate in the structured four-hour event may participate in the day by bringing a child to work. Activity guides will be provided online, designed to enrich the experience for both parent and child.
Program Restrictions:
  • Open to children ages 8-18
  • Supervisor approval required
  • Parent/guardian must remain with each child throughout the entirety of the event
  • Employees may bring other special children, including grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, etc.
More information to follow in the coming weeks.
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