HELPLINE (1-877-694-2ASK) (2275)

A confidential University HELPLINE at 1-877-694-2ASK (2275) is a service available to assist any member of the Harvard community. The HELPLINE may address everything from regulatory compliance to questions or concerns regarding the University's policies and procedures or standards for acceptable business practices and financial or regulatory reporting.
Given Harvard's decentralized structure, it is often challenging for employees to get the information they need to do their job. The HELPLINE is a resource, designed to make getting information easy. The HELPLINE is equipped to handle a variety of inquiries either through resources within RMAS or through outreach to other departments. Some examples include:

• What is the University's policy on sexual harassment?

• What is a reasonable accommodation if someone has a disability?

• What should employees do if they think they may have a financial conflict of interest?

• What is the University policy on cost transfers to sponsored research funds?

The University encourages faculty and staff to call for two reasons. One, the University values doing the right thing. Faculty and staff should be proactive and seek guidance when they are unsure about University policies and practices. Two, the University supports stewardship. Faculty and staff must be accountable for their actions. They must be able to support their business decisions. If an employee is confronted with an issue that raises concerns about business practices, they are encouraged to phone the HELPLINE.

The HELPLINE is active 24 hours a day; employees can call anytime or from anywhere. The HELPLINE has a confidential voicemail box, which will store the caller's message. The caller will be asked to leave their name, telephone number and a brief description of the nature of their call. Call response will be within 1 to 2 business days. Someone from the HELPLINE staff will contact the caller and request further information and then will either answer the caller's question, respond to the caller’s concern, or refer the caller's question to someone within the University who can answer it.

The HELPLINE will respect callers' privacy and will keep conversations confidential. In unusual circumstances, the HELPLINE may have to share information. If callers have concerns about confidentiality, they should raise the issue.