Compliance FAQ

Ohio University is a complex and highly regulated institution with guidance, law, and policy obligations issued at the federal, state, and local levels. Because Ohio University is a recipient of federal and state funding, non-compliance may lead to enhanced reporting and monitoring obligations, fines, and/or loss of funding. Moreover, Ohio University seeks to conduct its business – educating students – by doing the right things in the right ways to protect students, faculty, staff, and the communities our campuses serve. 

Ohio University operates in an increasingly complex regulatory environment of federal, state, and local laws, as well as university policies intended to maintain fiscal accountability and to prudently invest resources in academic programs.  

Recognition of the need for a strong internal system for monitoring and supporting legal and ethical practices at Ohio University led the Ohio University Board of Trustees and the Office of the President to add a university level compliance function to Internal Audit, now known as the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance. OARC supports Ohio University's commitment to meeting our individual and collective legal and regulatory responsibilities and fostering a culture that promotes ethical conduct.

It is the responsibility of every member of the Ohio University community to act ethically in study, work, and recreation on our campuses and in activities conducted on behalf of the university, wherever they may occur. Ohio University has historically met its legal and ethical responsibilities through a decentralized compliance approach. While this structure will be maintained, the goal of OARC is to promote and support a culture of compliance and integrity through training, outreach, and intervention when necessary.

OARC is committed to supporting compliant and ethical conduct by providing educational training and resources, monitoring ongoing compliance concerns and areas of highest risk; detecting and preventing compliance issues; and support individuals and units that are responsible for specific areas of compliance. 

• OARC does not assume the duties of the various substantive compliance areas, and all ongoing compliance activities continue in their existing reporting structures.  
• OARC will coordinate and support OHIO’s compliance initiatives.

To report compliance issues or concerns you may make a report to the Ethics Hotline.

If you have specific questions about compliance at Ohio University, please contact: 

Laura L. Myers, J.D., M.A.
Director of University Compliance
myersl@ohio.edu