A whistleblower is an employee who reports, in good faith, alleged improper governmental action to a "public official.'

It also applies to any employee who is perceived to have made an allegation of improper governmental action (CWUP 2-40-230). The Whistleblower Act (RCW 42.40) includes detailed timelines and provisions to protect a whistleblower. A whistleblower must clearly invoke that protection by clearly identifying, verbally or in writing, the complaint as a “State Whistleblower Report.” Information is available at the State Auditor’s Office website (https://www.sao.wa.gov/report-a-concern/how-to-report-a-concern/whistleblower-program/)

Reports of improper governmental action may be submitted anonymously to the Washington State Auditor’s Office:

File a report using the online form at www.sao.wa.gov/report-a-concern/how-to-report-a-concern/whistleblower-program/.

Submit a printed form by email to whistleblower@sao.wa.gov

Printed forms can be sent by mail at:

Washington State Auditor’s Office

ATTN: State Employee Whistleblower Program
P.O. Box 40031
Olympia, Washington 98504-0031
(360) 902-0370

CWU administrators who are designated to receive reports of improper governmental action that invoke the Whistleblower Act are: 

Jesús Baldovinos, Internal Auditor

509-963-1191

Mailstop: 7481, Jesus.Baldovinos@cwu.edu

400 E. University Way

Ellensburg, WA 98926

A. James Wohlpart, President

509-963-2111

Mailstop: 7501, jim.wohlpart@cwu.edu

Michelle DenBeste, Provost/Vice President for Academic and Student Life

509-963-1400

Mailstop 7503, michelle.denbeste@cwu.edu

Joel Klucking, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration

509-963-2956

Mailstop: 7481, joel.klucking@cwu.edu

Andrew Morse, Chief of Staff

509-963-1425

Mailstop: 7501, andrew.morse@cwu.edu 

Thomas Pedersen, Director, Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, and CWU Ethics Advisor

509-963-2031

Mailstop: 7501, thomas.pedersen2@cwu.edu

These individuals are obligated to confidentially maintain the identity of the whistleblower and to inform the Internal Auditor.  The Internal Auditor will notify the Washington State Auditor’s Office of whistleblower assertions within 15 calendar days after the complaint was received. 

Confidentiality will be provided to the whistleblower and to any person who in good faith provides information in an investigation. Individuals involved in the investigation of a report made by a whistleblower may consent to disclose their identity. It is the responsibility of all university employees to fully cooperate during an investigation of a report of improper governmental action. Employees will not destroy evidence and will provide any requested and/or relevant information and documentation during the investigation.

Retaliation against a whistleblower or those who provide information during an investigation is prohibited by state law. Employees who feel they have been retaliated against may contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at (toll free) 1-800-233-3247; TTY: 1-800-300-7525; or https://www.hum.wa.gov/ .

CWU employees will be notified annually of the Whistleblower Act, including provisions and protections specific to CWU.

Here are the steps you must take that are critical to whistleblower reports:

Reporting University Employee:

1. a. Communicates an allegation of improper governmental action to a university whistleblower public official verbally or in writing. If in writing, the employee making the complaint must clearly label the information as “State Whistleblower Report.” OR

b. Completes a hardcopy State Whistleblower Reporting Form and either, gives a copy to a University Public Official or sends the form in the U.S. Post Office mail or by email to the State Auditor’s Office.  Reporting University Employee should make a copy of the completed form for their records.  OR

c. Completes an electronic State Whistleblower Reporting Form on the State Auditor’s Office web site and   electronically submits the report.  No further action is required by a University Public Official after this step. 

d. A state employee must report the asserted action within a year of occurrence.

 [Responsibility: President’s Office (until 07/6/16) BFA; Authority: Cabinet/PAC; Reviewed/Endorsed by: Cabinet/PAC; Review/Effective Date: 03/07/2014; 12/11/2018; 01/18/2019; 02/19/2020 Approved by: James L. Gaudino, President]