Office of Quality Assurance and Compliance | Office of Quality Assurance and Compliance

Welcome to the Office of Quality Assurance and Compliance at the University of the Incarnate Word!

The Office of Quality Assurance and Compliance is part Office of General Counsel and responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance and quality assurance across the University.

The Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance (the “Director”) is responsible for developing, monitoring, and maintaining compliance policies and protocols in accordance with state and federal laws. The Director serves as UIW’s Privacy Officer and oversees compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended (“HIPAA”) for UIW’s various clinics and related programs, and develops streamlined compliance programs, training, and onboarding to meet OSHA, HIPAA, and FERPA standards.

Additionally, the Office of Quality Assurance and Compliance is responsible for the management of institutional policies. Specifically, the Office of Quality Assurance and Compliance is responsible for organizing, cataloging, and reviewing institutional policies for quality assurance. Similarly, the Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance oversees the publication, review, and updates to institutional policies, and oversees UIW’s Policy Committee in accordance with UIW’s Policy on Policies.

Mission

It is the mission of the Office of Quality Assurance and Compliance to ensure the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and transparency in all university operations. The Office of Quality Assurance and Compliance strives to create a culture of compliance that fosters ethical behavior, supports academic and administrative excellence, and promotes a safe and respectful environment for all members of our community.

Moreover, the Office of Quality Assurance and Compliance supports the University’s Mission by:

Ensuring Adherence to Laws and Regulations: We provide guidance on federal, state, and local laws and regulations, ensuring that all university activities comply with legal and ethical standards.
Policy Development and Oversight: We develop, implement, and oversee university policies and procedures to promote a culture of compliance and ethical behavior.
Training and Education: We offer comprehensive training programs and resources to educate faculty, staff, and students on compliance-related matters and to foster an understanding of their responsibilities.
Monitoring and Reporting: We conduct regular audits, assessments, and investigations to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring that the university remains in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Support and Guidance: We provide support and guidance to all members of the university community, offering assistance with compliance-related questions and concerns.

Our Commitment to Compliance

At the heart of our academic and administrative activities lies a dedication to compliance with local, state, and federal laws, as well as industry best practices. This commitment is integral to fostering an environment of transparency, accountability, and trust among our students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. Accordingly, the Office of Quality Assurance and Compliance has identified key areas of focus, as follow:

Academic Integrity: Promoting honesty and integrity in all academic endeavors.
Research Compliance: Ensuring that all research activities comply with applicable regulations and ethical standards.
Data Privacy and Security: Protecting the privacy and security of university data and personal information.
Financial Compliance: Monitoring financial activities to prevent fraud and ensure accurate reporting.
Health and Safety: Ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all members of the university community.

Navigating the Compliance Page

This page has been designed to be user-friendly and informative. Here, you will find detailed information on key compliance areas, including but not limited to:

Academic Integrity: Explore policies related to academic honesty and ethical conduct. Institutional policies are stored in our Policy Library page located here:

https://www.uiw.edu/policy/index.html

Data Privacy: Understand our commitment to safeguarding sensitive information and complying with relevant data protection regulations.

Consolidated Information Security Policy

Financial Compliance: Learn about financial policies, procedures, and reporting requirements. These can also be found on our policy library located here:

https://www.uiw.edu/policy/index.html

Accessibility: Discover our efforts to ensure equal access to information and services for all members of our diverse community.

Your Role in Compliance

Every member of the University of the Incarnate Word community plays a crucial role in maintaining a culture of compliance. Familiarize yourself with the information provided on this page and ensure that you adhere to the guidelines outlined.

Thank you for your commitment to upholding the values of University of the Incarnate Word. Together, we contribute to a safe, ethical, and compliant environment for all.