Harvest Christian University Ethics and Compliance

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 Department University Ethics and Compliance  

At Harvest Christian University, ethics and compliance form the cornerstone of our institutional integrity and community trust. All university personnel—including officers, staff, faculty, regents, and the president—are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, promote a culture of honesty and accountability, and foster a harassment-free work environment. These expectations are embedded in every aspect of university life, from academic instruction and research to administrative operations and community engagement. By adhering to established guidelines and legal requirements, we ensure that our actions consistently reflect the university’s mission and Christian values.

Compliance at Harvest Christian University is not only a matter of policy but a shared responsibility. The university maintains dedicated compliance and ethics personnel who oversee risk management, research ethics, and adherence to regulatory standards. University officers, staff, faculty, regents, and the president are all entrusted with the duty to model integrity, make ethical decisions, and report any concerns regarding misconduct or noncompliance. 

Leadership at every level plays a crucial role in sustaining a culture of ethics and compliance. The president, regents, and senior officers set the tone for the entire university community by prioritizing transparency, accountability, and the integration of faith-based principles into daily operations. Faculty and staff are encouraged to engage in ongoing training, open dialogue, and reflective practice to reinforce ethical standards. Through these efforts, Harvest Christian University cultivates an environment where every member is empowered to act with integrity, contribute to the common good, and uphold the university’s legacy of excellence and service.

Executive Office of the Ethics and Compliance Department at Harvest Christian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Milton Williams as the Executive Director of the Office of University Ethics and Compliance, effective immediately. Appointed by University President Archbishop Dr. Carl Robinson, Dr. Williams will oversee ethics and compliance programs across all university departments, including professors, vice-chancellors, campus extensions, the university provost, alumni relations, university systems, and the board of regents and governors

• At Harvest Christian University, our commitment to compliance and regulatory oversight is woven into every facet of our operations, ensuring that all departments consistently uphold legal and ethical standards in alignment with our mission and values. 

•  Our financial management practices are designed to ensure transparency and accountability, with careful oversight of financial procedures and revenue cycle management, as well as close coordination with the finance department for audits and risk assessments. Administrative guidelines are developed and consistently enforced to streamline processes and promote efficiency, while specific criteria and procedures for awarding honorary doctoral degrees are established to maintain academic integrity and compliance.

• Collaboration with our legal department is central to our governance structure, as legal advisors provide essential guidance on compliance issues and assist in the resolution of legal disputes and the management of liabilities.  

• The review and approval of university contracts are conducted with diligence, and we actively promote ethical conduct among all staff and students. Comprehensive university-wide guidelines are developed and communicated, supported by ongoing training programs to ensure understanding and compliance across our community.

• To maintain the highest standards of integrity, Harvest Christian University employs strategies for enforcing compliance and managing restrictions, with established procedures for addressing non-compliance, dismissals, and liabilities. 

• Our reporting structure is designed to ensure accountability at every level, with regular updates provided to the Board of Regents and Governors and direct reporting to the University President, Archbishop Dr. Carl Robinson. 

Key Areas of Compliance

• Ethics and Conduct: All university personnel are expected to uphold strict ethical guidelines, promote integrity, and foster a harassment-free work environment. This includes adherence to policies regarding sexual and other forms of harassment, as well as maintaining professional and respectful conduct at all times.
• Regulatory and Legal Compliance: The office manages university licenses, permits, and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. 
• Financial and Administrative Compliance: Oversight includes financial procedures, revenue cycle management, and coordination with the finance department for audits and risk assessments. 
• Academic Standards: The office establishes and monitors compliance with academic standards, including the criteria and procedures for awarding honorary degrees and maintaining the integrity of academic programs.
• Social Media and Intellectual Property: Policies are in place to govern the university’s social media presence and protect its intellectual property rights.
• Contracts and University Guidelines: All contracts undergo review and approval to ensure alignment with ethical standards. Comprehensive university-wide guidelines are developed, with training programs to ensure understanding and compliance among all staff and faculty.

Procedures and Enforcement

• Training and Communication: Regular training programs are conducted to ensure that all university officers, faculty, and adjunct professors understand compliance requirements and university policies.
• Monitoring and Reporting: The Office of University Ethics and Compliance monitors adherence to these standards and provides clear procedures for reporting non-compliance, handling dismissals, and managing liabilities.
• Job Descriptions and Evaluations: Each employee receives a job description upon employment and is evaluated, at least in part, against these descriptions to ensure role clarity and accountability.

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 The compliance statements for each role at Harvest Christian University, reflecting the university’s commitment to ethical standards, policy adherence, and accountability:

President:
As President, I am committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring full compliance with all university policies, regulations, and accreditation requirements in every aspect of institutional governance and leadership.

Vice Chancellor:
As Vice Chancellor, I pledge to maintain strict adherence to university compliance protocols, supporting the President in fostering an environment of integrity, transparency, and accountability across all academic and administrative operations.

Chief Operating Officer (COO):
As COO, I ensure that all operational procedures and administrative functions align with university policies and legal requirements, prioritizing compliance in resource management and institutional effectiveness.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO):
As CEO, I am responsible for overseeing compliance with all organizational policies, ethical guidelines, and regulatory standards, ensuring the university’s mission and objectives are achieved lawfully and ethically.

Provost:
As Provost, I am dedicated to maintaining academic integrity and compliance with educational standards, ensuring all faculty and academic programs adhere to university and accreditation policies.

Deputy Protocol:
As Deputy Protocol, I uphold university compliance in all ceremonial, official, and diplomatic engagements, ensuring all protocols and guidelines are strictly followed.

Security Enforcement:
As Security Enforcement officer, I commit to enforcing campus safety policies and compliance with all security regulations, safeguarding the well-being of the university community.

Alumni Relations:
As Alumni Relations officer, I ensure all alumni engagement and communications comply with university standards, privacy regulations, and ethical fundraising practices.

Academic Senate:
As a member of the Academic Senate, I am dedicated to upholding academic policies, ethical standards, and compliance with all governance procedures in academic decision-making.

Board of Regents:
As a Regent, I am responsible for ensuring the university’s strategic direction and oversight are conducted in full compliance with institutional policies, legal standards, and fiduciary duties.

Advisory Council:
As a member of the Advisory Council, I commit to providing guidance and recommendations that align with university compliance standards and ethical practices.

University Systems:
As University Systems administrator, I ensure all technological and operational systems comply with data protection, privacy laws, and university IT policies.

Teachers, Faculty, Instructors, and Adjunct Professors:
As a member of the teaching staff, I am committed to delivering instruction and conducting research in accordance with university policies, ethical guidelines, and all ​

Harvest Christian University

Harvest Christian University (HCU), as a tribally owned institution, enjoys several specific legal protections: 

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Indigenous American Trust

Harvest Christian University has Educational Sovereignty: HCU has the autonomy to develop curricula that reflects indigenous knowledge, languages, and cultural practices, free from state and federal regulatory oversight. ​

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Tax-Exempt Status: Recognized under Section 508(c)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, HCU operates as a tax-exempt organization, allowing it to focus resources on education without federal income tax obligations.​ 

HCU has International Recognition with it’s status is acknowledged under the Hague Convention of the United Nations Charter, facilitating its operations across international borders.​ and federally recognized tribe.

International Recognition: HCU’s status is acknowledged under the Hague Convention, facilitating its global operations and reinforcing its commitment to indigenous education. These protections enable Harvest Christian University to maintain its mission of providing culturally relevant education while preserving and promoting indigenous heritage.​​​

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HCU is exempt from state accreditation and licensing requirements, instead accredited by specialized agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Educational Sovereignty:

 Under Section 508(c)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, HCU operates with educational sovereignty, developing curricula that reflect indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. 

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International Recognition: HCU’s status is acknowledged under the Hague Convention, facilitating its global operations and reinforcing its commitment to indigenous education. These protections enable Harvest Christian University to maintain its mission of providing culturally relevant education while preserving and promoting indigenous heritage.​​​

Harvest Christian University

Harvest Christian University (HCU) proudly announces its status as a tribally owned institution, protected by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and endowed with sovereign immunity.

Indigenous American Trust and its international acknowledgment under the Hague Convention of the United Nations Charter. 

Here are the key aspects:  International Recognition: HCU’s status under the Hague Convention allows it to operate and be recognized across international borders, enhancing its educational sovereignty and global reach. 

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Tribal Sovereignty: As a tribally owned institution, HCU benefits from tribal sovereignty, which generally exempts it from state regulation in many areas, including education. This autonomy allows the university to develop curricula that reflect indigenous knowledge, languages, and cultural practices without adhering to state educational standards.

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Harvest Christian University Protocol for Operations, Deputy Director Role, and Security Measures

Harvest Christian University is committed to maintaining a secure, ethical, and efficient operational environment across all departments. Each department operates both independently and cohesively, ensuring that specialized functions are managed with expertise while supporting the university’s broader mission.

 Departmental autonomy is balanced by regular interdepartmental communication, collaboration on university-wide initiatives, and strict adherence to established policies and procedures.

 This dual approach enables innovation and accountability within individual units while fostering a unified institutional culture.

Deputy Director Role and Responsibilities

The Deputy Director, working under the Executive Director and in close collaboration with university leadership, is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of assigned departments. Key duties include coordinating departmental activities, ensuring compliance with university policies, and facilitating effective communication between teams. 

The Deputy Director acts as a liaison between department heads, executive leadership, and staff, supporting the implementation of new initiatives and the resolution of operational challenges. She is also tasked with monitoring departmental performance, identifying areas for improvement, and providing guidance to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Security Measures, Breaches, and Confidentiality

Under the Deputy Director’s leadership, robust security measures are implemented to protect sensitive information and ensure the safety of university assets. This includes the establishment of access controls, regular security training for staff, and the development of incident response plans for potential breaches. 

All departments are required to follow strict confidentiality protocols, safeguarding personal, academic, and operational data in accordance with legal and ethical standards. Any suspected or actual breaches of security or confidentiality must be reported immediately to the Deputy Director, who will initiate appropriate investigations and corrective actions.

Confidentiality is a shared responsibility across the university community.

 Departmental staff are expected to handle sensitive information with the utmost care, limiting access to authorized personnel and ensuring that data is stored and transmitted securely. The Deputy Director oversees the enforcement of these policies and provides ongoing training to reinforce best practices.

 By working both independently and cohesively, each department contributes to a secure and trustworthy environment that upholds the values and reputation of Harvest Christian University.​