UCalgary’s holistic approach to fraud prevention

Fraud — intentional deceit for unfair gain — can cause serious financial and reputational harm. 

At the University of Calgary, combating fraud goes beyond policies and controls. It’s about building a culture rooted in ethics, awareness and shared responsibility.

UCalgary’s strategy to address fraud is anchored with a university-wide Code of Conduct, along with ethical leadership, regular fraud-risk assessments, and education on fraud, ethics and conflicts of interest. 

UCalgary’s Internal Audit team is responsible for the Fraud Policy, which focuses on the risks and controls related to financial fraud. 

Internal Audit oversees the Fraud Prevention Program, which provides practical guidance to help faculty and staff recognize warning signs and take appropriate action. The program also offers tailored training on fraud and ethics, delivered in collaboration with the Office of the General Counsel, which manages the ConfidenceLine for the anonymous submission of concerns. 

UCalgary also raises awareness through Fraud Prevention Month in March and Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October.

Fraud prevention isn’t just for leadership, it’s a campus-wide responsibility. Everyone has a role in protecting the university’s finances, reputation and trust. 

During International Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 16 to 22, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners celebrates 25 years of combating fraud through awareness and prevention. 

UCalgary faculty, staff and students are invited to join the global movement to reduce the impact of fraud, because fraud isn’t just about broken rules — it’s about broken people. And that’s a cost no university can afford.