Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed May 13, 2025, as the deadline for training completion.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Office of Ethics and Compliance has launched the 2025 Values, Ethics, and Compliance (VEC) Training. Compliance training is essential for maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of our community. It ensures that every member is fully aware of and adheres to the values and regulations that govern our institution.
By completing this training, it does not merely fulfill a requirement; it actively safeguards the safety and legal compliance of our environment, which is essential for Penn State's success and reputation. Providing this training is crucial not only for the University's internal operations, but also for external reporting to outside agencies. It is therefore imperative that we validate our commitment by ensuring all employees receive training in these critical areas. Employee participation is not optional; it is a fundamental responsibility that all share.
All employees, both full and part time, as well as graduate assistants and fellows, must complete this annual training. After receiving feedback from the campus community, there is an alteration to the accountability structure related to the training this year. Eligible employees who complete the VEC training by April 24, 2025, will be eligible to receive an annual salary increase (ASI). Employees who complete the training after April 24, but by May 15, 2025, will have their ASI delayed by six months. It will start on Jan. 1, 2026, with no retroactive payment. For those who do not complete the training by May 15, 2025, they will not be eligible for an ASI.
The training aims to provide employees with practical insights applicable to their daily tasks, aligning with the Penn State Values. This year’s training will include new content on accessibility, academic integrity and insider risk, among other crucial topics like reporting child abuse and other misconduct. An assignment email will be sent to anyone required to take the training through the University's Learning Resource Network (LRN). Anyone who does not receive an assignment email and believes they are required to take this training should reach out to the Office of Ethics and Compliance for further information. Employees who have not completed the training will continue to receive reminder notifications to finish the training before the deadline. Multiple reminders will be sent and supervisors will be copied on some of these notifications, so they remain aware of the individual employee’s status.
A full list of globally required compliance training and recommendations for supervisors regarding consequences for noncompliance can be found on the Office of Ethics and Compliance website.
Additional questions about this year’s Values, Ethics and Compliance Training can be emailed to psoec@psu.edu.