Ethics Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do I have to complete Ethics Training?
Pursuant to the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (PA 93-0617), signed into law on December 9, 2003, by Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, the State of Illinois has mandated that all employees on the payroll of state agencies and universities complete an annual mandatory ethics training program. The State Office of the Executive Inspector General (OEIG) has specified an online training medium to fulfill this statutory requirement.

Q. Who is a “state employee” for purposes of the Ethics Act?
The Ethics Act defines “employee” as (i) any person employed full-time, part-time, or pursuant to a contract and whose employment duties are subject to the direction and control of an employer with regard to the material details of how the work is to be performed or (ii) any appointee. Under the Ethics Act, any person who receives a payroll check issued from Oakton is defined as a state employee.

Q. What is the format of the training?
The training is a self-administered, interactive, one-hour program that is accessed through a computer connected to the Internet. The training uses scenario-based lessons and self-assessment questions and also contains resource references as well as frequently asked questions.

Q. I work for the college but do not have access to a computer. How do I complete the training?
Training can be completed on any computer, including a home computer or any open computer lab on campus. Contact the IT Help Desk at (847) 635-1965 or helpdesk@oakton.edu to help locate a computer in order to complete the required training.

Q. Who should I call if I am having problems logging in to the online training program?
Contact the IT Help Desk at (847) 635-1965 or helpdesk@oakton.edu

Q. When can I complete my annual ethics training requirement?
The training window for completing the online training requirement is confirmed by the OEIG. The 2006 online training program for Oakton employees can be completed between October 18-November 16, 2006.

Q. Can I take the training at some time other than the October 18-November 16, 2006 ‘window'?
No, you will be unable to complete the training early or later than this window. The training will be available to college employees only during that time, and all employees must complete the training during that 'window.'

Q. I am trying to complete the training review for the OEIG online training program, but when I click on the link, nothing is happening. The system does not appear to be allowing me to complete the training review. What should I do?
This error typically occurs when a user has not viewed all of the training sections, which includes the Introduction. Every single page in each section must be reviewed before the system will allow a user to complete the required ten question training review. If you have viewed all sections, you will see a check mark to the left of each section heading (Introduction included). When all sections are checked, the user should be allowed to proceed to the training review. If you have check marks preceding each section and are still unable to complete the training review, please call the IT Help Desk at (847) 635-1965 or helpdesk@oakton.edu

Q. How do I know when I've completed the training?
When you have successfully completed the online training, you will receive notification when leaving the system. You may print out a certificate upon completion for your records.

Q. How do I print my Certificate of Completion after I have logged off?
1. Login to www.etcc.il.gov web site using User ID and (current) Password
2. Select (click on) yellow "My Records" tab located at the top of the initial module list page
3. Select (click on words) "completion certificate" from menu
4. Select (click on) the appropriate completion date to view Certificate
5. Enter print command (ctrl + p) or select print under "file" on toolbar at top of page

Q. I am a student and also am employed part-time by the College. Am I required to take the training?
Yes. All employees, including student employees, and/or part-time employees, are required by law to complete training. Supervisors should make sure their student workers complete the test.

Q. I only work a couple of hours a year. Do I still have to take the training?
If you are paid by the College, yes. There are no exceptions.

Q. I have taken ethics training in the past. Do I have to take this training, too?
Yes, this is the only training approved by the Executive Inspector General's Office for this purpose. This training would be in addition to any other training you may have taken in the past.

Q. Do I need to inform my supervisor when I complete the training?
No. Completion will be tracked by software and the General Counsel and Training Administrator will receive the compliance report from the Inspector General's Office. If you wish, you may print out a certificate of completion when you complete the quiz satisfactorily. 

Q. When you indicate it requires approximately one hour to complete the training, does that mean the training time is limited?
No, the training does not have a time limit. You may start and stop the training as necessary. Indications are that the actual time needed to complete the training is approximately 30 minutes.  You should take whatever time you need to read and understand the material. Please be aware that taking too little time could result in your training record being invalidated as a result of not carefully following the instructions and appropriately reading and reviewing the materials presented in the training course. For more information about this issue, click here.

Q. Can I complete the training during my regular work hours?
Yes, employees are allowed to take the training during their regular work hours.

Q . If I choose to take the training outside of my regular work hours, will I receive overtime pay?
No, overtime pay will not be provided if an employee chooses to complete the training outside of his/her normal working hours.

Q . I am a part-time faculty member, will I receive a stipend to complete the training?
No, extra pay in the form of a stipend will not be provided as this is a state requirement and is a condition of employment for all employees.

Q. Is the training website available 24 hours a day?
Yes. However, the site may be unavailable because of system maintenance on Sunday mornings.

Q . What if I don't take the training?
Failure to complete annual ethics training will result in the statutorily required reporting of your name to the Executive Inspector General. The penalties of noncompliance will be determined by the Illinois Executive Ethics Commission, based on authority granted within the law in addition to any internal disciplinary action imposed by the College (up to and including dismissal).

Q . Once I have completed this training, have I completed my ethics training requirements?
Yes, for this year. The law requires annual training, so we will be doing this or something similar again next year and every year.

Q. Will there be a test over the ethics training material?
There is a ten question review at the end of the training. It can be taken as many times as is necessary to complete all questions correctly.

Q. Will the College be informed when I have successfully completed the ethics training course?
Yes, Oakton's Training Administrator will receive compliance reports from the OEIG. Reports will indicate if an individual has:
1. completed the lessons,
2. is in the process of completing the lessons,
3. has completed the on-line quiz or
4. has not started the training

Q. If the answer to my question is not listed here, whom do I contact?
For questions about training or for help with language and literacy issues; visual and learning disabilities; and for all other questions, contact Human Resources at (847) 635-1675. For questions about what comprises ethical behavior, contact Arnie Oudenhoven, Oakton Ethics Officer, at (847) 635-1675 or aoudenho@oakton.edu. For questions about problems logging in to the training program, contact the IT Help Desk at (847) 635-1965 or helpdesk@oakton.edu

Q. I am a college employee but did not receive a notice regarding the training. What should I do?
If you were hired after the registration list was compiled in September 2006, you will not take the training online. You will, however, be required to take ethics training within six months of your hire date.