Initial Appointment Letters and Hearing Process
I received an initial appointment letter, what should I do?
You should make sure to follow the directions in the letter. Typically this means attending the meeting that has been scheduled with a case resolution coordinator/investigator.
How should I prepare for my meeting?
Be prepared to have a conversation regarding the incident as well as the alleged policy violations that were in your initial appointment letter. If you would like to prepare a written statement you are welcome to, however, that is not an expectation. If you would like an advisor for your meeting you are welcome to bring one, however, please remember that your advisor cannot be a witness and must be a member of the University community (faculty, staff, or student). An advisor also cannot be a family member or attorney of either the reporter or respondent.
How does a case resolution coordinator/investigator decide if I am found responsible for violating a policy?
The Community Standards Office uses a standard called “preponderance of the evidence.” This means that the person making a finding must determine that it is more likely than not that an alleged violation occurred. This is not the same standard as a court of law, which is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Can I be found responsible for violating a university policy if the incident occurred off-campus?
Yes, you can be found responsible for violating a University policy off-campus and, in fact, anywhere in the world.