Investigation Guidelines

In cases requiring investigation, the process follows the guideline below

  • College becomes aware of misconduct
  • Investigator:
    • Schedules an initial meeting with the Complainant to review policy and resolution procedures, discuss interim actions or remedies, and obtain additional information, including a list of possible witnesses.
    • Conducts a preliminary investigation to determine whether sufficient information exists to charge a student under this Code.
    • Issues interim action and/or remedies as necessary.
  • If the preliminary investigation indicates that the student conduct process should be pursued, the respondent will be provided written notice of the charges and an invitation to a first meeting with the investigator. During this meeting, the investigator will:
    • Review the conduct process and answer questions.
    • Allow the respondent to review and respond to the complaint of misconduct. Request a list of possible witnesses.
  • Investigator will conduct interviews with witnesses and follow-up interviews with the complainant and respondent, as necessary.
  • Investigator will prepare an investigation summary and provide complainant and respondent separate opportunities to review and respond.
  • If additional investigation is needed, investigator will inform complainant and respondent and add updates to the investigation summary, as necessary.
  • Complainant and respondent have separate opportunities to review the final investigation summary.
  • Investigator provides a final report to the hearing officer. The final report includes the investigation summary, any response/rebuttal from the complainant and/or respondent, and a determination of responsibility based on the investigation regarding each of the alleged violations.
  • Hearing officer reviews the final report and issues a decision regarding the respondent’s responsibility for each alleged violation. If it is determined that any violations occurred, the hearing officer will review relevant conduct history regarding a respondent’s prior misconduct, sanctioning guidance from the Dean of Students or designee, and statement from the complainant and/or respondent, if provided.

Within seven days of receiving the final report, the hearing officer provides a decision letter providing the notice of outcomes, which includes a determination of responsibility for each violation, rationale, and sanctions (if applicable).