Formal Administrative Hearing Process

Formal Administrative Hearing Procedure

You can use the following text as an overview for the hearing procedure. Each number corresponds to a step in the process.

Step 1: The Hearing Begins

• All individuals present introduce themselves & the hearing administrator explains the hearing procedures & expectations

Step 2: Charges

• The hearing admin reads aloud the charge(s) and the Respondent answers ‘responsible’ or ‘not responsible’ to each charge.
• If the Respondent acknowledges responsibility for ALL charges – jump to Step 6, otherwise the hearing proceeds to parties sharing their narratives

Step 3: Narratives

• The Reporter shares their narrative of events – the hearing admin & the Respondent’s Advisor can question the Reporter
• The Respondent shares their narrative of events – the hearing admin & the Reporter’s Advisor can question the Respondent

Step 4: Fact & Expert Witnesses

• Each witness is invited in individually to share their narrative of events
• The hearing admin & both parties’ respective Advisors have an opportunity to ask questions of each of the witnesses

Step 5: Closing Statements & Decision

• The Reporter & Respondent each provide a closing statement
• The hearing comes to a pause to allow the hearing admin to make a decision
• Once a decision is made, the hearing resumes where both parties will learn of the outcome

Step 6: Reading of Impact Statement*

• The Reporter may provide a statement relative to how the incident has impacted them
• This may be done verbally during the hearing and/or submitted in writing

Step 7: Character Statements*

• The Respondent may provide a statement relative to their character
• Character witnesses (those without any connection to the conduct in question) are invited to speak to the Respondent’s character/reputation
• The hearing admin & both parties’ Advisors can question the witnesses

Step 8: Sanction Recommendations*

• The hearing admin opens a sealed envelope containing the Respondent’s disciplinary history & associated sanction range for the case. The designated sanction range for the violation(s) is read aloud
• The Reporter & Respondent can offer recommednations for sanctioning

Step 9: Conclusion of the Hearing

• The hearing admin will ensure that any final procedural questions are answered
• The hearing concludes

Step 10: Following the Hearing

• The hearing admin will provide both parties with a written rationale (for the decision and sanctioning, if applicable) via email
• Both parties have the opportunity to submit a written appeal within 5-business days of receiving the decision letter

*These steps of the hearing occur only if the Respondent acknowledges responsibility for any charge(s) and/or is found responsible by the hearing administrator.”