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.”