The vice president for academic affairs shall chair the hearing and select the panel, conferring with appropriate deans/vice presidents/directors.
The Hearing Panel may consist of: a) A combination of two/three faculty members to represent the faculty. b) Two/three administrative staff to represent the administrative staff. c) Two/three support staff employees to represent the support staff. d) Two/three student leaders to represent the student body.
Both the complainant and the respondent may challenge the participation of any member of the formal hearing panel. If a challenge is granted by the chair, substitutes will be selected by the chair as long as the composition includes equal membership of each group represented in the case. The purpose of the hearing will be to hear the evidence that had been presented and uphold or recommend a change in the disposition of the complaint. New evidence may be introduced at this time. The complainant and respondent will both be present for the hearing.
Hearing Panel Procedures The Hearing Panel shall observe the following guidelines: 1. An opening statement by the chair regarding the nature of the case, the identification of the parties involved, and the nature of the allegations.
2. Sequence of presentation of evidence: a) Complainant presents evidence. b) Respondent presents evidence. c) Complainant presents rebuttal evidence. d) Respondent presents rebuttal evidence. e) The investigating administrator presents additional evidence that was accumulated during the initial investigation of the incident. f) Closing statements.
Hearing Panel Decision The Hearing Panel shall determine, by majority vote, if a violation of the Harassment Policy occurred and the appropriateness of the disciplinary action. The Chairperson of the Hearing Committee shall forward the Committee’s written recommendation to the complainant and the respondent.
Final Appeal Because of the nature of harassment and because it affects everyone connected with the college, the formal/appeal procedures are designed specifically for cases involving harassment. Both complainant and respondent may appeal the decision of the Formal Procedure/Appeal Procedure Hearing Panel to the college president. The president’s decision is final.
Confidentiality All communications from the time the complaint is filed will be confidential. All of the members of the hearing panel are required to refrain from discussing the contents of the case with anyone. The confidentiality of the proceedings is of the utmost importance to all of the parties involved.
Information about harassment cases will not be released publicly, unless it is deemed necessary and approved by the president to prevent alarm among college employees and students and external publics (i.e., prospective students and parents). all parties involved will remain confidential.
- 22 - If information about a case is released, the names of
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