2. Investigations

Once the official complaint is received, the Dean of Students or designee will conduct an investigation to gather information as needed. Investigations may consist of interviews with the complainant(s), the reporting party (if different from the complaint), the respondent(s), any witnesses, and the evaluation of relevant documentation such as photographs, video, and cell phone logs. Generally, the Dean of Students or designee contacts the complainant(s), the respondent(s), and witnesses by telephone call, email, or letter sent to available on- or off-campus addresses. This contact is established to arrange for an interview.
The complainant and respondent will receive a notice of the allegations before an investigation meeting. During the investigation meeting, each participant will have the opportunity to share their perspective of the alleged incident, name witnesses, and share any supporting documents. The investigator will compile a report summarizing the relevant information collected. The complainant and respondent will be provided ten days to review and respond to the information presented in the investigation report. A final investigation report and supporting information will be provided at least ten days before the hearing.
Notices issued through University email addresses are considered proper notification to students. Students are responsible for checking their email on a regular basis for University communication. If respondents who have been provided with notice do not appear for an interview, then the information in support of the complainant shall be presented and considered in the absence of the respondent. A decision shall be made without the benefit of the respondent’s personal input unless a documented emergency can be verified to account for the respondent’s absence.
If a student-athlete is accused of any violation of the code of conduct or any criminal behavior (on or off campus), the Head Coach, Athletic Director and Dean of Students will work together to investigate the matter to determine if the misconduct occurred. After the investigation is complete and it is determined the misconduct occurred, the Head Coach, Athletic Director and Dean of Students will work in conjunction to determine the appropriate sanctions.
If a student who lives in campus housing is accused of any violation of the code of conduct, housing guidelines or any criminal behavior, the Housing Coordinator and the Housing Director will work together to investigate the matter to determine if the misconduct occurred. After the investigation is complete and it is determined the misconduct occurred, the Housing Director and the Housing Coordinator will work in conjunction to determine the appropriate sanctions.
Upon determining that sufficient evidence exists to believe that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct may have occurred, the Dean of Students or designee will notify the student in writing of the alleged violations against them. All charges shall be delivered to the respondent in written form to the student’s campus address, student or personal email or the address listed in the Registrar’s records. Students are responsible for providing and maintaining a current local address and e-mail address with the Registrar's Office. This shall constitute full and adequate notice.
The Dean of Students or designee may conduct an investigation to determine if the charges have merit and/or if they can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent of the parties involved. Such disposition shall be final and there shall be no subsequent proceedings. If the charges cannot be disposed of by mutual consent, the Dean of Students or designee may later serve in the same matter as the judicial body or a member thereof. If the student admits violating institutional rules, but sanctions are not agreed to, subsequent process, including a Hearing if necessary, will be limited to determining the appropriate sanction(s).