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Hearings

A page within Student Life

Chapter UWS 14 & 17

This page will highlight a few pieces of information regarding hearings. For more detailed information, please refer to Chapters UWS 14 & 17: 

Flow of Academic and Non-Academic Misconduct Hearings

  1. Introductions
    1. First, the examiner/panel will introduce themself/themselves.
    2. Next, the chair/examiner will ask if you would like an open or closed hearing. An open hearing means that the hearing is open to the public to watch. A closed hearing is closed to the public and only those involved in the hearing will be present.
    3. Lastly, the chair will introduce the advisor to the panel/examiner.
  2.  Purpose and Expectations
    1. At this time, the chair/examiner will state that all persons present at the hearing must present information that is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. If it is found that someone intentionally presents false information, they will be found in violation of a Chapter UWS 17 violation.
    2. Next, the chair/examiner will describe the burden of proof that will be utilized in the hearing.
      1. Preponderance of Evidence OR Clear and Convincing
    3. Following, the chair/examiner will ask if you are being assisted by an advisor, describe their role in the hearing process, and ask them to introduce themselves to the panel/examiner and for the record.
  3. Clarification
    1. At this time, the chair/examiner will ask if there are any questions regarding procedures or expectations.
  4. Plea
    1. At this time, the chair/examiner will ask the Respondent if they are contesting the determination that misconduct occurred, the choice of disciplinary sanctions, or both. You will provide a response.
    2. Next, the chair/examiner will ask you to enter a plea to each charge. As each charge is listed, you will state responsible or not responsible.
    3. Following, they will list each sanction and ask if you are contesting that sanction. You will answer yes or no for each.
  5. Presentation of Case
    1. Prior to the presentation of the case, the chair/examiner may remove any witnesses and place them in the lobby of
      the Zoom room.
    2. Complainant/Investigating Officer
      1. At this time, the Complainant/Investigating Officer will present their case.
      2. Once they have presented all their information, the panel/examiner will ask them questions.
      3. After the panel/examiner has asked all their questions, they will allow the Respondent to ask any questions through the hearing panel/examiner. You may or may not be allowed to directly question the Complainant/Investigating Officer.
    3. Complainant/Investigating Officer’s Witnesses
      1. At this time, the Complainant/Investigating Officer will present their first witness. The Complainant/Investigating Officer will ask their witness any questions related to the case.
      2. Once the witness has presented all their information, the panel/examiner will ask them questions.
      3. After the panel/examiner has asked all their questions, they will allow the Respondent to ask any questions through the hearing panel/examiner. You may or may not be allowed to directly question the Complainant Investigating Officer’s witnesses.
      4. If there are additional witnesses, each one will be brought in individually with the same flow of questioning as noted above.
    4. Respondent
      1. At this time, the Respondent will present their case.
      2. Once they have presented all their information, the panel/examiner will ask you questions. Regardless of if you have an advisor or not, it is expected that all Respondent’s answer questions asked of them.
      3. After the panel/examiner has asked all their questions, they will allow the Complainant/Investigating Officer to ask any questions through the hearing panel/examiner.
        The Complainant/Investigating Officer may or may not be allowed to directly question you.
    5. Respondent's Witnesses
      1. At this time, the Respondent will present their first witness. The Respondent will ask their witness any questions related to the case.
      2. Once the witness has presented all their information, the panel/examiner will ask them questions.
      3. After the panel/examiner has asked all their questions, they will allow the Complainant/Investigating Officer to ask any questions through the hearing panel/examiner. They may or may not be allowed to directly question your witnesses.
      4. If there are additional witnesses, each one will be brought in individually with the same flow of questioning as noted above.
  6. Final Questions
    1. At this time, the chair/examiner will ask the panel/examiner if there are any remaining questions for the Complainant Investigating Officer, Complainant/Investigating Officer’s witnesses, Respondent, or Respondent witnesses.
    2. Next, the chair/examiner will ask if any party needs to take a short break prior to any summary statements.
  7. Summary Statements
    1. At this time, the Complainant/Investigating Officer will present their summary statement.
    2. Next, the Respondent will present their summary statement.
  8. Closing
    1. At this time, the chair/examiner will reiterate the burden of proof to be utilized during the hearing and inform you of when and how you will receive a decision.

Students have the right to decide whether their meeting shall be opened or closed. Exemptions to the open meeting law are allowed in the following circumstances: 

19.85(1)(a): Deliberating concerning a case which was the subject of any judicial or quasi-judicial trial or hearing before that governmental body.

19.85(1)(f): Considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons except where par. (b) applies which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations.

Upcoming Hearings

There are no hearings scheduled at this time. If there is a scheduled hearing: 

  • the meeting will take place remotely and a link will be posted. 
  • the meeting will begin as an open hearing but may be moved into closed session.