Investigation
In the course of its investigation, the Center for Community Standards and Accountability (CSA) may interview any witnesses, including the respondent(s) or potential respondent(s). CSA will inform each witness that anything they say in such interviews may be introduced as evidence at a hearing. Additionally, CSA will review relevant documentation or other pieces of information that may provide relevant information for the case. CSA only shares information with witnesses that the office deems critical in order to conduct a full and complete investigation. Witness information is also kept private and only shared with respondent if it is relevant to the ultimate decision reached.
Initial Meeting With the Respondent(s):
Following the notice that charges have been filed against a student, a CSA Case Manager typically meets with the respondent and the respondent’s advisor to review the CSA process, to gather relevant information from the respondent and to identify further individuals and/or evidence that may need to be reviewed in the course of the investigation. As outlined in the Notice Letter, the respondent is given seven days to contact CSA to set up this initial meeting. CSA will place a hold on a respondent’s student records if a meeting is not arranged and attended in a timely fashion. Throughout the course of an investigation, the Case Manager may reach back out to the respondent(s) for further information.
Follow Up Meeting With the Complainant(s):
After the initial complaint is filed, the Case Manager also meets with the complainant(s) to gather more information as appropriate. Throughout the course of an investigation, the Case Manager may reach back out to the complainant(s) for further information.
Investigation Timeline:
Except in extraordinary circumstances, or if the complainant or respondent makes a request of CSA to delay the investigation based on good cause, CSA will make every effort to complete its investigation within 60 days of the filing of the complaint.