The reporting individual and the student(s), student organization, or athletic team who are alleged to have violated a community standards policy may be accompanied at both informal resolution meetings and formal resolution hearings by one support person who is a current faculty, staff, or student member of the Hampshire College community. For cases involving sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking, policy supporters do not need to be members of the Hampshire College community.
Multiple support persons may attend any pre- and post-meetings and hearings at the discretion of the community standards administrator facilitating the meeting. Students can identify their support person as a current student, faculty, or staff member at Hampshire College or may request a support person be identified and appointed for them by submitting a written request to the Dean of Students Office and/or Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability. In the appointment process, a staff member in either office will connect with the student to identify and secure a support person. Additional support persons can be available outside of the meeting and hearing room for consultation during a hearing.
Supporters are expected to respect the rights to privacy of the student they support and any others involved. If a supporter is a responsible reporter, they must still report as required.
During an Administrative Hearing and Informal Resolution Meeting
During an administrative hearing and informal resolution meeting, the supporter's role is to support the student, student organization, or athletic team and play a passive role in the discussion. The supporter may not speak on behalf of a student, student organization, or athletic team nor be disruptive to the hearing or meeting. The primary discussion in a hearing and informal resolution meeting is with the student; however, there may be space for the supporter to ask questions at the discretion of the community standards administrator.
During a Community Review Board Hearing
The supporter's role is to support the student(s), student organization, or athletic team and may not question the other party or any witnesses brought forth in the hearing. The supporter may not speak on behalf of a student, student organization, or athletic team nor be disruptive to the hearing. Supporters are not permitted to talk at a hearing, except to the student, student organization, or athletic team they are supporting, and to state their name and role for an audio record. The student, student organization, or athletic team can request a break if additional time to talk privately with their supporter is needed. A supporter may be required to leave the proceedings if that supporter fails to follow the board's procedures.
For more information on how to prepare to be a support person visit the Dean of Student Office or email deanofstudents@hampshire.edu.
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