Investigation Process

Part 7.

NOTE: FOR CASES INVOLVING SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING, GENDER-RELATED HARASSMENT, DATING OR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, OR OTHER PROHIBITED CONDUCT AS DEFINED IN THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT, ABUSE, AND ASSAULT PREVENTION POLICY, SEE PART 10 FOR OVERVIEW OF PROCESS

7.1 Definition of Student Conduct Investigation – An inquiry into an alleged violation of the Syracuse University Code of Student Conduct by a student and/or organization of Syracuse University.  This inquiry is conducted by the Student Conduct Investigator.

7.2 Student Conduct Investigation Process – Report Submitted-An incident report is submitted to Community Standards (OCS) for review and determination if an investigation will take place.

7.3 Investigation Initiated – The Student Conduct Investigator contacts the party generating the report to make them aware that an investigation is taking place. The Student Conduct Investigator collects any essential information from the reporting party or any information that would be productive for an investigation.

7.4 Student’s Notification – Students are notified of the date and time of their interview through their Syracuse University email account. Students are highly encouraged to attend their investigation appointment at the specified date and time.

7.5 Interviews – When conducting interviews – Investigators review the student’s rights prior to beginning the interview and indicate that participation is voluntary. If the student chooses to participate in the interview, the student will answer questions asked by the investigators. Relevant information shared with the investigators will be part of the investigation report written by the Student Conduct Investigator.

7.6 Investigation Report – At the end of the investigation, an investigation report is written and submitted to the Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities. The Student Conduct Investigator makes a recommendation to charge the individual(s) or organization for any alleged violation(s) of the Code of Student Conduct. The Director of Community Standards or designee has the authority to modify and/or approve the recommendation of the Student Conduct Investigator.

7.7 Resolution Process –Alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct resulting from a Student Conduct Investigation are resolved according to Part 8 of the University Student Conduct System Handbook.

7.8 Recording devices (audio and/or video) of any kind are not permitted for use during investigation meetings/interviews.