Support Persons/Advocates

 A party may have asked you to be their Support Person/Advocate throughout the administrative hearing process.  This can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and participants may need emotional support or reassurance. 

A Support Person cannot:

  • Be a potential witness in the hearing
  • Serve as an Advisor
  • Be someone in the party’s supervisory chain if the party is a university employee.

Understand Your Role 

Your presence throughout the hearing process is intended to help the party feel supported and able to participate meaningfully.  Support Persons/Advocates should plan to attend the pre-hearing conference and hearing to provide emotional support. Your party may also want your attendance at preparatory meetings leading up to the proceedings.  A Support Person/Advocate is not required.   

Providing Support Can Look Like:

  • Helping the party understand what to expect during the hearing
  • Explaining the sequence and structure of the process
  • Helping the party prepare emotionally for participation
  • Meeting with the party in breakout rooms during the hearing

Resources You’ll Need

Preparing for the Pre-Hearing Conference and Hearing

OAH encourages Support Persons/Advocates to:

  • Meet with your party as often as you’re able
  • Add the Pre-Hearing Conference and hearing date and time in your calendar
  • Review and sign the Support Person Confidentiality Agreement form and return it to the OAH at hearingoffice@unm.edu
  • Review the UNM Administrative Hearing Procedures to understand the hearing process
  • Review the Investigative Report

What to Expect At the Hearing                                               

  • The following participants are expected to attend: The Hearing Officer, Hearing Coordinator, the participating parties, the party’s advisors, and optional support persons.  Witnesses are only present during the time they are questioned
  • The Hearing Officer will manage the hearing space and inform participants of what will take place during each segment
  • A lunch break and various breaks throughout the hearing will be provided
  • You can be placed in a breakout room with your party on your party’s request

Need Help?

If you have questions about the process, contact OAH (hearingoffice@unm.edu).  We are here to help ensure that all participants understand the process and can participate effectively.