Witnesses

You have been identified as someone who may have information relevant to a potential violation of university policy.  You may have already participated in an interview during the investigation conducted by CEEO.  The hearing phase serves a different purpose—to assist the Hearing Officer develop a complete and accurate understanding of the information in the investigative report.  

Your participation in the administrative hearing is voluntary. Choosing not to participate does not result in a decision against either party; however, OAH will proceed with the hearing using the information available.

Understand Your Role

Your role is to share knowledge you may have about what you saw, heard, or know about a situation by answering questions presented at a hearing.  You may decline to answer any question, in whole or in part. The Hearing Officer cannot assume a Respondent violated a university policy  because a witness is absent or declines to answer questions.

Resources You’ll Need

Preparing for the Hearing

OAH encourages all witnesses to do the following:

  • Add the hearing date and time in your calendar
  • Review the Witness Notice for helpful information and Zoom login information
  • Review the UNM Administrative Hearing Procedures to understand the hearing process

What to Expect At the Hearing

  • The following participants are expected to attend: The Hearing Officer, Hearing Coordinator, participating parties, the parties’ Advisors, and optional Support Persons
  • Witnesses are only present during the time they are questioned
  • Witness testimony is generally scheduled for 45 minutes
  • The Hearing Officer will manage the hearing space and inform participants of what will take place during each segment
  • You will be asked to affirm that your testimony is truthful
  • You may be asked 3 rounds of questions: First, by the party that requested your attendance, next by the other party’s Advisor, and then by the Hearing Officer
  • The party that requested your attendance has the option to ask additional/clarifying questions after the Hearing Officer has completed their questioning

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.