Director
Ben Zinke, JD (he/him/his)
The Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University of New Mexico’s hearing processes, ensuring fairness, integrity, and adherence to principles of due process. The Director is the office’s primary representative and vision architect and works to align operations with institutional priorities while fostering trust, consistency, and accountability across all proceedings.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Executive Collaboration
- Establish the vision and strategic direction of Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)
- Collaborate directly with executive leadership to support institutional goals and decision-making
Oversight of Hearing Processes
- Ensure hearings are conducted in accordance with university policy, applicable laws, and due process
- Maintain consistency, transparency, and integrity in all adjudicative procedures
Policy, Training, and Subject Matter Expertise
- Serve as the office’s subject matter expert and policy leader
- Develop, interpret, and implement procedures and best practices
- Oversee, coordinate, and authorize training to ensure personnel are fully prepared and compliant
- Collaborate with the Office of Compliance, Ethics & Equal Opportunity (CEEO), Dean of Students, and other sanctioning bodies to ensure a coordinated and equitable system
Leadership, Culture, and Continuous Improvement
- Lead and develop staff while fostering a culture of professionalism, respect, and accountability
- Evaluate and improve processes to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and confidence in the hearing system
Message from the Director
Welcome to the University of New Mexico Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). I approach this role with a commitment not only to fairness and neutrality, but also to ensuring that our processes reflect the evolving needs and values of the University community we serve.
At its core, the work of OAH is about people. The matters that come before us often involve difficult, deeply personal circumstances. Recognizing this, I believe that a fair process must also be a humane one—one that centers respect, acknowledges impact, and creates space for all participants to be heard in a meaningful way.
OAH operates as an independent decision-making body. We do not advocate for any party, and we do not approach cases with assumptions. Instead, we are guided by policy, by evidence, and by a commitment to thoughtful, unbiased decision-making using the preponderance of the evidence standard.
In my role as Director and frequently as an Administrative Hearing Officer, I strive to ensure that hearings are not only procedurally sound, but also accessible and respectful. This includes maintaining an environment where participants understand the process, feel heard, and are treated with dignity throughout.
I also see this office as part of a broader institutional effort to build trust and accountability. By working collaboratively with partners across Compliance, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, and Student Services, we contribute to a system that is more transparent, more coordinated, and better equipped to serve our community.
Importantly, I believe that adjudicative processes should not remain static. We are committed to continuous reflection and improvement—examining how our procedures, training, and practices can evolve to better support fairness, reduce barriers to participation, and reflect the University’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
I understand that participating in a hearing process can feel complex or overwhelming. My goal is to ensure that every participant—regardless of their role—experiences a process that is clear, respectful, and grounded in integrity.
Ultimately, my commitment is to a system where fairness is not only applied, but experienced—where each person who engages with this process can trust that they have been heard, respected, and treated with care.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about OAH and the role we serve within the University of New Mexico.
