Role and Participation of Witnesses in the Investigation

Role and Participation of Witnesses in the Investigation

Witnesses (as distinguished from the parties) who are employees of CWC are expected to cooperate with and participate in CWC’s investigation and resolution process. Failure of such witnesses to cooperate with and/or participate in the investigation or resolution process constitutes a violation of procedure and may warrant discipline. Student witnesses and witnesses from outside the CWC community are encouraged to cooperate with CWC investigations and to share what they know about a complaint. 

Although in-person interviews for parties and all potential witnesses are ideal, circumstances (e.g., study abroad, summer break) may require individuals to be interviewed remotely. Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, WebEx, or similar technologies may be used for interviews if the Investigator(s) determine that timeliness or efficiency dictate a need for remote interviewing. The Recipient will take appropriate steps to reasonably ensure the security/privacy of remote interviews.

Witnesses may also provide written statements in lieu of interviews or choose to respond to written questions, if deemed appropriate by the Investigator(s), though not preferred. If a witness submits a written statement but does not intend to be and is not present for cross examination at a hearing, their written statement may not be used as evidence.