What You Should Know

What is an Advisor?

Complainants and Respondents are entitled to have an Advisor with them anytime they participate in the investigation and resolution process, which includes the filing of the complaint, the interview with the Investigative Authority, and any other meetings or hearings related to the investigation and resolution process.

The Advisor’s primary role is to support the party. The Advisor may also observe the proceedings and provide guidance to their party. However, the Advisor is not an active participant in any proceeding. An Advisor can be barred from being present if, they violate the rules of decorum set forth by the Title IX Compliance Office .

An advisor may not speak for a party or ask questions for a party.

An Advisor can give guidance to the party on what to say and what questions to ask prior to interactions with the Investigator or Title IX Coordinator. Please note that the Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of Evidence do not apply to the investigation and resolution process.

Who can be an Advisor?

The Advisor may be any person selected by a party (including legal counsel, a parent, a roommate, etc.) except that the Advisor may not be another party or a witness in the matter under investigation.

What if I don’t have an Advisor?

Prior to the hearing phase of a formal investigation, the Title IX Compliance Office will provide both Complainants and Respondents with an Advisor if none has been secured.