Frequently Asked Questions About Investigations
Student Community Standards strives to make the investigation process as smooth as possible for those involved. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help guide you through the investigation process.
Before the Interview
If you are being called in for an investigation, this means you have been identified as someone who may have been involved in, witnessed, or have additional knowledge related to the reported incident.
The case might have been deferred to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for further follow up into the reported incident.
If your student organization is under investigation, this means our office has received a report mentioning your organization in a reported incident. The investigation serves as a fact gathering process to gather information from all involved parties and your organization will be provided an investigation notice before investigation interviews begin.
Investigators will go over the rights that students have during the investigation interview. In addition, investigators can connect you to Student Assistance Services or other campus resources as needed.
During the interview, you will meet at least two investigators who will first explain your student rights during the investigation interview. You will then be given the opportunity to proceed with the interview. If you agree to answer questions related to the incident, investigators will ask questions regarding any knowledge or information you may have in connection to the incident. At the end of the interview, you will be asked to review, correct as needed, and sign off on notes taken by the investigators. You will also have the option to provide a written statement by a designated deadline after the interview takes place regardless of whether you agree to answer questions during the interview.
If you receive an interview notice, you are required to meet with investigators in accordance with Texas A&M University Student Rules (see rule 24.4.23. Abuse of Process). During the interview, all individuals have the option to not to answer questions at all. If you do choose to participate and there is a question you do not feel comfortable answering, you may choose not to answer that question, which would be recorded in any notes taken by investigators.
If there is a conflict that arises that does not allow you to participate in person, inform investigators as soon as possible. The investigators will make other arrangements as needed.
You can bring other documentation or information that is pertinent to the investigation with you and submit that to investigators during your interview. You will also be provided with an opportunity after the interview to submit any important documentation, information, or a personal statement to investigators before a certain deadline.
During the investigation process, we cannot provide access to the report/complaint. At the conclusion of the investigation, if the Student Conduct Office determines there is sufficient information to charge an individual student or student organization with an alleged violation of the Texas A&M University Student Rules, the charged student and/or designated representatives of a student organization charged will be given reasonable access to relevant portions of the investigation. This may include the completed investigation report.
During the investigation process, we do not allow advisors or attorneys to be present for the interview.
During the Interview
You are allowed to submit information that you feel is pertinent to the current investigation. Information that is submitted to investigators will be added to a report that investigators file once the process has completed.
Investigators will usually schedule interviews for an hour time block. However, the length of the time will vary depending on the case, the number of questions, and how much a participant is willing to share with investigators. The investigation teams makes an effort to schedule interviews during available times in your academic schedule. If there is another conflict or concern about the selected time, the investigators will provide contact information so you may reach out to them.
Investigators schedule about a two-week time frame for interviews, fact gathering, and writing the report. However, the length of the process can vary depending on numerous factors.
Once investigators explain your rights as a student, you will have the opportunity to choose whether to move forward with the investigation and answer questions. If you choose to answer questions and there is a question you do not feel comfortable answering, you may indicate that and investigators will make a record in their notes.
There is a university student rule in place that prohibits retaliation against the reporting party or against anyone who participates in the process (see rule 24.4.23. Abuse of Process). If you do experience any kind of retaliation or intimidation, please report it as soon as possible to investigators in the Student Conduct Office.
After the Interview
Once the process is complete, investigators will file a report of the facts gathered during the interviews. The report will be reviewed by the Director of Student Community Standards or their designee, and/or the Student Conduct Office.
You will not be notified of other individuals’ personal information due to FERPA guidelines. In the case of student organizations, a designated representative (typically the chief student leader) would be notified of any charges and/or findings as it relates to the organization as a whole.
Once the report is reviewed, the Student Conduct Administrator(s) will determine whether there is sufficient information to indicate that a violation of the student rules may have occurred. If so, a charge letter would be sent to any individuals alleged of any potential rule violations and/or a designated representative of the student organization.