Support Persons During Informal Resolution Process
A party should let the facilitator know if they would like a support person to attend any Informal Resolution meeting and the name of the support person and that person’s relationship to the party. The facilitator will check with the other party to confirm that such party agrees to continue with the Informal Resolution with the support person present. Neither party is permitted to have a support person participate in meetings with the facilitator through an electronic device such as a cell phone or computer. Possible Outcomes of the Process A resolution is reached only if both parties agree. The facilitator will not impose an outcome, although they may assist the parties in suggesting resolutions that appear to meet the parties’ needs. If there is no agreement on a resolution, the complaint is returned to the formal grievance and hearing process outlined in this policy. A party may terminate the informal process at any time before the final written resolution is signed.
Each party may have a support person accompanying them to any Informal Resolution meeting. A support person is someone who provides support to a party during the Informal Resolution process. This role should be distinguished from the role of an Advisor under the formal grievance and hearing process of this policy. For instance, the support person will not cross-examine the other party. A support person can help a party understand or explain the issues under discussion or simply help the party feel more comfortable during the Informal Resolution process. The support person may be a friend or relative or any other person the party trusts. A support person cannot be someone who has been involved in the facts and circumstances in the allegations in any way. In addition, the other party and the facilitator must agree to the support person attending. The facilitator can also exclude a support person if their presence is disruptive during the Informal Resolution process.
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Hodges University Student Handbook
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