Columbia University Student Services for Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct

• The main role of a witness is to provide information to the hearing panel or investigator about an incident that occurred.
• All witnesses should be truthful and truthfully answer questions asked by the hearing panel or investigator.
• Witnesses do not need to answer questions that they feel may incriminate them in any way.
• Witnesses should be aware that the hearing proceedings are recorded and kept confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The investigative materials are also considered confidential materials.
• The hearing proceedings and the investigative reports are confidential. Information revealed in the hearing should not be discussed with others.

• The investigator is a neutral party responsible for gathering information related to cases involving allegations of gender-based misconduct.
• In most circumstances, the investigative interview will be a one-on-one interview.
• The investigator will contact all witnesses to schedule a meeting time and location.

• The witness should arrive at the time designated by the Senior Manager for Student Services for Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct.
• The witness will enter the room with hearing panelists. The respondent and complainant may be in separate rooms viewing the testimony via closed-circuit television.
• The witness will read the statement prepared for the hearing panelists, if applicable. If the witness has elected not to prepare a statement, the panel may begin by asking questions of the witness.
• At the conclusion of the panelists' questions, both the respondent and complainant will be allowed to provide written questions to the panelists to ask of the witness.
• The panelists may chose to recall and question any witness in the interest of fairness. If a witness needs to be recalled, he/she will be contacted by the Senior Manager for Student Services for Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct.

• Prepare a statement. Many witnesses find that writing a statement can be helpful in arranging their thoughts about the events that occurred. Statements should be organized in a concise manner and address the events that occurred.
• Seek additional assistance. The Senior Manager for Student Services for Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct is available as an impartial, neutral party to consult with a witness regarding her/his preparation for the hearing panel or investigative meeting.

Questions about being a witness during a hearing or investigation can be directed to Melissa Tihinen, Senior Manager for Student Services for Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct at (212) 854-1717 or mt2738@columbia.edu.