What Is an Advisor?
An advisor is someone chosen by a participant in CCR’s process to provide support and guidance while engaging with CCR and any ensuing disciplinary proceedings. This individual may be a friend, family member, WSU faculty/staff member, or an attorney. Individuals are encouraged to select advisors who are not directly involved in an incident, in order to preserve the integrity of the investigative process. To participate in meetings, the participant must complete the advisor identification form.
Role of an Advisor in the CCR Process
Advisors play a supportive role, helping participants navigate CCR processes. General responsibilities may include:
- Attending meetings, interviews and hearings with the participant
- Asking questions about procedural aspects of the process
- Advising participants on how to prepare and present their case
- Providing emotional support for the participant
- Providing legal services for the participant
For UPPM Part 10.60.A matters,
- CCR engages directly with the participants and does not provide access to investigative records to advisors
- Legal advisors can receive access if the participant files the appropriate waivers
- Participants may share information with their advisor when desired.
For UPPM Part 10.60.B matters (involving Title IX Sexual Harassment),
- CCR engages with the participants and their advisors, where the participant has identified an advisor
- Advisors and participants are provided with access to review evidence at specific process stages.
- An advisor, not a party, may participate in cross-examination during the hearing process
- For parties who do not have an advisor, WSU will provide one for purposes of the hearing process at no cost.
Advisors are expected to maintain a professional and respectful demeanor, recognizing that WSU’s process is educational in nature and differs from legal processes.
Advisor Role at a Hearing
Final decisions on discipline and remedies for UPPM Part 10.60.B matters (involving Title IX Sexual Harassment) and UPPM Part 10.60.A matters with a student respondent, are determined through a live hearing process. As discussed above, advisors can help a participant prepare for a hearing and ask cross examination questions in UPPM Part 10.60.B matters.
Advisors should know the live hearing process differs from the legal system:
| WSU Live Hearings | Legal System |
| Institutional discipline | Criminal prosecution |
| Standard: Preponderance of evidence | Standard: Beyond a reasonable doubt |
| Sanctions are educational (e.g., probation, suspension, termination) | Punishment may include imprisonment or fines |
| Finding: Responsible/Not Responsible | Verdict: Guilty/Not Guilty |
| Roles: Complainant/Respondent | Roles: Plaintiff/Defendant |
WSU’s live hearing process may proceed independently of any legal proceedings, and its goal is to foster ethical behavior and a safe learning/work environment.
How to be an effective advisor
- Build rapport: UPPM 10.60 matters are often sensitive in nature, and participating in this process is often a stressful experience. Build a sense of trust and safety with the participant early in the process.
- Explain your role: Set clear expectations with your participant about what you can and cannot do. It might be helpful to determine a regular schedule for meetings or check-ins.
- Be an emotional support: Be a calm, reassuring presence. Actively listen to your advisee. Help your advisee create a self-care plan. During interviews or meetings, be on the lookout for signs of distress in your advisee. If you suspect your advisee is in distress, ask for a break. Be aware of supportive on campus and off campus resources.
- Review policy and processes: Participating in CCR processes involves following specific procedural steps. Help clarify the process for your advisee. It might be helpful to create a list of steps or calendar of dates. Contact the CCR investigator to clarify information as needed.
- Take care of yourself: Serving as an advisor can be stressful. You may find yourself emotionally involved in the case, which can lead to secondary impacts. Ensure you have your own self care plan and set boundaries as needed.
- Reach out for help: CCR is available to help answer questions and provide guidance on policies, procedures, resources, and your role as an advisor. Ask for support by contacting ccr@wsu.edu.
More information for advisors can be found in SUNY’s Advisor Resource Guide. While this resource is not specific to WSU, it is intended to serve as a general overview of an advisor’s role.