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 support person or legal counsel. Individuals are encouraged to select advisors who are not directly involved in an incident, in order to preserve the integrity of the investigative process.
Role of an Advisor
Advisors play a supportive role, helping participants navigate CCR processes. Responsibilities may include:
- Attending meetings, interviews, and other allowable events, 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
- Engaging in cross-examination during hearings for UPPM 10.60 Part B matters.
- For parties who have not identified an advisor for UPPM 10.60 Part B matters, WSU will provide an advisor for purposes of cross-examination at a hearing.
Participants may choose a support person or legal counsel as their advisor. The advisor may participate in appropriate meetings or provide other support as described above. CCR generally communicates directly with a participant, not an advisor, but will include an advisor on official communications and evidence access in the following circumstances:
- Legal counsel for matters involving allegations under UPPM 10.60 Part A
- Any advisor for matters involving allegations under UPPM 10.60 Part B.
In order to have this additional access applies to their advisor, participants must complete the Advisor Identification Form.
Advisors are expected to maintain a professional and respectful demeanor, recognizing that WSU’s process is educational in nature.
Advisor Role at a Hearing
Some decisions on discipline and remedies are determined through a live hearing process (see appropriate student or employee disciplinary 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.
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.
Advisor Considerations
Depending on the participant’s needs, an advisor may be providing different types of support or guidance to the participant. The considerations below are examples of ways an advisor might support a participant, if consent with the participant’s wishes and the advisor’s availability, experience, and comfort level.
- Building rapport: UPPM 10.60 matters are often sensitive in nature, and participating in this process may be a stressful experience. An advisor may choose to build a sense of trust and safety with the participant and discus how they would like to work together throughout the process.
- Discussing the advisor’s role: Set clear expectations with your participant about what you can and cannot do, and confirm any boundaries or limitations that you or the participant have for your involvement. Some participants and advisors may choose to establish a regular schedule for meetings or check-ins.
- Providing emotional support: Some participants may seek an advisor to be a calm, reassuring presence. This may include actively listening to the advisee, helping create a self-care plan, identifying supportive resources, or suggesting taking a break during meetings or interviews if needed.
- Helping the participant understand policy and processes: Participating in CCR processes involves following specific procedural steps. An advisor may help clarify the process for an advisee. It might be helpful to create a list of steps or calendar of dates. Advisors may also contact CCR or the relevant university department to clarify information as needed.
- Practicing self-care and setting boundaries: Serving as an advisor may be personally stressful. Advisors may wish to have their own self-care plan and set boundaries as needed.
- Seeking information or assistance: CCR is available to help answer questions about policies, procedures, resources, and the advisor role. Contact ccr@wsu.edu for more information.