All inquiries and investigations will be completed as quickly as possible while respecting due process and natural justice. The following procedures are intended to ensure that due process, natural justice and the rules of procedural fairness are achieved. It should be noted that these procedures are not intended to replace agreements or procedures which already exist within the University or those which obtain in the collective bargaining agreements between the University and its employee groups. The procedures also apply to all faculty and staff of the University, Federated and Affiliated Colleges, and all organizations within the University involved in research. Such a procedure should be used rarely and only when warranted by the circumstances.
Any conflict of interest is to be avoided by use of a designate.
For example, if a Dean brings forth an allegation, a designate shall be used to determine the merit of the allegation. It should be emphasized that this initial inquiry is informal and should allow flexibility for the dean to consult, clarify, investigate and mediate as each unique situation requires. This initial inquiry shall also be confidential. The Dean shall deal with the allegation by maintaining the highest possible degree of confidentiality so as to protect the reputation and careers of all involved, as well as the reputation of the University. Although this stage of the process should normally be completed within one calendar month of receiving the allegation, prudent management of the allegation may in some instances involve a longer elapse of time.