All proceedings are confidential and hearings are not open to the campus community. The initial objective of the hearing is to clarify the issues raised in the documents submitted by the grievor and respondent. The Committee of Inquiry is in charge of its own process, subject to rules of fairness and due process or natural justice. The Committee, through the Chair, may limit the number of witnesses, and the testimony and questioning of witnesses to those matters considered relevant to the disposition of the case. Questioning of the parties normally occurs at the close of each person's testimony.
Witnesses give oral testimony and are present only during the time they testify.
The Committee of Inquiry may order recesses. The parties may request a recess to allow consultation or to review any new information or documentation introduced during the hearing. The intent of the Committee of Inquiry process is to provide an in-house dispute resolution mechanism. Litigation serves to elevate issues in dispute to a legal forum. At a Committee of Inquiry hearing, the parties are not entitled to be accompanied by legal counsel.