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VII. Hearing Procedures
a.
The hearing shall convene within ten (10) working days of the receipt of
the student grievance notice unless mutually agreed upon for a delay.
b.
The hearing shall be closed unless the District employee or student
against whom the grievance is brought requests that it be open.
c.
The following persons should be present:
(1)
The Hearing Committee
(2)
The student grievant and non-legal representative/advocate if any;
(3)
The college employee or student against whom the grievance is
brought and a representative of the appropriate bargaining unit, if
any;
(4)
Witnesses, while presenting testimony.
d.
Both parties shall notify the appropriate Vice President or designee, in
writing within three (3) working days of the hearing if he/she will be
accompanied by a representative/advocate. Such notification shall include
the name and title of the representative. The Committee Chairperson shall
be obligated to immediately notify the parties directly involved.
e.
Although minutes will be taken at the hearing to provide a written record,
if all parties agree the hearing may also be tape recorded.
f.
All participants in a hearing shall be advised by the Committee
Chairperson that the proceedings are confidential.
g.
Witnesses shall not be required to testify under oath; however,
witnesses shall be advised that false testimony will constitute grounds for
college disciplinary action.
h.
The proceedings will not be bound by formal rules of evidence nor trial-
like procedures. Rather, the procedures will be those upon which
reasonable persons would rely in the conduct of serious affairs. The
Committee Chairperson shall rule on all procedural issues. If substantive or
procedural issues arise during the hearing that requires external assistance
for resolution, the Hearing Committee Chairperson should recess the
hearing and submit the issue to the college president for resolution.
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