Frequently Asked Questions – Faculty Appellate Processes

Witnesses

Q. Are potential witnesses required to participate in a hearing if they are asked to do so by a party or the panel?
A. No. The appellate processes do not include the power to subpoena anyone. That said, if a witness has information that bears on a matter under consideration, it is in everyone’s best interest to have access to all relevant information so the panel can make the best recommendation possible to the Chancellor.

Q. How much time is allowed for witnesses?
A. It depends on the number of witnesses being called by each side, and other potential restrictions on timing for the hearing.

Q. If I list a witness, does the panel send the communication to them with the schedule?
A. No. The organization of a party’s presentation is their responsibility, and that includes scheduling and notifying their witnesses of the time they are scheduled to appear, once they see the agenda.

Q. I have been asked to be a witness. What can I expect?
A. The party who asked you to be a witness will ask you questions that they believe will support their account of the matter under consideration. The opposing party will then be given an opportunity to ask questions, followed by a potential second round of questions by the party who asked you to be a witness that are meant to rebut information that might have been revealed by the opposing party’s line of questioning. The hearing panel will then have an opportunity to pose their own questions. Once that period of questioning concludes, you will be dismissed with the caveat that you may be called back to answer more questions, should the panel believe that you have information that bears on the proceeding that was not adequately explored during your initial question period.

Q. My witness is not available on the hearing date. What do I do?
A. Inform the appropriate appellate topic chair. They will consider the possibility of rescheduling the hearing for a different date. Please be ready with some alternative dates.

Q. My witness is only available during a certain period of time on the hearing date. What can I do to ensure the agenda takes this into account?
A. Inform the panel chair and the Faculty Senate Office Administrator, Ms. Rachel Baker. They will try to accommodate the availability of the witness in the agenda.

Q. My witness is not available to appear for the hearing in-person. Is it possible to have them attend remotely?
A. If the witness would not be able to participate unless they are allowed to attend remotely or to call in to the hearing, then arrangements can be made for their remote participation. This is discouraged, however, out of concerns for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and efficiency of the proceedings.