Hearing Process
How to Prepare for a Hearing
You understand the allegation(s) with which you are charged and do not accept responsibility for the policy violation(s) and have elected your case to be presented to a University of Texas Rio Grande Valley hearing officer.
To ensure all our students have an opportunity to fully present their case they are encouraged to read the Handbook of Operating Procedures STU 02-100, Sections Vll. Hearing Process.
Below are some recommendations so that you are prepared for your hearing:
- Come scripted so you know what you going to say to the hearing officer. You are going to be nervous, so have notes to read from;
- Research Opening Statement. The opening statement provides the first impression of the case and shapes the impressions for the hearing officer. An opening statement forecasts to the hearing officer the evidence they will see and hear during the hearing, it allows the hearing officer to know what to expect and to be able to understand the evidence when it is presented. The opening statement should not contain argument; rather, it should be a factual statement;
- Have questions ready. The Dean’s representative may call individuals related to the case to be a witness, so be prepared to ask them questions. You may also call any witnesses you feel will help your case. When you received your hearing date you will be prompted when to advise if any witnesses you will call to the hearing. The Dean’s representative will need to know the witnesses' name(s) and what they are going to testify about.
- Research Closing statement/argument. An effective closing statement ties together all the pieces of a hearing and tells a compelling story. Generally, closing arguments should include the following:
- a summary of the evidence;
- any reasonable inferences that can be drawn from;
- an attack on any holes or weaknesses in the other side’s case;
- a summary of the policy for the hearing officer to follow;
- a plea to the hearing officer to take a specific action, a finding of not responsible or asking for a lesser sanction.
If you have further questions regarding the Hearing process, please contact our office at 956-665-5375 Edinburg or 956-882-5141 Brownsville.