According to Student Rule 24.1.9 the term “investigation” means the follow through on a complaint to ascertain details and circumstances associated with the complaint. Investigations may result in charges, a form of alternative dispute resolution, or dismissal of complaint. This determination is made at the sole discretion of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and/or designee.
Overview of Process
Initial report submitted to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for review and recommendation for investigation.
At least two investigators are appointed by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs to serve as fact gatherers.
Students are notified via their Texas A&M University email and/or phone by investigators. Students are required to meet with investigators in accordance with the Texas A&M Student Rules. (See Rule 24.4.23, Abuse of Process.)
Investigators review the investigation process with students, including their options for participation in the investigation. Students will be given an option to move forward with the investigation by answering questions, or to not move forward by not answering questions. If a student participates, they will have the opportunity to answer a series of questions and review/sign-off on notes taken by the investigators. Information provided to the investigators could result in the issuance of charges of violations of Texas A&M University Student Rules.
At the conclusion of the investigation, and Investigation Report is submitted to the Student Conduct Office. The Student Conduct Office determines if there is sufficient information to charge a student with an alleged violation. Student organizations may be charged as well if there are possible violations of policies for organizations.
Support Available
Student Assistance services is available to provide support, answers to questions, and information about university and community resources for involved during and after the investigation process. Contact Student Assistance Services at 979.845.3113 or [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Things to know before the investigation interview:
If you are being called in for an investigation, this means you have been identified as someone who may have been involved in, witnessed, or have additional knowledge related to the reported incident.
The case might have been deferred to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for further follow up into the reported incident.
If your student organization is under investigation, this means our office has received a report mentioning your organization in a reported incident. The investigation serves as a fact gathering process to gather information from all involved parties and your organization will be provided an investigation notice before investigation interviews begin.
If you receive an interview notice, you are required to meet with investigators in accordance with Texas A&M University Student Rules (See Rule 24.4.23. Abuse of Process). During the interview, all individuals have the option to not to answer questions at all. If you do choose to participate and there is a question you do not feel comfortable answering, you may choose not to answer that question, which would be recorded in any notes taken by investigators.
If there is a conflict that arises that does not allow you to participate in person, inform investigators as soon as possible. The investigators will make other arrangements as needed.
Things to know during the investigation interview:
There is a university student rule in place that prohibits retaliation against the reporting party or against anyone who participates in the process. (See Rule 24.4.23. Abuse of Process.) If you do experience any kind of retaliation or intimidation, please report it as soon as possible to investigators in the Student Conduct Office.