How does the hearing work?

The parties will be permitted to introduce themselves, and the Investigator will also usually do the same. The parties, Investigator(s), and witnesses are all questioned by the Advisors and the Decision-maker.  The Decision-maker then privately deliberates, evaluates the relevant evidence, assesses credibility, and determines by a preponderance of the evidence (whether it is more likely than not) whether policy was violated. The parties are then informed simultaneously, in writing, of the outcome and the rationale for the decision.