Discrimination Complaint Procedures: Appendix B
Selection and Training of Panel and Tripartite Hearing Committee
Panel
The campus's affirmative action committee has the responsibility of recommending to the president a panel of campus administrators, faculty, staff and students from which a tripartite hearing committee may be selected. The campus president annually appoints all affirmative action panel members. Training should occur prior to any specific complaints or cases and, preferably, at the beginning of the school year. Members of the affirmative action panel should become familiar with the internal grievance procedures, discrimination laws, and the law and language of affirmative action. The panel should be assisted in a clear understanding of their responsibilities and rights, such as reviewing confidential material, concepts of burden of proof, confidentiality, and responsible record keeping.
Tripartite Hearing Committee
The tripartite hearing committee is made up of persons selected from the affirmative
action panel (the pool of individuals recommended by the affirmative action committee,
approved by the president and trained in the campus's internal grievance procedures). One person is selected by the Complainant; one person by the Respondent, and the third
member is selected by the other two designees. The three panel members select from among themselves a committee chairperson. The tripartite committee should be given an opportunity to review the procedure and
have any questions concerning process answered by the affirmative action officer prior
to beginning the investigation.
The tripartite hearing committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing all facts regarding the alleged harassment and reporting only on that charge, and maintaining confidentiality. The written record compiled by the committee must be clearly identified and described to ensure that findings are based on documented information extracted from pertinent records and letters. The tripartite committee will prepare a written summary of its findings and recommendations for further action on a form to be provided by the affirmative action officer.