[Common Terms Used] [Talking
with Reporters] [Talking with Alleged Violators] [Writing
CI Reports]
A Case Investigation begins with a phone call or written report from a person who alleges a violation of the Honor Pledge has occurred. The Director of the Honor System will assign each Case a number. The Associate Director will send out an "all call" for volunteers to serve as Case Investigators (CIs). Due to time restraints in affording accused students due process, it is imperative that Honor Council members respond immediately WHETHER OR NOT each can serve on a Case. When the Director has received commitments via phone or email, he/she assigns a team of two members to investigate the Case being brought before the Honor System. (KSU Faculty members may choose to independently adjudicate a case as long as a written report is filed with the Honor System.)
The CI team serves only to interview Case participants and collect relevant facts. Confidentiality must be upheld! It is crucial that a Case Investigation be objective as well as thorough to ensure that there are no preconceived ideas about the student's responsibility in violating the Honor Pledge. To make certain that all Case Investigations are of the same quality, it is mandatory that all Honor Council members understand and adhere to Honor System investigative procedures.
Prior to any meetings, CIs are given the names of all parties involved in the Case. Upon becoming aware of participants, CIs must gage whether there is a conflict of interest in working with any Case participants and so inform the Director . The Director sets up an initial meeting between the CIs and the reporter of the Case and provides the CIs with the initial report and documentation alleging the Honor Pledge violation. The Director then sets up a similar meeting between the CIs and the Alleged Violator (AV) and any witnesses in the Case (GTA, another student, another faculty member, etc.).
It is important that both CIs be present at all meetings with the involved
parties. Promptness is indicative of respect for the task at hand. Therefore,
CIs should arrive 5 to 10 minutes prior to all meetings in
order to familiarize themselves with Case documentation. Each CI is given a
Case packet with the initial report and supporting documentation. Arriving early
to meetings also gives CIs time to organize their thoughts about the Case.
The Director establishes contact with the Reporter(s) of the alleged Honor Pledge violation and coordinates a time for the CIs and the Reporter to meet. The meeting will usually occur in Fairchild Hall 215. CIs should be enough familiar with the initial report to discuss together what questions might be asked during interviews.
At this time, both CIs should review notes made during an interview.
It is a good idea to write/type the pertinent segment of the report ASAP after
each meeting.
Always strive to protect the anonymity of the AV.
At the initial meeting, introduce yourself and state that your purpose as a Case Investigator is to gather information related to the Case. Be firm and competent, but not cold or aloof. Maintain appropriate eye contact and remember that non-verbal communication (posture, tone of voice, open-mindedness) speaks as loudly as words.
The CIs are responsible for writing the CI report. An example of a CI report is offered at this link: CI Report CIs are welcomed to use the HS office computer for writing the CI report. Either the faculty CI or the student CI may write up the report to the Director, however, each must sign the original. If the office computer is not used, the final report may be sent as an email attachment to honor@ksu.edu. CIs usually sign the original report at the hearing panel, if the Case proceeds to one. Note: Be certain to check the last portion of the form on whether or not both CIs find sufficient information (or lack of sufficient information) for the Case to move to a hearing. The CI report is made available in advance of the Case hearing to the reporter, the AV(s), and the hearing panel members.
CIs are both present at the Case hearing, if the report suggests moving forward
due to having sufficient information.. According to the hearing panel script
and HC procedure, CIs briefly explain the Case to the hearing panel members.
In the hearing, CIs may be asked questions by the reporter, the AV, and/or the
hearing panel members. Bring CI packets to the hearing with all notes taken
during meetings.
Investigation-The investigation itself is the process by which
objective data and pertinent information are gathered and presented for evaluation
by Case Investigators and the Honor System Director. If the conclusion is that
there is enough information to warrant a hearing, the Director then proceeds
with the Case.
Case Investigators-Two members of the Honor Council (one student
and one faculty member) who interview all parties involved in the Case--Reporter,
Alleged Violator(s),also known as AV, witnesses, etc.
Reporter-The individual (faculty or student) who reports a
Case to the Honor System.
Alleged Violator-The student who is alleged to have violated
some aspect of the Honor System.
Case Report-The standard document used by the Reporter (found
on the Honor System web site) in reporting an alleged violation of the Honor
Pledge.
CI Report-The document written by the Case Investigators after
all interviews have been conducted. An example of this form is also available
on the Honor System web site.