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Student Life | Texas A&M University

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OFFICE OF THE DEAN

Expungments | Investigations | Free Speech | Title IX | Title IX Training | Our Staff | Contact Us

INVESTIGATIONS

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 Dean of Student Life and/or designee.

Overview of Process

Step 1: Report Submitted

Initial report submitted to the Offices of the Dean of Student Life for review and recommendation for investigation.

Step 2: Investigation Initiated

At least two investigators are appointed by the Offices of the Dean of Student life to serve as fact gatherers.

Step 3: Students Notified of Investigation

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)

Step 4: Interviews

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.

Step 5: Investigation Report

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.

Overview of Process


Investigations Flow Chart


Frequently Asked Questions


Student Conduct Office


Student Assistance Services


Texas A&M Student Rules


Investigations Team


Contact Us

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 studentlife@tamu.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Things to know before the investigation interview:

What does it mean if I am being called in for an investigation?

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.

I was told this matter was already resolved by another department on campus. Why am I being contacted for an investigation?

The case might have been deferred to the Offices of the Dean of Student Life for further follow up into the reported incident.

My student organization is under investigation. What does this mean?

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.

What resources are there for me throughout this process?
Investigators will go over the rights that students have during the investigation interview. In addition, investigators can connect you to Student Assistance Services if needed. Student Assistance Services (SAS) is available to provide support, answers to questions, and resources for all involved students during and after the investigation process.
What should I expect during my interview?
During the interview, you will meet at least two investigators who will first explain your student rights during the investigation interview. You will then be given the opportunity to proceed with the interview or not. If you agree to answer questions related to the incident, investigators will ask questions regarding any knowledge or information that you might have in connection to the incident. At the end of the interview, you will be asked to review, correct as needed, and sign off on notes taken by the investigators. You will also have the option to provide a written statement by a designated deadline after the interview takes place regardless of whether you agree to answer questions during the interview or not.
What happens if I do not appear for my investigation interview?

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 can also choose not to answer that question which would be recorded in any notes taken by investigators.

What if I can not come in person to the interview?

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.

Can I bring other information or documentation with me?
You can bring other documentation or information that is pertinent to the investigation with you and submit that to investigators during your interview. You will also be provided with an opportunity after the interview to submit any important documentation, information, or a personal statement to investigators before a certain deadline.
Can I see the report/complaint?
During the investigation process, we cannot provide access to the report/complaint. At the conclusion of the investigation, if the Student Conduct Office determines there is sufficient information to charge an individual student or student organization wih an alleged violation of the Texas A&M University Student Rules, the charged student and/or designated representatives of a student organization charged will be given reasonable access to relevant portions of the investigation. This may include the completed investigation report.
Can I have an advisor or attorney present?
During the investigation process, we do not allow advisors or attorneys to be present for the interview.

Things to know during the investigation interview:

What information can I provide?
You are allowed to submit information that you feel is pertinent to the current investigation. Information that is submitted to investigators will be added to a report that investigators file once the process has completed.
How long will the interview take? Can I ask for a break during the interview?
Investigators will usually schedule interviews for an hour time block. However, the length of the time will vary depending on the case, the amount of questions, and how much a participant is willing to share with investigators. The investigation teams makes an effort to schedule interviews during available times in your academic schedule. If there is another conflict or concern about the selected time, the investigators will provide contact information in order for you to reach out to them.
How long does the investigation process take?
Investigators schedule about a two-week time frame for interviews, fact gathering, and writing the report. However, the length of the process can vary depending on numerous factors.
Do I have to answer all of the questions?
Once investigators explain your rights as a student, you will have the opportunity to choose whether or not to move forward with the investigation and answer questions. If you choose to answer questions and there is a question you do not feel comfortable answering, you can indicate that and investigators will record that in their notes.
If I participate, how do I know there won’t be retaliation from other students?

There is university student rule in place that prohibits retaliation against reporting party or against anyone that participates in the process. (See Rule 24.4.23. Abuse of process.) If you do experience any kind of retaliation or intimidation, please report that as soon as possible to investigators or the Student Conduct Office.

Things to know for after you complete your interview:

What happens after the investigation?
Once the process is complete, investigators will file a report of the facts gathered during the interviews. The report will be reviewed by the Dean of Student Life, the Student Conduct Office, and/or the Department of Student Activities (if a student organization is being investigated).
Will I be notified of the outcome of the investigation?
You will not be notified of other individuals personal information due to FERPA guidelines. However, if you are one main parties involved you will be notified of the status of the investigation.
Who makes the decision to take further action after an investigation is completed?
Once the report is reviewed, the Student Conduct Office and/or Department of Student Activities will decide whether or not to move forward if it is determined that a violation of the student rules have occurred.

Investigations Team

Kalyn Cavazos (she/her)

Senior Student Conduct Investigator
 
Education:
Ph.D. in Educational Administration, Texas A&M University (In Progress)
M.A. Higher Education Administration, Sam Houston State University
B.A. in Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University
 
Job Responsibilities:

  • Oversees operations of the ODSL Investigation Unit
  • Supervision of ODSL Investigator
  • Oversees all ODSL Investigations conducted and reviews all investigation reports
  • Manages volunteer investigators and assigns investigations
  • Coordinates and develops content for investigator debriefs and trainings with volunteer investigators
  •  
    Kalyn has worked in various capacities within higher education for over a decade. She has experience in academic advising, student success programming, advising student organizations, and parent/family relations. She joined Texas A&M University as a part of the SGA Advising Team in the Department of Student Activities before transitioning to her current role. Kalyn currently serves as a Green Dot Facilitator, AAUW Salary Negotiation Workshop Facilitator, Maroon & White Leadership Coach, Aggie Ally, and member of the Division of Student Affairs Staff Development Team. She enjoys hanging out with friends/family, listening to live music, and being a "fur mama" to her two rescues, Dottie and Sandy. Crafting and keeping plants alive are some additional hobbies of Kalyn's.

    Robert McCaffery (he/him)

    Student Conduct Investigator
     
    Education:
    M.S. Higher Education Adminstraion, Canisus College
    M.S. Criminal Justice Administration, Niagara University
    B.S. Criminology and Pre-Law, Niagara University
     
    Job Responsibilities:

  • Reviews reports and conducts investigations in partnership with volunteer investigators
  • Files reports based on investigation findings
  • Assists in training of practicum students and volunteer investigators
  •  
    Robert has worked at various institutions and held positions in Residence Life such as Hall Director, Area Coordinator, Community Director, and many others. He has experience in new student orientation, student organization advising, staff training, crisis response, campus programing and other aspects of campus life. Currently, Robert serves as a Maroon and White Leadership Coach and an Aggie Ally. In addition, he has been through Green Dot and Step In Stand Up training. He is a huge baseball fan, comic book enthusiast, video gamer, and artist.

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    Phone: 979.845.3111
    studentlife@tamu.edu

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