Witnesses may be requested to participate by the Grievant or University in the Professional Employees Grievance Procedure. Witnesses may provide an important contribution to fact finding and disclosure to achieve a fair, impartial, balanced review in seeking a resolution.

Witnesses shall participate in the procedure without prejudice to their position at the University. A University employee is not required to participate, but is encouraged to help when needed to advance the process.

Witnesses may be named by both parties for disclosure of facts. At a level five Hearing Board, a witness is called at the request of the Hearing Board. A witness should be informed why their presence is requested. If both parties name the same witness discussion should be only about their own point to be presented. Either party should not try to influence witnesses. If a witness considers contact inappropriate he/she is encouraged to report the nature of the contact as soon as possible to the Hearing Board Convener, Labor Relations, or any PAC member.

Witnesses typically provide:

• help to define the policy or procedure in violation
• first person information
• balance on stated positions
• facts from one's own experience
• verification of information reported
• means to refute or balance testimony
• openness in the process

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