In resolving a complaint of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct under Title IX, both the Complainant and the Respondent have the right to choose an Advisor to be present at the hearing.

What purpose does an Advisor serve?
Your Advisor may consult with you quietly or in writing during the hearing, or outside the hearing during breaks.

Your Advisor must conduct any questioning on your behalf during the hearing; this includes asking questions of the opposing party and any witnesses. Your Advisor should ask all relevant questions and follow-up questions, including those challenging credibility. Your Advisor may also object to questions on limited grounds as specified in the Rules of Decorum – Hearings (link).

What are the limitations of an Advisor?
Your Advisor cannot make a presentation on your behalf or otherwise represent you during the hearing; they cannot speak for you or answer questions posed to you.

Who can serve as an Advisor?
You may choose any person to act as your Advisor, including a parent or other family member, a friend, your Support Person (link), a trusted colleague, an advocate, or an attorney.  Because your Advisor serves to assist you through the process, you can choose to modify your choice of Advisor, or to request a University Advisor (see below), at any time, although the hearing will not be unreasonably delayed due to such a change being made.

To allow us to share information with your Advisor, please submit a Release of Information (link).  Please note that it is University policy not to accept a release of student or employee records over the phone.

What if I don’t have an Advisor?
UMKC will provide, without fee or charge, an Advisor of the University’s choice to conduct questioning on your behalf. You may not require that the assigned Advisor have specific qualifications, such as being an attorney. You should contact the Title IX Coordinator (link) as soon as you determine that you would like a University-assigned Advisor.

What happens if my Advisor does not follow the Rules of Decorum?
Advisors who do not follow the Rules of Decorum (link) will be warned or dismissed from the hearing at the discretion of the Hearing Officer.