Meeting with the Senior Officer
How long do I have to arrange a meeting with the Senior Officer?
- If you wish to meet with the Senior Officer (either in person or by phone), you should contact the Senior Officer as soon as possible but within 10 working days of receiving the allegation letter.
- If you don't make contact with the Senior Officer within 10 working days he/she can make a decision (called a determination) about the matter without any further communication with you.
Can I take someone along with me to the meeting? What is the role of a support person?
You can have a support person at the meeting with you. This can be anyone except a lawyer.
A support person can be useful because:
- they can provide you with moral support
- they can prompt you if you forget to raise an issue
- they can take notes of the meeting for you, if you wish, so you can concentrate on what is being said
A support person may assist you but is not there to represent you. A support person may or may not be allowed to address the Senior Officer (it is up to the Senior Officer).
The Student Advocates at the Tasmania University Union are available to assist you free of charge. See Student Advocates for their contact details.
What happens in the meeting?
- The Senior Officer will explain the allegation made against you more fully.
- The Senior Officer will ask you about the allegation and will give you the opportunity to present information about what happened and explain your situation or refute the allegation.
- This is the time when you should present any documentation you may have that you wish the Senior Officer to consider.
- You should remember that presenting yourself honestly is important because this will be taken into account by the Senior Officer when making a decision.
- A Senior Officer may also have a person in the meeting to assist them with the interview or to take notes.
For information about what happens next See - What happens after meeting the Senior Officer?
Click to return to the General misconduct information page