Six questions to ask first

Work on a copy. Use a pen. Take it to your first meeting with a lawyer or advisor.

1. Who sent it, and under what rules. Circle the name and office of the sender. In the margin, write the exact name and section of every policy, code, or handbook the letter cites. If it cites none, write no policy cited.
2. Which process this is. Find the words that tell you: formal complaint, notice of allegations, supportive measure, no-contact directive, conduct charge, notice of investigation, proposed discipline. Write at the top which process you think it is, and a question mark if you cannot tell.
3. What is alleged. Underline the conduct, the date, the location, and the people named. Next to each, mark whether it is specific or vague. Note anything a Title IX notice is required to include that is missing (see the seven items in this chapter).
4. Every date. Box every deadline, meeting, and response period. Beside each, write the actual calendar date it falls on, and whether the policy counts business days or calendar days. If you cannot tell, write ask.
5. What you may do, and what you may not. Mark every right the letter mentions: an advisor, a support person, review of evidence, informal resolution, an appeal. Separately, mark every restriction: no contact, confidentiality, removal from a place or role. Check each restriction’s effective date and scope. Follow applicable directives while counsel considers any objection.
6. What it does not say. On the back, list your questions: what evidence exists, whether police are involved, how long this will take, what the possible sanctions are, who else has been told, what happens to your access to class, work, housing, or systems. These are for your lawyer, not for the office.