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Online Course

Conducting Effective Internal Investigations

Conducting effective internal investigations is crucial to ensuring compliance with the many laws, regulations, and other obligations facing today’s institutions of higher education. The circumstances that prompt an investigation arise in many contexts, including student misconduct, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, academic or research misconduct, financial improprieties, and more. No matter the context, when properly conducted, an internal investigation can help an institution to identify risks and remedy potential issues. 

Join instructors Kendall Isaac, Emily Babb, and Alexandra Mitropoulos as they lead this eight-module online course, designed to teach participants how to conduct effective internal investigations from start to finish. 

The course features access to: 

  • Eight modules (pre-recorded webinars, self-assessments, and extensive resources)
  • Two interactive, live online forums with the course instructors (recordings are made available to those who were not able to attend live).
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Course Schedule

Module 1: Introduction

  • Introduction and Course Outline
  • Types of investigations
  • Value of Good Investigative Practices
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Module 2: Pre-Investigation Considerations

  • Pre-investigation Considerations
  • Concurrent External Investigations
  • Public Relations Considerations
  • Choosing an Investigator
  • Developing an Investigative Strategy or Plan
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Module 3: Receiving and Evaluating a Complaint

  • Receiving and Evaluating the Complaint 
  • Confidentiality vs. Transparency
  • Notice
  • Interim Measures
  • Amnesty
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Module 4: Interviews: Logistics, Who to Interview, and How to Interview Effectively

  • Interviews Logistics
  • Participation by Parties and Witnesses
  • Required Disclosures - Garrity Rights
  • Conducting the Interview - Tips for Good Questioning
  • Post-Interview Considerations
  • Interviewing High-Level Employees and Police
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Module 5: Gathering Evidence

  • Corroborating Evidence
  • Direct and Circumstantial Evidence
  • Other Types of Evidence
  • Evidence Collection
  • Assessing Relevance and Authenticity
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Module 6: Weighing and Evaluating Evidence

  • Weight of Evidence
  • Assessing Credibility and Reliability
  • Plausibility
  • Motives
  • Demeanor of Parties and Witnesses
  • Effects of Trauma
  • Evaluating Inconsistencies
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Module 7: Report Writing

  • Key components of a report (recommended)
  • Style/audience/tone
  • Final Decision
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Module 8: You’re Done….Now What?

  • Disclosure of the report
  • Best practices for document retention and use of the attorney-client privilege
  • Notifications
  • Appeals
  • Post-Appeal Considerations
  • Consultation with In-House Counsel
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Live Forums

FIRST FORUM

Wednesday, April 23rd, 1:00–2:15 P.M. ET

  • Opportunity for Q&A with course instructors
  • Unable to attend live? The recording is available on the course platform for all registrants

SECOND FORUM

Tuesday, May 20th, 2:00–3:15 P.M. ET

  • Opportunity for Q&A with course instructors
  • Unable to attend live? The recording is available on the course platform for all registrants
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    Note Regarding Conducting Effective Internal Investigations Online Course: This course was designed to provide comprehensive instruction on how to conduct effective internal investigations from start to finish and is applicable to many different types of internal investigations that may arise in a higher education setting. The course was not designed to address the specific training requirements of the Department of Education’s May 2020 Title IX regulations. Accordingly, course participants do not have NACUA’s permission to publicly post any course content. This prohibition on posting content includes posting pursuant to 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(B)(1)(iii) of the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Title IX regulations addressing sexual harassment. 

Instructors

Kendall Isaac

Kendall Isaac Kendall Isaac has vast experience in higher education, including serving as General Counsel and VP for Policy, Compliance & Government Relations at the College of Southern Maryland, General Counsel, & Secretary of ...

Alexandra Mitropoulos

Alexandra Mitropoulos

Alexandra A. Mitropoulos (“Allie”) advises and represents colleges, universities and other non-profits on policy, compliance, and risk management issues. Allie has particular experience in the...

Emily Babb

Emily BabbEmily Babb is the Associate Vice President for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance at Northwestern University where she oversees the University's Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance and serves as the...

About Online Courses

NACUA's online courses give participants in-depth coverage of important issues in the practice of higher education law. Each course features webinars that enable participants to ask questions to...
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CLE Credit Information

You may be eligible to receive CLE credit for participating in a NACUA online course. MCLE credit is subject to each state's rules and regulations. States differ in their definition of "CLE"...

Frequently Asked Questions

This eight-week course contains narrated PowerPoint presentations (like pre-recorded virtual seminars), self-assessment quizzes, and reading assignments. In addition, this course...
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