What are Investigators?

Investigators serve as impartial record keepers for both parties going through the UJC trial system. Their duties include meeting with both parties individually and compiling an impartial, agreed upon account of the event in question. They interview witnesses, draft investigator reports, handle evidence, and record trial proceedings for appeal documentation. Additionally, as a UJC support officer, Investigators are expected to participate in various UJC educational requirements, effectively communicate with other members of the UJC and the broader UVA community, as well as consistently attend both general body and Investigator pool meetings.

Why should you be an Investigator?

UJC Investigators have a significant role in the UJC process through their frequent interactions with clients, counselors, and trial chairs. Once assigned a trial by the Senior Investigators, it is their job to independently build an investigator’s report with both clients and witnesses. The ability to handle a caseload comes with a lot of responsibility, but working individually with deans and accused students is incredibly rewarding. Investigators themselves will benefit from the consistent practices of critical thinking, concise writing, communication skills, and attention to detail that come with performing their duties.

How to Apply to be an Investigator

Investigator recruitment occurs at the beginning of each academic year during the fall semester. Interested students should attend a UJC informational session, complete an application, and interview with the Senior Investigator. If selected as an Investigator, one should expect to complete a full semester of training and shadowing before beginning to take on a their own caseload.

An Ideal Investigator Candidate

An ideal Investigator candidate would feel strongly about promoting the mission of the UJC with respect to all parties involved in the trial process. To fulfill the duties of Investigator, one would need the following skills: attention to detail,  initiative when working alone, empathy for all parties while remaining unbiased, efficient email communication, thorough organization, and overall professionalism. A new Investigator should have a flexible schedule and should be up to any challenges thrown their way. Finally, the Senior Investigator is committed to increasing the diversity of the pool in order to best represent the broader University community.

Please direct any questions to the current Senior Investigator, whose information can be found on the Executive Committee page.