The Peer Hearing Committee will be selected from the Peer Hearing Pool of UNM employees who serve for staggered periods of two (2) years. The pool members will receive training in the conduct of hearings and UNM Personnel Policies. The Peer Review Committee shall consist of three (3) uninvolved UNM employees who have no connection with the dispute, no prior relationship with the parties, or any interest in the outcome of the hearing. The members of the committee will select one of the members to serve as chair. The Committee members will be randomly selected from the Peer Hearing Pool as follows:

How is a Committee Member Chosen
The Dispute Resolution Department requests a list of  five (5) names of randomly selected employees for the Disputant Pool, and four randomly selected employees for the Respondent Pool from the Office of Equal Opportunity.

The employees on these lists (potential pool members) are sent a form to determine whether or not they know about the dispute between the individuals involved, have a relationship with either of them or have an interest in the results of the hearing.    Once all forms are return and there are a total of nine names that are to be included in the pool, those names are then sent to the disputant and the respondent for striking (to determine who will be on the Committee). Once selected the Committee will be trained by the University Counsel's Office in the Hearing Procedures.  The amount of time that will be necessary to serve in this capacity as a panel member will take a total of approximately two to three days.  Once the hearing is completed and the Committee reaches its decision, the Committee will have no further responsibility.

All information regarding the dispute and the Peer Hearing  is confidential.

Arbitration
If a post-probationary employee has been demoted, suspended without pay, or discharged and both parties agree, the dispute may be submitted for final and binding arbitration instead of a peer hearing. The Dispute Resolution Department will assist in this process, including furnishing the names of possible arbitrators, and preparing an agreement to submit the dispute to binding arbitration.

A note from the Dispute Resolution Department:  The Peer Hearing Process is supported 100% by the President of the University.  This department would like to thank all UNM employees for their willingness to serve the University in advance.  We note that your cooperation is appreciated.