This interactive 4-hour session gives participants practical tools for evaluating digital evidence in equity cases. Using real-world examples and case scenarios, attendees will learn strategies for gathering, authenticating, and assessing digital information to make informed decisions for their campuses and avoid common mistakes. 

The presence and use of social media and electronic data have become pervasive on campuses and within resolution processes. Professionals are witnessing a significant increase in reports and cases that include electronic evidence. Text messages, social media posts, photos, videos, and metadata can be powerful pieces of evidence, but only if they are collected, authenticated, and analyzed correctly. Digital evidence can provide a clear record of events, but it can also be easily altered, taken out of context, or misunderstood. The growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can also lead to increased concerns on campus, with the use of AI seen in disclosures and its potential use during the investigation and adjudication process. In addition, the new and ever-changing landscape of social media and other digital platforms can create a great deal of confusion for Coordinators, investigators, and decision-makers.

Participants will leave with a clear framework for working with digital evidence from collection through analysis. Facilitators will also share resources to equip higher-education professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving digital landscape in the investigation and resolution processes.