"The first two steps, before you need think about preparing your case, are to learn: 1) exactly what the complaint against you is, and 2) what procedure will be used to assess and act upon that complaint," Inside Higher Ed reports. "Usually, though not always, you should be told who is complaining about you. If the student complaint in your case has not yet been filed, or if you have not yet received a copy, spend the interim time reflecting on what you believe is catalyzing the complaint and your relevant actions. Think not only about what you remember doing. Think about how the interaction looked to others. While a student might not like your tone of voice, it would be unusual for a sustainable complaint to be limited only to that. Did you accompany your statements with some action? Did the student leave even though you denied him permission to do so? Did you penalize him for leaving? If you took actions against him, did you specify your reasons for doing so and can you articulate them clearly now?"