PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 08-17-093.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Student rights and responsibilities/student code of conduct.
Hearing Location(s): Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom Board Room (325-H), 9401 Farwest Drive S.W., Lakewood, WA 98498, on November 26, 2008, at 12 noon.
Date of Intended Adoption: December 23, 2008.
Submit Written Comments to: Marie Harris, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, 1601 39th Avenue S.E., Puyallup, WA 98374, e-mail mharris@pierce.ctc.edu, fax (253) 864-3123, by December 3, 2008.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Susan McPhee by November 12, 2008, TTY (253) 964-6228 or (253) 964-6525.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Address current social and technological issues related to student rights, responsibilities and conduct of students at Pierce College.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28B.50.140(13).
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 28B.50.140(13).
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Pierce College, public.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Nancy Houck, Director of Student Success, Pierce College (FS), (253) 964-6581; Implementation: Nancy Houck and Mari Kruger, Pierce College District, (253) 964-6581; and Enforcement: Vice Presidents of Learning and Student Success, Pierce College District, (253) 964-6584.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rule will not impose any costs for the insitution [institution].
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328.
October 3 [2], 2008
Michele L. Johnson
Chancellor
OTS-1832.2
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
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Students are encouraged through free inquiry and free expression to develop their capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for knowledge. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.
The student is in the unique position of being a member of the community at large, having the rights and responsibilities of any citizen, and of being a member of the college community. Admission to Pierce College carries with it the expectation that students shall conduct themselves as responsible members of the Pierce College community; that they shall observe the standards of conduct, respect the rights, privileges and property of other members of the academic community, shall maintain a high standard of integrity and honesty; and shall not interfere with legitimate college business appropriate to the pursuit of academic goals.
The student's success is dependent on the district fostering a positive district-wide climate that supports learning, communication, recognition and collaboration among a diverse faculty, staff and student body.
As an agency of the state of Washington, Pierce College must respect and adhere to all laws established by local, state and federal authorities. Pierce College also has developed a set of rules and regulations to ensure the orderly conduct of the affairs of the district. These rules and regulations, if violated, may result in student discipline in accordance with the procedures established in the student code of conduct.
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(2) If any of these rules or regulations are broken, discipline shall be administered so as to guarantee procedural fairness to an accused student. The regular disciplinary procedures, rules of conduct, including the student's right to appeal a decision shall be clearly formulated and communicated. Disciplinary procedures may vary in formality with the gravity of the offense and the sanctions that may be applied. Some student code of conduct violations may be adjudicated informally under prescribed procedures.
(3) Pierce College shall adhere to procedural fairness by requiring that in all situations the student receive, in advance, the nature of the charges against him or her, an opportunity for a hearing including the right to hear evidence against them and question adverse witnesses (counsel may not question witnesses), and substantial evidence to support the determination.
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DEFINITIONS(1) Academic dishonesty means plagiarism, misrepresentation of self or student work product or representation of work of others as your own, or other acts of academic dishonesty.
(2) Alcoholic beverages means beer, wine or hard liquor as defined in RCW 66.04.010(15) as now law or hereafter amended.
(3) Arbitrary and capricious refers to willful or unreasonable action, taken without consideration of, or in disregard of, fact or circumstances of a particular case. Where there is room for two reasonable opinions, an action shall not be deemed to be arbitrary or capricious when taken honestly and upon due considerations, however much it may be believed that an erroneous conclusion has been reached.
(4) Assembly means any overt activity engaged in by two or more persons, the object of which is to gain publicity, advocate a view, petition for a cause, or disseminate information.
(5) ASPCFS means the associated students of Pierce College - Fort Steilacoom as defined in the constitution of that body.
(6) ASPCP means the associated students of Pierce College - Puyallup as defined in the constitution of that body.
(7) Board means the board of trustees of Community College District No. 11, state of Washington.
(8) Chancellor means the duly appointed chief executive officer of the district, holding all express or implied authority to carry out the administration and operation of Community College District No. 11.
(9) Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or
(b) The acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of Pierce College faculty or staff;
(c) Allowing one person to represent another person as the enrolled student in any course;
(d) Representing oneself as another person in any course.
(10) College includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of, or owned, rented, leased, operated, used on behalf of, or controlled by the college.
(11) College disciplinary committees means the judicial bodies provided in this chapter.
(12) College facilities and infrastructure means and includes any and all personal property, real property, or electronic networked systems owned, rented, leased, or operated by or used on behalf of the college or associated students and the board of trustees of Community College District No. 11.
(13) College official includes any person employed by Pierce College District No. 11 performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
(14) Controlled substance includes any illegal drug or substance as defined in chapter 69.50 RCW as now law or hereafter amended.
(15) Disciplinary sanction means that action taken as a consequence to any violation of the student code of conduct as provided in this chapter.
(16) Faculty means any person hired by Pierce College to conduct one or a combination of instruction, counseling, or library services.
(17) Hate crimes shall mean a criminal offense committed against a person or property, which is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias against the victim's actual or perceived race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender.
(18) Hazing means any method of initiation into a student organization or living group or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or living group that causes, or is likely to cause bodily danger or physical harm or serious mental or emotional harm to any student or other person attending any institution of higher education or post secondary institution. Excluded from this definition are "customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions."
(19) Judicial advisor means a Pierce College official authorized by the vice-president of learning and student success to investigate complaints of alleged conduct violations, determine validity of the complaint, and impose disciplinary sanctions.
(20) Judicial body means the Pierce College disciplinary review committee which is authorized to adjudicate the formal hearing of appeals to disciplinary action imposed by the judicial advisor and determine whether a student has violated the student code of conduct and to recommend imposition of sanctions.
(21) May is used in the permissive sense.
(22) Member of Pierce College community includes any person who is a student, faculty member, staff member, Pierce College official, trustee, guest on a college owned or controlled facility or any other person employed by Pierce College. A person's status in a particular situation shall be determined by the vice-president of learning and student success or vice-president of human resources.
(23) Organization means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for college or student government recognition of clubs or organizations.
(24) Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment of the source, to include print or electronic means, using recognized and acceptable citation. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
(25) Policy is defined as the official, written regulations of Pierce College as found in, but not limited to, the student code of conduct, the Student Handbook, class schedules/bulletins, college catalogs, or the Pierce College web site.
(26) President means the duly appointed chief executive officer of Pierce College - Fort Steilacoom and Pierce College - Puyallup.
(27) Rules and regulations of conduct means those rules contained within this chapter as now exist or which may be hereafter amended, the violation of which subjects a student to disciplinary sanction.
(28) Shall is used in the imperative sense.
(29) Student includes all persons enrolled in courses offered by Pierce College, both full time and part time. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term, but who have a continuing academic relationship with Pierce College are considered "students."
(30) Trespass means the definition of trespass as contained in chapter 9A.52 RCW as now law or hereafter amended.
(31) Vice-president of learning and student success means the administrator responsible for instruction and student services and designated by the college president to be responsible for the administration of this chapter.
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JURISDICTION(2) Remedies not exclusive. The remedies provided for in this code are not exclusive. Seeking or obtaining any remedies under this code is not intended to bar the college, the complainant, or any other person or entity from seeking or obtaining such other remedies as may be available under other college policies, or in any other forum under applicable civil or criminal law.
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STUDENT RIGHTS
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(2) Students are free to pursue appropriate educational objectives from among the college's curricula, programs and services, subject to the provisions of this chapter and statutory limitations of RCW 28B.50.090.
(3) Students shall be protected against prejudice or arbitrary and capricious academic evaluation. At the same time, they are responsible for maintaining the standards of academic performance established by each of their instructors.
(4) Students have the right to a learning environment which is free from unlawful discrimination, inappropriate and disrespectful conduct, and any and all harassment, including sexual harassment.
(5) Students are protected against improper disclosure of information about their views, beliefs, and political associations that instructors acquire in the course of their work as instructors, advisers, and counselors. Such information is considered confidential. Students have the right to privacy of all student records according to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
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(1) Students shall have the right of "assembly" as defined in WAC 132K-126-040 upon college facilities that are generally available to the public provided that such assembly shall:
(a) Be conducted in an orderly manner;
(b) Not unreasonably interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
(c) Not unreasonably interfere with classes, schedules, meetings, or ceremonies, or with educational and administrative functions of the college;
(d) Not unreasonably interfere with the regular activities of the college; and
(e) Not cause damage or destruction to college property or private property on college facilities.
(2) A student or student organization that conducts or participates in an assembly violation of any provision of this code shall be subject to disciplinary action.
(3) Nonstudents who participate in or aid or abet any assembly or assemblies in violation of this section shall be subject to possible prosecution under the state criminal trespass law and/or any other possible civil or criminal remedies available to the college.
(4) Assemblies which violate these rules may be ordered to disperse by the college in accordance with Washington state statutes.
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(2) Campus organizations, including those affiliated with an intramural or extramural organization, are open to all students. Affiliation with an intramural or extramural organization does not itself disqualify a student organization from institutional recognition provided that other conditions for charter issuance have been met.
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(2) The appearance of an invited speaker on college facilities does not represent an endorsement, either implicitly or explicitly, or views or opinions of the speaker by the college, its students, its faculty, its college personnel, its administration, or its board.
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(2) For the purpose of this regulation, the term "commercial activities" does not include handbills, leaflets, newspapers, and similarly related materials as regulated in WAC 132K-126-120.
(3) Credit card companies and associated products shall be prohibited from campus.
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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES(1) Become knowledgeable of and adhere to policies, practices, procedures and rules of the college and its departments;
(2) Practice personal and academic integrity;
(3) Respect the dignity, rights and property of all persons;
(4) Strive to learn from differences in people, ideas and opinions;
(5) Participate actively in the learning process, in and out of the classroom;
(6) Refrain from and discourage behaviors which undermine the respect all Pierce College community members deserve;
(7) Abide by the standards set forth in the student rights and responsibilities/code of conduct policy.
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT(1) Acts of dishonesty, including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty;
(b) Furnishing false information to any Pierce College official, faculty member, staff department;
(c) Forgery, alteration, or misuse of a Pierce College document, record, fund or instrument of identification;
(d) Tampering with the election of any Pierce College recognized student organization;
(e) Assuming the identity of another student;
(f) Allowing another student to assume your identity.
(2) Assault, reckless endangerment, intimidation, physical abuse, harassment, coercion and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health and safety of any person.
(3) Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or other behavior which breaches the peace, interferes with the rights of others or which obstructs or disrupts teaching, research, administrative functions, or other college-authorized activities and otherwise interferes with the learning environment.
(4) Failure to follow the reasonable instructions of faculty members, staff member, Pierce College official thereby infringing upon the rights and privileges of other members of the college community.
(5) Falsely setting off or otherwise tampering with any emergency safety equipment, alarm, or other device established for the safety of individuals and/or the college.
(6) Engaging in hate incidents and/or hate crimes to include conduct, speech, other expressions and actions motivated by bias against a victim based on his or her actual or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability. Examples of behaviors that may constitute a hate incident or crime include, but are not limited to:
(a) Threatening phone calls or text messages;
(b) Hate mail to include all forms of electronic messages;
(c) Physical assault;
(d) Threats of harm or violence;
(e) Arson;
(f) Vandalism;
(g) Cross burning;
(h) Bombing and bomb threats.
(7) Attempted or actual theft of, and/or damage to property of the college or property of a member of the college community or other personal or public property.
(8) Possession or unauthorized use of college equipment and supplies including, but not limited to, converting college equipment or supplies for personal gain or use without proper authority.
(9) Intentionally gaining access, without authorization, to a computer system or electronic data owned or used by the Washington state Community College District No. 11 shall be subject both to disciplinary action pursuant to this chapter and to criminal prosecution pursuant to RCW 9A.52.110 through 9A.52.130, and any or all other statutory laws or regulations pertaining thereto.
(10) Entering any administrative or other employee office or any locked or otherwise closed college facility in any manner, at any time, without authority or permission of the college employee or agent in charge.
(11) Smoking in college vehicles or on college premises outside of designated smoking areas.
(12) Use, possession or distribution or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by law and college regulations.
(13) Use, possession, distribution, or being demonstratably under the influence of narcotics or other controlled substances, except as expressly permitted by law.
(14) Possession or use (to include exhibiting, displaying or drawing any weapon) of firearms, explosives, other weapons or dangerous chemicals or any other device or substance which can be used to inflict bodily harm on college premises or at college-sponsored or supervised activities, except for authorized college purposes or for law enforcement officers.
(15) Failure to comply with the directions of Pierce College officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties, and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
(16) Refusal to provide positive identification (e.g., valid driver's license or state identification card) in appropriate circumstances to any college employee in the lawful discharge of that employee's duties.
(17) Participating in a campus demonstration or other activity which disrupts the normal operations of the college and infringes on the rights of other members of the college community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus or at college-sponsored activities.
(18) Intentionally and repeatedly following another person to that person's home, school, place of employment, business, or any other location, or following the person while in transit between locations may be subject to disciplinary action if the person being followed is intimidated, harassed, or placed in fear that the stalker intends to injure the person or property of the person being followed, or another person. The feeling of fear, intimidation, or harassment must be one that a reasonable person in the same situation would experience under all the circumstances. RCW 9A.46.110 and 10.14.020 shall be guidance for this regulation.
(19) Any act of misconduct, which substantially disrupts any college function or renders it difficult or impossible to continue such a function in an orderly manner.
(20) Abuse of the judicial system, including, but not limited to:
(a) Failure to obey the summons of a judicial advisor or body or Pierce College official.
(b) Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a judicial advisor or body.
(c) Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding.
(d) Knowingly initiating a judicial proceeding without cause (i.e., filing a false report).
(e) Attempting to discourage an individual's proper participation in, or use of, the judicial system or to encourage sharing of false testimony or information.
(f) Attempting to improperly influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body prior to and/or during the course of the judicial proceeding.
(g) Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of the judicial advisor or judicial body prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.
(h) Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the code of conduct.
(i) Influencing or attempting to influence another person to abuse the judicial system.
(21) Violation of:
(a) Pierce College policies, rules or regulations; and/or
(b) Federal, state or local law on Pierce College facilities at Pierce College sponsored or supervised activities.
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(a) Prohibit the entry of, or withdraw the license or privilege of a person or persons or any group of persons to enter onto or remain upon any portion of college property or of a college facility; or
(b) To give notice against trespass by any manner provided by law, to any person, persons, or group of persons against whom the license or privilege has been withdrawn or who have been prohibited from, entering onto or remaining upon all or any portion of college property or a college facility; or
(c) To order any person, persons, or group of persons to leave or vacate all of any portion of college property or of a college facility.
(2) Any individual who shall disobey a lawful order given by the vice-president of learning and student success, or his or her designee, shall be subject to disciplinary action and/or charges of criminal trespass
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(2) Penalties.
(a) Any organization, association or student living group that knowingly permits hazing shall:
(i) Be liable for harm caused to persons or property resulting from hazing; and
(ii) Be denied recognition by Pierce College as an official organization, association, or student living group on this campus. If the organization, association or student living group is a corporation, whether for profit or nonprofit, the individual directors of the corporation may be held individually liable for damages.
(b) A person who participates or conspires to participate in the hazing of another shall forfeit any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards for a period of not less than one quarter and up to permanent forfeiture.
(c) An act of hazing, in addition to violating this policy, may constitute a violation of the student code of conduct. WAC 132K-126-190(2) assault, reckless endangerment, etc. These offenses are subject to disciplinary action.
(d) Hazing violations are also misdemeanors punishable under state criminal law according to RCW 9A.20.021.
(3) Sanctions for impermissible conduct not amounting to hazing.
(a) Impermissible conduct associated with initiation into a student organization or living group or any pastime or amusement engaged in, with respect to the organization or living group, shall not be tolerated.
(b) Impermissible conduct which does not amount to hazing may include conduct which causes embarrassment, sleep deprivation or personal humiliation, or may include ridicule or unprotected speech amounting to verbal abuse.
(c) Impermissible conduct not amounting to hazing is subject to any sanction available under the student code of conduct, depending upon the seriousness of the violation.
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JUDICIAL AUTHORITY(2) The college president shall be notified of any disciplinary action in which there is a recommendation that a student be suspended or expelled from the college.
(3) The instructor is responsible for conduct in the classroom and is authorized to take such steps as are reasonably necessary when behavior of the student interrupts the normal classroom procedure. When such behavior may be as serious as to result in summary suspension from the class, the instructor must report the infraction in writing to the vice-president of learning and student success within twenty-four hours of the infraction and the specific steps taken by the instructor.
(4) The student has the right to appeal any disciplinary action of an instructor to the vice-president of learning and student success in accordance with the procedures set forth in WAC 132K-126-270 through 132K-126-280.
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(2) When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, the college may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of the code of conduct and of how such matters shall be handled internally within the college community. The college shall cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators. Individual members of the Pierce College community acting in their personal capacities remain free to interact with government representatives as they deem appropriate.
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PROCEEDINGS(2) Notice to accused student. When a complaint is filed against a student, the judicial advisor shall, within ten days, serve written notice on the accused student, including a statement of the charges, notice of the opportunity for advance inspection of any affidavits or exhibits the college intends to submit at the hearing, the right to bring council to the hearing to advise them (but not to question witnesses), and the opportunity to present their own version of the facts, by personal statements as well as affidavits and witnesses. The notice shall be sent to the student's last known address shown on college records. Under specific conditions, the judicial advisor may determine it to be beneficial to the college and/or student to meet with a student immediately. In those circumstances, due process procedures shall follow.
(3) Informal process. The judicial advisor may, but not be required to, conduct an investigation to determine the merit of the complaint and if it can be disposed of informally by mutual consent of the parties involved. For adverse parties who agree to settle the complaint informally, the judicial advisor shall facilitate communication between the complainant(s) and the accused (respondent(s)). The judicial advisor shall determine the best means of conducting the informal process, the purpose of which is to reach an agreement that is mutually satisfactory to the parties, if possible. Interim sanctions may be imposed at any time during the informal process with good reason (see interim sanction section). If the matter cannot be resolved by mutual consent, a summary determination shall be initiated by the judicial advisor. The complainant and the respondent have the right to be assisted by any advisor they choose, at their own expense. The advisor may be an attorney, but advisors are not permitted to speak or participate directly in any hearing before a judicial body, except as permitted by the hearing chair. If the student chooses to be advised by a licensed attorney in the state of Washington, she/he must notify the judicial advisor at least five working days prior to the meeting or conference.
(4) Summary proceedings.
(a) Disposition. After considering the evidence in the case and interviewing the respondent in a summary hearing (if the respondent has appeared at the scheduled conference), the judicial advisor may:
(i) Terminate the proceeding exonerating the student(s);
(ii) Dismiss the case after whatever counseling and advice the judicial advisor deems appropriate; or
(iii) Impose any of the sanctions listed in this code. A written statement of the judicial advisor's decision and findings of fact shall be issued within ten days and shall be served on both the respondent and the complainant. The statement shall indicate in that decision the review and appeals process.
(b) Request for formal hearing. After the judicial advisor's decision, the respondent and/or the complainant may request a formal hearing to challenge a decision reached, or a sanction imposed by the judicial advisor pursuant to the informal disciplinary hearing. Such requests shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the judicial advisor within ten days after the judicial advisor's decision. A time shall be set for a formal hearing not less than seven days or not more than fifteen calendar days after the request for a formal hearing. Notification shall be given if the hearing shall be conducted by telephone. Notification shall be given that the college shall provide an interpreter if required. Written notices shall be in student's primary language or where to get help in interpreting it. Finally, written notices shall include the following: Names of all parties to whom notice is sent; name and address of office representing the college; name, official title, mailing address, and telephone number of the presiding officer; time, place, and nature of the proceeding; statement of the authority and jurisdiction; reference to the statutes and rules involved; plan statement of the matters asserted by the college; and a statement that a party who fails to attend shall default. If there is good reason and the complainant(s) and the respondent(s) agree, time limits for scheduling a hearing may be extended at the discretion of the judicial advisor.
(5) Formal hearings. Formal hearings shall be convened by the judicial advisor and conducted by a judicial body (disciplinary review committee) according to the following guidelines:
(a) Hearing shall be conducted in private. Hearings shall be chaired by the administrative representative of the college disciplinary committees.
(b) The complainants(s) and the respondent(s) shall be expected to attend the formal hearing. Admission of any person to the hearing shall be at the discretion of the committee chair.
(c) In hearings involving more than one accused student, the hearing chair, at his/her discretion, may permit separate hearings for each respondent.
(d) The complainant and the respondent have the right to be assisted by any advisor they choose, at their own expense. The advisor may be an attorney, but advisors are not permitted to speak or participate directly in any hearing before a judicial body, except as permitted by the hearing chair. If the student chooses to be advised by a licensed attorney in the state of Washington, she/he must notify the judicial advisor at least five working days prior to the hearing.
(e) The complainant, the respondent and the college disciplinary committee shall have the right of presenting witnesses and evidence, subject to the right of questioning by the committee, the complainant or the respondent. The hearing chair may limit the scope and number of questions to witnesses.
(f) Pertinent records, exhibits and written statements may be accepted for consideration as evidence prior to, or during, a hearing by the hearing committee at the discretion of the hearing chair.
(g) If at any time during the conduct of a hearing visitors disrupt the proceedings, the committee chair may exclude such persons from the hearing room.
(h) All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the hearing chair.
(i) After the hearing, the hearing committee shall determine whether the student has violated the code of conduct as charged.
(j) The hearing committee's determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the respondent violated the code of conduct.
(k) If the hearing committee determines that the student has violated the code of conduct, the body shall determine whether the sanction(s) imposed pursuant to the informal disciplinary conference were appropriate for the violation of the code of conduct that the student was found to have committed.
(l) The hearing committee may reduce or increase the sanctions imposed by the judicial advisor pursuant to the informal disciplinary conference.
(6) The hearing shall be recorded (shorthand, audio, video, stenographer). The record shall be the property of the college and shall be preserved until the decision is final (after the time for appeals has passed).
(7) Any party, at their own expense, may prepare a transcript from the college's record, or cause additional recordings to be made during the hearing if the making of the additional recording does not cause distraction or disruption.
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SANCTIONS(a) Warning -- A notice in writing to the student that the student has violated this code and that further violation may result in additional disciplinary proceedings and sanctions.
(b) Probation -- A written reprimand placing conditions upon the student's continued attendance. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to be in further violation of the code of conduct. Notice shall be made in writing and shall specify the period of probation and the conditions, such as limiting the student's participating in extracurricular activities.
(c) Loss of privileges -- Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.
(d) Fines -- Fines may be imposed.
(e) Restitution -- Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
(f) Discretionary sanctions -- Work assignments, service to the college, or other related discretionary assignments.
(g) Deactivation -- (Applies to student groups or organization.) Loss of all privileges including college recognition, for a specified period of time.
(h) No contact orders -- An order of no contact may be placed on a student, complainant, or any involved parties if determined to be in the best interest of the college and/or student(s).
(i) College suspension -- Separation of the student from the college for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
(j) College expulsion -- Permanent separation of the student from the college. There shall be no refund of fees for the quarter in which the action is taken, but fees paid in advance for a subsequent quarter shall be refunded.
(2) More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
(3) Disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student's permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student's confidential record. Upon graduation and application to the judicial advisor, the student's confidential record may be expunged of disciplinary actions other than college suspension or expulsion, consistent with the college's schedule of record disposition.
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(1) Interim sanctions may be imposed only:
(a) To ensure the public health, safety, or welfare of members of the college community or the preservation of college property;
(b) To ensure the student's own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or
(c) If the student poses a threat of disruption to, or interference with, the educational process or other normal operations of the college.
(2) Notice of interim sanctions shall be made in writing and shall state:
(a) The charges against the student, including reference to the provisions of this code that were allegedly violated; findings of facts, conclusions of law, and policy reasons for the decision; and
(b) That the student charged has the right to an informal hearing before the judicial advisor to challenge the interim sanctions.
(3) If such a hearing is requested, it shall be held as soon as practical after the interim sanctions have been imposed. The judicial advisor shall decide whether there is probable cause to believe that continuation of the sanctions is necessary, and/or whether some other disciplinary action is appropriate.
(4) The judicial advisor may continue to enforce the interim sanctions if, following the informal hearing, he or she finds that there is probable cause to believe that interim sanctioning of that student is necessary for the safety of the student, of other students, or persons on college facilities, the educational process of the institution, or to restore order to the campus.
(5) The result of the informal hearing shall be given to the student in writing. Written statements shall include: Findings, conclusions, reasons and basis for material issues of fact, law or discretion, sanction(s), and procedures and time limits for appeal. If sanctions are continued, the written notice shall stipulate the duration of the sanctions and conditions under which they may be terminated.
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STUDENT APPEAL(2) Appeals shall be limited to review of the record of the formal hearing and supporting documents, except as required to explain the basis of new evidence, for any of the following:
(a) To determine whether the formal hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and evidence presented and in conformity with the prescribed procedures, giving the complaining party a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present evidence that the student code of conduct was violated, and giving the respondent a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present a rebuttal to those allegations.
(b) To determine whether the decision reached regarding the respondent was based on substantial evidence; that is, whether the facts in the case were sufficient to establish the fact that a violation of the student code of conduct had occurred.
(c) To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation committed.
(d) To consider new evidence, sufficient to alter a decision or other relevant facts not brought out in the formal hearing, because such evidence and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original hearing.
(3) The vice-president of learning and student success reviews the entire record. The vice-president of learning and student success must afford each party the opportunity to present written argument. The vice-president of learning and student success may afford each party the opportunity to present oral argument.
(4) The vice-president of learning and student success may, upon review of the case, reduce or increase the sanctions imposed by the college disciplinary committee. The vice-president of learning and student success shall provide a written finding to each party to include findings, conclusions, reasons and basis for materials of fact, law, law or discretion, sanction, and appeal procedures.
(5) The vice-president's decision shall be final.
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TECHNICAL PROVISIONSCode revision. The student code of conduct shall be reviewed at least every five years under the direction of the vice-president of learning and student success. Review shall include representation from the respective student government associations, faculty, staff, and Pierce College officials.
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Approved by Pierce College Board of Trustees . . . . . . .
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