WSR 17-09-073
PROPOSED RULES
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
[Filed April 18, 2017, 3:04 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 17-05-027.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: New chapter 478-121 WAC, Student conduct code for the University of Washington, and repeal of current chapter 478-120 WAC (of the same title). Also, amendments to various cross-references in WAC 478-108-010 Matters subject to brief adjudication, 478-108-060 Student conduct code, 478-116-335 Payment of citation fines, 478-124-030 Conduct on campus codeSanctions, and 478-140-024 Education recordsRelease.
Hearing Location(s): At the University of Washington (UW) Seattle Campus, Odegaard Undergraduate Library, Video Conference Room 320; at the UW Bothell campus, Rose Room (UW1-280) for video conferencing; and at the UW Tacoma Campus, Cherry Parkes (CP) Room 303 for video conferencing, on May 25, 2017, at 12:30 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: July 13, 2017.
Submit Written Comments to: Rebecca Goodwin Deardorff, UW, Rules Coordination Office, Box 351210, Seattle, WA 98195, email rules@uw.edu, by May 25, 2017.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact disability services office by May 15, 2017, TTY (206) 543-6452 or (206) 543-6450.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: UW's student conduct code contains proposed amendments concerning disciplinary proceedings based on changes to federal laws and guidance and interpretation of state law. Major changes to the chapter include the following:
Revising the appeal and administrative review processes and related roles.
Creating a new chapter, which allowed for reformatting the rules into identified "parts" to better clarify both the brief and full adjudicative proceedings.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: UW's faculty senate and the university president endorsed the proposed amendments to the student conduct code through the faculty senate's Class B legislative process finalized on April 10, 2017.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28B.20.130.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 28B.20.130.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: UW, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Jill Lee, Executive Director, Compliance Services, 320 Roosevelt Commons, 4311 11th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, (206) 616-5713 or Amanda Paye, Deputy Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Compliance Services, 320 Roosevelt Commons, 4311 11th Avenue N.E., Seattle, WA 98195, (206) 221-1632; Implementation and Enforcement: Jill Lee, Executive Director, Compliance Services, 320 Roosevelt Commons, 4311 11th Avenue N.E., Seattle, WA 98195, (206) 616-5713; Denzil Suite, Vice President for Student Life, UW Seattle, 101 Gerberding Hall, UW, Seattle Campus, (206) 543-4972; Wolf Yeigh, Chancellor, UW Bothell, UW1-260G UW, Bothell Campus, (425) 352-5221; or Mark Pagano, Chancellor, UW Tacoma, GWP 312, UW, Tacoma Campus, (253) 692-5646.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules do not impose a disproportionate impact on small businesses or affect a school district under Title 28A RCW.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. UW does not consider this rule making to be a significant legislative rule.
April 18, 2017
Rebecca Goodwin Deardorff
Director of Rules Coordination
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-05-097, filed 2/17/16, effective 3/28/16)
WAC 478-108-010 Matters subject to brief adjudication.
This rule is adopted in accordance with RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494, the provisions of which are hereby adopted. Brief adjudicative procedures shall be used in all matters related to:
(1) Appeals from residency classifications under RCW 28B.15.013 as established in chapter 478-160 WAC;
(2) Appeals from traffic and parking violations, and skateboard impoundment, as provided for in chapters 478-116, 478-117 and 478-118 WAC;
(3) Challenges to contents of educational records as provided for in chapter 478-140 WAC;
(4) Proceedings under the animal control policy as detailed in chapter 478-128 WAC;
(5) Requests for reconsideration of admission decisions as provided for in WAC 478-160-060;
(6) Appeals of library charges as provided in chapter 478-168 WAC;
(7) Reviews of denials of public records requests as provided in chapter 478-276 WAC;
(8) Federal financial aid appeals as provided for by federal law;
(9) Collection of outstanding debts owed by students or employees; and
(10) ((Disciplinary)) Student conduct proceedings ((before a university disciplinary committee as provided in)) when designated as a brief adjudicative proceeding under chapter ((478-120)) 478-121 WAC.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 90-15-005, filed 7/6/90, effective 8/6/90)
WAC 478-108-060 Student conduct code.
All adjudicative proceedings applicable to student conduct at the University of Washington shall be governed exclusively by the provisions of the student conduct code (chapter ((478-120)) 478-121 WAC), as they may be amended from time to time, except that any additional procedural protections for adjudicative proceedings in applicable sections of the Washington Administrative Procedure Act shall be available to students through the university processes.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 11-13-058, filed 6/14/11, effective 8/8/11)
WAC 478-116-335 Payment of citation fines.
(1) All fines must be paid as designated on the citation within twenty calendar days from the date of the citation. If a parking citation is paid within twenty calendar days, the citation fine shall be discounted according to the amounts listed in WAC 478-116-325.
(2) Fines for parking citations must be delivered in person to the transportation services' office, paid online, or mailed and postmarked on or before the due date specified in these rules to avoid additional penalties.
(3) Fines for traffic citations associated with violations of this chapter must be delivered in person to the UWPD office, or mailed and postmarked on or before the due date specified in these rules to avoid additional penalties.
(4) If any citation has neither been paid nor appealed after twenty calendar days from the date of the citation, the university shall impose an additional fine as specified in WAC 478-116-325 or 478-116-331 and may:
(a) Withhold the violator's degrees, transcripts, grades, refunds, or credits until all fines are paid;
(b) Delay registration for the following quarter;
(c) Impound or immobilize the violator's vehicle after providing notice of nonpayment to the permit holder and/or registered owner;
(d) Deny future parking privileges to the violator; or
(e) Refer outstanding balances associated with unpaid fines for collection in accordance with applicable statutes and university procedure.
(5) An accumulation of traffic and parking violations by a student may be cause for discipline under the student conduct code of the university (see chapter ((478-120)) 478-121 WAC).
(6) In addition to any other penalty which may be imposed as a result of actions described in this chapter, campus parking privileges shall be suspended until all such debts are paid.
REPEALER
The following chapter of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 478-120-010
Student conduct code—Authority.
WAC 478-120-012
Preamble.
WAC 478-120-014
Definitions.
WAC 478-120-016
Statement of jurisdiction.
WAC 478-120-020
Standards of conduct.
WAC 478-120-024
Prohibited conduct.
WAC 478-120-026
Reporting violations of the student conduct code and initiating conduct proceedings.
WAC 478-120-030
General procedures for disciplinary sanctions.
WAC 478-120-032
Participation of advisors and attorneys.
WAC 478-120-034
Service of notices and orders and time limits.
WAC 478-120-036
Standard and burden of proof.
WAC 478-120-038
Interim measures.
WAC 478-120-040
Disciplinary sanctions.
WAC 478-120-065
Informal disciplinary hearings.
WAC 478-120-075
Appeals.
WAC 478-120-085
The university disciplinary committees.
WAC 478-120-095
Hearings before the university disciplinary committees.
WAC 478-120-100
Faculty appeal board.
WAC 478-120-105
Administrative review by the faculty appeal board.
WAC 478-120-115
Formal hearings before the faculty appeal board.
WAC 478-120-125
Review by the president of the university.
WAC 478-120-135
Reconsideration of final orders.
WAC 478-120-137
Supplementary provisions regarding sexual misconduct.
WAC 478-120-140
Emergency authority of the president and chancellors of the university.
WAC 478-120-145
Recording and maintenance of records.
Chapter  478-121  WAC
STUDENT CONDUCT CODE FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
PART I
AUTHORITY, APPLICATION, AND DEFINITIONS
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-010 Statement of authority.
Pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW and the authority granted by RCW 28B.20.130, the board of regents of the University of Washington has established rules regarding student conduct and student discipline (code) that are set forth in chapter 478-121 WAC. The university has also developed agency-level policies and procedures regarding the code pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW. See Student Governance and Policies, chapters 209 and 210.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-020 General application of the student conduct code.
This conduct code applies to all students from the time of admission through the actual conferral of a degree, including any period between terms of enrollment.
The disciplinary sanctions specified in WAC 478-121-210, up to and including suspension or dismissal, may be imposed on any student or student organization found responsible for prohibited conduct set forth in WAC 478-121-100 through 478-121-173 and as described in relevant university policies.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-030 Application of student conduct code to research misconduct.
Research misconduct, as defined in WAC 478-121-145, is a form of prohibited conduct under this code. Federal rules and policies, however, regulate the handling of research misconduct matters when university research is supported by federal funding. These federal requirements are incorporated into the university's Executive Order No. 61, Research Misconduct Policy, which governs the handling of research misconduct allegations against students participating in research on behalf of the university, as is further explained in that executive order. The disciplinary sanction provisions of this code, WAC 478-121-210 through 478-121-213, apply if there has been a finding of research misconduct against a student under Executive Order No. 61. The administrative review provisions of this code, WAC 478-121-320 through 478-121-345, apply to the extent such review is permitted by Executive Order No. 61.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-040 Jurisdiction of the university.
(1) The scope of the university's jurisdiction includes reports that prohibited conduct occurred:
(a) On any university premises or in connection with any university-sponsored program or activity, regardless of the location of the program or activity; or
(b) Off campus (i.e., conduct that does not occur on university premises or in the context of a university-sponsored program or activity) where: The university reasonably determines that the conduct adversely affects a university interest or, has continuing adverse effects or may create a hostile environment on university premises or in the context of a university-sponsored program or activity.
(2) Nothing in this conduct code shall be construed to limit academic action that may be taken by schools, colleges, or programs against a respondent based on an established violation of this conduct code that demonstrates a failure to meet the academic and/or professional standards of the school, college, or program.
(3) If a respondent withdraws from the university (or fails to reenroll) while a conduct proceeding is pending, the university may move forward with the conduct proceeding and, if so, the respondent will be provided with a continued opportunity to participate.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-045 Severability.
If any provision or clause of this chapter 478-121 WAC, or any application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or application and, to this end, the provisions of these rules are declared to be severable.
These rules are additional to any others duly promulgated by the university.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-050 Definitions.
For the purposes of this conduct code, the following definitions apply:
(1) Attorney. Attorney is a person permitted to practice law in Washington state.
(2) Complainant. A complainant is the person who is the subject of the prohibited conduct, whether or not that person made a report that a violation of the code had been committed against them.
(3) Conduct hold. A conduct hold refers, collectively, to administrative notes on a student's record, such as registration holds, degree holds, and transcript holds, that enable the conduct officer to monitor the registration and enrollment status of a student for the purpose of administering this code.
(4) Conduct officer. Conduct officer is an individual who has the authority to initiate conduct proceedings under this code, including initiating conduct proceedings, completing fact finding, and issuing initial orders. A conduct officer under this code is considered a "presiding officer" under chapter 34.05 RCW for the purpose of conducting a brief adjudicative proceeding.
(5) Conduct proceedings. Conduct proceedings refers to brief adjudicative proceedings and full adjudicative proceedings, collectively, under chapter 34.05 RCW.
(6) FERPA. FERPA refers to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 99).
(7) Full hearing. Full hearing refers to the hearing that occurs when a matter is designated as being appropriate for a full adjudicative proceeding, consistent with WAC 478-121-400 through 478-121-427 of this code.
(8) Hearing officer. A hearing officer is a "presiding officer" in a full hearing for the purpose of conducting a full adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW.
(9) Presiding officer. Presiding officer refers to conduct officers and hearing officers collectively.
(10) Respondent. A respondent is any student or student organization reported to have engaged in or charged with prohibited conduct under the conduct code.
(11) Review coordinator. A review coordinator is an individual who may be appointed to a review panel as a nonvoting member who manages the administrative review process.
(12) Review panel. Review panel is a panel of reviewing officers selected from the pool of reviewing officers appointed to conduct administrative reviews under WAC 478-121-320 through 478-121-345 and 478-121-430 through 478-121-445. The review panel may also include a "review coordinator."
(13) Reviewing officers. Reviewing officers are those who conduct administrative reviews for the purpose of full adjudicative proceedings or brief adjudicative proceedings under chapter 34.05 RCW.
(14) Student. A student is any person enrolled in or taking courses at or through the university, either full-time or part-time, including credit, noncredit, online, and nondegree courses, and any person who has been notified of acceptance for admission by the university. A student who withdraws from a course or from the university, graduates, or completes courses after the date of an alleged violation, or who is not enrolled for a particular quarter or quarters, but has a continuing relationship with the university, is still considered a student for purposes of this conduct code.
(15) Student organization. Student organization is a group of students that has complied with the requirements for university recognition or who is otherwise granted any rights or privileges by the university as a university affiliate. Student organizations include, but are not limited to, athletic teams or clubs, registered student organizations (RSOs), university service clubs, and sororities and fraternities.
(16) University community. The university community includes all university students, employees, guests of and visitors to the University of Washington, and other individuals affected by the conduct of a university student.
(17) University official. University official means employees of the University of Washington performing their assigned administrative, professional, or paraprofessional duties.
(18) University premises. University premises includes all of the University of Washington's campus buildings, grounds, and facilities, all of its extension and research locations, and all other university-leased, -owned, or -managed buildings, grounds, and facilities, including its global learning centers and study abroad program sites, as well as university-sponsored and/or -hosted online platforms.
PART II
PROHIBITED CONDUCT
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-100 General application.
Prohibited conduct under this code includes, but is not limited to, the prohibited conduct described in WAC 478-121-100 through 478-121-173 and relevant university policies. For additional interpretation of prohibited conduct, see Student Governance and Policies, chapter 210, student conduct policy for discriminatory and sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, sexual misconduct, stalking, and retaliation and chapter 209, student conduct policy for academic misconduct and behavioral misconduct.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-103 Abuse of others.
Abuse of others includes assault and other forms of physical abuse of any person, or any conduct intended to threaten bodily harm or to endanger the health or safety of any person.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-105 Abuse of the student conduct process.
(1) Abuse of the student conduct process includes:
(a) Attempting to influence the impartiality or participation of any presiding officer or any reviewing officer;
(b) Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the student conduct process; or
(c) Submitting or providing false or misleading information in bad faith or with a view to personal gain or intentional harm to another in the conduct process.
(2) This provision does not apply to reports made or information provided in good faith, even if the respondent is ultimately found not responsible in that conduct proceeding.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-107 Academic misconduct.
Academic misconduct includes:
(1) "Cheating" which includes, but is not limited to:
(a) The use of unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations, or completing assignments;
(b) The acquisition, use, or distribution of unpublished materials created by another student without the express permission of the original author(s);
(c) Using online sources, such as solution manuals, without the permission of the instructor to complete assignments, exams, tests, or quizzes; or
(d) Requesting, hiring, or otherwise encouraging someone to take a course, exam, test, or complete assignments for a student.
(2) "Falsification," which is the intentional use or submission of falsified data, records, or other information including, but not limited to, records of internship or practicum experiences or attendance at any required event(s), or scholarly research.
(3) "Plagiarism," which is the submission or presentation of someone else's words, composition, research, or expressed ideas, whether published or unpublished, without attribution. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:
(a) The use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment; or
(b) The unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or acquired from an entity engaging in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
(4) Unauthorized collaboration.
(5) Engaging in behavior specifically prohibited by an instructor in the course of class instruction or in a course syllabus.
(6) Multiple submissions of the same work in separate courses without the express permission of the instructor(s).
(7) Taking deliberate action to destroy or damage another's academic work in order to gain an advantage for oneself or another.
(8) The recording of instructional content without the express permission of the instructor(s), unless approved as a disability accommodation, and/or the dissemination or use of such unauthorized records.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-110 Acts of dishonesty.
Acts of dishonesty include:
(1) Knowingly furnishing false information to any university official;
(2) Impersonating, or providing false information in the name of, any university official;
(3) Forging, altering, or misusing any university document or record, or instrument of identification;
(4) Falsely claiming an academic credential; and
(5) Providing dishonest or misleadingly incomplete information or answers on application forms or in response to other official university requests for information.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-113 Aiding, assisting, and attempting.
Students may be found responsible for prohibited conduct if they:
(1) Aid or assist another student or student organization in the commission of prohibited conduct;
(2) Request, hire, or incite another person to commit prohibited conduct, either intending that the other person commit the prohibited conduct or with the knowledge that the other person intends to commit the prohibited conduct; or
(3) Attempt to commit prohibited conduct.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-115 Alcohol violations.
The unlawful possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of alcohol.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-117 Computer abuses.
Computer abuses include, but are not limited to:
(1) Unauthorized use of university computer resources;
(2) Use of another person's university user name and/or password;
(3) Use of university computing facilities and resources to interfere with the work of another student, an instructor, or other university official;
(4) Use of university computing facilities or resources to send intimidating, harassing, or threatening messages;
(5) Use of a computer or software to interfere with normal operations of the university's computing systems;
(6) Use of the university's computing facilities or resources in violation of any law, including copyright laws; and
(7) Any violation of the university's computer use policies.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-120 Creating a public nuisance in neighboring communities.
In furtherance of the university's interest in maintaining positive relationships with its surrounding communities, the university shall have the authority to hold students accountable under this conduct code for misconduct within any residential or commercial communities adjacent to a university campus. Conduct proceedings may be initiated if the university is made aware that a student or student organization has been contacted by a law enforcement agency regarding, and is determined to have engaged in, conduct that is in violation of a state statute or municipal ordinance and has a direct quality of life impact on community residents or businesses, including, but not limited to, creating a public nuisance due to noise, residential disturbance, intentional destruction of property, urinating in public, or criminal trespass.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-123 Discriminatory harassment.
Discriminatory harassment includes verbal, physical, electronic, or other conduct based on an individual's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status when one of the conditions outlined in subsection (1) or (2) of this section is present:
(1) Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct is made implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of a person's instruction, academic standing, employment, or participation in any university program, activity, or benefit, or is used as a basis for evaluation in making academic or personnel decisions; or
(2) Such conduct creates a hostile environment, which is created when the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with an individual's academic or work performance, ability to participate in or benefit from the university's programs, services, opportunities, or activities, or the receipt of legitimately requested services when viewed through both a subjective and objective standard.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-125 Disruption or obstruction.
Disruption or obstruction includes materially and substantially obstructing or disrupting, through words or conduct, the teaching or learning environment of any university educational setting, or any university functions or activities.
An instructor has the authority to exclude a student from any individual class session or other academic activity in which the student is materially disruptive or obstructive and may also make a report in accordance with this code and university policy.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-127 Drug violations.
The possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances (as defined in chapter 69.50 RCW or 21 U.S.C. Sec. 802) on university premises or during university-sponsored activities where such possession, use, distribution, or manufacture is illegal under federal, state, or local law is prohibited. This includes the possession, use, distribution, or growing of marijuana in all forms during university-sponsored activities or on university premises, including university housing.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-130 Failure to comply.
Failure to comply includes, but is not limited to:
(1) Any failure to comply with the directions of any university officials acting in the performance of their duties;
(2) Any failure to identify oneself to university officials when requested to do so; or
(3) Any failure to comply with the rules, regulations, procedures, policies, standards of conduct, or any order or directive of the university or any of its schools, colleges, and departments.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-133 Harassment or bullying.
Harassment or bullying is language or conduct that is unwelcome and sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive such that it could reasonably be expected to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person's academic or work performance, or a person's ability to participate in or benefit from the university's programs, services, opportunities, or activities, when viewed through both an objective and subjective standard. This includes harassment or bullying that occurs through electronic means, such as electronic media, the internet, social networks, blogs, cell phones, or text messages.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-135 Hazing.
Hazing includes 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. Hazing activities may include, but are not limited to, encouraging or promoting the abuse of alcohol; striking another person whether by use of any object or any part of one's body; causing someone to experience excessive fatigue or physical and/or psychological shock; or causing someone to engage in degrading or humiliating games or activities that create a risk of serious mental, emotional, and/or physical harm. Consent of a victim or victims is not a defense to an allegation of hazing.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-137 Indecent exposure.
Indecent exposure includes the exposure of a person's genitals or other private body parts when done in a place or manner in which such exposure is likely to cause affront or alarm, or is against generally accepted standards of decency. Breastfeeding or expressing breast milk is not indecent exposure.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-140 Intimate partner violence.
Intimate partner violence includes any act of violence or threatened act of violence that occurs between individuals who are involved or have been involved in a sexual, dating, spousal, domestic, or other intimate relationship. Intimate partner violence may include any form of prohibited conduct under this code, including sexual assault, stalking, and physical abuse of others.
Abuse of others includes assault and other forms of physical abuse of any person, or any conduct intended to threaten bodily harm or to endanger the health or safety of any person.
Intimate partner violence may also include forms of economic or emotional abuse, including behaviors that are intended to intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, or isolate someone.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-143 Possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other dangerous weapons.
(1) Possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other dangerous weapons includes unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other dangerous weapons or instrumentalities on university premises, unless specifically authorized by the university president or delegee.
(2) Firearms include, but are not limited to, what are commonly known as air guns or rifles, BB guns, and pellet guns, and any instrument used in the propulsion of shot, shell, bullets, or other harmful objects by the:
(a) Action of gunpowder or other explosives;
(b) Action of compressed air; or
(c) Power of springs or other forms of propulsion.
(3) This includes the exhibition or display of a replica of a dangerous weapon prohibited under this subsection if done in a manner and at a time or place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-145 Research misconduct.
"Research misconduct" is fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results, as is further set forth in the university's Executive Order No. 61.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-147 Retaliation.
Retaliation includes engaging or attempting to engage in any action, directly or indirectly, including through a third party, that is intended to harass, intimidate, threaten, harm or improperly influence any person because they:
(1) Make, or intend to make, a report, complaint, grievance, or allegation of prohibited conduct under any university policy or rule, or under any law;
(2) Participate in and/or cooperate with conduct proceedings; or
(3) Appear as a witness.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-150 Sexual assault.
Sexual assault includes sexual contact with another person without, or that exceeds, that person's consent.
For the purposes of this subsection, "sexual contact" includes:
(1) Any intentional touching of the intimate parts of another person's clothed or unclothed body, including but not limited to the mouth, neck, buttocks, anus, genitalia, or breast;
(2) Causing another person to touch their own or another's body in the manner described above; or
(3) Any penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral-genital contact.
For the purposes of this subsection, "consent" means that at the time of and throughout the sexual contact, there are words or conduct that reasonably communicate freely given agreement between or among the parties to engage in the sexual contact. In addition:
(4) Consent cannot be obtained when force or threat is used to gain consent;
(5) Consent cannot be obtained where the respondent knew or reasonably should have known that the other person was incapacitated; or
(6) Consent cannot be given or granted by a person who is under the statutory age of consent in accordance with the criminal code of Washington, chapter 9A.44 RCW, Sex offenses.
A respondent's use of alcohol or drugs is not a valid defense to a charge of sexual assault, and a respondent will be held to the standard of a reasonable sober person in evaluating whether the respondent knew or reasonably should have known that the complainant was incapacitated.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-153 Sexual exploitation.
Sexual exploitation involves taking nonconsensual or abusive advantage of another for the purposes of sexual arousal or gratification, financial gain, or other personal benefit. Examples of sexual exploitation include:
(1) Transmitting, distributing, publishing, or threatening to transmit, distribute, or publish photos, video, or other recordings or images of a private and sexual nature, including consensual sexual activity, without the consent of the subject(s);
(2) Taking, making, sharing or directly transmitting photographs, films, or digital images of the private body parts of another person without that person's consent;
(3) Prostituting another person; or
(4) Knowingly allowing another to surreptitiously watch otherwise consensual sexual activity.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-155 Sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal, physical, or electronic conduct of a sexual nature when one of the conditions outlined in subsection (1) or (2) of this section is present:
(1) Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct is made implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of a person's instruction, academic standing, employment, or participation in any university program, activity, or benefit, or is used as a basis for evaluation in making academic or personnel decisions; or
(2) Such conduct creates a hostile environment, which is created when the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with an individual's academic or work performance, ability to participate in or benefit from the university's programs, services, opportunities, or activities, or the receipt of legitimately requested services when viewed through both a subjective and objective standard.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-157 Stalking.
(1) Stalking means engaging in a course of conduct directed at another person that would cause a reasonable person to:
(a) Fear for the person's safety or safety of others; or
(b) Suffer substantial emotional distress.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "course of conduct" means two or more acts including, but not limited to, acts in which the respondent directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person's property. Stalking also includes cyberstalking such as through electronic media, the internet, social networks, blogs, cell phones, or text messages.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "substantial emotional distress" means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-160 Theft.
Theft is the taking of property or services without express permission of the owner. This includes, but is not limited to, taking, possessing, or aiding another to take university property or services, or property belonging to members of the university community.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-163 Unauthorized keys, entry, or use.
Unauthorized keys, entry, or use includes, but is not limited to:
(1) Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys (including conventional keys, key cards, or alphanumeric passcodes) to any university premises;
(2) Unauthorized entry upon or use of university premises or property; or
(3) Providing keys to an unauthorized person or providing access to an unauthorized person.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-165 Unauthorized recording.
(1) Unauthorized recording includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Making audio, video, digital recordings, or photographic images of a person without that person's consent in a location where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy; or
(b) Storing, sharing, publishing, or otherwise distributing such recordings or images by any means.
(2) When such recordings may fall within WAC 478-121-153 Sexual exploitation, they will be addressed in accordance with that provision and related policies.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-167 Vandalism.
Vandalism includes maliciously damaging or misusing university property, or the property of any member of the university community.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-170 Violation of disciplinary sanctions.
Violation of disciplinary sanctions includes the violation of any term or condition of any final order issued under this conduct code or the failure to complete a disciplinary sanction in the specified time frame.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-173 Violation of law.
Violation of law includes when a student has been convicted of a crime under any federal, state, or local law that adversely affects a university interest.
PART III
CONDUCT PROCEEDINGS, DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS, AND EVIDENCE
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-200 Form of adjudicative proceeding.
All conduct proceedings under this code shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional due process. If there is an irresolvable conflict between this code and the Administrative Procedure Act or constitutional due process, the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional due process shall supersede these rules.
In applying this code, due consideration shall be given to the fact that the conduct process is administrative and not judicial in nature and that the rules of civil procedure only apply to the extent set forth in this code or in chapter 34.05 RCW. In formal proceedings pursuant to RCW 34.05.413 through 34.05.476, the University of Washington adopts the model rules of procedure, chapter 10-08 WAC, Model rules of procedure. In the case of a conflict between the model rules of procedure and these procedural rules, the procedural rules adopted in these rules shall govern.
Informal settlements may be conducted under the authority of RCW 34.05.060.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-203 Brief adjudicative proceeding.
When conduct proceedings have been designated as brief adjudication proceedings under this code, they will be conducted in accordance with RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494 and the parties will receive notice as set forth in WAC 478-121-235.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-205 Conversion to full adjudicative proceeding.
Prior to the conclusion of a brief adjudicative proceeding, the conduct officer shall make any inquiries necessary to ascertain whether the proceeding should be converted to a full adjudicative proceeding under RCW 34.05.413 through 34.05.476 of the Administrative Procedure Act. If converted, the conduct officer will take steps necessary to initiate a full hearing and a hearing officer will be assigned.
To the extent feasible, the conduct officer's record will be included in the record for the full hearing. The time of commencement of the full hearing shall be considered to be the time of commencement of the original conduct proceeding.
If not converted by the conduct officer, the parties will be given an opportunity to request a full hearing per WAC 478-121-320 through 478-121-345.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-207 Full adjudicative proceeding.
If it becomes apparent that a full adjudicative proceeding is necessary, is in the public interest, or is more appropriate to resolve issues affecting the participants, a full hearing will be held in accordance with WAC 478-121-400 through 478-121-427 that is in compliance with RCW 34.05.413 through 34.05.476. Factors that may be considered as guidelines to determine whether the issues and interests involved warrant the use of a full adjudicative proceeding consistent with this code will be defined in university policy, including Student Governance and Policies, chapters 209 and 210.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-210 Disciplinary sanctions.
(1) One or more of the following disciplinary sanctions may be imposed for any violation of this conduct code:
(a) Disciplinary reprimand. A respondent may be issued a written disciplinary reprimand.
(b) Disciplinary probation. A respondent may be placed on disciplinary probation (meaning formal conditions are imposed on the respondent's continued attendance). The time period for the disciplinary probation and any conditions shall be specified. Failure to fulfill conditions of the disciplinary probation in a timely manner will extend the probationary period (and the conditions) and may result in additional disciplinary sanctions.
(c) Restitution. A respondent may be required to make restitution for damage or other loss of property and for injury to persons. The university may put a conduct hold in place if the respondent fails to pay or to make in writing university-approved arrangements to pay restitution.
(d) Loss of privileges. A respondent may be denied specified privileges for a designated period of time such as the privilege to participate in a particular campus activity and may be restricted from any or all university premises for a specific duration.
(e) Suspension. A respondent may be suspended (i.e., temporarily separated) from the university for a specified period of time. Conditions of suspension may be imposed and will be specified. Except as otherwise specified in the final order, all conditions must be fulfilled before the end of the suspension period. Failure to fulfill all conditions of suspension in a timely manner will extend the suspension period and any conditions, and may result in additional disciplinary sanctions. The university may put a conduct hold in place during the suspension period.
(f) Dismissal. A respondent may be dismissed (i.e., permanently separated) from the university.
(g) Sanctions for hazing. In addition to other sanctions, a student who is found responsible for participating in hazing of another shall forfeit any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards for a specified period of time.
(2) In determining an appropriate sanction for a violation of this code, factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to:
(a) The seriousness, severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the prohibited conduct;
(b) The nature or violence, if applicable, of the prohibited conduct;
(c) The impact on the complainant and/or university community;
(d) The respondent's past disciplinary record with the university;
(e) Whether the respondent has accepted responsibility for the prohibited conduct;
(f) The maintenance of a safe, nondiscriminatory and respectful environment conducive to learning; and/or
(g) Any other mitigating, aggravating, or compelling factors that the presiding officer determines to be relevant and admissible.
(3) The use of alcohol or drugs by a respondent will not be considered a mitigating factor in imposing discipline.
(4) If a respondent withdraws from the university (or fails to reenroll) before completing a sanction, the sanction must be completed prior to or upon the respondent's reenrollment, depending on the nature of the sanction. Completion of disciplinary sanctions may be considered in applications for readmission to the university.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-213 Effective date of sanctions.
Sanctions will be implemented when a final order becomes effective in the university's conduct proceeding. An initial order that becomes a final order because no administrative review was requested or initiated becomes effective on the day after the period for requesting review has expired.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-215 Authority to initiate conduct proceedings and delegations of authority in conduct proceedings.
(1) The following university officials may initiate conduct proceedings under this conduct code:
(a) The vice president for student life at University of Washington Seattle;
(b) The chancellors at University of Washington Bothell and Tacoma;
(c) Deans of a school or college (including the graduate school) at University of Washington Seattle; and
(d) Deans or directors of any school or program at University of Washington Bothell or Tacoma.
(2) The above named university officials may delegate the authority to one or more individuals to initiate conduct proceedings, engage in fact finding, hold hearings, and issue initial orders under this conduct code. They may also establish student or student-faculty-staff hearing bodies to advise or to act for them in conduct proceedings.
(3) For the purpose of completing administrative reviews under WAC 478-121-320 through 478-121-345 and 478-121-430 through 478-121-445 of this code:
(a) The chair of the faculty senate will appoint one or more faculty to be included in a pool of available reviewing officers; and
(b) The president, vice president for student life at University of Washington Seattle, or the chancellors at University of Washington Bothell and Tacoma may appoint one or more students to be included in a pool of available reviewing officers.
(4) Review panels, composed of multiple reviewing officers, may be created to complete administrative reviews under WAC 478-121-320 through 478-121-345 and 478-121-430 through 478-121-445 of this code. Review panels may also include a review coordinator.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-217 Appointment of reviewing officers.
Faculty and students may be appointed to the pool of available reviewing officers at any time by a university official with authority to appoint such individuals. Efforts will be made to ensure the pool includes available reviewing officers representing the University of Washington Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses. The appointment will be for a specific term, which may be extended at the discretion of a university official with authority to appoint such individuals, and will include any training and other conditions of service. See Student Governance and Policies, chapters 209 and 210.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-220 Selection of review panels.
For each administrative review, an odd number of available reviewing officers will be selected from the pool, based on availability, to form the review panel. Those selected for the panel will designate a faculty member of the panel to act as chair, with efforts made that the chair be a representative from the campus where the respondent is enrolled.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-223 Disqualification and substitution of presiding officers and reviewing officers.
Consistent with RCW 34.05.425, any presiding officer or reviewing officer is subject to disqualification for bias, prejudice, interest, or any other applicable cause. Any party may petition for the disqualification of an individual promptly after receipt of notice indicating that the individual will preside or, if later, promptly upon discovering facts establishing grounds for disqualification. The individual whose disqualification is requested shall determine whether to grant the petition, stating facts and reasons for the determination. An appropriate individual will then be substituted as a presiding or reviewing officer.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-225 Initiating conduct proceedings.
Conduct proceedings may be initiated when the university receives any direct or indirect report of conduct that may violate this code, which may include, but is not limited to, a police report, an incident report, a witness statement, other documentation, or a verbal or written report from a complainant, witness, or other third party.
Conduct matters may be initiated under the conduct code regardless of whether or not the incident in question is the subject of criminal or civil proceedings.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-227 Decision not to initiate a conduct proceeding.
If the conduct officer decides not to initiate a conduct proceeding when requested by a complainant who, otherwise, would be a party to the proceeding, the conduct officer will provide the complainant with a written decision, including a brief statement of the reasons and of any other options for review.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-230 Conduct hold on student record.
A conduct office or other designated university official may place a conduct hold on the student's record if the student is the respondent in a pending report of prohibited conduct, a pending conduct proceeding under this code, or in conjunction with a disciplinary sanction under this code. A conduct hold may restrict the student from registering for classes, requesting an official transcript, or receiving a degree from the university until the hold has been removed. If the conduct hold is put in place pending or during a conduct proceeding, the student will be notified of the hold and be advised how to raise an objection about the hold or request that it be made less restrictive. The hold will remain in place until lifted by the conduct office or other designated university official with authority to do so.
Implementation of any conduct hold does not assume any determination of, or create any expectation of, responsibility for prohibited conduct under this conduct code.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-233 Parties.
The parties to conduct proceedings are typically the university and the respondent. In accordance with Student Governance and Policies, chapter 210, student conduct policy for discriminatory and sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, sexual misconduct, stalking, and retaliation, in cases involving discriminatory harassment, indecent exposure, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, stalking, or retaliation, the complainant is also a party. In addition, the university may designate other individuals, such as a complainant, as a party to other types of conduct proceedings, or allow individuals to intervene in conduct proceedings. For additional guidance, see Student Governance and Policies, chapter 209, student conduct policy for academic misconduct and behavioral misconduct.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-235 Interim protective measures.
After receiving a report of prohibited conduct, the university may implement interim protective measures that impact a respondent at any time prior to the conclusion of a conduct proceeding. When implemented, the respondent will be advised on how to raise an objection about the interim measure or request that it be made less restrictive. Interim measures will remain in place until lifted or modified by a university official with authority to do so.
Implementation of any interim measure does not assume any determination of, or create any expectation of, responsibility for prohibited conduct under this conduct code. A respondent who fails to comply with any interim protective measures may, however, be charged with a "failure to comply" pursuant to WAC 478-121-130.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-237 Emergency authority of the university.
If there is reasonable cause to believe that a student's conduct represents a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the university or any member of the university community, or poses an ongoing threat of substantially disrupting or materially interfering with university activities or operations, the president, the president's delegate, the vice president for student life for the University of Washington Seattle or delegates, and the chancellors of the University of Washington Bothell and Tacoma campuses or delegates, may immediately suspend that student from participation in any or all university functions, privileges, or locations.
In such an emergency situation, the university official placing the student on emergency suspension shall issue a written order to be served upon the student describing the terms of the emergency suspension and the reasons for the emergency suspension. The order shall advise the student how to raise an objection about the emergency suspension or request that it be made less restrictive. The university may also put a conduct hold in place during the emergency suspension period.
The order shall be effective immediately. The proceeding shall then be referred to the appropriate conduct office and the proceeding shall proceed as quickly as feasible. The emergency suspension shall remain in effect until lifted or revised by a university official with authority to do so or until a final order is entered in the proceeding. Once a final order is entered in the proceeding, any emergency suspension shall be lifted and the sanction, if any, will be imposed.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-240 Service of notices, filings, and orders; and time limits.
Service of all university notices under this code will be sent by electronic mail (email) addressed to the party's university-issued email address. An alternative email address may be provided to the presiding officers and reviewing officer(s) in writing. Service is complete at the moment the email is sent to the email address. If there is no email on record, service may also be accomplished by personal service or by posting it in the United States mail, properly addressed, and postage prepaid. Service by mail is complete upon deposit in the United States mail.
The parties are permitted to file documents with the presiding officer or reviewing officer(s) via email or other electronic means as determined by the presiding officer or reviewing officer(s). Receipt of such documents will be determined by the date of the email. For documents that must be shared with other parties, the university will be responsible for service of such documents, as above.
In computing any period of time under this conduct code, the day of service of any order, notice, or other document is not counted. The last day of the applicable period of time is counted. If the last day of the applicable period of time falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or official state holiday (which includes the day after Thanksgiving), the period ends on the next business day. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than seven days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall be excluded in the computation.
The time limit for seeking administrative review of an initial order is based upon the date of service of the initial order.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-243 Participation of advisors and attorneys.
The parties to conduct proceedings may, at their own expense, be accompanied by an advisor of their choice, including an attorney, throughout the conduct proceedings. In a brief adjudicative proceeding, an advisor may provide support and advice, but an advisor may not speak on behalf of the student or disrupt or interfere with any aspect of the brief adjudicative proceeding, as determined by the conduct officer. In a full adjudicative proceeding, including any prehearing matters, if the party's advisor is an attorney, the attorney may advise and represent the party, but the advisor may not disrupt or interfere with any aspect of the proceeding, as determined by the hearing officer. For additional guidance, see Student Governance and Policies, chapters 209 and 210.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-245 Consolidation.
If there are multiple conduct proceedings involving common issues or parties, the parties may request, or the presiding officer may decide, to consolidate the proceedings. This decision is within the sole discretion of the presiding officer.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-247 Burden of proof.
The burden of proof in conduct proceedings rests with the university.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-250 Evidence in conduct proceedings.
The following evidentiary provisions apply to conduct proceedings under this code. In applying this code, due consideration shall be given to the fact that the conduct process is administrative and not judicial in nature and that rules of evidence only apply to the extent set forth in this code or in chapter 34.05 RCW. The university has also developed agency-level guidance regarding its interpretations of these rules, including in Student Governance and Policies, chapters 209 and 210.
While brief adjudicative proceedings do not require the application of rules of evidence, the conduct officer will be guided by the principles underlying the Washington state rules of evidence when they do not conflict with the code or relevant university policies.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-253 Relevant evidence, hearsay, and character evidence.
(1) Evidence, including hearsay, is admissible if, in the judgment of the presiding officer, it is the kind of evidence on which reasonably prudent persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of their affairs. Findings may be based on such evidence even if it would be inadmissible in a civil trial. In a full hearing, however, the hearing officer shall not base a finding exclusively on such inadmissible evidence unless the hearing officer determines that doing so would not unduly abridge the parties' opportunities to confront witnesses and rebut evidence. The basis for this determination shall appear in the initial order.
(2) The presiding officer will determine the admissibility and relevance of all evidence, including that offered by the parties and/or witnesses, and shall exclude evidence that is excludable on constitutional or statutory grounds or on the basis of evidentiary privilege recognized in the courts of this state. The presiding officer may exclude from consideration evidence that is not relevant. The presiding officer may also exclude from consideration evidence that is immaterial or unduly repetitious.
(3) In general, the presiding officer will not consider statements of personal opinion or statements as to any individual's general reputation or any character trait, unless the presiding officer considers such evidence to be relevant and admissible.
(4) The presiding officer may take official notice of some material that was not offered as evidence by the parties. In full adjudicative proceedings, the process for taking official notice is set forth in RCW 34.05.452.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-255 Prior or subsequent conduct of the respondent.
Prior or subsequent conduct of the respondent may be considered in determining opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake. The presiding officer will determine the relevance and admissibility of this evidence.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-257 Prior sexual history.
The sexual history of the parties or witnesses will not be used to prove character or reputation. Evidence related to the prior sexual history of the parties or witnesses is generally not relevant to the determination of a violation of this code and will be considered only in limited circumstances. The presiding officer will determine the relevance of this evidence.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-260 Experts.
Consistent with RCW 34.05.452(5), presiding officers may consult medical, forensic, technological, or other experts when expertise on a topic is needed in order to achieve a fuller understanding of the issues under investigation. This information will be summarized in the initial order.
Generally, results of polygraph examinations are not considered relevant, even if offered voluntarily.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-263 Self-incriminating evidence.
No student shall be compelled to give self-incriminating evidence and a negative inference will not be drawn from a refusal to participate at any stage of the conduct proceeding. The presiding officer may, however, continue with the conduct proceeding and reach a finding based on other available and admissible evidence.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-265 Criminal conviction.
The presiding officer may accept a conviction of a crime under any federal, state, or local law as the evidentiary basis for establishing prohibited conduct under this code when the elements of that crime establish prohibited conduct under this code that adversely affects a university interest.
PART IV
BRIEF ADJUDICATIVE PROCEEDINGS
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-300 Brief adjudicative proceedingsNotice of conduct proceeding and investigative interview.
The conduct officer will provide notice to the parties, in writing, of the commencement of conduct proceedings, which will include information on how to petition for disqualification of the conduct officer.
The conduct officer will also schedule an investigative interview with the respondent as part of the fact-finding process.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-305 Brief adjudicative proceedingsFact finding.
Before taking action in a brief adjudication proceeding, the conduct officer shall give each party an opportunity to be informed of the agency's view of the matter and to explain the party's view of the matter. This process includes, without limitation, conducting fact finding and providing the parties with the opportunity to participate in the conduct proceeding by explaining the process to the parties and allowing them to review the allegations, provide evidence, identify witnesses with relevant knowledge, respond to evidence provided by others, and provide the conduct officer with suggested questions for others (collectively, "fact finding").
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-310 Brief adjudicative proceedingsStandard of proof.
The applicable standard of proof is the "preponderance of evidence" standard. This means that, in order for a respondent to be held responsible for a violation of this conduct code, the conduct officer must conclude, based on all of the evidence in the record, that it is more likely than not that the respondent engaged in an act or acts of conduct prohibited by this code.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-315 Brief adjudicative proceedingsInitial order.
At the conclusion of the fact finding, the conduct officer will prepare an initial order. If the respondent is found responsible, the conduct officer will impose a sanction. The conduct officer will serve the initial order to the parties, simultaneously and in writing. The initial order will include a brief written statement of the reasons for the decision and an explanation of how to request administrative review of the initial order and the time frame to do so.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-320 Brief adjudicative proceedingsRequesting administrative review.
A party may request administrative review of the initial order based on the grounds as set forth in WAC 478-121-325.
A request for administrative review must be submitted in writing to the conduct officer within twenty-one days of the date of service of the initial order. The party requesting the review will be provided with an opportunity to explain the reasons for seeking review. If one of the grounds is to consider newly discovered evidence, that evidence must also be provided with the request for review.
If an administrative review is not requested within twenty-one days of service of the initial order, the initial order shall become the final order.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-325 Brief adjudicative proceedingsGrounds for administrative review.
A party may request administrative review for any or all of the following reasons:
(1) To determine whether there was a material error that substantially affected the outcome of the fact finding or sanctioning;
(2) To consider newly discovered evidence, not reasonably available during the fact finding, that could substantially impact the outcome;
(3) To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation committed and were not excessively lenient or excessively severe; or
(4) To determine whether the issue and interests involved warrant a full hearing.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-330 Brief adjudicative proceedingsNotice of administrative review.
If administrative review is requested, the university will provide the parties notice, in writing, of the date the administrative review will be initiated and the identities of the reviewing officer(s) selected for the review panel. The parties will also be provided with information on how to petition for disqualification of any reviewing officer(s).
Other parties will be provided with a copy of the request for administrative review and notice of how to submit a written response. Responses must be submitted within five business days of service of the notice of administrative review.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-335 Brief adjudicative proceedingsProcedures for administrative review.
(1) When the reviewing officer(s) conducts an administrative review, the review is based on:
(a) The conduct officer's record and fact finding;
(b) Information submitted to the review panel in the request for review or response to request for review; and
(c) Newly discovered evidence, if the basis for seeking administrative review is that newly discovered evidence has become available; however the review of newly discovered evidence is limited to determining whether the newly discovered evidence warrants remanding the matter for further proceedings.
(2) Decisions by a panel of reviewing officers will be determined by majority vote.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-340 Brief adjudicative proceedingsOrder from administrative review.
(1) Within twenty days after the request is submitted, the review panel will issue an order, which will include the outcome, any sanction, and a brief statement of the reasons for the outcome. All parties will receive simultaneous, written notification of the outcome of the review.
(2) The reviewing officer(s) may reach one of the following results:
(a) Conclude there is no basis for remand or alteration of sanctions, and issue a final order disposing of the proceeding;
(b) Remand for further fact finding or review if newly discovered evidence may have impacted the result or if the record demonstrates material error;
(c) Increase or reduce the sanction(s) and issue a final order, if the increased sanction does not warrant a full hearing; or
(d) Conclude whether the proceeding should be converted to a full adjudicative proceeding and, if so, take steps necessary to initiate a full hearing.
(3) If the review panel does not issue an order within twenty days after the request is submitted, the request for review is deemed to be denied.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-345 Brief adjudicative proceedingsProcess following remand from administrative review or conversion.
If the proceeding is remanded or converted to a full adjudicative hearing following administrative review, the initial order will be rescinded and the reviewing officer(s) will describe, in writing, the reasons for the remand or conversion.
Following remand, additional proceedings will be conducted as necessary to address the reasons for the remand or conversion and will be conducted in accordance with the relevant sections of this code.
PART V
FULL ADJUDICATIVE PROCEEDINGS AND FULL HEARING
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-400 Notice of full hearing.
The hearing officer shall set the time and place of the full hearing and give not less than seven days advance written notice to all parties and to all persons who have filed written petitions to intervene in the matter. The notice will include information on how to petition for disqualification of the hearing officer.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-403 Prehearing conferences.
(1) Hearing officers upon their own motion or upon request of a party may direct the parties or their representatives to engage in a prehearing conference or conferences to consider:
(a) Simplification of issues;
(b) The necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings;
(c) The possibility of obtaining stipulations, admissions of fact and admissions of the genuineness of documents which will avoid unnecessary proof;
(d) Limitations on the number and consolidation of the examination of witnesses;
(e) Procedural matters;
(f) Distribution of written testimony and exhibits to the parties prior to the hearing;
(g) Such other matters as may aid in the disposition or settlement of the proceeding.
(2) Prehearing conferences may be held by telephone conference call or at a time and place specified by hearing officers.
(3) Following prehearing conferences, hearing officers shall issue an order. Orders are effective when they are served. Hearing officers may, at their discretion, hold more than one prehearing conference and issue orders modifying any prehearing order.
(4) In any full hearing, hearing officers may, in their discretion, conduct a conference prior to the taking of testimony, or may recess the hearing for such conference, for the purpose of carrying out the purpose of this rule. Hearing officers shall state on the record the results of such conference.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-405 Discovery.
Discovery, including depositions, interrogatories, requests for production, entry onto land for inspection or other purposes, and physical and mental examinations, are not available in conduct proceedings under this code.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-407 Subpoenas.
The hearing officer may issue subpoenas. The parties may also request that the hearing officer issue subpoenas or a party's attorney of record may also issue a subpoena in whose behalf the witness is required to appear at a full hearing. The requesting party is responsible for serving the subpoena upon the witness. In the discretion of the hearing officer, and where the rights of the parties will not be prejudiced thereby, such testimony may be by telephone or other electronic means.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-410 Protective orders.
The hearing officer may enter protective orders, which limit the admissibility of evidence or condition it on specified criteria necessary to protect a party or a witness from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, or to comply with any applicable law.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-413 Pleadings, briefs, and motions.
(1) At appropriate stages of full adjudicative proceedings, the hearing officer will give all parties full opportunity to submit and respond to pleadings, motions, objections, and offers of settlement, including motions for summary judgment.
(2) At appropriate stages of full adjudicative proceedings, the hearing officer may give all parties full opportunity to file briefs, proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, and proposed initial or final orders.
(3) The hearing officer has the discretion to decide and dispose of all issues raised in accordance with this section.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-415 Communications with hearing officer.
All communications with the hearing officer, except for communications necessary to procedural aspects of maintaining an orderly process, must be in the presence of, or with a copy to, all other parties. Ex parte communications received by the hearing officer must be placed on the record, and all other parties must be informed of the ex parte communication and given an opportunity to respond on the record.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-417 Standard of proof in full hearings.
The applicable standard of proof is the "preponderance of evidence" standard. This means that, in order for a respondent to be held responsible for prohibited conduct under the conduct code, the hearing officer must conclude, based on all of the evidence in the record, that it is more likely than not that the respondent engaged in an act or acts of prohibited conduct.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-420 Continuances.
The hearing officer has the discretion to grant postponements, continuances, extensions of time, and adjournments or upon a request of any party, if the party shows good cause.
A request for a continuance may be oral or written. If all parties do not agree to the continuance, the hearing officer may schedule a prehearing conference to receive argument or may rule on the request without argument.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-423 Testimony under oath or affirmation.
In a full hearing, all testimony of parties and witnesses shall be made under oath or affirmation.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-425 Remote participation.
At the discretion of the hearing officer, and where the rights of the parties will not be prejudiced thereby, all or part of any hearing, including the testimony of witnesses, may be conducted by telephone, or other electronic means. Each party in the hearing must have an opportunity to participate effectively in, to hear, and if technically and economically feasible, to see the entire proceeding while it is taking place. Such measures may be taken to accommodate concerns raised by a complainant, a respondent, or any witness.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-427 Initial order from full hearing.
At the conclusion, the hearing officer will issue an initial order, which shall include all matters required by RCW 34.05.461(3). The hearing officer will serve the initial order to the parties, simultaneously and in writing. The initial order will include an explanation of how to request administrative review of the initial order and the time frame to do so.
If an administrative review is not requested within twenty-one days of service of the initial order, the initial order shall become the final order.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-430 Requesting administrative review from a full hearing.
A party may request administrative review of the initial order from a full hearing based on the grounds as set forth in WAC 478-121-433.
A request for administrative review must be submitted in writing to the hearing officer within twenty-one days of the date of the initial order. If one of the grounds is to consider newly discovered evidence, that evidence must be provided with the request for review.
If an administrative review is not requested within twenty-one days the initial order shall become the final order.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-433 Grounds for administrative review from a full hearing.
A party may request administrative review for any or all of the following reasons:
(1) To determine whether there was a material error that substantially affected the outcome of the fact finding or sanctioning;
(2) To consider newly discovered evidence, not reasonably available during the fact finding, that could substantially impact the outcome;
(3) To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation committed and were not excessively lenient or excessively severe; or
(4) Any other grounds that would warrant modification, withdrawal, or reversal of the order.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-435 Notice of administrative review from a full hearing.
If administrative review is requested, the university will provide the parties notice, in writing, of the date the administrative review will be initiated and the identities of the reviewing officer(s) selected for the review panel. The parties will also be provided with information on how to petition for disqualification of any reviewing officer(s).
Other parties will be provided with a copy of the request for administrative review and notice of how to submit a written response. Responses must be submitted within five business days of service of the notice of administrative review.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-437 Procedures for administrative review from a full hearing.
(1) When the reviewing officer(s) conducts an administrative review, the reviewing officer(s) shall:
(a) Personally consider the whole record or such portions of it as may be cited by the parties;
(b) Exercise all the decision-making power that the reviewing officer would have had to decide and enter the final order had the reviewing officer presided over the hearing, except to the extent that the issues subject to review are limited by a provision of law or by the reviewing officer(s) upon notice to all the parties;
(c) Afford each party an opportunity to present written argument and may afford each party an opportunity to present oral argument to explain the party's position but any such argument shall not be considered as evidence;
(d) Review information submitted to the review panel in the request for review or response to request for review; and
(e) Review newly discovered evidence, if the basis for seeking administrative review is that newly discovered evidence has become available; however the review of newly discovered evidence is limited to determining whether the newly discovered evidence warrants remanding the matter for further proceedings.
(2) In reviewing findings of fact by presiding officers, the reviewing officers shall give due regard to the presiding officers' opportunity to observe the witnesses.
(3) Decisions by a panel of reviewing officers will be determined by majority vote.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-440 Communications with reviewing officers.
All communications with reviewing officers, except for communications necessary to procedural aspects of maintaining an orderly process, must be in the presence of, or with a copy to, all other parties. Ex parte communications received by reviewing officers must be placed on the record, and all other parties must be informed of the ex parte communication and given an opportunity to respond on the record.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-443 Order from administrative review of a full hearing.
(1) Within thirty calendar days of receipt of all response(s) submitted by the parties or oral argument, if any, whichever is later, the reviewing officer(s) will issue an order, which will include the outcome, any sanction, and a brief statement of the reasons for the outcome. All parties will receive simultaneous, written notification of the outcome of the review.
(2) The reviewing officer(s) may reach one of the following results:
(a) Conclude there is no basis for remand or alteration of sanctions, and issue a final order disposing of the proceeding;
(b) Remand for further fact finding or review if newly discovered evidence may have impacted the result or if the record demonstrates material error with instructions to the presiding officer who entered the initial order;
(c) Increase or reduce the sanction(s), and issue a final order disposing of the proceeding; or
(d) Issue a final order disposing of the proceeding or remand the matter for further proceedings on any other grounds that would warrant modification, withdrawal, or reversal of the order, with instructions to the presiding officer who entered the initial order.
(3) When issuing orders under this section, the order shall include, or incorporate by reference to the initial order, all matters required by RCW 34.05.461(3).
(4) The reviewing officer(s) will serve the order to the parties, simultaneously and in writing.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-445 Process following remand from administrative review of a full hearing.
(1) If the proceeding is remanded, the initial order will be rescinded and the reviewing officer(s) will describe, in writing, the reasons for the remand. Following remand, additional proceedings will be conducted as necessary to address the reasons for the remand.
(2) At the conclusion, the hearing officer will issue an initial order, which shall include all matters required by RCW 34.05.461(3). The hearing officer will serve the initial order to the parties, simultaneously and in writing. The initial order will include an explanation of how to request administrative review of the initial order and the time frame to do so.
(3) If an administrative review is not requested within twenty-one days of service of the initial order, the initial order shall become the final order.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-447 Reconsideration of final orders.
Within ten days of the service of a final order or within ten days of the date an initial order becomes a final order, any party may file a request for reconsideration. The request shall be directed to the officer(s) who issued the final order and state in writing specific reasons for the request. Upon receipt, the officer(s) shall promptly serve all other parties with a copy of the request for reconsideration.
Unless the request for reconsideration is automatically deemed to have been denied under WAC 478-121-450, the request shall be disposed of by the officer(s) who issued the final order, if reasonably available. The disposition shall be in the form of a written order denying the request, granting the request and dissolving or modifying the final order, or granting the request and setting the matter for further hearing.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-450 Denial of request for reconsideration.
The request for reconsideration is automatically deemed to have been denied if, within twenty days from the date the request for reconsideration is timely submitted, the officer(s) who issued the final order does not either:
(1) Dispose of the request; or
(2) Serve the parties with a written notice specifying the date by which the request will be acted upon.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-453 Privacy in full hearings.
(1) In accord with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 99) (FERPA), all meetings or reviews conducted under this code generally will be held in closed session out of respect for the privacy of all the students involved.
(2) In a full hearing, the hearing officer may close parts of a hearing under any provision of law expressly authorizing closure or under a protective order entered by the hearing officer pursuant to applicable rules and the hearing officer may order the exclusion of witnesses upon a showing of good cause.
(3) Students may, at their sole discretion, waive their rights under FERPA in writing. The scope of any FERPA waiver and any protective order entered by the hearing officer will determine who can have access to information that would otherwise be protected from disclosure by FERPA, including without limitation who can be present at any hearing held in a full adjudicative proceeding under this code. If the hearing is open to public observation, the presiding officer shall conduct the hearing in a room that will accommodate a reasonable number of observers. The hearing officer may issue a protective order to exclude from the hearing any persons who are disruptive of the proceedings and may limit the number and activities of the observers as necessary to protect the safety of the participants and observers and to assure a fair hearing.
(4) To ensure the privacy of all students involved, no cameras or recording devices shall be permitted except for the official recording by the university; however, if FERPA or other federal or state law implicated by RCW 34.05.040 does not preclude it, then any party, at the party's expense, may cause a reporter approved by the agency to prepare a transcript from the agency'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. If a party intends to make a recording of the proceeding, the party shall advise the hearing officer prior to the prehearing conference so that any issues related to making an additional recording can be addressed prior to the full hearing.
PART VI
RECORDKEEPING
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-500 General recordkeeping.
Records related to conduct proceedings shall be maintained consistent with RCW 34.05.476 and 34.05.494, university records retention policies, and other relevant policies.
NEW SECTION
WAC 478-121-510 Disciplinary record.
Any final order resulting from conduct proceedings shall become a part of the respondent's disciplinary record. Student disciplinary records are "education records" as defined by FERPA and may only be disclosed consistent with FERPA and chapter 478-140 WAC.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 14-17-097, filed 8/19/14, effective 9/19/14)
WAC 478-124-030 Conduct on campus code—Sanctions.
(1) Any person while on the university campus who willfully refuses the request of a uniformed campus police officer to desist from conduct prohibited by these rules may be required by such officer to leave such premises.
(2) Disciplinary action which may result in dismissal from the university will be initiated against faculty, staff, or students who violate these rules, in accordance with the applicable disciplinary codes or other appropriate due process procedures.
(3) Sanctions which may be imposed against faculty are set forth in the Faculty Code, Chapter 25, Sections 25-51 and 25-71.
(4) Sanctions which may be imposed against students are set forth in WAC ((478-120-040)) 478-121-210.
(5) Sanctions which may be imposed against the classified staff are set forth in the relevant University of Washington labor contract for contract-classified staff, and in Title 357 WAC and applicable university policy for classified nonunion staff.
(6) Sanctions which may be imposed against the professional staff are set forth in the University of Washington Professional Staff Program.
(7) Violation of any of the above regulations may also constitute violation of the criminal laws or ordinances of the city, the county, the state of Washington, or the United States and may subject a violator to criminal sanctions in addition to any sanctions imposed by the university.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 99-12-110, filed 6/2/99, effective 7/3/99)
WAC 478-140-024 Education records—Release.
(1) The university shall not permit access to or the release of education records or personally identifiable information contained therein, other than "directory information" (as defined in subsection (5) of this section), without the written consent of the student, to any party other than the following:
(a) University staff and faculty, and students when officially appointed to a faculty council or administrative committee, when the information is required for a legitimate educational interest in support of the university's mission of education, research and public service and within the performance of their responsibilities to the university. The use of such information will be strictly limited to the performance of those responsibilities.
(b) Authorized representatives of the comptroller general of the United States, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, or state or local authorities requiring access to education records, in connection with the audit or evaluation of a federally or state-supported education program or in connection with the enforcement of the federal or state legal requirements which relate to such a program.
(c) Agencies or organizations requesting information in connection with a student's application for, or receipt of, financial aid if the information is necessary to determine:
(i)(A) Eligibility for financial aid;
(B) The amount of financial aid; or
(C) The conditions for financial aid;
(ii) Or, enforce the terms and conditions of financial aid.
(d) Organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the university or educational agencies or institutions for purposes of developing, validating, or administering student aid programs, or improving instruction or student services, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students or their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations, and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purposes for which it was provided.
(e) Accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions.
(f) Any person or entity designated by judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, or as a consequence of the university initiating legal action against a parent or student, upon condition that the university makes a reasonable effort to notify the student of all such orders or subpoenas or of its intent to release records in advance of compliance or release, unless directed otherwise by the court issuing the subpoena. Any university individual(s) or office(s) receiving a subpoena or judicial order for education records should immediately notify the attorney general's division.
(g) Alleged victims of a crime of violence or a nonforcible sexual offense requesting the final results of disciplinary proceedings conducted by the university under its student conduct code against the alleged perpetrator of such crime with respect to such crime.
(h) To others, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding when, at its discretion the university believes that disclosure will serve a legitimate educational interest, and determines through a disciplinary proceeding conducted under its student conduct code that the alleged student perpetrator committed a crime of violence or a nonforcible sexual offense that is a violation of the university's rules or policies with respect to such crime or offense. For purposes of this subsection, "final results" means the name of the student perpetrator, the violation committed, and any sanction imposed by the university on that student. Names of other students involved in the violation, such as a victim or witness, will be released only with the written consent of that other student or students.
(i) For the purpose of (g) and (h) of this subsection, a "crime of violence" means:
(i) An offense that has an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or
(ii) An offense that is a felony and that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense.
(j) Victims alleging a sexual offense shall be notified of the outcome of disciplinary proceedings through the student conduct code (chapter ((478-120)) 478-121 WAC).
(k) Officials of another institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks to enroll; the university shall provide the student a copy of the records released.
(l) Officials of another postsecondary institution or educational agency in which the student is enrolled or from which the student receives services when there is a legitimate educational interest.
(m) State or local officials or authorities, if a state statute adopted before November 19, 1974, specifically requires disclosures to those officials and authorities. The university may limit the number and type of officials to whom disclosure will be made under this subsection.
(n) A parent of a minor student or a nonminor dependent student, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code and upon submission of a copy of the most recent Internal Revenue Service annual tax return showing the student as a dependent.
(o) When, at its discretion, it believes that disclosure will serve a legitimate educational interest, the university may release to a parent or legal guardian of a student, information regarding that student's violation of any federal, state, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the university, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if:
(i) The student is under the age of twenty-one, and
(ii) The university determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession.
(p) Appropriate persons in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individual(s).
(q) Appropriate persons for whom information about the student's university-sponsored student health insurance status is necessary to protect the welfare of the student (e.g., to pay premiums, provide medical treatment, process claims).
(r) For deceased students, members of the family or to other persons with the approval of the family or representatives of the estate. The request for education records must be accompanied by a copy of the death certificate or obituary. Absent approval from the family or representative of the estate, directory information only will be released to persons upon request.
(2) Where the consent of the student is obtained for the release of education records, it shall be in writing, signed and dated by the student, or through the use of computer technology if the identification of the requesting student can be verified by the university, and shall include:
(a) A specification of the records to be released,
(b) The reasons for such release, and
(c) The names of the parties to whom such records may be released.
(3) The university shall keep with the education record released, a log which will indicate the parties which have requested or obtained access to a student's records maintained by the university, including the names of additional parties to whom the receiving party was permitted by the university to disclose the record, and which will indicate the interest claimed by the requesting party. The university need not maintain a log of releases made to university officials who have been determined to have a legitimate educational interest; releases to the student; releases made pursuant to a student's written consent, or releases of directory information only. The log of disclosure may be inspected and reviewed by the student, the university official responsible for the custody of the records, and other authorized parties.
(4) Education records, other than directory information, released to third parties, with or without student consent, shall be accompanied by a written statement indicating that the information cannot be subsequently released to any other parties without obtaining consent of the student and must be destroyed when no longer needed for the purposes for which it was provided. Third parties and their agents may use such information only for the purposes for which it was released.
(5) The term "directory information" used in WAC 478-140-024(1) is defined as a student's name, street address, email address, telephone numbers, date of birth, major and minor field(s) of study, class, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height if the student is a member of an intercollegiate athletic team, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. Students may restrict release of directory information, or remove a previous directory release restriction, by going to the registration office (225 Schmitz Hall) in person and presenting photo identification, or using STAR online.