The Seattle College District is a diverse and dynamic learning community. As such, the college district maintains a strong commitment to our values. We value students: We promote programs, services and activities that address students' needs and interests; student success through accessibility and support services; and student development through activities both inside and outside the classroom. We value diversity: We promote respect for the abilities and interests of each individual; awareness and understanding of all people; and appreciation of the unique cultures of our campuses. We are committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all, and do not tolerate discrimination or retaliation against any member of the college community because of ((her/his))their race; color; national origin; sensory, mental or physical disability; use of a service animal; gender, including pregnancy; marital status, religion; creed; genetic information; sexual orientation; age; gender identity; gender expression; veteran's status; or any other legally protected classification, in accordance with WAC 132F-121-110(1).

For purposes of this chapter((:)), except for the Title IX supplemental procedures, the following definitions apply. The definition of "consent," however, will apply to the whole chapter.

(1)(a) Bullying. Bullying is defined as the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at another student or staff that:

(i) Intentionally causes physical or emotional imminent harm to the student or damage to the student's property;

(ii) Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to ((herself or himself))themselves or of damage to the student's property;

(iii) Creates an unlawful hostile environment at school for the student;

(iv) Infringes on the rights of the student at school; or

(v) Is conduct that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to cause material disruption to the ability of a student to participate or benefit in the education program.

(b) Cyber misconduct. Cyberstalking, cyberbullying or online harassment. Use of electronic communications including, but not limited to, electronic mail, instant messaging, electronic bulletin boards, and social media sites, to harass, abuse, bully or engage in other conduct which harms, threatens, or is reasonably perceived as threatening the health or safety of another person. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, unauthorized monitoring of another's email communications directly or through spyware, sending threatening emails, disrupting electronic communications with spam or by sending a computer virus, sending false messages to third parties using another's email identity, nonconsensual recording, including images or videos of a sexual nature, and nonconsensual distribution of such material.

(c) Stalking. Stalking is intentional and repeated following of another person, which places that person in reasonable fear that the perpetrator intends to injure, intimidate or harass that person. Stalking also includes instances where the perpetrator knows or reasonably should know that person is frightened, intimidated or harassed, even if the perpetrator lacks such an intent.

(2) Sexual misconduct. The term "sexual misconduct" includes sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, sexual violence, and domestic violence.

(a) Sexual harassment. The term "sexual harassment" means unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently serious as to deny or limit, and that does deny or limit, based on sex, the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the college's educational program or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for other campus community members.

(b) Sexual intimidation. The term "sexual intimidation" incorporates the definition of "sexual harassment" and means threatening or emotionally distressing conduct based on sex including, but not limited to, nonconsensual recording of sexual activity or the distribution of such recording.

(c) Sexual violence. Sexual violence is a type of sexual discrimination and harassment. Nonconsensual sexual intercourse, nonconsensual sexual contact, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are all types of sexual violence.

(i) Nonconsensual sexual intercourse is any sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal), however slight, with any object, by a person upon another person, that is without consent and/or by force. Sexual intercourse includes anal or vaginal penetration by a penis, tongue, finger, or object, or oral copulation by mouth to genital contact or genital to mouth contact.

(ii) Nonconsensual sexual contact is any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any object, by a person upon another person that is without consent and/or by force. Sexual touching includes any bodily contact with the breasts, groin, mouth, or other bodily orifice of another individual, or any other bodily contact in a sexual manner.

(iii) Domestic violence as defined in (d) of this subsection.

(iv) Dating violence means violence by a person who has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim, and includes conduct that causes emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual trauma. Whether there was such relationship will be gauged by its length, type, and frequency of interaction.

(v) Stalking as defined in subsection (1)(c) of this section.

(vi) Consent: Knowing, voluntary and clear permission by word or action, to engage in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. Each party has the responsibility to make certain that the other has consented before engaging in the activity. For consent to be valid, there must be at the time of the act of sexual intercourse or sexual contact actual words or conduct indicating freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact.

A person cannot consent if ((he or she is))they are unable to understand what is happening or is disoriented, helpless, asleep or unconscious for any reason, including due to alcohol or other drugs. An individual who engages in sexual activity when the individual knows, or should know, that the other person is physically or mentally incapacitated has engaged in nonconsensual conduct.

Intoxication is not a defense against allegations that an individual has engaged in nonconsensual sexual conduct.

(d) Domestic violence. Domestic violence includes asserted violent misdemeanor and felony offenses committed by the victim's current or former spouse, current or former cohabitant, person similarly situated under domestic or family violence law, or anyone else protected under domestic or family violence law, and, includes conduct that causes emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual trauma.

(3) The terms "college" and "campus" are used interchangeably, and each refers to any of the district's three colleges, North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College. The Seattle Vocational Institute is considered to be part of Seattle Central College.

(4) "Day" means calendar day, unless specified otherwise, and deadlines shall be computed in accordance with WAC 10-08-080.

(5) "District" means the sixth state college district, the district administrative offices (Siegal Center), North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, South Seattle College, ((the Seattle Vocational Institute,)) and/or every other District VI educational facility, each separately and all together.

(6) "District community" includes, but is not limited to, the district itself and all enrolled students, employees, officers, and invitees of the district.

(7) "District property" includes all real property, buildings, and other facilities that are owned, leased, or controlled by the district or by the state for district purposes.

(8) "Vice president for student services" means the person whom a college president has appointed to that position or has otherwise designated to perform the functions ascribed to that position in this chapter.

(9) An action or activity that may be authorized or taken by the district chancellor, a vice chancellor, a campus president, or a campus vice president may also be authorized or taken by any other person whom that officer has specifically designated to perform that function on ((his/her))their behalf, but this officer retains responsibility for the function.

(10) After the adoption of these rules, if a statute or rule to which they refer is renumbered or otherwise amended, these rules shall be interpreted to the fullest extent possible to incorporate such amendment while still giving effect to their original purposes.

(11) Service of any document, notice, or copy under this chapter shall be made (a) by personal delivery, (b) by mailing to the recipient's last known address, which service shall be regarded as complete upon deposit in the U.S. mail properly stamped and addressed, or (c) as otherwise authorized by law or rule.

(12) The term "student" includes all persons taking courses at the district, either full-time or part-time. Persons who withdraw after allegedly violating the student code, who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the district, or who have been notified of their acceptance for admission are considered "students" as are persons who are living in district resident halls, although not enrolled at the district.

(1) Statement of student rights. As members of the academic community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in an independent search for truth. Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility. The responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the college community.

The following enumerated rights are guaranteed to each student within the limitations of statutory law and college policy which are deemed necessary to achieve the educational goals of the college:

(a) Academic freedom.

(i) Students are guaranteed the rights of free inquiry, expression, and assembly upon and within college facilities that are generally open and available to the public.

(ii) Students are free to pursue appropriate educational objectives from among the college's curricula, programs, and services, subject to the limitations of RCW 28B.50.090 (3)(b).

(iii) Students shall be protected from academic evaluation which is arbitrary, prejudiced, or capricious, but are responsible for meeting the standards of academic performance established by each of their instructors.

(iv) Students have the right to a learning environment which is free from unlawful discrimination, inappropriate and disrespectful conduct, and any and all harassment, including sexual harassment.

(b) Due process.

(i) The rights of students to be secure in their persons, quarters, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures is guaranteed.

(ii) No disciplinary sanction may be imposed on any student without notice to the accused of the nature of the charges.

(iii) A student accused of violating this code of student conduct is entitled, upon request, to procedural due process as set forth in this chapter.

(iv) Sexual misconduct investigations. Both the respondent and the ((complainant))claimant in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct shall be provided the same procedural rights to participate in student discipline matters, including the right to participate in the initial disciplinary decision-making process and to appeal any disciplinary decision.

(2) Classroom freedom of expression. The district recognizes the rights of students to freedom of discussion and free expression of views. However, students' rights of classroom expression do not include expressions or conduct which create a hostile educational environment or violate chapter 49.60 RCW or other applicable law. It is the responsibility of the instructor to insure and encourage the realization not only of the fact but of the spirit of free inquiry. Instructors have the responsibility to maintain order, but this authority shall not be used to inhibit the expression of views contrary to their own. Students have the right to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they cannot do so in a disruptive manner that interferes with the educational process. Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. It also is the responsibility of the student to comply with the instructor's efforts to assure freedom of expression and to maintain order.

(3) Protection against improper evaluation. Instructors shall give their students fair and consistent evaluations of the students' course performance. Toward this end, instructors are also responsible for establishing appropriate standards of academic performance for each course. Fair and consistent grading is a legitimate classroom experience.

(4) Protection against improper disclosure. Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which is acquired by instructors in the course of their work as faculty or advisors, under circumstances which clearly indicate that it is intended to be confidential, shall be treated as confidential and shall not be disclosed to others, unless it relates to the apparent or intended commission of a crime or disclosure is required by law. Protection against improper disclosure of student education record information is a serious professional obligation incurred by the teaching profession and district administrators. However, evaluations of student ability and character may be provided to third parties with the student's consent or in accordance with applicable law.

(5) Nonacademic expression and inquiry. Students and student organizations are free to examine and to discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately, in accordance with law. They are free to support causes by orderly and lawful means which do not disrupt the operation of the institution and which comply with the district's policies regarding these activities.

(6) The district shall respect students' right to privacy. It will not inquire into the off-campus activities of its students without legal justification.

(1) Student organizations may be established and recognized whether their aims are educational, cultural, recreational, social, athletic, religious, political, or economic. Affiliation with an external organization shall not in and of itself disqualify a campus-based student organization from recognition. Membership in a student organization shall be open to any student who subscribes to the stated aims of the organization. To operate as such, a student organization must be recognized by the approved student government organization. The student organization shall abide by all governing federal and state laws and district and campus rules, policies and procedures.

(2) A college may require, as a condition of access to campus funds and/or facilities, demonstration or proof of the student enrollments of a student organization's members. However, any list of members compiled for such purposes shall not be publicly disclosed except in accordance with applicable law. A college may, in its discretion, permit others, such as students' spouses, to participate in a student organization's activities under appropriate conditions.

(3) Each year, before a student organization may be recognized or function as such, or may use services and activities funds, a college employee must be identified to serve as its advisor and ((his/her))their name must be approved by the vice president for student services or designee.

(4) Where funds are allocated to a student organization, financial accountability is required. Student organizations' funds shall be maintained at the college, in college accounts. The organizations shall keep detailed written records of their income and expenditures and shall assure that these can be reconciled with the campus budget and accounting system. Student organizations' financial records must be made available upon request to the student government organization and to any administrative officer designated by the college president.

(5) A college president may withdraw a student organization's recognition and funding for good cause. Such cause shall include, but not be limited to, (a) failure to comply with this rule or other district requirements or (b) hazing.

(1) No individual student, student group, or student organization may act or make any representation in the name of the district or of any campus without specific authorization from the vice president for student services or designee.

(2) No individual student, student group or student organization shall falsely indicate or represent that ((his, her, or its))their own position on any policy or issue is that of the district or of any campus.

(1) To be considered under the formal process, a complaint must be filed in writing with the campus complaints officer by the final day of the quarter following the quarter in which the problem occurred, except as otherwise provided in WAC 132F-121-090 for a grade complaint. For purposes of complaints, the quarter which follows spring quarter is fall quarter. The written document should fully specify the facts and other grounds on which the complaint is based, and should include copies of relevant supporting documents when feasible. The complaints officer may extend any deadline herein for good cause.

(2) If the complaints officer determines that the complaint does not qualify to be addressed through the formal process, that officer must inform the student, explaining the reasons in writing within five working days. The student complainant may obtain review of that notice of complaint disqualification by filing a written request with the complaints officer under subsection (9) of this section.

(3) If the complaints officer determines that the complaint does qualify as such, that officer must serve copies of the complaint and the supporting documents on the individual named in the complaint (the respondent) and the respondent's supervisor, within five working days.

(4) The respondent, upon receiving notice of the formal complaint, shall provide a response in writing to the complaints officer, and to the respondent's supervisor, within ten working days.

(5) The complaints officer must forward the written response, or the information that no response was received, to the student complainant within five working days of receipt of the response, or five working days from when a response was due.

(6) If the student complainant finds that the response or lack thereof is unsatisfactory she/he has five working days in which to submit a written request for the complaints officer to schedule a conference with the respondent to discuss the matter.

(7) Upon receipt of such request, the complaints officer has five working days to schedule the conference which must be convened within ten working days of receipt of the students' request or as soon thereafter as feasible. This conference will include the student, the respondent, and ((his or her))their supervisor, and be moderated by the complaints officer.

(8) During this conference the complaints officer shall try to facilitate resolution. The complaints officer shall produce a written statement summarizing the conference and provide copies to all parties within ten working days of the conference.

(9) The student complainant may request a review of the outcome of the complaint conference (or of a complaint disqualification) by submitting a written request for administrative review to the complaints officer within five working days of receiving the conference summary.

(10) The complaints officer shall forward, within five working days, the request for administrative review, the complaint, supporting documents, and the conference summary either to the vice president of instruction (if the officer determines that the complaint is predominantly an instructional matter), or to the vice president for student services (if the officer determines that the complaint is predominantly noninstructional in nature).

(11) This administrator shall review the complaint and documentation, and may also interview knowledgeable persons as appropriate. The administrator should render a written decision within ten working days after receiving the complaint and documents, or as soon thereafter as feasible. The administrator may accept, reject, or modify any of the previous action(s) in the matter, and/or take other action(s). This decision shall be in writing and shall be served on the student complainant and others deemed appropriate.

(12) This decision of the reviewing administrator shall be the final decision of the district on that complaint.

Misconduct for which the campuses may impose sanctions includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

(1) Discriminatory conduct. Discriminatory conduct which harms or adversely affects any member of the college community because of ((her/his))their race; color; national origin; sensory, mental or physical disability; use of a service animal; gender, including pregnancy; marital status, religion; creed; genetic information; sexual orientation; age; gender identity; gender expression; veteran's status; or any other legally protected classification.

(2) Sexual misconduct. The term "sexual misconduct" includes sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, and sexual violence as defined in WAC 132F-121-010(2).

(3) Harassment. Unwelcome and offensive conduct, including verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct, that is directed at a person because of such person's protected status and that is sufficiently serious as to deny or limit, and that does deny or limit, the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the college's educational program or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for other campus community members. Protected status includes a person's race; color; national origin; sensory, mental or physical disability; use of a service animal; gender, including pregnancy; marital status; age; religion; creed; genetic information; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; veteran's status; or any other legally protected classification, and includes sexual harassment. Harassing conduct may include, but is not limited to, physical conduct, verbal, written, social media and electronic forms of communication.

(4) Any act of course-related dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating or plagiarism.

(a) Cheating includes, but is not limited to, using, or attempting to use, any material, assistance, or source which has not been authorized by the instructor to satisfy any expectation or requirement in an instructional course, or obtaining, without authorization, test questions or answers or other academic material that belong to another.

(b) Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, using another person's ideas, words, or other work in an instructional course without properly crediting that person.

(c) Academic dishonesty also includes, but is not limited to, submitting in an instructional course either information that is known to be false (while concealing that falsity) or work that is substantially the same as that previously submitted in another course (without the current instructor's approval).

(5) Any other act of college-related dishonesty. Such acts include, but are not limited to:

(a) Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any district document, record, or instrument of identification;

(b) Tampering with an election conducted by or for district students; or

(c) Furnishing false information, or failing to furnish correct information, in response to the request or requirement of a district officer or employee.

(6) Obstruction or disruption of (a) any instruction, research, administration, disciplinary proceeding, or other district activity, whether occurring on or off district property, or (b) any other activity that is authorized to occur on district property, whether or not actually conducted by the district.

(7) Assault, physical abuse, verbal abuse, threat(s), intimidation, harassment, bullying, cyberbullying, stalking or other conduct which harms, threatens, or is reasonably perceived as threatening the health or safety of another person or another person's property.

(8) Attempted or actual damage to, or theft or misuse of, real or personal property or money of (a) the district or state, (b) any student or district officer, employee, or organization, or (c) any other person or organization lawfully present on district property, or possession of such property or money after it has been stolen.

(9) Failure to comply with the direction of a district officer or employee who is acting in the legitimate performance of ((his or her))their duties, or failure to properly identify oneself to such a person when requested to do so.

(10) Participation in any activity which unreasonably disrupts the operations of the district or infringes on the rights of another member of the district community, or leads or incites another person to engage in such an activity.

(11) Weapons. Carrying, holding, wearing, exhibiting, displaying or drawing of any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, explosive device, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm is prohibited on the college campus, subject to the following exceptions:

(a) Commissioned law enforcement personnel or legally authorized military personnel while in performance of their duties;

(b) A student with a valid concealed weapons permit may store a firearm in ((his or her))their vehicle parked on campus in accordance with RCW 9.41.050, provided the vehicle is locked and the weapon is concealed from view; or

(c) The president or the president's designee may authorize possession of a weapon on campus upon a showing that the weapon is reasonably related to a legitimate pedagogical purpose. Such permission shall be in writing and shall be subject to such terms or conditions incorporated therein.

This policy does not apply to the possession and/or use of disabling chemical sprays when possessed and/or used for self-defense.

(12) Hazing. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student.

(13) Alcohol. The use, possession, delivery, or sale of any alcoholic beverage, except as permitted by law, applicable college policies, or authorized by chancellor or a college president, or being observably under the influence of alcohol.

(14) Drugs.

(a) Marijuana. The use, possession, delivery, or sale of marijuana or the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana and intended for human consumption, regardless of form. While state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises or in connection with college activities.

(b) Drugs. The use, possession, delivery, sale or being under the influence of any legend drug, including anabolic steroids, androgens, or human growth hormones as defined in chapter 69.41 RCW, or any other controlled substance under chapter 69.50 RCW, except as prescribed for a student's use by a licensed practitioner.

(15) Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular movement on district property or at a district activity.

(16) Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or obscene.

(17) Breach of the peace, or aiding, abetting, or procuring a breach of the peace.

(18) The use of tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and related products is prohibited in any building owned, leased or operated by the college, including twenty-five feet from entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes of such buildings, and where otherwise prohibited. "Related products" include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, pipes, bidi, clove cigarettes, water pipes, hookahs, chewing tobacco, and snuff.

(19) Theft or other misuse of computer time or other electronic information resources of the district. Such misuse includes but is not limited to:

(a) Unauthorized use of such resources or opening of a file, message, or other item;

(b) Unauthorized duplication, transfer, or distribution of a computer program, file, message, or other item;

(c) Unauthorized use or distribution of someone else's password or other identification;

(d) Use of such time or resources to interfere with someone else's work;

(e) Use of such time or resources to send, display, or print an obscene or abusive message, text, or image;

(f) Use of such time or resources to interfere with normal operation of the district's computing system or other electronic information resources;

(g) Use of such time or resources in violation of applicable copyright or other law;

(h) Adding to or otherwise altering the infrastructure of the district's electronic information resources without authorization; or

(i) Failure to comply with the district's electronic use policy.

(20) Unauthorized possession, duplication, or other use of a key, keycard, or other restricted means of access to district property, or unauthorized entry onto or into district property.

(21) Abuse or misuse of any of the procedures relating to student complaints or misconduct including, but not limited to:

(a) Failure to obey a subpoena;

(b) Falsification or misrepresentation of information;

(c) Disruption, or interference with the orderly conduct, of a proceeding;

(d) Interfering with someone else's proper participation in a proceeding;

(e) Destroying or altering potential evidence, or attempting to intimidate or otherwise improperly pressure a witness or potential witness;

(f) Attempting to influence the impartiality of, or harassing or intimidating, a student conduct committee member; or

(g) Failure to comply with any disciplinary sanction(s) imposed under this student conduct code.

(22) Safety violations. The operation of any motor vehicle on district property in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is reasonably perceived as threatening the health or safety of another person. Safety violation includes any nonaccidental conduct that interferes with or otherwise compromises any college policy, equipment, or procedure relating to the safety and security of the campus community, including tampering with fire safety equipment and triggering false alarms or other emergency response systems.

(23) Violation of any other district rule, requirement, or procedure including, but not limited to, any that is posted in electronic form, the district's traffic and parking rules, or the requirements for carpool parking.

(24) Violation of any federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation, including any hate crime.

(25) Ethical violation. The breach of any generally recognized and published code of ethics or standards of professional practice that governs the conduct of a particular profession for which the student is taking a course or is pursuing as an educational goal or major.

In addition to initiating discipline proceeding for violation of the student conduct code, the college may refer any violations of federal, state or local laws to civil and criminal authorities for disposition. The college shall proceed with student disciplinary proceedings regardless of whether the underlying conduct is subject to civil or criminal prosecution.

(26) Aiding, abetting, inciting, encouraging, or assisting another person to commit any of the foregoing acts of misconduct.

(27) Retaliation. Retaliation against any individual for reporting, providing information, exercising one's rights or responsibilities, or otherwise being involved in the process of responding to, investigating, or addressing allegations or violations of federal, state or local law, or college policies including, but not limited to, student conduct code provisions prohibiting discrimination and harassment.

(1) An instructor need not give credit for course work that is the product of cheating, plagiarism, or other dishonesty. For any act of dishonesty that occurs during an instructional course, the instructor may adjust the student's grade accordingly for the particular examination, paper, or other work product where that dishonesty occurred. Any such grade adjustment shall not limit or preclude disciplinary sanction(s) for the same act of dishonesty.

(2) An instructor may take appropriate action to maintain order and proper conduct in the classroom and to maintain the effective cooperation of students in fulfilling the objectives of the course. If a student is so disorderly or disruptive that it is difficult or impossible to maintain classroom decorum, that action may include removing that student from that day's class session.

(3) With regard to any act of course-related dishonesty, classroom misconduct, or other academic misconduct, the faculty member involved may notify ((his/her))their dean, with supporting documentation. The dean shall then determine whether to refer the matter to the vice president for student services for possible disciplinary action.

(4) A student who has received a grade adjustment by the instructor on the basis of dishonesty may grieve that adjustment under the student complaint procedure. However, any disciplinary sanction that is imposed instead of or in addition to an instructor's grade adjustment may be imposed and reviewed only under the student disciplinary procedure.

(1) The vice president for student services or designee at each campus is responsible for investigating possible violations of this student conduct code at that campus and initiating any appropriate disciplinary actions. If that officer is a respondent in a complaint initiated by the subject student, the college president shall, upon request and when feasible, designate another person to fulfill any such disciplinary responsibilities relative to the complainant.

(2) Any member of the district community may make a complaint against a student whom she/he believes has violated this student conduct code. Such a complaint should ordinarily be filed in writing with the vice president for student services. However, no such complaint is required in order for that vice president to take action on any matter that comes to ((his/her))their attention.

(1) Except as otherwise provided herein, a respondent who has received notice of disciplinary sanction(s) imposed by the vice president for student services may appeal such sanction(s) by filing a written notice of appeal with that officer within ten days. The notice of appeal may include any statement that the respondent wishes to make of the grounds for ((her/his))their appeal.

(2) If the vice president has referred the matter to the student conduct committee for action, no appeal is required, but the student may file a written response with the vice president within twenty days of service of that referral.

(3) Except for conduct matters referred for brief adjudicative proceedings, the vice president shall promptly transmit any notice of appeal or response to referral, together with a copy of any notification of discipline, to the chair of the student conduct committee, described below. The vice president should serve a copy of that transmittal on the respondent.

(4) Except through a summary suspension under WAC 132F-121-250, a respondent's enrollment status and rights as an enrolled student shall not be altered, on the basis of a disciplinary sanction imposed by the vice president, until (a) the appeal period has run without a proper appeal being filed or (b) if there is an appeal, either that appeal has been withdrawn or the final order has been entered.

(5) If a respondent files a timely appeal of a probation or suspension that includes restrictions on contacts, communications, or campus access, the vice president will ordinarily modify those restrictions as necessary to facilitate the respondent's preparation for the hearing.

(1) A student conduct committee at each college will hear all disciplinary cases at that college which are referred to it by the vice president for student services or appealed to it by a student. For purposes of WAC 132F-108-020 and any other requirements, the district trustees and chancellor and each college president designate (a) the committee provided for herein to serve as presiding officer to hear the described student disciplinary matters and (b) the committee chair both to handle and decide procedural matters (as provided herein) and to preside at the hearing.

(2) This committee shall be composed of the following three members:

(a) One administrator or exempt employee, appointed by the college president;

(b) One member of the faculty, appointed by the college president; and

(c) One student, appointed by the president of the recognized student government organization.

(3) Each appointment shall be accompanied by the appointment of two alternates. Each member and alternate shall serve for the academic year or until a replacement is appointed, whichever is longer. When a member is not available for a hearing, the committee chair shall designate an alternate to replace ((him/her))them for that hearing. If a member or alternate ceases to serve, a successor shall be promptly appointed. A member or alternate may be reappointed in any role.

(4) The administrator or exempt employee shall be the committee chair.

(5) A committee member is subject to disqualification for bias, prejudice, interest, or as further provided in RCW 34.05.425.

(1) A respondent student has a right to a prompt, fair, and impartial hearing before the student conduct committee on a referral for, or timely appeal of, a disciplinary sanction, except as otherwise provided in these rules.

(2) Chapter 34.05 RCW and chapter 10-08 WAC govern committee proceedings and control in the event of any conflict with these rules. The district's chapter 132F-108 WAC also governs committee proceedings.

(3) The chair of the committee shall give not less than seven days advance written notice of the hearing to all parties, as further specified in RCW 34.05.434 and WAC 10-08-040 and 10-08-045. The chair may shorten this notice period if both parties agree, and also may continue the hearing to a later time for good cause.

(4) The committee chair may provide to the committee members in advance of the hearing copies of (a) the vice president for student service's notification of imposition of discipline (or referral to the committee) and (b) the notice of appeal (or any response to referral) by the respondent. If doing so, however, the chair should remind the members that these "pleadings" are not evidence of any facts they may allege.

(5) The committee chair is authorized to conduct prehearing conferences and/or to make prehearing decisions, except as overridden by majority vote of the committee, concerning the extent and forms of any discovery, issuance of protective orders, and similar procedural matters.

(6) Upon request made at least five days before the hearing by either the respondent or the vice president, the two of them shall exchange, no later than the third day prior to the hearing, lists of potential witnesses and copies of potential exhibits that they reasonably expect to present in their respective cases, except impeachment or rebuttal evidence. Failure to participate in good faith in such a requested exchange may be cause for exclusion from the hearing of any witness or exhibit not disclosed, absent a showing of good cause for such failure.

(7) The respondent and the vice president may agree before the hearing to designate specific exhibits as admissible without objection and, if they do so, whether the committee chair may provide copies of these admissible exhibits to the committee members before the hearing.

(8) The vice president shall provide reasonable assistance to the respondent, upon request, in obtaining relevant and admissible evidence that is within the college's control.

(9) Communications between committee members and other persons regarding any issue in the proceeding, other than procedural communications that are necessary to maintain an orderly process, are generally prohibited without notice and opportunity for all parties to participate, and any improper "ex parte" communication shall be placed on the record, as further provided in RCW 34.05.455.

(10) Each party may be accompanied at the hearing by a nonattorney assistant of ((his/her))their choice. A respondent may elect to be represented by an attorney, but will be deemed to have waived that right unless, at least four days before the hearing, written notice of the attorney's identity and participation is served on both the chair and the vice president. If the respondent is represented by an attorney, the vice president may also be represented by an attorney. If both the respondent and vice president have counsel, the committee will ordinarily be advised by a separate assistant attorney general.

(11) Minor disciplinary actions imposing probation or suspension of ten instructional days or less and any conditions or terms placed on the student may be conducted by a brief adjudicative proceeding in accordance with RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494.

(1) The college president shall review the record and enter the final college order, in accordance with RCW 34.05.461(2) and 34.05.464.

(2) If either the respondent or the vice president for student services wishes to file written argument with the president, she/he must file that argument and serve a copy on the other within fifteen days after service of the committee's order. Within seven days after service of any such argument, the other party may file and serve a written response. The president shall have discretion to modify these deadlines and/or to allow oral arguments. However no new evidence, not already part of the record, may be introduced in any argument, except as expressly authorized by the president upon a showing of compelling legal justification and after any appropriate fact-finding.

(3) The president shall personally consider the whole record or such portions of it as may be cited by the parties. A party's failure to present any argument shall mean that the party is citing "none" of the record.

(4) If the committee's order includes a provision for expulsion, the president must consult with and obtain the agreement of the district chancellor. If the committee's order includes a provision for suspension from any other college(s) of the district, the president must consult with and obtain the agreement of the president(s) of such college(s).

(5) Within ninety days following the later of the conclusion of the hearing or the committee's receipt of closing arguments, the president shall either remand the matter for further proceedings, with instructions to the committee, or enter a final order in the matter. The president shall have all of decision-making power that he/she would have had if presiding over the hearing, including the power to affirm, reverse, or modify any disciplinary sanction.

(6) The president's final order shall include, or incorporate by reference to the committee's initial order, all matters required by RCW 34.05.461, in accordance with RCW 34.05.464. It shall also include notice to the respondent of ((his/her))their right to seek judicial review under RCW 34.05.510 et seq.

(7) Copies of the final order shall be served on the respondent, the vice president, any legal counsel who have appeared, and the committee chair.

(8) The decision of the president shall be the final district action in the matter.

When a student has missed classes and/or course work due to a disciplinary suspension or expulsion, but that disciplinary sanction was appealed and not upheld, the student shall be given a reasonable opportunity to reestablish ((his/her))their academic standing and the alternative of a withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees. Depending on the circumstances, reestablishing academic standing may include opportunities to take examinations and otherwise complete course offerings that were missed due to the disciplinary sanction or to retake the class(es).

(1) A summary suspension is a temporary exclusion from specified college premises or denial of access to all activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, during which an investigation and/or formal disciplinary procedures are pending.

Suspension may be imposed, if the vice president for student services or ((his/her))their designee(s) has cause to believe that any student:

(a) Has violated any provision of the code of conduct; and

(b) Presents an immediate danger to the health, safety or welfare of members of the college community; or

(c) If the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the operations of the college, that student may be summarily suspended.

(2) Notice. Any student who has been summarily suspended shall be served with written notice or verbal notice of the summary suspension. If such notice is made in writing, it shall be provided by certified mail and first class mail delivered to the student's last known address.

(3) The oral or written notice to the student shall include the reasons for summary suspension, duration of the summary suspension, and any possible additional disciplinary or corrective action that may be taken. The notification shall indicate that the student must appear before the vice president of student services or designee for a summary suspension hearing at a time specified in the notice. If oral notice is given, written notice shall follow within two calendar days. In addition, the vice president for student services or designee shall set a date for summary suspension hearing as soon as practicable.

(4) The student shall be given the opportunity to present written and/or oral evidence. The issue before the vice president for student services or designee shall be whether probable cause exists to support and to continue the summary suspension.

(5) The vice president for student services or designee shall issue a written order within two days of the informal hearing, including a brief statement of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and policy reasons for the decision to justify the determination of an immediate danger and the vice president's decision to take the specific action.

(6) If a student who has been summarily suspended fails to appear for a summary suspension hearing, the vice president for student services may order the suspension to remain in place pending the final disposition of the disciplinary process as provided in this section.

(7) The student may request a de novo review of the informal hearing decision before the student conduct committee. The review will be scheduled promptly. Either party may request the review to be consolidated with any other disciplinary proceeding arising from the same matter.

(8) Nothing herein shall prevent faculty members from taking summary action as may be reasonably necessary to maintain order in the classroom and/or prevent substantial disruption to the educational process. Such summary action in the form of removal from the classroom may not exceed one day per episode. Any such summary action may be appealed to the vice president for student services for a brief adjudicative proceeding.

This supplemental procedure applies to allegations of sexual harassment subject to Title IX jurisdiction pursuant to regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Education. See 34 C.F.R. Part 106. To the extent these supplemental hearing procedures conflict with the Seattle Colleges' standard disciplinary procedures, WAC 132F-121-110 through 132F-121-260, these supplemental procedures shall take precedence.

Pursuant to RCW 28B.50.140(13) and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681, the Seattle Colleges may impose disciplinary sanctions against a student who commits, attempts to commit, or aids, abets, incites, encourages, or assists another person to commit, an act(s) of "sexual harassment."

For purposes of this supplemental procedure, "sexual harassment" encompasses the following conduct:

(1) Quid pro quo harassment. A Seattle Colleges' student conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the Seattle Colleges on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.

(2) Hostile environment. Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the Seattle Colleges' educational programs or activities, or employment.

(3) Sexual assault. Sexual assault includes the following conduct:

(a) Nonconsensual sexual intercourse. Any actual or attempted sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal), however slight, with any object or body part, by a person upon another person, that is without consent and/or by force. Sexual intercourse includes anal or vaginal penetration by a penis, tongue, finger, or object, or oral copulation by mouth to genital contact or genital to mouth contact.

(b) Nonconsensual sexual contact. Any actual or attempted sexual touching, however slight, with any body part or object, by a person upon another person that is without consent and/or by force. Sexual touching includes any bodily contact with the breasts, groin, mouth, or other bodily orifice of another individual, or any other bodily contact in a sexual manner.

(c) Incest. Sexual intercourse or sexual contact with a person known to be related to them, either legitimately or illegitimately, as an ancestor, descendant, brother, or sister of either wholly or half related. Descendant includes stepchildren and adopted children under the age of eighteen.

(d) Statutory rape. Consensual sexual intercourse between someone who is eighteen years of age or older and someone who is under the age of sixteen.

(4) Domestic violence. Physical violence, bodily injury, assault, the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, sexual assault, or stalking committed by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the state of Washington, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the state of Washington, RCW 26.50.010.

(5) Dating violence. Physical violence, bodily injury, assault, the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, sexual assault, or stalking committed by a person:

(a) Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and

(b) Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:

(i) The length of the relationship;

(ii) The type of relationship; and

(iii) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

(6) Stalking. Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress.

(1) This supplemental procedure applies only if the alleged misconduct:

(a) Occurred in the United States;

(b) Occurred during a Seattle Colleges' educational program or activity; and

(c) Meets the definition of sexual harassment as that term is defined in this supplemental procedure.

(2) For purposes of this supplemental procedure, an "educational program or activity" is defined as locations, events, or circumstances over which the Seattle Colleges exercised substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the alleged sexual harassment occurred. This definition includes any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the Seattle Colleges.

(3) Proceedings under this supplemental procedure must be dismissed if the decision maker determines that one or all of the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (c) of this section have not been met. Dismissal under this supplemental procedure does not prohibit the Seattle Colleges from pursuing other disciplinary action based on allegations that the respondent violated other provisions of the Seattle Colleges' student conduct code, WAC 132F-121-110.

(4) If the student conduct officer determines the facts in the investigation report are not sufficient to support Title IX jurisdiction and/or pursuit of a Title IX violation, the student conduct officer will issue a notice of dismissal in whole or part to both parties explaining why some or all of the Title IX claims have been dismissed.

(1) Upon receiving the Title IX investigation report from the Title IX coordinator, the student conduct officer will independently review the report to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to pursue a disciplinary action against the respondent for engaging in prohibited conduct under Title IX.

(2) If the student conduct officer determines that there are sufficient grounds to proceed under these supplemental procedures, the student conduct officer will initiate a Title IX disciplinary proceeding by filing a written disciplinary notice with the chair of the student conduct committee and serving the notice on the respondent and the complainant, and their respective advisors. The notice must:

(a) Set forth the basis for Title IX jurisdiction;

(b) Identify the alleged Title IX violation(s);

(c) Set forth the facts underlying the allegation(s);

(d) Identify the range of possible sanctions that may be imposed if the respondent is found responsible for the alleged violation(s); and

(e) Explain that the parties are entitled to be accompanied by their chosen advisors during the hearing and that:

(i) The advisors will be responsible for questioning all witnesses on the party's behalf;

(ii) An advisor may be an attorney; and

(iii) The Seattle Colleges will appoint the party an advisor of the Seattle Colleges' choosing at no cost to the party, if the party fails to do so.

(3) Explain that if a party fails to appear at the hearing, a decision of responsibility may be made in their absence.

(1) Upon receiving the disciplinary notice, the chair of the student conduct committee will send a hearing notice to all parties, in compliance with WAC 132F-121-180. In no event will the hearing date be set less than ten days after the Title IX coordinator provided the final investigation report to the parties.

(2) A party may choose to have an attorney serve as their advisor at the party's own expense. This right will be waived unless, at least five days before the hearing, the attorney files a notice of appearance with the committee chair with copies to all parties and the student conduct officer.

(3) In preparation for the hearing, the parties will have equal access to all evidence gathered by the investigator during the investigation, regardless of whether the Seattle Colleges intends to offer the evidence at the hearing.

(1) The Seattle Colleges' student conduct procedures, WAC 132F-121-110, and this supplemental procedure shall apply equally to all parties.

(2) The Seattle Colleges bears the burden of offering and presenting sufficient testimony and evidence to establish that the respondent is responsible for a Title IX violation by a preponderance of the evidence.

(3) The respondent will be presumed not responsible until such time as the disciplinary process has been finally resolved.

(4) During the hearing, each party shall be represented by an advisor. The parties are entitled to an advisor of their own choosing and the advisor may be an attorney. If a party does not choose an advisor, then the Title IX coordinator will appoint an advisor of the Seattle Colleges' choosing on the party's behalf at no expense to the party.

The introduction and consideration of evidence during the hearing is subject to the following procedures and restrictions:

(1) Relevance: The committee chair shall review all questions for relevance and shall explain on the record their reasons for excluding any question based on lack of relevance.

(2) Relevance means that information elicited by the question makes facts in dispute more or less likely to be true.

(3) Questions or evidence about a complainant's sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant and must be excluded, unless such question or evidence:

(a) Is asked or offered to prove someone other than the respondent committed the alleged misconduct; or

(b) Concerns specific incidents of prior sexual behavior between the complainant and the respondent, which are asked or offered on the issue of consent.

(4) Cross-examination required: If a party or witness does not submit to cross-examination during the live hearing, the committee must not rely on any statement by that party or witness in reaching a determination of responsibility.

(5) No negative inference: The committee may not make an inference regarding responsibility solely on a witness's or party's absence from the hearing or refusal to answer questions.

(6) Privileged evidence: The committee shall not consider legally privileged information unless the holder has effectively waived the privilege. Privileged information includes, but is not limited to, information protected by the following:

(a) Spousal/domestic partner privilege;

(b) Attorney-client and attorney work product privileges;

(c) Privileges applicable to members of the clergy and priests;

(d) Privileges applicable to medical providers, mental health therapists, and counselors;

(e) Privileges applicable to sexual assault and domestic violence advocates; and

(f) Other legal privileges identified in RCW 5.60.060.

(1) In addition to complying with WAC 132F-121-210 the student conduct committee will be responsible for conferring and drafting an initial order that:

(a) Identifies the allegations of sexual harassment;

(b) Describes the grievance and disciplinary procedures, starting with filing of the formal complaint through the determination of responsibility, including notices to parties, interviews with witnesses and parties, site visits, methods used to gather evidence, and hearings held;

(c) Makes findings of fact supporting the determination of responsibility;

(d) Reaches conclusions as to whether the facts establish whether the respondent is responsible for engaging in sexual harassment in violation of Title IX;

(e) Contains a statement of, and rationale for, the committee's determination of responsibility for each allegation;

(f) Describes any disciplinary sanction or conditions imposed against the respondent, if any;

(g) Describes to what extent, if any, complainant is entitled to remedies designed to restore or preserve complainant's equal access to the Seattle Colleges' education programs or activities; and

(h) Describes the process for appealing the initial order to the Seattle Colleges' president.

(2) The committee chair will serve the initial order on the parties simultaneously.

(1) The parties shall have the right to appeal from the initial order's determination of responsibility and/or dismissal of an allegation(s) of sexual harassment in a formal complaint. The right to appeal will be subject to the same procedures and time frames set forth in WAC 132F-121-170.

(2) The president or their delegate will determine whether the grounds for appeal have merit, provide the rationale for this conclusion, and state whether the disciplinary sanction and condition(s) imposed in the initial order are affirmed, vacated, or amended, and, if amended, set forth any new disciplinary sanction and/or condition(s).

(3) President's office shall serve the final decision on the parties simultaneously.