WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

[Filed October 27, 2020, 8:22 a.m., effective October 27, 2020, 8:22 a.m.]

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.

Purpose: The university is updating the rules regarding undergraduate housing requirements.

Note: This emergency rule-making order was originally filed on June 30, 2020, as WSR 20-14-109. A preproposal for similar permanent rules was filed on July 1, 2020, as WSR 20-14-116, with a proposal filed on September 2, 2020, as WSR 20-18-094, and intended for adoption on November 13, 2020.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 504-24-030.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28B.30.150.

Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.

Reasons for this Finding: The emergency rule change for WAC 504-24-030 is being implemented as a result of the public health emergency resulting from COVID-19 and guidance/directives from public health officials, and is requested in order to (a) update and clarify procedural guidelines, (b) better allow the institution to respond to emergent student needs and special circumstances, and (c) delegate authority at the appropriate institutional level. This change is needed immediately in order to accommodate students, comply with guidance and directives from public health officials, and prepare for the fall 2020 term.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

Date Adopted: October 27, 2020.

Deborah L. Bartlett, Director

Procedures, Records, and Forms

and University Rules Coordinator

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 95-07-044, filed 3/8/95, effective 4/8/95)

WAC 504-24-030Undergraduate housing requirement.

(1) University-recognized housing includes residence halls, and university-approved fraternities, sororities, and co-op houses.

(2) Housing requirements for single undergraduate students. To the extent that room is presently available, as determined by the university, in an official university-recognized living group, all single undergraduate freshmen under twenty years of age are required to live in organized living groups which are officially recognized by the university (residence halls, fraternities and sororities) for one academic year.

(a) Exemptions. Exemptions will be considered when a student demonstrates to the ((department of residence life))vice president for student affairs or designee that either:

(i) The student has attended an institution of higher education as a regularly enrolled student for at least two regular semesters or three regular quarters (excluding summer sessions);

(ii) The student is living with immediate family in a family situation (mother and/or father; legal guardian; aunt or uncle; or grandparent(s));

(iii) The student has secured a statement from a physician or psychologist stating that residence in recognized student housing would detrimentally affect the student's physical health or emotional well-being; or

(iv) The student demonstrates that living in recognized University housing would cause undue financial hardship or other extraordinary hardship.

(b) Process. Applications for permission to reside off campus are available from ((the)) Washington State University ((Department of Residence Life, Streit-Perham Office Suite, Pullman, WA 99164-1726)). Applications are reviewed and a determination is made whether an exemption will be granted. Persons applying for such exemption will be informed of the decision in writing. Requests for reconsideration of the decision may be submitted to the vice ((provost))president for student affairs or designee. The vice ((provost))president or ((his/her)) designee will evaluate the appeal and approve or deny the appeal.