WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

[Filed January 4, 2023, 9:05 a.m.]

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 22-22-097.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 504-24 WAC, Policies and regulations for all student living groups.

Hearing Location(s): On February 8, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., Zoom meeting. Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android https://wsu.zoom.us/j/98810002881?pwd=VEl0MnV1OTZhMVFoVHBCcHpXVzArZz09, Meeting ID 988 1000 2881, Passcode 831242; or join by telephone (long distance) +1 253 215 8782, +12532158782,98810002881# US (one-tap mobile call). Enter the meeting ID and passcode when prompted. No in-person hearing locations are being scheduled for this hearing.

Date of Intended Adoption: March 10, 2023.

Submit Written Comments to: Deborah Bartlett, Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 641225, Pullman, WA 99164-1225, email prf.forms@wsu.edu, fax 509-335-3969, by February 8, 2023.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Joy Faerber, phone 509-335-2005, fax 509-335-3969, email prf.forms@wsu.edu, by February 6, 2023.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The university is updating the policies and regulations for all student living groups, specifically WAC 504-24-030 Undergraduate housing requirement.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Washington State University is modifying, clarifying, and updating the university's undergraduate housing requirement.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28B.30.150.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: Washington State University, public.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Danielle Hess, Executive Director, Policy and Governance, French Administration 422, Pullman, WA 99164-1045, 509-335-5524; Implementation and Enforcement: Ellen Taylor, Vice President, Student Affairs, Lighty Services 360, Pullman, WA 99164-1050, 509-335-4531.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The university does not consider these rules to be significant legislative rules.

This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) as the rules relate only to internal governmental operations that are not subject to violation by a nongovernment party.

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025.

Explanation of exemptions: This amendment to the university's undergraduate housing requirements will apply to only a small percentage of its first year undergraduate students on its Pullman campus and, thus, is not expected to affect small businesses.

January 4, 2023

Deborah L. Bartlett, Director

Procedures, Records, and Forms

and University Rules Coordinator

OTS-4227.3

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-23-059, filed 11/16/20, effective 12/17/20)

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 on residential campuses. To the extent that room is presently available, as determined by the university, ((in an official university-recognized living group,)) all single undergraduate ((freshmen))first-year students under ((twenty))20 years of age are required to live in ((organized living groups which are officially recognized by the university ())a residence ((halls, fraternities and sororities)))hall for one academic year.

(((a)))(1) Exemptions. Exemptions ((will be))are considered when a student demonstrates to the Pullman campus vice ((president))chancellor for student affairs or designee that either:

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

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

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

(((b)))(2) Process. Applications for permission to reside off campus are available from Washington State University. Applications are reviewed and a determination is made whether an exemption ((will))is to be granted. Persons applying for such exemption ((will be))are informed of the decision in writing. Requests for reconsideration of the decision may be submitted to the Pullman campus vice ((president))chancellor for student affairs or designee. The vice ((president))chancellor or designee ((will)) evaluates the appeal and approves or ((deny))denies the appeal.