[Filed April 16, 2024, 10:10 a.m.]

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 24-05-065.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Nonregistered individuals in the classroom policy.

Hearing Location(s): On May 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., via Zoom https://pierce-college.zoom.us/j/88284318058.

Date of Intended Adoption: June 12, 2024.

Submit Written Comments to: Julie Draper Davis, 9401 Farwest Drive S.W., Lakewood, WA 98498, email jdraperdavis@pierce.ctc.edu, by May 23, 2024.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact access and disability services, phone 253-964-6468, email ads@pierce.ctc.edu, by May 7, 2024.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Pierce College is engaging with the rule-making process to preserve a safe and academically focused classroom environment, while complying with state regulations.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Preserve a safe and academically focused classroom environment.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28B.50.140(13).

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 28B.50.140(13).

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

Name of Proponent: Public.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Julie Draper Davis, Pierce College District, 253-912-2331; Enforcement: Vice president of learning and student success, Pierce College District, 253-840-8336.

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 proposed rule will not impose any costs for the institution.

Scope of exemption for rule proposal from Regulatory Fairness Act requirements:

The proposed rule does not impose more-than-minor costs on businesses. Following is a summary of the agency's analysis showing how costs were calculated. The proposed rule will not impose any costs for the institution.

Chapter 132K-200 WAC

NONREGISTERED INDIVIDUALS IN THE CLASSROOM POLICY

WAC 132K-200-010General policy.

Pierce College is committed to preserving a safe and academically focused classroom environment, while complying with state regulations. In order to support the learning environment, presence in the classroom is restricted to faculty and individuals officially registered for the specific class section. However, nonregistered individuals and students are temporarily allowed with specific restrictions.

WAC 132K-200-020Definitions.

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions are used:

(1) Nonregistered individual(s) is a person who is not currently enrolled in classes within the Pierce College district, but has an affiliation with the college through admissions application or previous enrollment.

(2) Nonregistered student(s) is a person who is enrolled in classes within the Pierce College district, to include credit and noncredit bearing classes in the current term, but is not enrolled in the specific class of interest.

(3) Student(s) is a person who is enrolled in classes in the current term within the Pierce College district, to include credit and noncredit bearing classes, and is officially registered for a specific class section.

WAC 132K-200-030Rules.

The following rules apply to nonregistered individuals/students in the classroom:

(1) Nonregistered individuals and nonregistered students who are not officially enrolled in the class of interest, regardless of waitlist status, must have permission of the faculty to attend the class. Attendance is restricted and cannot extend beyond the 3rd class meeting without being officially enrolled in the class.

(2) Students who withdraw during the refund window for the term are not allowed to continue attending the class after the withdrawal has occurred.

(3) Students who withdraw from the class without a refund can continue participation in the class, subject to the approval of the primary faculty member. Continued participation should only be granted in circumstances where such participation will not significantly detract from the learning experience for enrolled students (no grades/credit can be earned for students who have withdrawn from the class).

(4) Students who need to finish an "incomplete" are not allowed to attend a class in which they are not currently enrolled. Extenuating circumstances may be appealed to the vice president of student learning and success for Fort Steilacoom or Puyallup classes, or to the executive director for Joint Base Lewis McChord classes.

(5) The conduct of nonregistered individuals or nonregistered students shall not interfere with the educational process or learning environment, and all are expected to abide by all operational regulations and guidelines, including safety and access restrictions.

WAC 132K-200-040Visitors.

Persons who are not affiliated with the college but want to visit a classroom for informational purposes should follow the classroom visitors and invited guests policy.