(1) At the conclusion of the hearing, the committee shall permit the parties to make closing arguments in whatever form it wishes to receive them. The committee also may permit each party to propose findings, conclusions, and/or a proposed decision for its consideration. Only evidence presented at the hearing will be considered by the committee.

(2) Within twenty days following the later of the conclusion of the hearing or the committee's receipt of closing arguments, the committee shall issue an initial decision in accordance with RCW 34.05.461 and WAC 10-08-210. The initial order shall include:

(a) Findings on all material issues of fact and conclusions on all material issues of law, including which, if any, provisions of WAC 495C-121-050 were violated. Any findings based substantially on the credibility of evidence or the demeanor of witnesses shall be so identified.

(b) A determination on appropriate disciplinary sanction and/or disciplinary conditions, if any. The committee may affirm, reverse, modify, or supplement any disciplinary sanction and/or disciplinary condition(s) imposed by the student conduct officer.

(c) A statement that the initial order will become final unless a party seeks review of that decision in accordance with WAC 495C-121-180.

(3) The chair shall cause copies of the initial decision to be served on the parties, including any legal counsel of record. The committee chair shall also promptly transmit the record of the committee's proceedings and a copy of its decision to the president.