(1) The majority of student conduct matters are adjudicated through conduct officer hearings. However, conduct officer hearings are not used to adjudicate matters in which the respondent faces possible sanctions of suspension for more than ten instructional days, expulsion, or revocation of degree or when a recognized or registered student organization faces possible loss of recognition. In addition, conduct officer hearings generally are not used to adjudicate matters in which the respondent faces allegations of sexual misconduct, as that term is defined in WAC 504-26-221.

(2) Notice of hearing. The conduct officer must provide the parties with written notice no later than ten calendar days prior to the conduct officer hearing. The notice must, at a minimum, briefly describe the factual allegations or issues involved, the specific standard of conduct provision(s) the respondent is alleged to have violated, the range of possible sanctions for such violations, and the time, date, and place of the hearing. In addition, information regarding the student conduct process and student rights, as required by WAC 504-26-504 must be provided. The notice must also include:

(a) A jurisdiction statement if the alleged behavior occurred off campus and information regarding the right to challenge jurisdiction in accordance with WAC 504-26-015;

(b) Information regarding the right to request recusal of a conduct officer under WAC 504-26-125; and

(c) Any request to extend the time or date of the conduct officer conference/hearing should be addressed to the conduct officer.

(3) Hearing and possible outcomes. Conduct officer hearings are brief adjudications conducted in accordance with RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494. The hearing allows the conduct officer to review available information, hear the parties' view of the matter, render a decision regarding responsibility, and impose sanctions, as appropriate.

(a) Before the hearing begins, the conduct officer must inform the respondent that:

(i) All respondents are presumed "not responsible" for pending charges;

(ii) The university must prove all violations by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that it is more likely than not that the violation occurred; and

(iii) The parties have the right to have an advisor present at the hearing.

(b) Upon conclusion of the hearing, the conduct officer may take any of the following actions:

(i) Terminate the proceeding and enter a finding that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct violation;

(ii) Dismiss the matter with no finding regarding responsibility, in which case the matter may be reopened at a later date if relevant new information becomes known;

(iii) Find the respondent responsible for any violations and impose sanctions within the limitations described in subsection (1) of this section; or

(iv) Refer the matter to the conduct board.

(4) Notice of decision and right to appeal. The conduct officer notifies the parties in writing of the decision within ten calendar days of the conduct officer hearing. This is the initial order of the university and includes information regarding the parties' right to appeal under WAC 504-26-420.