(1) Initiating disciplinary action (except summary suspension).

(a) All disciplinary actions will be initiated by the student conduct officer. If that person is the subject of a complaint initiated by the respondent, the president shall, upon request and when feasible, designate another person to fulfill any such disciplinary responsibilities relative to the complaint.

(b) The student conduct officer shall initiate disciplinary action by notifying the respondent to attend a disciplinary meeting. At the meeting, the student will be presented with the allegations, the provisions of the conduct code the respondent is alleged to have violated; and the range of possible sanctions for the alleged violation. This information will be provided in writing, either at the meeting or within three business days of the meeting. The respondent shall be afforded an opportunity to explain what took place. If the respondent fails to attend the meeting, the student conduct officer may take disciplinary action based upon the available information.

(c) Within ten business days of the initial disciplinary meeting, and after considering the evidence in the case, including any facts or argument presented by the respondent, the student conduct officer shall serve the respondent with a written disciplinary decision letter setting forth the facts and conclusions supporting their decision, the specific student conduct code provisions found to have been violated, the discipline imposed, if any, and a notice of any appeal rights with an explanation of the consequences of failing to file a timely appeal.

(d) The student conduct officer may take any of the following disciplinary actions:

(i) Exonerate the respondent and terminate the proceedings;

(ii) Impose a disciplinary sanction(s), as described in WAC 132B-125-125;

(iii) Refer the matter directly to the student conduct committee for such disciplinary action as the committee deems appropriate.

(e) Sexual harassment complaints or concerns may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or human resources office.

(f) A student formally charged or under investigation for a violation of this code may not excuse himself or herself from disciplinary hearings by withdrawing from the college.

(2) In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the student conduct officer, on the same date that a disciplinary decision letter is served on the respondent, will serve a written notice informing the complainant whether the allegations of sexual misconduct were found to have merit and describing any disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions imposed upon the respondent for the complainant's protection, including disciplinary suspension or dismissal of the respondent. The notice will also inform the complainant of their appeal rights. If protective sanctions and/or conditions are imposed, the student conduct officer shall make a reasonable effort to contact the complainant to ensure that prompt notice of the protective disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions.