(1) At the conclusion of the hearing, the student conduct 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.

(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 recommendation to the vice president for instruction and student services or designee in accordance with RCW 34.05.461 and WAC 10-08-210. The initial decision shall include findings on all material issues of fact and conclusions on all material issues of law, including which, if any, provisions of the student conduct code were violated. Any findings based substantially on the credibility of evidence or the demeanor of witnesses shall be identified.

(3) The vice president for instruction and student services or designee's initial order shall also include a determination on appropriate discipline, if any. If the matter was referred to the committee by the dean of student services or designee, the committee shall identify and impose disciplinary sanction(s) or conditions, if any, as authorized in the student conduct code. If the matter is an appeal by the respondent, the committee may affirm, reverse, or modify the disciplinary sanction and/or conditions imposed by the dean of student services or designee and/or impose additional disciplinary sanction(s) or conditions as authorized herein.

(4) The vice president for instruction and student services or designee shall cause copies of the initial decision to be served on the parties and their legal counsel or record. The committee chair shall also promptly transmit a copy of the decision and the record of the committee's proceedings to the president.