WSR 02-16-088

PROPOSED RULES

WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY


[ Filed August 7, 2002, 9:41 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 00-21-014.

     Title of Rule: Chapter 516-23 WAC, Student rights and responsibilities code.

     Purpose: Provides students with a code of conduct and responsibilities that coincides with the university's mission.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28B.35.120(12).

     Statute Being Implemented: None.

     Summary: Repeal all existing sections in chapter 516-23 WAC; adopt proposed new sections of student rights and responsibilities code for chapter 516-23 WAC.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: To update Western's student rights and responsibilities code.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Ted Pratt, Dean of Students, Old Main 110, Mailstop 9019, (360) 650-3844.

     Name of Proponent: Western Washington University, governmental.

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

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: Chapter 516-23 WAC, Students rights and responsibilities code, provides students with a code of conduct and responsibilities that coincide with the university's mission.

     Prominent changes include:

•     Update the code to reflect the current structure of university judicial affairs;

•     Clearer statements on various conduct violations;

•     Provide students with an option of appeal to either the judicial review board or the dean of students;

•     Changed notice from five days to three days to coincide with university residences.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Proposal repeals all current sections in chapter 516-23 WAC and creates new rules for a student rights and responsibilities code.

     See Summary, Reasons Supporting Proposal, and Explanation of Rule above.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. No monetary implications; no costs imposed on small business through adoption of these changes.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. Rules relate to internal governmental operations.

     Hearing Location: Western Washington University, Board Room, Old Main 340, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA, on October 10, 2002, at 2:00 p.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Western Washington University, Office of Student Life, TDD (360) 650-3725.

     Submit Written Comments to: Suzanne Baker, Rules Coordinator, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225-9015, fax (360) 650-6197, by October 3, 2002.

     Date of Intended Adoption: December 13, 2002.

August 6, 2002

Suzanne M. Baker

Rules Coordinator

OTS-5711.3


NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-200   Preamble.   Western Washington University students enjoy the basic rights of all members of society. At the same time, students have an obligation to fulfill their responsibilities as members of the university. As stated in the university's mission, Western is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, learning and the dissemination and development of knowledge, and service to the community.

     The objectives of the university conduct system are that students act in a manner consistent with the high standards of scholarship and behavior relevant to an institution of higher education, to sustain campus-wide safety, and to adhere to the university mission. Students are expected to abide by university policies and regulations, as well as federal, state, and local laws. An alleged student violation will be resolved through a process as defined in the code respecting basic fairness for the accused and the victim.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-210   Definitions.   As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases mean:

     (1) "Appeals board" refers to the judicial appeals board.

     (2) "Bulletin" refers to the Western Washington University bulletin/catalog.

     (3) "Campus" refers to all property owned or supervised by the university, including adjacent streets and sidewalks and off-campus program sites.

     (4) "Code" refers to the student rights and responsibilities code.

     (5) "Dean of students" refers to the director of student life/dean of students.

     (6) "Student" includes all persons with active student status, full or part time. Matriculated students that have not enrolled are students under this code. Nonmatriculated international students attending language institutes or foreign study programs at the university shall also be considered students under this code.

     (7) "University" refers to the programs, activities, and current members of the Western Washington University community.

     (8) "Judicial officer" refers to the university judicial officer.

     (9) "WAC" refers to the Washington Administrative Code.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-220   Jurisdiction.   Individual student alleged violations of this code are subject to disciplinary action. While the university does not act as a policing agent for students when they are off campus, the university reserves the right to take action if a student's behavior is determined to threaten the health, safety, and/or property of the university and its members.

     Sanctions against student organizations are decided by the procedures established by the university administrative unit governing the recognition of each organization. Disciplinary proceedings against individual member(s) of a student organization can be initiated under this code independent of action taken against the student organization.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-230   Principles and violations of the code.   The standards of behavior under the code are higher than those imposed by civil and criminal law. Students must observe the following principles and expectations:

     (1) Western students observe the highest standards of academic integrity in the ethical pursuit of truth and learning;

     (2) Western students are respectful of the rights, welfare, and property of others;

     (3) Western students strive to be involved and productive citizens in a diverse, pluralistic, and democratic society; and

     (4) Western students exercise their state and federal constitutional rights to free speech, petition, and assembly in means that do not disrupt the university's functions or interfere with the rights and well-being of others.

     Students must comply with policies and regulations that may impact the educational, administrative, or university-sponsored programs or functions. The university may initiate disciplinary action against any student alleged to have committed inappropriate conduct on campus or otherwise under the jurisdiction of this code.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-240   Academic dishonesty.   The policy and procedure regarding academic dishonesty is addressed in the academic dishonesty policy and procedure. Repeated violations of academic dishonesty will be addressed under the student rights and responsibilities code and can result in disciplinary action. Students may not appeal a decision of academic dishonesty through the student rights and responsibilities code.

     Students shall not claim as their own the achievements, work, or arguments of others, nor shall they be party to such claims. According to the academic dishonesty policy and procedure, academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means. Academic dishonesty compromises the instructor's ability to fairly evaluate a student's work or achievement. For a list of actions that are examples of academic dishonesty, see the bulletin, academic dishonesty policy and procedure. Furthermore, students found to have violated canons of ethical research and scholarship, as defined in the policy and procedural guidelines for misconduct in research and scholarship, may also be subject to disciplinary action. See bulletin, academic dishonesty policy and procedure.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-250   Disruptive behavior.   Disruptive behavior is whenever a student engages in any behavior which interferes with the rights of others or which materially or substantially obstructs or disrupts teaching, learning research, or administrative functions. While students have the right to freedom of expression, including the right to dissent or protest, this expression cannot interfere with the rights of others. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to:

     (1) Substantial disruption of classes, laboratories, offices, services, meetings, or ceremonies;

     (2) Obstructing free movement of people or vehicles: Peaceful picketing is permitted only as long as it takes place outside buildings and does not interfere with the flow of traffic to and from buildings;

     (3) Conduct which threatens harm, incites violence, or endangers the health and safety of any person;

     (4) Creating noise in such a way as to interfere with university functions or using sound amplification equipment in violation of appropriate use of amplification sound, as administered by the viking union, see policy on exterior space use;

     (5) Intentionally or recklessly interfering with any university or student program or activity, including teaching, research, administration, or meetings; and

     (6) Inciting others to engage in prohibited conduct.

     See WAC 516-24-130 Demonstrations.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-260   Student responsibility for guests.   Students are responsible for the actions of their guests while on campus, at university events and programs, and in other areas supervised by the university. See WAC 516-24-001 Conduct of campus guests and visitors.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-270   Sexual misconduct.   Student sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

     (1) Sexual harassment;

     (2) Sexual intimidation;

     (3) Sexual coercion;

     (4) Sexual exploitation;

     (5) Sexual assault; and

     (6) Any unwanted sexual contact without clear verbal and/or physical prior consent.

     Consent for sexual contact must be given in absence of force, threat of force, or coercion and cannot be given while a person is intoxicated, impaired, or mentally incapacitated. Consent must be clearly communicated to both parties, and it must be current to any mutually agreed sexual contact. See bulletin, sexual misconduct policy and procedure.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-280   Violence.   Violence includes, but is not limited to, physical abuse and/or intentional injury or harm of another person.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-290   Harassment and/or threats of violence.   Harassment and threats of violence are behaviors that create a hostile or threatening educational or working environment, to include, but are not limited to:

     (1) Unwanted and/or intimidating contact and/or communication of a threatening nature;

     (2) An expressed or implied threat to an individual's personal safety or property, academic efforts, employment, or participation in university activities;

     (3) Intentionally and/or repeatedly following or contacting another person in a manner that intimidates, harasses, or places another in fear for their personal safety or to their property; and

     (4) Behavior that threatens or intimidates that is motivated on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, creed, age, sex, marital status, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, or disability.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-300   Theft and intentional damage of property.   Taking, attempting to take, or aiding another to take property belonging to any member of the university community, the university or its guests is a violation of the code. It is prohibited to possess stolen property or to intentionally damage the property of others or the university.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-310   Misuse of computers, electronic data or communication systems.   Improper use of computers, electronic data or communication systems is a violation of the code. Improper use of computer resources includes, but is not limited to, the following:

     (1) Interference with university computers or communication functions, the work of other students, faculty members, or university officials;

     (2) Gaining unauthorized access to computer or communication systems, altering data, or misusing computing facilities;

     (3) Using university computing facilities to send harassing messages or generating unwanted e-mails (as defined in WAC 516-23-290 Harassment and/or threats of violence);

     (4) Commercial use of university computer resources; and

     (5) Failure to comply with posted policies including providing officials with current student identification.

     See policy for responsible computing and the user agreement for WWU network and computing resources.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-320   Hazing.   Hazing is defined as any act by members of a student organization or individuals which endangers, or is likely to endanger, the mental or physical health or safety of a student, for the purpose of initiation, affiliation with, and as a condition for continued membership and/or participation in an activity, a group or university organization. This includes violation of laws and the destruction or removal of public or private property as requested by a student group or activity.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-330   Student violation of law.   Students are expected to abide by federal, state, and local law while on the university campus or at related programs and activities. Failure to comply with the law is a violation of the code. The university reserves the right to take action on criminal behaviors that have an impact on the educational or administrative functions or the general well-being of the university and its members.

     Proceedings under this code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously, or following civil or criminal proceedings in the courts. Since the standard of proof, preponderance of the evidence, under this code is different than criminal law, the disciplinary decision is not subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced by a court of law.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-340   Failure to comply with proper official requests.   Failure to comply with a proper official request is a violation of the code. A student must comply with proper requests of university officials who are acting in performance of their duties.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-350   Forgery and fraud.   Maintaining accurate and credible records and documents is necessary for the university to fulfill its educational mission and to assure the welfare of its students. Providing and/or creating false information is considered a violation of the code. Violations include, but are not limited to, the following:

     (1) Falsely making, completing, or altering any university document, record, or identification;

     (2) Possessing or presenting as authentic any falsified document, record, or identification; and

     (3) Providing any university official, including university police, information known to be false.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-360   Illegal possession and/or use of alcohol.   Substance abuse by members of the university community impacts the quality of the educational experience of all students. Consumption or possession of alcohol by students in public areas of any university owned or controlled property may occur for students of legal age at university-approved events with an approved liquor permit. It is a violation to illegally possess and/or consume alcoholic beverages, including, but not limited to:

     (1) Buying, selling, serving, or otherwise furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors; and

     (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors.

     See bulletin, policy concerning alcohol and other drugs.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-370   Illegal drugs and misuse of drugs.   Substance abuse by members of the university community impacts the quality of the educational experience of all students. It is a violation to possess, use, manufacture, cultivate, package, distribute, sell, and/or provide a controlled or illegal substance; or to misuse prescription and/or nonprescription drugs on campus. It is a violation to use drug paraphernalia. See bulletin, policy concerning alcohol and other drugs.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-380   Explosives and weapons prohibited from campus.   Possession or use of firearms, other weapons or explosives on campus is a violation of the code, unless authorized by the university. Explosives, dangerous chemicals, and fireworks are prohibited on campus or on property supervised by the university or at university-sponsored activities, unless authorized by the university. Students may not possess firearms on campus at any time, other than to secure them with the police. Weapons include, but are not limited to:

     (1) Firearms of any sort;

     (2) Look-alike weapons;

     (3) BB, pellet, and paintball guns;

     (4) Swords, knives (other than small closed-blade, three and one-half inch pocket knives or smaller or kitchen utensils);

     (5) Martial art weapons;

     (6) Projectile devices; i.e., catapult or slingshot; and

     (7) Objects used as a weapon to distress or injure another.

     See WAC 516-52-020 Firearms and dangerous weapons.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-390   Obstructing police and safety personnel.   Obstructing police, improper use of safety equipment, and interference with safety personnel is a violation of the code. Students who obstruct, hinder or delay police and other emergency service personnel in the discharge of their duties are subject to disciplinary proceedings. Violations include, but are not limited to, the improper use or disabling of safety equipment and emergency signs.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-400   Interference with the judicial process.   Interference of the judicial process is a violation of the code and includes, but is not limited to:

     (1) Giving reports or claims known to be false;

     (2) Attempting to influence the impartiality of witnesses or judicial member(s);

     (3) Failure to properly complete a sanction(s) as specified;

     (4) Participating in, and/or encouraging retribution against complainants or witnesses; and

     (5) Threatening and/or harassing complainants or witnesses.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-410   Freedom of expression.   The university recognizes, respects, and protects all expressions of opinion and ideas, whether individual or collective, that are within the limits of the law and university regulations. An exercise of the right to speak requires the freedom of the speaker to make his or her statement. Both the speaker and the audience are entitled to proceed without being subjected to substantial interference.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-420   Demonstrations.   While the university recognizes students' rights to free speech, assembly, and petition, all demonstrations must be orderly and conducted in a manner that allows the university to function toward its established educational goals. Any person or persons persisting in such conduct after being requested to cease by university authorities shall be subject to disciplinary proceedings. Any student or group of students shall not, by their conduct, disrupt, disturb or interfere with:

     (1) Classroom activities and other educational pursuits;

     (2) Recognized university activities including, but not limited to, ceremonies, meetings, office functions or residence hall activities;

     (3) Pedestrian and vehicular traffic; and

     (4) Preservation and protection of university property and personal property of individuals.

     See WAC 516-24-130 Demonstrations.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-430   Proceedings for violations of the code.   The university does not follow the same procedures used by civil or criminal courts nor the same rules of evidence. Simple preponderance of the evidence is used to determine responsibility under the code. Any student, faculty, or staff member of the university alleging a violation of this code shall deliver or e-mail to university judicial affairs a written statement of the allegations against the student.

     If both parties agree to mediate the complaint, and the judicial officer agrees, mediation may be substituted for a conduct meeting. If mediation is unsuccessful, the original complaint will be considered and decided by the judicial officer.

     If, in the judicial officer's judgment, there is sufficient basis to consider the charge(s), the judicial officer shall:

     (1) Provide the student with the student rights and responsibilities code;

     (2) State the nature and date of the alleged violation;

     (3) Specify the portion of the code the student is alleged to have violated;

     (4) Notify the accused student of the availability of procedural advice regarding the code; and

     (5) Notify the accused student in writing of the time, date, and place of a meeting (the meeting will occur no less than three and no more than ten business days from the date of notification). The student may elect to waive the three-day notice if an earlier date is mutually agreed upon.

     The judicial officer will determine the accuracy and responsibility of the allegation(s) in a meeting with the accused student. Within ten business days of the meeting, the judicial officer shall notify the student in writing of the decision. If there are multiple individuals involved in the incident, and if it is deemed necessary to determine responsibility, individual decision letters will be mailed to each student ten business days after the final meeting for the specific incident. The decision letter will include a statement of the student's option for a review by the appeals board or the dean of students.

     A student formally charged with a violation may not avoid judicial proceedings by withdrawing from the university. The student shall be prohibited from enrolling for subsequent quarters until such time as the student does appear for a meeting to consider the allegation. If the student fails to meet with the judicial officer after receiving proper notification, the judicial officer may render a decision on the allegations in the student's absence.

     If there is insufficient basis to consider the charge, the individual initiating the complaint will be informed.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-440   Victim rights.   The university is committed to protecting the rights of those who suffer from student misconduct, that is, persons who have been physically, psychologically, and/or financially injured by the student responsible for the misconduct.

     Rights include:

     (1) To obtain information and procedural advice from the university;

     (2) To decline to participate in university conduct proceedings;

     (3) When appropriate, to be advised of their options to bring civil or criminal charges against the accused;

     (4) To be accompanied by an advocate of their choice throughout the judicial process. The advocate may advise the student, but may not address the judicial officer, the appeals board, or the dean of students;

     (5) To make a statement regarding the impact of the student's conduct, either orally or in writing, to be considered during the sanctioning portion of the conduct and/or the review meetings;

     (6) To be informed when a review is made of the judicial officer's decision;

     (7) To not be subjected to discussion of his or her history or behavior that does not bear instrumentally on the case being heard;

     (8) In cases involving violence, including sexual misconduct/assault, the student will be informed of the finding by the judicial officer and/or the judicial review board or dean of students within ten business days of its conclusion; and

     (9) If appropriate, restitution will be provided by the accused.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-450   Rights of accused.   The university is committed to ensuring the rights of a student who is accused of violating the code throughout the judicial process. A student accused of misconduct under this code has certain, specific rights in the disciplinary process. An accused student:

     (1) Is entitled to a fair judicial process;

     (2) Will receive proper written notice of the charge(s) with a clear description of the basis for the charge(s);

     (3) Has an opportunity to meet with the judicial officer or designated representative;

     (4) May obtain information and procedural advice from the university;

     (5) May have one advocate present at the meeting(s). The advocate may give advice to the student, but may not address the judicial officer, appeals board, or the dean of students;

     (6) Must give written permission to record statements made during the meeting;

     (7) May present witnesses and be able to request questions of witnesses, prior to or after a meeting;

     (8) Will receive written notification of the judicial officer's decision within ten business days from the date of the meeting; and

     (9) May request a review of the judicial officer's decision to the appeals board or the dean of students within ten days of receiving the decision letter.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-460   Sanctions.   The following disciplinary sanctions may be given to a student found in violation of the code. A decision may include a combination or modification of the following sanctions that correspond to the circumstances of each particular case.

     (1) Warning: A written reprimand that the student has violated the student rights and responsibilities code;

     (2) Disciplinary probation: Probation is for a designated period of time. Students who violate the code during this probationary period are subject to more severe disciplinary sanctions;

     (3) Loss of privileges: Denial of specified privileges (i.e., participation in specific activities, restriction from specific areas of campus) for a designated period of time;

     (4) Restriction from contacting others: Restricting the student from direct or indirect physical and/or verbal contact with another person and/or group;

     (5) Educational activities: Activities designed to encourage student development may include, but are not limited to, community service, attendance at educational programs, or written assignments;

     (6) Assessment, counseling, and treatment programs: Interventions to assist students with possible substance abuse or other types of unsafe behaviors;

     (7) Restitution: Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement;

     (8) Residence hall relocation: Transfer of living arrangements to another university residence hall or apartment;

     (9) Termination of university residences agreement: Removing the student from university residences;

     (10) Disciplinary suspension: Removing the student from the university for a designated period of time, after which, the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. In addition to disciplinary suspension, see chapter 516-28 WAC, Standards and procedures for involuntary administrative withdrawal of students at Western Washington University for behavior from mental disorders;

     (11) Deferred suspension: Notice of suspension from the university with the provision that the student may remain enrolled contingent on meeting specific conditions. Failure to meet the conditions of the sanctions will result in immediate suspension; or

     (12) Disciplinary expulsion: Permanent and complete dismissal of the student from the university.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-470   Procedures for immediate interim suspension.   In order to prevent danger to individuals, substantial destruction of property, or significant disruption of teaching, research, and/or administrative functions, the dean of students or designated representative may temporarily suspend (interim suspension) a student. An interim suspension will be pending a full review and discussion between the student and the dean of students or designee. An interim suspension becomes effective immediately upon written notice. The written notice of an interim suspension must include the stated violation, as determined by the dean of students, and the time, date, and location of the meeting. The written notice will be sent by certified mail or delivered in person to the student.

     In all cases of interim suspension, the student is entitled to a meeting before the judicial officer or the dean of students. The meeting shall take place within three business days after the beginning date of interim suspension. During the interim suspension period, the student will be allowed on university property only to the extent deemed permissible by the dean of students and/or the judicial officer. If a student fails to appear at his or her meeting, the suspension will stay in effect until the meeting has been completed and a new decision is made regarding all of the information and the student's status.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-480   Basis for appeal.   The accused student is allowed one appeal of the judicial officer's decision to either the appeals board or the dean of students. The appeal must be made in writing to the dean of students within ten business days of receiving the written decision of the charges. The appeal must include a statement whether the accused student wishes to have the appeal considered by either the appeals board or the dean of students.

     The basis for a review is:

     (1) The original meeting was not conducted in conformity with prescribed procedures;

     (2) The university judicial officer misinterpreted the code;

     (3) The sanction(s) imposed is disproportionate to the student violation; or

     (4) The decision reached did not properly consider the information presented.

     No sanction will begin while an appeal is pending, except as provided in WAC 516-23-470, Procedures for immediate interim suspension. Temporary relocation of the student to alternative on-campus housing and restrictions between the affected parties may be enforced during an appeal.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-490   Appeal procedures.   (1) Upon acceptance of the appeal, the dean of students or designated representative shall include in the notification to the accused student:

     (a) Time, date, and location of the hearing;

     (b) Identification of the section of the code that the student has allegedly violated;

     (c) Nature and date of the alleged violation; and

     (d) A copy of the code.

     (2) The appeal hearing shall not be less than three or more than ten business days from the date of notification. The student may elect to waive the three-day notice if an earlier date is mutually agreed upon. If the student fails to appear at the hearing, the appeals board or dean of students may proceed with the appeal based upon consideration of the available information without the student's presence, or may dismiss the appeal. The rights of the accused student are listed under WAC 516-23-450.

     (a) The appeals board chair or dean of students and the accused student may call any person to speak concerning the alleged violation.

     (b) The board chair or dean of students may limit or exclude testimony that is irrelevant, immaterial, or repetitious.

     (c) Five members shall constitute a quorum of the appeals board. Actions by the appeals board require agreement by a majority of those members present at the time of the hearing.

     (d) Any member of the board that is unable to render an impartial decision in a particular case shall excuse himself or herself from the board's deliberations in advance and may be replaced by an alternate.

     (e) The decision of the appeals board or dean of students may eliminate, reduce, maintain, modify and/or increase the original decision and sanction.

     (f) New substantive information that was not presented at the time of the original conduct meeting will not be considered during the appeal. When new substantive information is present prior to the appeal hearing and the new evidence could impact the original decision, the allegation(s) will be reheard by the judicial officer.

     (3) The appeals board chair or dean of students shall notify the accused student in writing of the disposition of the case within ten business days of the appeal hearing.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-500   Deviations from established procedures.   Deviations from these procedures will not invalidate a decision or proceedings unless it results in clear prejudice against the accused student. Deviations from the timeline may be granted by request for good cause to the dean of students.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-510   Confidentiality of conduct proceedings and records.   Confidentiality will be maintained in compliance with the university student records policy and state and federal law. Conduct records prepared by the judicial officer, appeals board, and/or the dean of students:

     (1) Will be held in the office of student life for six years, except in cases of suspension, interim suspension, or expulsion, which are permanent records; and

     (2) Will not be shared with any member of the public except upon the informed written consent of the student(s) involved or as stated in the student records policy.

     The disciplinary outcome may be shared with the victim and those within the university involved in the completion and/or supervision of the sanction and/or student. See bulletin and chapter 516-26 WAC, Student records.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-520   Administrative withdrawal due to mental disorders.   As provided in chapter 516-28 WAC, a student who, because of mental disorders, is unable to abide by university policy, regulations, and procedures and who represents a serious threat to themselves or others, may be involuntarily withdrawn from the university. A student accused of misconduct under the student rights and responsibilities code may be diverted from that disciplinary process and withdrawn according to the standards of chapter 516-28 WAC, involuntary withdrawal due to mental disorders. Those standards include:

     (1) The student lacks the capacity to respond to pending disciplinary charges due to a mental disorder; and/or

     (2) The student does not know the nature of the wrongfulness of the conduct due to a mental disorder at the time of the alleged offense.

     Students otherwise subject to disciplinary charges who wish to introduce relevant information of any mental disorder must inform the dean of students or designated representative in writing at least one business day prior to any judicial meeting. The dean of students shall make a determination within five business days after the student's written submission. Verification of any mental disorder may not be considered in any judicial proceeding under this code other than involuntary withdrawal. See chapter 516-28 WAC involuntary withdrawal due to mental disorders.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-530   University conduct system.   The vice-president for student affairs and academic support services is responsible for administration of this code.

     (1) The supervision of the code has been delegated to the dean of students or designated representatives.

     (2) The judicial officer shall be appointed and supervised by the dean of students.

     (3) The judicial officer shall have the authority to adjudicate and administer sanctions for violations of this code.

     (4) The appeals board or the dean of students shall have authority to review the judicial officer's decision and to render decisions under the code.

     (5) A six-member appeals board shall be appointed at the beginning of each fall quarter term. The appeals board will consist of the following:

     (a) Two faculty members nominated by the dean of students and confirmed by faculty senate;

     (b) Three students appointed by the associated students board; and

     (c) One member of the student affairs and academic support services staff nominated by the dean of students and confirmed by the vice-president for student affairs and academic support services.

     There will be one alternate for each of the three areas represented on the appeals board. The alternates will be appointed at the same time by the same authority. Student appointments shall be for one academic year. Faculty and staff appointments shall be for staggered two-year terms.

     The dean of students shall request that all appointments be initiated during the first full month of the fall quarter. Should the need arise during the summer term, appeals of the code will be heard by the dean of students or an interim board appointed by the dean of students.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-540   Relationship of the code to university residences.   University residences is responsible for adjudicating most violations of the code committed by residents on university residences' premises or at university residences' sponsored events. In the best interest of the university, the dean of students has the authority to designate which area, university residences and/or university judicial affairs, will consider an alleged violation of the code. General referral of conduct cases is made after consensus between university residences and university judicial affairs. Conduct cases referred by university residences to university judicial affairs include, but are not limited to:

     (1) Alleged acts and threats of physical violence, and/or sexual misconduct;

     (2) Alleged violations of distribution or sale of illegal drugs or other controlled substances;

     (3) Alleged violations by nonresidential students while on university residences' premises or at events sponsored by university residences;

     (4) Alleged policy violations initiated near the end of or after a student's contract with university residences;

     (5) Alleged computer misconduct when nonresidents are the victims (e.g., sending mass unsolicited e-mails, copyright violations); and

     (6) Alleged violations serious enough to result in suspension or expulsion from the university.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-550   Interpretation of the code.   Final determination in response to any question of interpretation regarding the code, whether in content, procedure, or intent, shall be the responsibility of the dean of students or designee.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-560   Revision of the code and the committee on student rights and responsibilities.   The code shall be reviewed and recommendations made by the university services council's student rights and responsibilities committee to the vice-president for student affairs and academic support services for submission and final approval by the board of trustees. A review of the code should be completed every five years or earlier, if needed. The committee on student rights and responsibilities will be composed of:

     (1) Five students, three appointed by the associated students board of directors, including at least one graduate student, and two students appointed by university residence hall association;

     (2) One member from the student affairs division appointed by the vice-president of student affairs and academic support services;

     (3) One faculty member appointed by the faculty senate;

     (4) The judicial officer;

     (5) One member of the university public safety department appointed by the director of public safety; and

     (6) One member of the university residences' staff.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 516-23-570   Referenced policies and regulations in the code.   Policies or regulations referenced in the code must be made available, upon request, in the office of student life and university judicial affairs.

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REPEALER

     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
WAC 516-23-005 Preamble.
WAC 516-23-010 Definitions.
WAC 516-23-015 Jurisdiction.
WAC 516-23-020 Relationship between civil and criminal law and university disciplinary proceedings.
WAC 516-23-025 Actionable offenses.
WAC 516-23-030 Disruptive behavior.
WAC 516-23-035 Academic dishonesty.
WAC 516-23-040 Forgery and fraud.
WAC 516-23-045 Interference with freedom of expression.
WAC 516-23-050 Alcohol and other drugs policy violations.
WAC 516-23-055 Misuse of computers, electronic data or communications.
WAC 516-23-060 Hazing.
WAC 516-23-065 Sexual misconduct.
WAC 516-23-070 Violence and harassment.
WAC 516-23-075 Judicial structure.
WAC 516-23-080 Conduct proceedings.
WAC 516-23-085 Appeals.
WAC 516-23-090 Basis for appeal.
WAC 516-23-095 Appeal hearing procedures.
WAC 516-23-100 Interference of the judicial process.
WAC 516-23-105 Disciplinary sanctions.
WAC 516-23-110 Administrative withdrawal due to mental disorders.
WAC 516-23-115 Record of proceedings.
WAC 516-23-120 Statement of accused student's rights.
WAC 516-23-125 Statement of rights of those subjected to student misconduct.
WAC 516-23-130 Relationship to university residences' conduct system.
WAC 516-23-135 Interim suspension.
WAC 516-23-140 Interpretation and revision.
WAC 516-23-145 Committee on student rights and responsibilities.

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office