WSR 20-19-031
PROPOSED RULES
COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE
[Filed September 8, 2020, 4:59 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 20-12-016.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Proposed rule making is needed for the following chapters: Repealing chapter 132S-09 WAC, Nondiscrimination and harassment policy and grievance procedure; new chapter 132S-110 WAC, Title IX student conduct procedures; and amending chapter 132S-100 WAC, Student code of conduct; chapter 132S-300 WAC, Campus parking and traffic regulations; chapter 132S-05 WAC, Administration; chapter 132S-10 WAC, Public records; chapter 132S-90 WAC, Student rights, responsibilities and student status; and chapter 132S-91 WAC, Loss of eligibility.
Hearing Location(s): On October 28, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., via Zoom https://columbiabasin.zoom.us/j/96044631682?pwd=VUgrVGdDUnAyVVZQaWkyUm5COUpyZz09. Meeting ID: 960 4463 1682. Password: 887749.
Please contact Lucas DeLuca, director for disability services, at 509-542-4412 as soon as possible to request any accommodations related to a disability. We need advance time to make arrangements.
Date of Intended Adoption: October 30, 2020.
Submit Written Comments to: Camilla Glatt, 2600 North 20th Avenue, MS-A2, email cglatt@columbiabasin.edu, fax 509-544-2029, 509-542-5548, by October 27, 2020.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Lucas DeLuca, phone 509-542-4412, fax 509-544-2032, Washington relay service 711 or 800-833-6384, email ldeluca@columbiabasin.edu, by October 21, 2020.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Columbia Basin College is proposing repealing chapter 132S-09 WAC, Nondiscrimination and harassment policy and grievance procedure; and amending chapters 132S-100 WAC, Student code of conduct and 132S-300 WAC, Campus parking and traffic regulations. Additionally, the college is proposing amending various sections of the college's rules to address gender-specific references with replacement throughout with gender-neutral alternatives. Additionally, On May 19, 2020, the Federal Register printed amendments to Title IX regulations (85 F.R. 30575). The new regulations address the grievance process for formal complaints of sexual harassment and took effect on August 14, 2020. As an emergency filing of the new chapter 132S-110 WAC, Title IX student conduct procedures, requires permanent rule making within one hundred twenty days of the filing, this new WAC is included.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Proposed rule making is needed to provide clarity to the processes for the student conduct code. Other amendments are needed to establish rules for parking and traffic regulations, along with minimal amendments to various sections to eliminate gender-specific references with gender-neutral alternatives. The nondiscrimination and harassment policy and grievance procedure is proposed for repeal on the basis it is captured in a college operations policy and is subject to regular updates based on the department of education requirements with the college's formulation of policies process more suitable for those changes. Additionally, new federal regulations required amendments to the Title IX regulations.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28B.50.140.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 28B.50.140.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Columbia Basin College, public.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Camilla Glatt, 2600 North 20th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301, 509-542-5548.
A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328 and does not apply to college rules.
This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:
Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) and 34.05.310 (4)(g)(i).
Explanation of exemptions: Revisions impact college-specific internal policies.
September 8, 2020
Camilla Glatt
Vice President for Human
Resources and Legal Affairs
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-05-025Service of process.
To protect the interests of Columbia Basin College employees, all process servers (those attempting to deliver summonses, subpoenas, etc.) to employees should be directed to the human resources office on the Pasco campus. When the process server comes to the human resources office, ((he or she))they should be connected with the person to whom the papers are being served, if that person can be immediately located and is not instructing a class or performing other services at the time. If the person served is not immediately located, the papers will be left during usual business hours with the vice president for human resources & legal affairs or his or her executive assistant. If any of the above designees receives the papers from a process server, ((he or she))they will arrange a time and place for the individual being served to receive the legal documents in such a way as to minimize embarrassment and preserve confidentiality.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 17-23-180, filed 11/21/17, effective 12/22/17)
WAC 132S-10-070Requests for public records.
Both requestors and agencies have responsibilities under the act. The public records process can function properly only when both parties perform their respective responsibilities. An agency has a duty to promptly provide access to all nonexempt public records. A requestor has a duty to request identifiable records, inspect the assembled records or pay for the copies, and be respectful to agency staff.
(1) Providing "fullest assistance." Columbia Basin College is charged by statute with adopting rules which provide for how it will provide full access to public records, protect records from damage or disorganization, prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the agency, provide fullest assistance to requestors, and provide the most timely possible action on public records requests. The public records officer or designee will process requests in the order allowing the most requests to be processed in the most efficient manner.
(2) Acknowledging receipt of request. Within five business days of receipt of the request, the public records officer will do one or more of the following:
(a) Make the records available for inspection or copying;
(b) If copies are requested and payment of a deposit for the copies, if any, is made or terms of payment are agreed upon, send the copies to the requestor;
(c) Provide a reasonable estimate of when records will be available; or
(d) Request clarification from the requestor by telephone or in writing if the request is unclear or does not sufficiently identify the requested records. To the greatest extent possible, the request for clarification will provide a reasonable estimate of the time required to respond to the request if it is not clarified. If the requestor fails to clarify the request, and the entire request is unclear, the public records officer need not respond to it. Otherwise, the public records officer must respond to those portions of the request that are clear. Once clarification is received, the public records officer or designee may revise the estimate of when records will be available; or
(e) Deny the request.
(3) Protecting rights of others. In the event the requested records contain information that may affect rights of others and may be exempt from disclosure, the public records officer may, prior to providing the records, give notice to such others whose rights may be affected by the disclosure. Such notice should be given so as to make it possible for those other persons to contact the requestor and ask ((him or her))them to revise the request, or, if necessary, seek an order from a court to prevent or limit the disclosure. The notice to the affected persons will include a copy of the request.
(4) Records exempt from disclosure. Some records are exempt from disclosure, in whole or in part. If the college believes that a record is exempt from disclosure and should be withheld, the public records officer will state the specific exemption and provide a brief explanation of why the record or a portion of the record is being withheld. If only a portion of a record is exempt from disclosure, but the remainder is not exempt, the public records officer will redact the exempt portions, provide the nonexempt portions, and indicate to the requestor why portions of the record are being redacted.
(5) Inspection of records.
(a) Consistent with other demands, the college shall promptly provide space to inspect public records. No member of the public may remove a document from the viewing area or disassemble or alter any document. The requestor shall indicate which documents ((he or she wishes))they wish the college to copy.
(b) The requestor must claim or review the assembled records within thirty days of the college's notification that the records are available for inspection or copying. The college will notify the requestor in writing of this requirement and inform the requestor to contact the college to make arrangements to claim or inspect the records. If the requestor or a representative of the requestor fails to claim or review the records within the thirty-day period or make other arrangements, the college may close the request and refile the assembled records. Other public records requests can be processed ahead of a subsequent request by the same person for the same or almost identical records, which can be processed as a new request.
(6) Providing copies of records. After inspection is complete, the public records officer or designee shall make the requested copies or arrange for copying by college staff.
(7) Providing records in installments. When the request is for a large number of records, the public records officer or designee will provide access for inspection and copying in installments, if the public records officer reasonably determines that it would be practical to provide the records in that way. If, within thirty days, the requestor fails to inspect the entire set of records or one or more of the installments, the public records officer or designee may stop searching for the remaining records and close the request.
(8) Completion of inspection. When the inspection of the requested records is complete and all requested copies are provided, the public records officer or designee will indicate that Columbia Basin College has completed a diligent search for the requested records and made any located nonexempt records available for inspection.
(9) Closing withdrawn or abandoned request. When the requestor either withdraws the request or fails to fulfill the obligation to inspect the records or pays the deposit or final payment for the requested copies, the public records officer will close the request and indicate to the requestor that the college has closed the request.
(10) Later discovered documents. If, after the college has informed the requestor that it has provided all available records, the college becomes aware of additional responsive documents existing at the time of the request, it will promptly inform the requestor of the additional documents and provide them on an expedited basis.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-90-070Outstanding financial obligations, withholding of services and informal appeal.
(1) Outstanding financial obligations.
The college expects that students who receive services for which a financial obligation is incurred will exercise responsibility in meeting those obligations as stated in WAC 132S-90-020(12). Appropriate college staff are empowered to act in accordance with regularly adopted procedures to carry out the intent of this regulation, and if necessary to initiate legal action to ensure that collection matters are brought to a timely and satisfactory conclusion.
To the extent permitted by law, in response to a student or former student's failure to pay a debt owed to the college, the college may:
(a) Initiate collection action;
(b) Make collections from funds received from or on behalf of a student;
(c) Deny or withhold admission to or registration with the college, conferral of degrees or certificates, and/or issuance of academic transcripts;
(d) Refer the matter for discipline under chapter 132S-100 WAC;
(e) Deny any other provisions or other services, including refunds.
(2) Withholding services for outstanding debts. Upon receipt of a request for services where there is an outstanding debt owed to the college from the requesting person, the college shall notify the student by the most expedient means that the services will not be provided since there is an outstanding debt, and further that until that debt is satisfied, no such services will be provided to the student. The notice shall include a statement that ((he or she has))they have a right to an informal appeal before the debt review committee if ((he or she))they believe((s)) that no debt is owed. The notice shall state that the request for the informal appeal must be made to the president's office within twenty-one days from the date of notification. The informal appeal request must be in writing and must clearly state error(s) in fact or matter(s) in extenuation or mitigation which justifies the informal appeal. The informal appeal process excludes parking citation appeals heard by the citation review committee (basis for parking citation) or those waived by untimely filing, but includes appeals before the debt review committee on whether the debt(s) for parking citation(s) are owed.
(3) Appeal of decision to withhold services for outstanding debt(s).
The request may be for an in-person presentation of the appeal before the debt review committee or include a submission of a written appeal for review by the debt review committee.
Upon receipt by the president's office of a timely request for an informal appeal, the president or designee will designate three staff members and/or student(s) to a committee for the purpose of hearing or reviewing the informal appeal, depending on the request. The debt review committee will render a decision in writing within five business days of the hearing or review. If the outstanding debt is found to be owed by the student involved, services shall not be provided until the debt is paid or otherwise resolved. If the outstanding debt, and any resulting action taken under WAC 132S-90-070, is found to be an institutional error, steps will be taken to lift the restriction on services.
If the decision made by the debt review committee is not satisfactory to the student, ((he or she))they may file a more formal appeal through the brief adjudicative process in chapter 132S-20 WAC.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-91-010Loss of eligibilityStudent athletic participation.
(1) Grounds for ineligibility. Any student found to have violated chapter 69.41 RCW, which prohibits the unlawful sale, delivery or possession of prescription drugs, shall, after hearing, be disqualified from participation in any school-sponsored athletic events or activities.
(2) Initiation of ineligibility proceedings. The dean or designee shall have the authority to request commencement of athletic ineligibility proceedings whenever ((he or she has))they have reasonable cause to believe that the student has violated chapter 69.41 RCW or has been advised that the student has been convicted of a crime involving the violation of chapter 69.41 RCW. The notice of the alleged violations and proposed suspension and the opportunity for a hearing shall be given to the student at least ten days before the hearing. A student convicted of violating chapter 69.41 RCW in a separate criminal proceeding may be given by the dean or designee an interim suspension pending final determination of any administrative proceeding held under these rules. Should the student desire not to go forward with the hearing, the disqualification for participation in athletic events or activities shall be imposed as set forth in the notice of hearing to the student.
(3) Ineligibility proceedings. The president of the college or designee shall select a presiding officer who shall be a college officer who is not involved with the athletic program to conduct the brief adjudicative hearing. The presiding officer shall promptly conduct the hearing and permit the affected parties to explain both the college's view of the matter and the student's view of the matter. The brief adjudicative proceeding shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, currently RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494. A written decision shall be issued within ten calendar days of the conclusion of the brief adjudicative hearing.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-100-030Definitions.
Advisor - A person of the complainant's or respondent's choosing who can accompany the complainant or respondent to any conduct related meeting or proceeding. This person cannot be a college employee or witness involved in the case.
Assembly - Any overt activity engaged in by one or more persons, the object of which is to gain publicity, advocate a view, petition for a cause or disseminate information to any person, persons or group of persons.
Board of trustees - The board of trustees of Community College District No. 19, state of Washington.
Bullying - Physical or verbal abuse, repeated over time, and involving a power imbalance between the aggressor and victim.
College - Columbia Basin College, established within Community College District No. 19, state of Washington.
College facilities - Any and all real property controlled or operated by the college, including all buildings and appurtenances affixed thereon or attached thereto.
College premises - All land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the college, including adjacent streets and sidewalks.
Complainant - A person who reports that a violation of ((the))CBC policy including this student code of conduct has occurred towards themselves, another person, a group of people, or college property. Complainant shall mean the same as claimant or other such term(s) meeting this definition as used in other college policies and procedures.
Complaint - A description of facts that allege a violation of student code of conduct or other college policy.
Consent - Knowing, voluntary and clear permission by word or action, to engage in mutually agreed upon activity, including sexual activity. A person cannot consent to sexual activity if they are not of legal age, unable to understand what is happening or is disoriented, helpless, asleep, or unconscious for any reason, including due to alcohol or other drugs. Intoxication is not a defense against allegations that an individual has engaged in nonconsensual sexual activity.
Cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and online harassment - The prohibited behavior of stalking, bullying, and/or harassment through the use of electronic communications including, but not limited to, electronic mail, instant messaging, electronic bulletin boards, and social media sites, which harms, threatens, or is reasonably perceived as threatening the health or safety of another person.
Dating violence - Violence by a person who has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim. Whether there was such relationship will be gauged by its length, type, and frequency of interaction.
Disciplinary action - The sanctioning of any student pursuant to WAC 132S-100-440 for the violation of any designated rule or regulation of the college.
Discrimination - Unfavorable treatment of a person based on that person's membership or perceived membership in a protected class.
Domestic violence - Asserted violent misdemeanor and felony offenses or conduct committed by a current or former spouse, current or former cohabitant, a person similarly situated under domestic or family violence law, or anyone else protected under domestic or family violence law.
Force - Use of physical violence and/or threats, intimidation or coercion to overcome resistance or gain access or produce consent. Sexual activity that is forced is by definition nonconsensual. However, nonconsensual sexual activity is not by definition forced.
Harassment - Language or conduct by any means that is unwelcome, severe, persistent, or pervasive, and is of such a nature that it could reasonably be expected to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment, or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably causing a reasonable person substantial emotional distress or undermines their ability to work, study, or participate in their regular life activities or participate in the activities of the college.
Hazing - Acts likely to cause physical or psychological harm or social ostracism to any person within the college community, when related to admission, initiation, joining, or any other group-affiliation activity.
Hostile environment - Any situation in which there is harassing conduct that could be based on protected class status and is sufficiently severe or pervasive, and is so objectively offensive that it has the effect of substantially limiting the person's ability to participate in or benefit from the college's educational and/or social programs.
Hostile environment sexual harassment - Occurs when sex- or gender-based conduct is sufficiently severe and/or pervasive and so objectively offensive that it has the effect of substantially limiting the ability of the person to participate in or benefit from the college's educational and/or social programs.
Instructional day - Any regularly scheduled instructional day designated in the academic year calendar, including summer quarter, as a day when classes are held or during final examination week. Saturdays and Sundays, and any full-day campus closures due to holidays or other circumstances are not regularly scheduled instructional days.
Nonconsensual sexual contact - Any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any object, by a person upon another person that is without consent and/or by force. Sexual touching includes any bodily contact with the breasts, groin, mouth, or other bodily orifice of another individual, or any other bodily contact in a sexual manner.
Nonconsensual sexual intercourse - Any sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal), however slight, with any object, by a person upon another person, that is without consent and/or by force. Sexual intercourse includes anal or vaginal penetration by a penis, tongue, finger, or object, or oral copulation by mouth to genital contact or genital to mouth contact.
Policy - The written regulations of the college as found in, but not limited to, the student code of conduct and any other official regulation written or in electronic form.
Preponderance of the evidence - The standard of proof used with all student disciplinary matters at CBC that are within the jurisdiction of student code of conduct, which means that the amount of evidence must be at fifty-one percent or "more likely than not" before a student is found responsible for a violation.
President - The chief executive officer appointed by the board of trustees or, in such president's absence, the acting president or other appointed designee. The president is authorized to delegate any of their responsibilities as may be reasonably necessary.
Protected class - Persons who are protected under state or federal civil rights laws, including laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.
Quid pro quo sexual harassment - Occurs when an individual in a position of real or perceived authority, conditions the receipt of a benefit upon granting of sexual favors.
Respondent - The student who is alleged to have violated CBC policy including this code of conduct or against whom disciplinary action is being taken or initiated. Respondent shall mean the same as responding party or other such term(s) meeting this definition as used in other college policies and procedures.
Rules of the student conduct code - The rules contained herein as now exist or which may be hereafter amended.
Service or notification - The process by which a document is officially delivered to a party. Service or notification is deemed complete and computation of time for deadlines begins upon personal delivery of the document or upon the date the document is electronically mailed and/or deposited into the mail. Documents required to be filed with the college such as requests for appeals, are deemed filed upon actual receipt by the office as designated herein during office hours.
Sexual exploitation - Occurs when one person takes nonconsensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for their own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited, and that behavior does not otherwise constitute one of other sexual misconduct offenses. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to: Invasion of sexual privacy, engaging in voyeurism, nonconsensual video or audio taping of sexual activity; sexually based stalking and/or bullying.
Stalking - Intentional and repeated harassment or following of another person, which places that person in reasonable fear that the perpetrator intends to injure, intimidate, or harass that person. Stalking also includes instances where the perpetrator knows or reasonably should know that the person is frightened, intimidated, or harassed, even if the perpetrator lacks such intent.
Student - Any person from the time of application, admitted to CBC, or registered for courses either full time or part time, or participating in any other educational offerings at CBC, excluding students enrolled in the High School Academy.
Student appeals board - Also referred to as the "SAB" or "appeals board." The SAB is a three member panel which uses the brief adjudicative process to review appeals of disciplinary actions that do not include sanctions of expulsion, suspension for more than ten days, withholding or revocation of a degree, or loss of recognition of a student organization.
Student conduct board - Also referred to as the "SCB" is a ((three member))four person panel which presides over cases that could result in a sanction of expulsion, suspension for more than ten days, revocation of a degree, and/or loss of recognition of a student organization using the full adjudicative process pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.
Student conduct officer - Also referred to as "conduct officer" and/or "SCO" is the person designated by the college president to be responsible for the administration of the student code of conduct or, in such person's absence, the acting SCO or other appointed designee. The SCO is authorized to delegate any and all of their responsibilities as may be reasonably necessary.
Student conduct meeting - The conduct meeting with the student conduct officer using the brief adjudicative process to determine responsibility for violations of the student code of conduct, which do not include sanctions of expulsion, suspension for more than ten days, revocation of a degree, and/or loss of recognition of a student organization pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.
Student organization - Any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for college recognition, such as clubs and associations, and are recognized by the college as such.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-100-117Composition of the student conduct board.
The college will have a SCB composed of ((three members))one chairperson and three decision-making members who shall be vice presidents and deans or directors as designated by the college and trained to conduct the full adjudicative process. The SCB will serve as a standing committee until a final decision is made regarding the student conduct matter for which it was convened. Any SCB member who has a personal relationship with either party or any personal or other interest which would prevent a fair and impartial review and decision will be recused from the proceedings. ((One member, acting as))The chairperson((,)) will preside at the disciplinary hearing and will provide administrative oversight throughout the hearing process((. Any three))but will not participate in the deliberations of the decision-making members. The three decision-making members constitute a quorum of ((a conduct board))the SCB and may act accordingly. The college may retain an advisor to the SCB, including an assistant attorney general.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-100-130Decisions.
All student conduct decisions are made using the preponderance of evidence standard of proof. These decisions become final after twenty-one days from the date of notification to the student unless a written appeal is filed prior to that final date. Decisions to document a complaint without sanction are not eligible for appeal. All decision notifications by the SCO, SCB, SAB, or president will include a statement of the decision, a summary of relevant facts upon which the decision was based, and the procedures for appealing that decision if applicable. The notification will be personally delivered, sent electronically to the student's CBC email address, or by mail to the student's most recent address on file with the college within twenty instructional days of the student conduct proceeding. Students are responsible for promptly notifying the college of changes to their mailing address. Decisions of findings or sanctions by the SCO which do not include sanctions of expulsion, suspension for more than ten days, withholding or revocation of a degree, or loss of recognition of a student organization may be appealed to the SAB. ((Decisions of findings of all violations of the student code of conduct which are likely to include sanctions of expulsion, suspension for more than ten days, revocation of a degree, or loss of recognition of a student organization can be made by the SCO.)) Decisions of findings or sanctions from the SCB may be appealed to the college president. Decisions made by the SAB and college president on appeals are final.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-100-202ConductRules and regulations.
The attendance of a student at CBC is a voluntary entrance into the academic community. By such entrance, the student assumes obligations of performance and behavior reasonably imposed by the college relevant to its lawful missions, processes, and functions. It is the college's expectation that students will:
(1) Conduct themselves in a responsible manner;
(2) Comply with rules and regulations of the college and its departments;
(3) Respect the rights, privileges, and property of other members of the academic community;
(4) Maintain a high standard of integrity and honesty; and
(5) Not interfere with legitimate college business appropriate to the pursuit of educational goals.
Any student or student organization that, either as a principal or participator or by aiding or abetting, commits or attempts to commit to violate any of the proscribed conduct, rules and regulations, or college policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
Amnesty. To support each student's contribution to a safe and effective campus community, the college will not discipline reporting parties or witnesses for code of conduct violations that occur in connection with reported alleged violation unless the college determines the violation was egregious. Egregious violations include conduct that risked someone's health or safety, or involved plagiarism, cheating, or academic dishonesty. Students may be reluctant to report proscribed conduct when alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants were involved. To encourage reporting, this amnesty provision applies to alcohol- and drug-related student violations.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-100-400Student conduct process.
As an agency of the state of Washington, the college's SCO, SCB, SAB, or president may be advised or represented by an assistant attorney general in any student code of conduct proceeding.
(1) Initiation of ((disciplinary action))the student conduct process. A request ((for disciplinary action))to initiate the student conduct process for alleged violation(s) of the student code of conduct must be made to the SCO as soon as possible following the violation. Conduct proceedings may be initiated when the SCO receives any direct or indirect report of conduct that may violate this code, which includes, but is not limited to, a police report, an incident report, a witness statement, other documentation, or a verbal or written report from a complainant, witness, or other third party. The college may initiate ((disciplinary action under)) the student conduct ((code))process regardless of whether or not the incident in question is the subject of criminal or civil proceedings. Any member of the college's administration, faculty, staff, or any student or nonstudent may make a request for disciplinary action through the student conduct process and it must be a good faith claim. Formal rules of evidence, such as are applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in conduct proceedings. Relevant evidence, including hearsay, is admissible if it is the type of evidence that reasonable persons would rely upon in the conduct of their affairs. Unduly repetitious or irrelevant evidence may be excluded. ((The SAB or college president will determine the admissibility of evidence and may seek clarification from witnesses as needed.)) If the complaint indicates that the matter involves sexual misconduct, the SCO will forward the complaint to the Title IX office for review in accordance with the college's Title IX grievance policy and procedure or nondiscrimination and harassment policy and grievance procedure, as applicable. Any determinations of relevant evidence or facts made under the Title IX grievance policy and procedure or the nondiscrimination and harassment policy and grievance procedure shall be relied upon in the student conduct process. The SCO or designee will conduct an initial investigation of a complaint to determine whether it alleges conduct that may be prohibited by the student code of conduct. If it is determined through the initial investigation that the report has merit, the SCO will conduct an investigation to determine responsibility. Except in cases of sexual assault or sexual violence, the parties may elect to mediate the dispute, which shall be facilitated by the SCO. If the SCO's investigation indicates that the alleged violation is so severe that a finding of responsibility is likely to merit expulsion, suspension of more than ten days, revocation of a degree, or loss of recognition of a student organization, the SCO will forward the findings of the investigation to the SCB for review, decision and disciplinary action using the full adjudicative process. If the SCO has a conflict of interest or is the subject of a complaint by the student, the vice president for student services shall, upon request and at their discretion, designate another person to fulfill any such disciplinary responsibilities relative to the request for ((disciplinary action))the student conduct process.
(2) Notification requirements.
(a) If it is determined through the initial investigation that an alleged violation of the student code of conduct might have occurred and which is not eligible for referral to the Title IX officer or the SCB, the SCO will provide the following written notification:
(i) That a report has been submitted alleging conduct which violates the student code of conduct and that a conduct investigation has been initiated to determine responsibility;
(ii) The specific sections of the student code of conduct which are alleged to have been violated;
(iii) That the student may either accept responsibility for the alleged violations or request a conduct meeting with the SCO to present evidence to refute the report;
(iv) That the student may provide evidence such as names and contact information of witnesses to aid the conduct investigation;
(v) The possible sanction outcomes and that the actual sanctions will depend on the determination of responsibility pending the results of the investigation; and
(vi) That if the student fails to participate in any stage of the conduct proceedings or to request a conduct meeting within fifteen days from the date of the notice, the college may move forward with the conduct proceeding without their participation.
(b) If the student requests a conduct meeting within fifteen days of the notice, the student will be provided a written notice to appear for a conduct meeting. The notice to appear will be personally delivered, sent electronically to the student's CBC email address, or sent by mail to the most recent address in the student's record on file with the college, not later than fifteen instructional days after the request for a conduct meeting. The notice will not be ineffective if presented later due to the student's absence. Such notice will:
(i) Set forth the specific provisions of the student code of conduct and the specific acts which are alleged to be violations, as well as the date(s) of the violations, and a description of evidence, if any, of the violation.
(ii) Notify the student of the SCO's investigation and possible sanctions, if any.
(iii) Specify the time, date, and location where the student is required to meet with the SCO. The meeting will be scheduled no earlier than three instructional days, but within thirty instructional days of the date on the notice to appear sent to the student. The SCO may modify the time, date, and location of the meeting, either at the student's or college's request, for reasonable cause.
(iv) Inform the student that failure to attend the conduct meeting will not stop the disciplinary process and may result in a transcript/registration hold being placed onto the student's account, and disciplinary actions.
(v) Inform the student that they may be accompanied at the meeting by an advisor at their expense. The advisor cannot be a college employee or witness. If the student or their advisor is found to have tampered with witnesses or evidence, or destroyed evidence, the student will be held accountable in the conduct process for their acts and those of their advisor.
(vi) Inform the student that they may present evidence to support their assertions during the meeting.
(3) Student conduct meeting – Brief adjudicative process.
(a) During the student conduct meeting, the student will be informed of the following:
(i) The specific acts and the provision(s) of college policy that the student is alleged to have violated;
(ii) The disciplinary process;
(iii) The range of sanctions which might result from the disciplinary process and that the actual sanctions will depend on the findings of responsibility;
(iv) The student's right to appeal.
(b) The student will have the opportunity to review and respond to the allegation(s) and evidence and provide the SCO with relevant information, evidence and/or witnesses to the alleged violation(s), and/or explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged violation(s).
(c) The advisor may assist the student during the conduct meeting, however the student is responsible for presenting their own information and evidence. The advisor may only communicate with the student they are advising. Any disruptions or failure to follow the conduct process and/or directions of the SCO may result in the advisor being excused from the meeting.
(4) Decision by the SCO.
(a) After interviewing the student or students involved and/or other individuals as appropriate, and considering the evidence, the SCO may take any of the following actions:
(i) Determine that the student is not responsible for a violation of the student code of conduct and thereby terminate the student conduct process;
(ii) Determine that the student is responsible for a violation of the student code of conduct and impose disciplinary sanctions as provided herein;
(iii) Determine that further inquiry is necessary and schedule another meeting for reasonable cause; or
(iv) Refer the case to the SCB for the full adjudicative hearing process if the alleged violation is discovered to be of a severe nature and may result in sanctions that include expulsion, suspension for more than ten days, revocation of a degree, or loss of recognition of a student organization.
(b) Notification of the decision by the SCO will be issued pursuant to WAC 132S-100-130 within thirty instructional days of the final student conduct meeting. Due to federal privacy law, the college may not disclose to the complainant any sanctions imposed on the responding student unless the complainant was the alleged victim of a violent crime as defined under the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)(20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99), or the responding student consents to such disclosure. A copy of the decision notification will be filed with the office of the SCO.
(c) Disciplinary action taken by the SCO is final unless the student exercises the right of appeal as provided herein.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-100-407Appeal process.
(1)(a) Disciplinary decisions may be appealed by filing a written request with the office of the VPSS within twenty-one days of the notice of the decision. Disciplinary decisions of the SCO may be appealed for review by the SAB using the brief adjudicative process. Disciplinary decisions of the SCB may be appealed for review by the college president using the brief adjudicative process. Disciplinary decisions by the SCO that include sexual misconduct may be applied for review by the SCB using the brief adjudicative process. Failure to file a written appeal within twenty-one days will result in the decision becoming final with no further right of appeal.
(b) The request for appeal must include a brief statement explaining the grounds for the appeal or why the party is seeking review. Disagreement with the finding and/or with the sanctions does not, by itself, represent grounds for appeals.
(2) Decisions may be appealed for one or more of the following:
(a) To determine whether there was a procedural error that substantially affected the outcome of the finding or sanctioning. Deviation from designated procedures is not a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice results.
(b) To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate and not excessively lenient or excessively severe for the violation of the student code of conduct for which the student was found responsible.
(c) To consider new information, sufficient to alter a decision, or other relevant facts not brought during fact finding, because such information and/or facts were not known, and the student bringing the appeal had no duty to discover or could not have reasonably discovered facts giving rise to the issues during investigation or fact-finding.
(3) Refusal to participate during the investigation or student conduct process does not constitute a right to appeal.
The VPSS or designee will forward appeals based on one or more of the required grounds for appeal to the SAB, SCB, or president as provided herein.
A party, who timely appeals a disciplinary action, has a right to a prompt, fair, and impartial appeal review as provided in these procedures.
Interim measures will remain in effect pending an appeal unless they have been removed pursuant to WAC 132S-100-445.
(4) Appeals of disciplinary action(s) will be taken in the following order:
(a) Complainants are afforded the same right to appeal as respondents in student conduct matters in which the complainant was the alleged target of violence or sexual misconduct. If both parties appeal the decision, the appeals will be reviewed in the order in which they are filed or reviewed together, if they state the same, similar, or related grounds or substance for appeal.
(b) The SAB or college president's decision to affirm, reverse or modify the decision and/or sanction will be issued pursuant to WAC 132S-100-130.
(c) The SAB's, and the college president's decisions are final.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-100-413Full adjudicative process.
The SCB will use the following full adjudicative process to determine responsibility for serious violations which include sanctions of suspension for more than ten days, expulsion, withholding or revocation of a degree, or loss of recognition of a student organization.
(1) The parties will be sent written notification of the SCB adjudication proceedings within ninety days from the date of the filing of the appeal. The notification will contain the following:
(a) The time, date, and location of the hearing, which shall not be less than seven days from the date of the notice of the hearing;
(b) The specific acts alleged and the provision(s) of college policy which those acts violated;
(c) The SCB procedures;
(d) The name and contact information for the SCB and their advisor, if any, representing the college. The notice will include the official title, work mailing address, and telephone number of each of these individuals;
(e) Unless otherwise ordered by the SCB chairperson, the name and mailing addresses of all parties to whom notice is being given and, if known, the names and addresses of their advisors;
(f) A statement that if a party fails to attend or participate in a hearing or other stage of this adjudicative proceeding, they may be held in default in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW and/or the college may continue the student conduct process, including the hearing, despite the party's absence.
(2) The respondent and complainant have the right to be assisted by one advisor of their choice and at their own expense. The advisor must ((be someone who is)) not be a witness or someone employed by the college. If the respondent chooses to have an attorney serve as their advisor, the student must provide notice to the SCB no less than five instructional days prior to the hearing. The SCB hearing may not be delayed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor and such requests will be subject to the discretion of the SCB chairperson. If the student or their advisor is found to have tampered with witnesses or evidence, or destroyed evidence, the student will be held accountable in the conduct process for their acts and those of their representative/advisor.
The respondent and/or complainant are responsible for presenting their own information, and therefore, during the hearing, advisors are not permitted to address the SCB, witnesses, the SCO, or any party or advisor invited by the parties to the hearing. An advisor may communicate with their advisee and recesses may be allowed for this purpose at the discretion of the SCB chairperson. The advisor may not disrupt or interfere with any aspect of the proceeding.
The SCB chairperson shall have the right to impose reasonable conditions upon the participation of the advisor.
(3) The SCB and the parties will be provided reasonable access to the documentation and evidence which will be reviewed by the SCB, as well as the case file that will be retained by the SCO in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
(4) Any SCB member who has a personal relationship with either party or any personal or other interest which would prevent a fair and impartial review and decision will be recused from the proceedings.
A party may make a written request to the SCB chairperson for the recusal of an SCB member no less than five instructional days prior to the hearing. The request must be for good cause, which must be shown by the party making the request. The SCB chairperson will consider the request and notify the student of their decision regarding the recusal prior to the hearing. If the SCB chairperson grants the recusal, a replacement for the recused SCB member will be made without unreasonable delay.
(5) The parties involved in the hearing will be required to submit their witness list and any evidence to be discussed at the hearing to the SCB chairperson no less than five instructional days prior to the hearing. ((Each party is allowed a maximum of three character witnesses to appear on their behalf.)) The parties must submit a witness list which contains a written statement from each witness that includes a brief description of the relevant information the witness will provide during the hearing. Witnesses not listed will not participate in the hearing.
(6) Discovery in the form of depositions, interrogatories, and medical examinations of parties are not permitted in student conduct adjudications. Other forms of discovery which ensure the prompt and thorough completion of the adjudication process may be permitted at the discretion of the SCB chairperson.
(7) Hearings will be closed to the public except if consented to by all parties and at the discretion of the SCB chairperson. Witnesses may be allowed in the hearing room only during the time in which they provide their statements to the SCB. The complainant and respondent, depending on their preference and subject to orders of a court of law, such as protection orders, may be present for and observe the entire hearing.
At the discretion of the SCB chairperson, and where the rights of the parties will not be prejudiced, all or part of the hearing may be conducted by telephone, video conference, or other electronic means. Each party shall have the opportunity to hear and if technically and economically feasible, to see the entire hearing while it is taking place. At all times, however, all parties, their advisors, the witnesses, and the public will be excluded during the deliberations of the SCB.
(8) The SCB chairperson will exercise control over the hearing to avoid needless consumption of time and to prevent the harassment or intimidation of witnesses. Any person, including the respondent and complainant, who disrupts a hearing or who fails to follow the directions of the SCB chairperson may be excluded from the proceedings and may be subject to disciplinary action.
(9) Questions posed by any party to be answered by each other or by witnesses must be appropriate and respectful. The SCB chairperson may require any participant of the hearing to provide all questions in writing to the SCB chairperson. The SCB chairperson, if appropriate and at their sole discretion, will read the question to the individual to whom it is directed. Any question which the SCB chairperson has chosen not to read will be documented on record and kept within the case file. The SCB chairperson will decide matters related to the order of the proceedings.
(10) In order that a complete record of the proceeding can be made to include all evidence presented, hearings will be recorded or transcribed, except for the deliberations of the SCB. The record will be the property of the college.
(11) After weighing and considering the evidence, the SCB will decide by ((majority))unanimous vote whether the respondent is responsible or not responsible for a violation of the student code of conduct. If there is a finding of responsibility for a violation, the SCB shall ((impose))determine sanctions as ((set forth))provided herein.
(12) The SCB's decision is made on the basis of a "preponderance of the evidence" standard of proof, that is, whether it is more likely than not that the respondent violated the student code of conduct.
(13) The notice of decision of the SCB will be issued pursuant to WAC 132S-100-130. A copy of the SCB's decision will also be filed with the office of the SCO.
(14) Disciplinary action taken by the SCB is final unless the student exercises the right of appeal to the college president as provided herein.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-100-417Brief adjudicative process.
(1) The brief adjudicative process is conducted in accordance with RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494.
(2) The SCO will use the brief adjudicative process to make decisions of findings of responsibility as provided in this code of conduct.
(3) The SCB will use the brief adjudicative process to review appeals of disciplinary decisions which include allegations of sexual misconduct but do not include sanctions of expulsion, suspension for more than ten days, revocation of a degree, or loss of recognition of a student organization.
(4) The president will use the brief adjudicative process to review appeals of all disciplinary decisions made by the SCB.
(5) The SAB will use the brief adjudicative process to review timely appeals of disciplinary decisions which do not include sexual misconduct, sanctions of expulsion, suspension for more than ten days, revocation of a degree, or loss of recognition of a student organization.
(6) Within twenty days of filing the appeal, the SAB or president, as applicable, shall review the record of the preceding conduct decision and all relevant information provided by the parties, and based on a preponderance of the evidence by unanimous vote as applicable, shall make a determination to affirm, reverse, or modify the findings and/or sanctions. The SCB, SAB and president shall have the discretion to seek clarification from witnesses as needed.
(7) Notification of the decision will be issued pursuant to WAC 132S-100-130.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-100-433Sexual misconduct procedures.
(1) Any reports of sexual misconduct will be forwarded to the college's Title IX coordinator or designee ((shall))for review and ((investigate reports of sexual misconduct))investigation in accordance with the college's Title IX grievance policy and procedure or nondiscrimination and harassment policy and grievance procedure, as applicable.
(2) College personnel will honor requests to keep sexual misconduct complaints confidential to the extent this can be done without unreasonable risk to the health, safety, and welfare of the ((complainant))parties or other members of the college community, or compromising the college's duty to investigate and process sexual harassment and sexual violence complaints.
(3) Both the respondent and the complainant in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct shall be provided the same procedural rights to participate in the disciplinary process, to simultaneously receive notifications, and to appeal the finding and/or sanction.
(4) Notification of the results of the investigation or disciplinary action, if any, will be personally delivered, sent electronically to the student's CBC email address, or sent by mail to the most recent address in the student's record on file with the college.
(5) In the event of conflict between the ((sexual misconduct))Title IX grievance policy and procedure or the nondiscrimination and harassment policy and grievance procedure((s)) and the student code of conduct, the ((sexual misconduct procedures))Title IX grievance policy and procedure or nondiscrimination and harassment policy and grievance procedure, as applicable, shall govern.
(6) All college employees who coordinate, investigate, or adjudicate issues involving sexual misconduct shall receive annual training as required by law, including training on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and investigation and adjudication processes that protect the safety and due process rights of the parties.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-100-500Records of disciplinary action.
(1) Records of all disciplinary actions will become part of the student's disciplinary record and kept by the office of the SCO. Disciplinary records are "education records" as defined by FERPA and shall be maintained and disclosed consistent with FERPA and the college's educational records retention policies. All documentation of the student conduct proceedings will be preserved for at least seven years, except in ((disciplinary actions))decisions where no violation(s) of the student code of conduct was found. In such cases, only a record of the finding of no violation shall be maintained in the student's file or other college repository after the date of the student's graduation or award of a degree or certificate or for one calendar year, whichever is shorter. All records of expulsion will be kept for twenty-five years from the date of the decision.
(2) The office of the SCO will keep accurate records of all disciplinary actions taken by that office. Such recordings will be placed in the student's disciplinary records. A student has a disciplinary record only after notification of a decision is made and the student is found responsible for a violation of the student code of conduct. A case that is currently under investigation or is classified as "documentation only" is not a disciplinary record.
(3) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides that an educational institution may notify a student's parent or legal guardian if the student is under the age of twenty-one and has violated a federal, state, or local law involving the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Chapter 132S-110 WAC
TITLE IX HEARING PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS
NEW SECTION
WAC 132S-110-010Order of precedence.
This procedure applies to allegations of sexual harassment subject to Title IX jurisdiction pursuant to the college's Title IX grievance policy and regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Education. See 34 C.F.R. Part 106. To the extent these hearing procedures conflict with Columbia Basin College's standard disciplinary procedures, WAC 132S-100-010 through 132S-100-500 these procedures shall take precedence.
NEW SECTION
WAC 132S-110-020Prohibited conduct under Title IX.
Pursuant to RCW 28B.50.140(13) and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681, the college may impose disciplinary sanctions against a student who commits, attempts to commit, or aids, abets, incites, encourages, or assists another person to commit, an act(s) of "sexual harassment."
For purposes of this procedure, "sexual harassment" encompasses the following conduct:
(1) Quid pro quo harassment. A college employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the college on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
(2) Hostile environment. Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the college's educational programs or activities, or employment.
(3) Sexual assault. Sexual assault includes the following conduct:
(a) Nonconsensual sexual intercourse. Any actual or attempted sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal), however slight, with any object or body part, by a person upon another person, that is without consent and/or by force. Sexual intercourse includes anal or vaginal penetration by a penis, tongue, finger, or object, or oral copulation by mouth to genital contact or genital to mouth contact.
(b) Nonconsensual sexual contact. Any actual or attempted sexual touching, however slight, with any body part or object, by a person upon another person that is without consent and/or by force. Sexual touching includes any bodily contact with the breasts, groin, mouth, or other bodily orifice of another individual, or any other bodily contact in a sexual manner.
(c) Incest. Sexual intercourse or sexual contact with a person known to be related to them, either legitimately or illegitimately, as an ancestor, descendant, brother, or sister either wholly or half related. Descendant includes stepchildren and adopted children under the age of eighteen.
(d) Statutory rape. Consensual sexual intercourse between someone who is eighteen years of age or older and someone who is under the age of sixteen.
(4) Domestic violence. Physical violence, bodily injury, assault, the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, sexual assault, or stalking committed by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the state of Washington, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the state of Washington, RCW 26.50.010.
(5) Dating violence. Physical violence, bodily injury, assault, the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, sexual assault, or stalking committed by a person:
(a) Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
(b) Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
(i) The length of the relationship;
(ii) The type of relationship; and
(iii) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
(6) Stalking. Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress.
NEW SECTION
WAC 132S-110-030Title IX jurisdiction.
(1) This procedure applies only if the alleged misconduct:
(a) Occurred in the United States;
(b) Occurred during a college educational program or activity; and
(c) Meets the definition of Title IX sexual harassment as that term is defined in this procedure.
(2) For purposes of this procedure, an "educational program or activity" is defined as locations, events, or circumstances over which the college exercised substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the alleged sexual harassment occurred. This definition includes any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the college.
(3) Proceedings under this procedure must be dismissed if the Title IX coordinator or designee determines that one or all of the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (c) of this section have not been met. Dismissal under this procedure does not prohibit the college from addressing allegations or taking disciplinary action against conduct that violates provisions of the college's student conduct code, chapter 132S-100 WAC, federal or state law, or other college policies.
(4) If the Title IX coordinator or designee determines the facts in the investigation report are not sufficient to support Title IX jurisdiction and/or does not constitute a Title IX violation, the Title IX coordinator or designee will issue a notice of dismissal in whole or part to both parties explaining why some or all of the Title IX claims have been dismissed.
NEW SECTION
WAC 132S-110-040Initiation of hearing.
(1) Upon receiving the Title IX investigation report the Title IX coordinator or designee will review the report to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed with a live hearing.
(2) If the Title IX coordinator or designee determines that there are sufficient grounds to proceed, the Title IX coordinator or designee will initiate a live hearing by filing a written notice with the chair of the Title IX student hearing panel and serving the notice on the respondent and the complainant, and their respective advisors. The notice must:
(a) Set forth the basis for Title IX jurisdiction;
(b) Identify the alleged Title IX violation(s);
(c) Set forth the facts underlying the allegation(s);
(d) Identify the range of possible sanctions that may be imposed if the respondent is found responsible for the alleged violation(s); and
(e) Explain that the parties are entitled to be accompanied by their chosen advisors during the hearing and that:
(i) The advisors will be responsible for questioning all witnesses on the party's behalf;
(ii) An advisor may be an attorney; and
(iii) If the party does not have an advisor, the college will provide a list of available advisors for the party to choose from at no cost to the party.
(3) Explain that if a party fails to appear at the hearing, a decision of responsibility may be made in their absence.
NEW SECTION
WAC 132S-110-050Prehearing procedure.
(1) Upon receiving the notice of live hearing, the chair of the Title IX student hearing panel will send a hearing notice to all parties. In no event will the hearing date be set less than ten days after the Title IX coordinator or designee provides the final investigation report to the parties.
(2) A party may choose to have an attorney serve as their advisor at the party's own expense. This right will be waived unless, at least five days before the hearing, the attorney files a notice of appearance with the hearing panel chair with copies to all parties and the Title IX coordinator.
(3) In preparation for the hearing, the parties will have equal access to all evidence gathered by the investigator during the investigation, regardless of whether the college intends to offer the evidence at the hearing.
NEW SECTION
WAC 132S-110-060Rights of parties.
(1) To the extent they are consistent with this procedure, the college's student conduct procedures, chapter 132S-100 WAC and this procedure shall apply equally to all parties.
(2) The college bears the burden of offering and presenting sufficient testimony and evidence to establish whether or not the respondent is responsible for a Title IX violation by a preponderance of the evidence.
(3) The respondent will be presumed not responsible until such time as the disciplinary process has been finally resolved.
(4) During the hearing, each party shall be represented by an advisor. The parties are entitled to an advisor of their own choosing and the advisor may be an attorney. If a party does not choose an advisor, then the Title IX coordinator or designee will provide a list of available advisors for the party to choose from at no cost to the party.
NEW SECTION
WAC 132S-110-070Evidence.
The introduction and consideration of evidence during the hearing is subject to the following procedures and restrictions:
(1) Relevance: The hearing panel chair shall review all questions for relevance and shall explain on the record their reasons for excluding any question based on lack of relevance.
(2) Relevance means that information elicited by the question makes facts in dispute more or less likely to be true.
(3) Questions or evidence about a complainant's sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant and must be excluded, unless such question or evidence:
(a) Is asked or offered to prove someone other than the respondent committed the alleged misconduct; or
(b) Concerns specific incidents of prior sexual behavior between the complainant and the respondent, which are asked or offered on the issue of consent.
(4) Cross-examination required: If a party or witness does not submit to cross-examination during the live hearing, the hearing panel must not rely on any statement by that party or witness in reaching a determination of responsibility.
(5) No negative inference: The hearing panel may not make an inference regarding responsibility solely on a witness's or party's absence from the hearing or refusal to answer questions.
(6) Privileged evidence: The hearing panel shall not consider legally privileged information unless the holder has effectively waived the privilege. Privileged information includes, but is not limited to, information protected by the following:
(a) Spousal/domestic partner privilege;
(b) Attorney-client and attorney work product privileges;
(c) Privileges applicable to members of the clergy and priests;
(d) Privileges applicable to medical providers, mental health therapists, and counselors;
(e) Privileges applicable to sexual assault and domestic violence advocates; and
(f) Other legal privileges identified in RCW 5.60.060.
NEW SECTION
WAC 132S-110-080Initial order.
(1) The Title IX student hearing panel will be responsible for conferring and drafting an initial order that:
(a) Identifies the allegations of sexual harassment;
(b) Describes the grievance and disciplinary procedures, starting with filing of the formal complaint through the determination of responsibility, including notices to parties, interviews with witnesses and parties, site visits, methods used to gather evidence, and hearings held;
(c) Describes findings of fact supporting the decision of the hearing panel;
(d) Reaches conclusions as to whether the facts establish that the respondent is responsible or not responsible for engaging in sexual harassment in violation of Title IX;
(e) Contains a statement of, and rationale for, the hearing panel's determination of each allegation;
(f) Describes any disciplinary sanction or conditions imposed against the respondent, if any;
(g) Describes to what extent, if any, complainant is entitled to remedies designed to restore or preserve complainant's equal access to the college's education programs or activities; and
(h) Describes the process for appealing the initial order to the college president.
(2) The hearing panel chair will serve the initial order on the parties simultaneously.
NEW SECTION
WAC 132S-110-090Appeals.
(1) The parties shall have the right to appeal from the initial order's determination of responsibility and/or dismissal of an allegation(s) of sexual harassment in a formal complaint. The right to appeal will be subject to the following procedures and time frames:
(a) An appeal may be filed in writing with the president's office within twenty-one days of the notice of initial order, with copies to all parties and the Title IX coordinator.
(b) The request for appeal must include a brief statement explaining the grounds for the appeal or why the party is seeking review. Disagreement with the initial order and/or sanctions does not, by itself, represent grounds for appeals.
(c) Decisions may be appealed for one or more of the following:
(i) To determine whether there was a procedural irregularity that substantially affected the outcome of the initial order. Deviation from designated procedures is not a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice results.
(ii) To consider new evidence, sufficient to alter a decision, that was not reasonably available during fact finding and cross-examination, because such information and/or facts were not known, and the student bringing the appeal had no duty to discover or could not have reasonably discovered facts giving rise to the issues during investigation, live hearing, or fact finding. Refusal to participate during the investigation or live hearing does not constitute a right to appeal.
(iii) The Title IX coordinator or designee, investigator(s), or decision-maker(s) had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual complainant or respondent that affected the outcome of the matter.
(d) A party who timely appeals a decision under this procedure, has a right to a prompt, fair, and impartial review of their appeal.
(e) Supportive measures will remain in effect pending an appeal.
(f) Complainants are afforded the same right to appeal as respondents. If both parties appeal the decision, the appeals will be reviewed in the order in which they are filed or reviewed together, if they state the same, similar, or related grounds or substance for appeal.
(2) The president or their delegate will determine whether the grounds for appeal have merit, provide the rationale for this conclusion, and state whether the disciplinary sanction and condition(s) imposed in the initial order are affirmed, vacated, or amended, and, if amended, set forth any new disciplinary sanction and/or condition(s).
(3) The president's office shall serve the final decision on the parties simultaneously.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-105Definitions.
The words used in this chapter shall have the meaning given in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(((1) "Board" shall mean the board of trustees of Columbia Basin College.
(2) "Campus" shall mean any or all real property owned, operated, or maintained by Columbia Basin College.
(3) "College" shall mean Columbia Basin College.
(4) "Faculty members" shall mean any employee of Columbia Basin College who is employed to teach at Columbia Basin College.
(5) "Campus security officer" shall mean an employed security officer, security guard or communication officer of the college.
(6) "Staff" shall mean the classified, exempt and administrative employees of Columbia Basin College.
(7) "Vehicle" shall mean an automobile, truck, motor driven cycle, scooter, or any vehicle powered by a motor.
(8) "Visitors" shall mean any person or persons, excluding students as defined in WAC 132S-100-030, who come upon the campus as guests, and any person or persons who lawfully visit the campus for the purposes which are in keeping with the college's role as an institution of higher learning in the state of Washington.
(9) "Employee parking permits" shall mean permits which are valid annually and shall be obtained from the plant operations office at the fee set by administration.
(10) "Temporary permits" shall mean permits which are valid for a specific period of time designated on the permit.))(1) "Annual parking permit(s)" shall mean parking permits that are valid annually and obtained from the campus security office at the fee set by administration, which reserves designated parking spaces on campus for college faculty, staff, or the employees of college property lessees. Campus security shall maintain a list of reserved spaces on campus that correspond with annual parking permits. This definition does not include temporary, special, visitor, carpool permits, or residence hall permits.
(2) "Campus(es)" shall mean any or all real property owned, operated, or maintained by Columbia Basin College.
(3) "Campus security officer" shall mean an employed security officer or communication officer of the college.
(4) "College" or "CBC" shall mean Columbia Basin College.
(5) "Faculty" shall mean any employee of Columbia Basin College who is employed to instruct, counsel, or provide library services to students at Columbia Basin College.
(6) "Residence hall" shall mean any and all real property owned and operated by Columbia Basin College for the purpose of providing housing for its students, which includes, but is not limited to, Sunhawk Hall located at 2901 N. 20th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301.
(7) "Residence hall permits" shall mean parking permits that are valid for parking at the residence hall and issued by the director for resident life. The director for resident life shall maintain a list of students that are issued parking permits. Such permits are only valid at the residence hall while the student is living at the residence hall.
(8) "Staff" shall mean the classified, exempt and administrative employees of Columbia Basin College.
(9) "Temporary permit(s)" shall mean parking permits which are valid for a specific period of time designated on the permit. This definition shall include temporary, special, visitor, carpool, or shop permits.
(10) "Vehicle" shall mean an automobile, truck, motor driven cycle, scooter, or any vehicle powered by a motor.
(11) "Visitors" shall mean any person or persons, excluding students as defined in WAC 132S-100-030, who come upon the campus as guests, and any person or persons who lawfully visit the campus for the purposes which are in keeping with the college's role as an institution of higher learning in the state of Washington.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-110Purposes of regulations.
The purposes of the rules and regulations established by this chapter are:
(1) To control parking on college owned parking lots;
(2) To protect and control pedestrian and vehicular traffic on campus;
(3) To assure access at all times ((for))to emergency vehicles and equipment;
(4) To minimize traffic disturbance during class hours;
(5) To expedite ((Columbia Basin))college business, protect state property, and ((to)) provide maximum safety and convenience.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-115Applicable rules and regulations.
The traffic and parking regulations which are applicable upon state lands devoted to the educational, recreational and research activities of ((Columbia Basin))the college are as follows:
(1) The motor vehicle and other traffic laws of the state of Washington;
(2) The traffic codes of Pasco ((and))or Richland, as applicable; and
(3) Special regulations set forth in this chapter.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-130Regulatory signs and directions.
The vice president of administrative services or designee is authorized to erect signs, barricades and other structures and to paint marks or other directions upon the ((entry ways))entrances and streets on campus and upon the various parking lots owned or operated by the college. Such signs, barricades, structures, markings, and directions shall be so made and placed to best effectuate the rules and regulations contained in this chapter. Drivers of vehicles shall observe and obey the signs, barricades, structures, markings and directions erected pursuant to this section. Drivers shall also comply with the directions given them by campus security officers in the control and regulation of traffic.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-135Speed limit.
No vehicle shall be operated on the campuses at a speed in excess of fifteen miles per hour ((in parking lots)); or such lower speed as is reasonable and prudent in the circumstances. No vehicle of any type shall at any time use the campus parking lots for reckless or negligent driving or unauthorized activities.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-300-140Pedestrian's right of way.
(1) The operator of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping, if need be to so yield to any pedestrian, but no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.
(2) Whenever any vehicle slows or stops so as to yield to pedestrian traffic, the operator of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such a vehicle which has slowed or stopped to yield to pedestrian traffic.
(3) Every pedestrian crossing at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right of way to all vehicles.
(4) College administration, campus security staff, law enforcement and/or emergency services personnel are authorized to place signs, barricades, direct traffic flow, and other traffic directions upon/or in the CBC campus parking lots and campus grounds which include crosswalks, breezeways, or other areas for the regulation of traffic and parking that will provide safe ingress to and egress from CBC campuses. Pedestrians are responsible for obeying directions and safe travel through campus.
(5) Where a sidewalk is provided, pedestrians shall proceed upon such a sidewalk.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-205Enforcement.
(1) Enforcement of the parking rules and regulations ((will begin the first day of the first week of full classes of the fall quarter and will continue until the end of summer quarter. These rules and regulations will not be enforced on Saturdays, Sundays, and official college holidays))in this chapter are subject to enforcement from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday, except on legal holidays as identified in WAC 132S-05-015. However, at the residence hall(s), parking rules and regulations in this chapter are subject to enforcement at all times.
(2) The vice president of administrative services or designee shall be responsible for the enforcement of the rules and regulations contained in this chapter and may issue fines or penalties as described in this chapter. The vice president of administrative services is hereby authorized to delegate this responsibility to the campus security officers or other ((designated subordinates))designees.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-300Issuance of parking citations.
Citations and fines may be levied for ((parking violations))any violation of this chapter that occurs on ((Columbia Basin College (CBC)))either campus((es)). A schedule of fines shall be published on the college's website located at www.columbiabasin.edu. A copy of the fine schedule shall also be available in the campus security office. Upon the violations of any of the rules and regulations contained in this chapter, the vice president of administrative services, and campus security and staff, including student workers, may issue a warning, ((summons)) or citation setting forth the date, the approximate time, permit number, license information, infraction, officer, and fines as appropriate. Such warnings((, summons)) or ((traffic)) citations may be served by attaching or affixing a copy thereof in some prominent place outside such vehicle or by personally serving the operator.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-03-046, filed 1/9/20, effective 2/9/20)
WAC 132S-300-305Authorization for issuance of parking permits.
The campus security office, or designee, is authorized to issue ((annually))annual parking permits to faculty, staff ((members, employees of private parties and students using college facilities pursuant to regulations and the payment of appropriate fees as determined by the college)), and employees of college's lessees using college facilities pursuant to regulations and the payment of appropriate fees as determined by the college. The director for residence life, or the director's designee, is authorized to issue residence hall permits to students living at the residence hall.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-310Valid parking permits.
A valid parking permit is:
(1) A current annual parking permit issued by ((plant operations))the campus security office and properly displayed;
(2) A temporary ((or visitor's parking)) permit:
(a) From the sponsoring department ((and properly displayed;
(3) A special parking permit and properly displayed;
(4) A shop permit authorized by a vocational-technical instructor and properly displayed; or
(5) A carpool permit authorized by college security and properly displayed));
(b) From a career or technical educational faculty member;
(c) A carpool permit authorized by the campus security office;
(d) A special parking permit; or
(e) A residence hall permit issued by the director for resident life and properly displayed.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-315Display of parking permit.
(1) All annual parking permits and residence hall permits shall be properly displayed and viewable from the front windshield of the vehicle. Temporary, special, visitor, carpool, or shop permits shall be placed in a visible position on the dashboard of the automobile. Additionally, for a vehicle utilizing a carpool space, two or more carpool permits must be displayed on the dashboard in a manner that is visible to campus security officers (e.g., cannot be stacked or overlapping, etc.).
(2) Permits not displayed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not be valid and the vehicle may be subject to a parking ((violation))citation and/or penalty.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-320Transfer of parking permit.
((Annually issued))Annual parking permits purchased by individuals stated in WAC 132S-300-305 are transferable.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-335Allocation of parking space.
The parking space available on campus for ((annually issued))annual parking permits shall be designated and allocated by the ((plant operations))campus security office or designee in such a manner as will best effectuate the objectives of the rules and regulations in this chapter.
(1) Parking spaces will be designated for use of visitors on campus.
(2) Parking spaces for persons with disabilities will be designated pursuant to RCW 46.61.581. The allocated parking spaces are exclusively for use by those designated, provided that appropriate state of Washington "disabled permit" are displayed properly within their vehicles.
(3) Parking spaces will be designated for use by carpool vehicles.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-340Parking within designated spaces.
(1) All vehicles shall follow traffic arrows and other markings established for the purpose of directing traffic on campus.
(2) In areas marked for diagonal parking, vehicles shall be parked at a forty-five degree angle with the vehicle facing head in.
(3) No vehicle shall be parked so as to occupy any portion of more than one parking space or stall as designated within the parking area. The fact that other vehicles may have been so parked as to require the vehicle parked to occupy a portion of more than one space or stall shall not constitute an excuse for a violation of this section.
(4) Those spaces that contain a parking space number are reserved for those that pay the fee associated with the annual parking permit and are assigned the space for the duration of the year. Those that park in a reserved space without the corresponding annual parking permit may be subject to citation and/or penalty.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-12-039, filed 5/25/16, effective 6/25/16)
WAC 132S-300-400Fines and penalties.
The vice president of administrative services or designee is authorized to impose fines and penalties for the violation of the rules and regulations contained in this chapter.
(1) Fines. A schedule of fines shall be published online at the college's website located at www.columbiabasin.edu. An individual receiving a parking citation must pay fine(s) imposed in accordance with the schedule of fines. Visitors who have received citations for parking violations may return the citation to the campus security office with name, address, and a brief explanation. The chief campus ((safety and)) security ((supervisor))official may void the citation as a courtesy notice. Any individual may file an appeal for any parking citation under the appeals section of this subchapter and as described in further detail on the college's website.
(2) Unpaid fines. If any parking citation remains unpaid eight days after issuance on the citation or after appeal of the citation, Columbia Basin College may take actions including, but not limited to:
(a) Initiate collection action;
(b) Make collections from funds received from or on behalf of a student;
(c) Deny or withhold admission to or registration with the college, conferral of degrees or certificates, and/or issuance of academic transcripts;
(d) Refer the matter for discipline under chapter 132S-100 WAC;
(e) Deny any other provisions or other services, including refunds.
(3) Student conduct referral. An accumulation of unpaid citations or traffic offenses by a student may be referred to the chief student conduct officer for initiation of disciplinary proceedings under chapter 132S-100 WAC as the chief student conduct officer deems appropriate. No disciplinary action for unpaid citations shall be taken until the student has completed the appeal process or waived ((his or her))their appeal rights.
(4) Impoundment. Vehicles parked on a Columbia Basin College campus in violation of any of the regulations contained in this chapter may be impounded at the discretion of the vice president of administrative services or the chief campus ((safety and)) security ((supervisor))official. If a vehicle is impounded, it may be taken to such place for storage as the vice president of administrative services or designee selects. The expenses of such impounding and storage shall be charged to the owner or operator of the vehicle and paid by ((him or her))them prior to its release. The college and its employees shall not be liable for loss or damage of any kind resulting from such impounding and storage.
(5) Appeals. Any fines and penalties for citations under the rules and regulations of this chapter must be appealed in writing, stating fully all grounds for appeal, within five days from the date of the citation, to the chief campus ((safety and)) security ((supervisor))official or designee who will:
(a) First level appeal. After review of the appeal the chief campus ((safety and)) security ((supervisor))official or designee may uphold, reduce or waive the fine(s) associated with the citation. Any fine(s) still levied against the appellant must be paid in accordance with the schedule of fines unless appellant wishes to pursue a second-level appeal. If the citation remains unpaid thereafter, the college may take actions stated above and/or in chapter 132S-100 WAC. The chief campus ((safety and)) security ((supervisor))official will advise the appealing party in writing as soon as practicable of ((his or her))their decision, along with second-level appeal rights and location of the appeal form.
(b) Second-level appeal. If the appealing party is dissatisfied with the chief campus ((safety and)) security ((supervisor's))official's decision, the appealing party may submit the same appeal to the citation review committee within five days of receipt of the chief campus ((safety and)) security ((supervisor's))official's decision. Failure to appeal in writing within the five-day period constitutes a waiver of right of appeal. The written appeal form completed by the appealing party must either request an appearance before the citation review committee or include a written appeal for the citation review committee to consider. Upon receipt of a request to appear before the committee, the appealing party will be notified in writing of the next scheduled committee meeting at which the appealing party can present ((his or her))their appeal. The citation review committee will review the second-level appeal and advise the appealing party as soon as practicable of the committee's decision. The citation review committee hears appeals of citations issued pursuant to the regulations of this chapter and using the following criteria:
(i) Did an institutional error occur?
(ii) Were there extenuating circumstances that caused the error to occur?
(iii) Did the appealing party make a good faith effort to comply with the parking rules?
The campus security department is permitted to provide responsive information for the appeal and/or to provide rebuttal during the appealing party's presentation to the committee. The decision of the citation review committee will be final.
(6) Composition of citation review committee. The college president shall appoint no less than eight members to the citation review committee. The committee will be composed of at least one faculty member, one exempt staff, one classified staff and one student with the remaining from the same group type in equal numbers. Each timely filed appeal will be reviewed by a minimum of three available members of the committee and in odd numbers thereafter to avoid a tie for decision making purposes. This composition of the committee will be expected whether the appeal is for the appealing party's presentation or review of the appealing party's written appeal.
(7) Applicability. These appeal procedures will be applicable to all students, faculty and staff or other persons utilizing college facilities who receive fines for violations of these rules and regulations.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 132S-300-345
Day parking.
REPEALER
The following chapter of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 132S-09-010
Introduction.
WAC 132S-09-020
Definitions.
WAC 132S-09-030
Who may file a complaint.
WAC 132S-09-040
Confidentiality and right to privacy.
WAC 132S-09-050
Responsible employees and reporting responsibilities.
WAC 132S-09-060
Investigation procedure.
WAC 132S-09-070
Publication of antidiscrimination policies and procedures.
WAC 132S-09-080
Limits to authority.
WAC 132S-09-090
Nonretaliation, intimidation or coercion.
WAC 132S-09-100
Criminal complaints.
WAC 132S-09-110
Other discrimination complaint options.