(1) An initial decision is subject to review by the vice president for student services or designee, provided the respondent files a written request for review with the conduct review officer within 21 calendar days of service of the initial decision.

(2) The vice president for student services or designee shall not participate in any case in which he or she is a complainant or witness, or in which they have direct or personal interest, prejudice, or bias, or in which they have acted previously in an advisory capacity.

(3) During the review, the vice president for student services or designee shall give each party an opportunity to file written responses explaining their view of the matter and shall make any inquiries necessary to ascertain whether the sanctions should be modified or whether the proceedings should be referred to the student conduct committee for a formal adjudicative hearing.

(4) The decision on review must be in writing and must include a brief statement of the reasons for the decision and must be served on the parties within 10 business days of the initial decision or of the request for review, whichever is later. The decision on review will contain a notice that judicial review may be available. A request for review may be deemed to have been denied if the vice president for student services or designee does not make a disposition of the matter within 20 business days after the request is submitted.

(5) If the vice president for student services or designee upon review determines that the respondent's conduct may warrant imposition of a disciplinary suspension of more than 10 instructional days or expulsion, the matter shall be referred to the student conduct committee for a disciplinary hearing.