Words and phrases used in the standards of conduct regardless of their associated gender identity include all genders. Words and phrases used in the standards of conduct in the singular or plural encompass both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For purposes of the standards of conduct, the following definitions apply:

(1) Academic integrity hearing board. Teaching faculty and student representatives who are authorized by the university to review an instructor's decision that a student violated university academic integrity policies and whether or not the academic sanction assigned by the instructor is in keeping with the instructor's published policies.

(2) Appeals board. The group of students, faculty, and staff, collectively, authorized in accordance with WAC 504-26-115 to consider appeals from a decision maker's determination as to whether a student or registered student organization has violated the standards of conduct and any sanctions and/or remedies assigned.

(3) Brief adjudication.

(a) The process by which a conduct officer or conduct board may adjudicate student conduct matters. Brief adjudication is not permissible for matters that:

(i) Would constitute sex discrimination or sex-based harassment as defined in the university's executive policy 15 (EP15); or

(ii) Where possible sanctions include expulsion, loss of recognition, or revocation of degree.

(b) Also referred to as a "conduct officer hearing," "conduct board hearing," or "brief adjudicative proceeding."

(4) CCR. The university's office of compliance and civil rights.

(5) CCS. The university's center for community standards.

(6) Community standards boards. University conduct board, university appeals board, academic integrity hearing board, or any other panel of individuals empowered to make community standards decisions on behalf of the university.

(7) Complainant. Any person who is the alleged victim of prohibited student conduct, whether or not such person has made an actual complaint.

(8) Conduct board. The group or individual authorized in accordance with WAC 504-26-110 to adjudicate certain student conduct matters.

(9) Conduct hearing. The process in which a decision is made regarding a student or registered student organization's responsibility for alleged behavior and assignment of applicable sanctions and/or remedies, where appropriate. (Remedies may be considered for matters implicating executive policy 15 part 15.B.) Conduct hearings include brief adjudications and full adjudications. Also referred to as "student conduct hearing" or "student conduct proceeding."

(10) Conduct officer. A university official authorized by the dean of students or their designee to initiate, manage, and/or adjudicate certain student conduct matters in accordance with WAC 504-26-401 and 504-26-402.

(11) Executive policy 15. The university's policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment. Also referred to as "EP15."

(12) Faculty member. For purposes of this chapter, any person hired by the university to conduct classroom or teaching activities or who is otherwise considered by the university to be a member of its faculty.

(13) Full adjudication.

(a) The process for adjudicating matters involving:

(i) Sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, or retaliation stemming from those as underlying complaint, as defined in EP15; and

(ii) Possible sanction including expulsion, loss of recognition, revocation of degree, or otherwise utilized at the discretion of the CCS when deemed appropriate, in accordance with WAC 504-26-401(4).

(b) Also referred to as "formal adjudication," "formal adjudicative proceeding," or "full adjudicative proceeding."

(14) Gender identity. Having or being perceived as having a gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression, whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to the person at birth.

(15) Member of the university community. Includes any person who is a student, faculty member, university official, any person employed by the university, or any person with a relationship with the university, including guests of and visitors to the university. A person's status in a particular situation is determined by the dean of students or designee.

(16) Parties. The parties to a conduct hearing must include the university and the respondent. Where the conduct hearing includes allegations that constitute violations of EP15, the parties may include the university, the respondent, and the complainant. The university may designate other complainants as parties to conduct proceedings including, but not limited to, harmed parties. The dean of students or their designee determines party status.

(17) Registered student organization. A group of students, collectively, that has complied with the formal requirements for university recognition.

(18) Respondent. A student or registered student organization alleged to have violated these standards of conduct.

(19) Staff. Individuals employed by the university of any rank or classification who are not considered faculty members as defined in subsection (12) of this section.

(20) Standards of conduct. The standards of conduct for students outlined in this chapter.

(21) Student. For the purposes of this chapter, any person who:

(a) Is enrolled in at least one undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies course at the university;

(b) Has been notified of their acceptance for admission but has not yet registered for their course(s);

(22) Title IX. Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, 20 U.S.C. 1681 and its implementing 34 C.F.R. Part 106.

(23) University. Washington State University.

(24) University official. Any person employed by the university, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.

(25) University premises. All land, buildings, facilities, vehicles, websites, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the university (including adjacent streets and sidewalks), including its study abroad program sites, as well as university-sponsored or hosted online platforms.

PDFWAC 504-26-010

Definitions.