(1) Adoption of model rules of procedure. Full adjudications are governed by the Administrative Procedure Act, RCW
34.05.413 through
34.05.476, and chapter
10-08 WAC, Model rules of procedure, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. In the event of a conflict between the rules in this chapter and the model rules, this chapter governs.
(2) Notice of hearing. Notice to the parties of a full adjudicative proceeding must comply with model rule WAC
10-08-040 and standards of conduct rule WAC
504-26-035. In addition, information regarding the student conduct process and student rights, as required by WAC
504-26-401 must be provided.
(3) Time for hearings. The full adjudicative proceeding is scheduled no less than seven calendar days after the parties have been sent notice of the hearing.
In accordance with WAC
10-08-090, requests to extend the time and/or date for hearing must be addressed to the presiding officer. A request for an extension of time is granted only upon a showing of good cause.
(4) Subpoenas. Subpoenas may be issued and enforced in accordance with model rule WAC
10-08-120. In determining whether to issue, quash, or modify a subpoena, the presiding officer must give due consideration to state and federal legal requirements including, but not limited to, Title IX, its implementing regulations, and guidance issued by the federal Office for Civil Rights. The party requesting the subpoena has the burden of showing that a subpoena is necessary for full disclosure of all the relevant facts and issues.
(5) Discovery. Depositions and interrogatories are not permitted in adjudications of student conduct matters. Other forms of discovery may be permitted at the discretion of the presiding officer; however, discovery should be limited to help ensure the prompt completion of the adjudication process.
(6) Direct questioning and cross-examination. As required by RCW
34.05.449, direct and cross-examination of witnesses is permitted to the extent necessary for full disclosure of all relevant facts and issues.
(a) For hearings involving allegations where EP15 is implicated, parties and/or their advisors or representatives may submit direct and cross-examination questions to the presiding officer who asks relevant, permissible, clear, and nonharassing questions. Prior to asking any direct and cross-examination question, the presiding officer must first determine whether the question is relevant, permissible, clear, and nonharassing. If a presiding officer excludes a question, the presiding officer must explain the rationale for exclusion and provide the party and/or advisor an opportunity to clarify or revise their question.
(b) For hearings involving allegations where EP15 is not implicated, cross-examination is conducted orally through the party's advisor or representative. If a party does not have an advisor or representative, an advisor is provided by the university free of charge to conduct cross-examination on that party's behalf. Advisors and representatives are required to engage in cross-examination questioning in a respectful manner. In no circumstance may the complainant or respondent be permitted to cross-examine each other directly. Before any witness or party may answer a cross-examination question, the presiding officer must first determine whether the question is relevant. The presiding officer must instruct parties or witnesses not to answer cross-examination questions that are irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious.
(7) Decision requirements. Decisions regarding responsibility and sanctions are made by the presiding officer.
(8) Notice of decision and right to appeal. Within 10 calendar days of the completion of the hearing, the presiding officer must issue the initial order simultaneously to all parties, unless the presiding officer notifies the parties in writing that additional time (up to 30 calendar days) is needed. The initial order of the university must contain the following:
(a) Description of the allegations that initiated the community standards process;
(b) Description of procedural steps taken from the receipt of the formal complaint up to and including the outcome of the full adjudicative proceeding;
(c) Appropriately numbered findings of fact and conclusions;
(d) The sanction(s) and/or remedy(ies) to be assigned, if any, and the rationale for the sanction(s) and/or remedy(ies);
(e) Information regarding the parties' right to appeal according to WAC
504-26-420, including the time frame for seeking review; and
(f) Notice that the initial order becomes final unless an appeal is filed within 20 calendar days of the date the initial order is sent to the parties.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
28B.30.150. WSR 24-23-093, s 504-26-403, filed 11/19/24, effective 12/20/24; WSR 22-23-142, § 504-26-403, filed 11/21/22, effective 1/1/23; WSR 21-07-057, § 504-26-403, filed 3/15/21, effective 4/15/21; WSR 18-23-083, § 504-26-403, filed 11/19/18, effective 12/20/18; WSR 16-08-014, § 504-26-403, filed 3/28/16, effective 4/28/16; WSR 15-11-041, § 504-26-403, filed 5/14/15, effective 6/14/15; WSR 15-01-080, § 504-26-403, filed 12/15/14, effective 1/15/15; WSR 11-11-031, § 504-26-403, filed 5/11/11, effective 6/11/11; WSR 08-05-001, § 504-26-403, filed 2/6/08, effective 3/8/08; WSR 06-23-159, § 504-26-403, filed 11/22/06, effective 12/23/06.]