WSR 97-01-049

PERMANENT RULES

SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE

[Filed December 12, 1996, 11:00 a.m.]

Date of Adoption: December 9, 1996.

Purpose: Adopting WAC 132D-120-055 Antihazing policy.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28B.50.140.

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 96-21-117 on October 22, 1996.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 1, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

December 10, 1996

Dr. Brinton Sprague

Vice-President

Educational Services

NEW SECTION

WAC 132D-120-055 Antihazing. Skagit Valley College prohibits student organizations and their members from engaging individually or collectively in hazing activities.

(1) Definition. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation into a student organization or living group or any pastime or amusement engaged in, with respect to such an organization or living group, that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger or physical harm or serious mental or emotional harm to any student or other person attending any institution of higher education. "Hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions.

(2) Activity. Hazing activity may include one or more of the following:

(a) Activities that expose individuals to embarrassment, abuse, ridicule or humiliation;

(b) Activities which have no meaningful relationship to the objectives of the organization;

(c) Activities that abuse the trust an organization is striving to build between its members and prospective members;

(d) Activities which interfere with academic pursuits or normal life functions.

(3) Examples. Examples of prohibited activities include pressure to swallow uncommon/common substances, forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, excessive exercise, physical or verbal abuse, personal humiliation, embarrassment, and sleep or sensory deprivation.

(4) Disciplinary action. Student organizations whose members participate in or conspire to participate in hazing activities will be subject to appropriate college disciplinary actions in accordance with Student Rights and Responsibilities (WAC 132-120). Disciplinary actions for individuals of student organizations or living groups participating in hazing activities may include forfeiture of any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards for a period of time determined by the college. Disciplinary action for student organizations or living groups may include deprivation of official recognition or approval granted by the college. Hazing violations are also misdemeanors punishable under state criminal law, according to RCW 9A.20.021.

(5) Impermissible conduct not amounting to hazing:

(a) associated with initiation into a student organization or living group or any pastime or amusement engaged in, with respect to the organization or living group, will not be tolerated;

(b) may include conduct which causes embarrassment, sleep deprivation or personal humiliation, or may include ridicule or unprotected speech amounting to verbal abuse;

(c) is subject to any sanctions available under the student code of conduct, depending upon the seriousness of the violation.

(6) Complaints and appeals. Initial questions or complaints regarding hazing are to be directed to the associate dean for student programs. Appeals are to be addressed to the dean of admissions and registration.