Section 132U-125-040. Initiation of disciplinary action.

(1) All disciplinary actions will be initiated by the student conduct officer or designee. If that officer is the subject of a complaint initiated by the respondent, the vice-president for student services shall, upon request and when feasible, designate another person to fulfill any such disciplinary responsibilities relative to the complainant.

(2) The student conduct officer shall initiate disciplinary action by contacting the respondent by telephone, e-mail, or in person to schedule a conduct hearing.

(3) If the respondent is unable to be reached by phone, e-mail, or in person, a written notice will be sent by certified mail to attend a disciplinary meeting. The notice shall briefly describe the factual allegations, the provision(s) of the conduct code the respondent is alleged to have violated, the range of possible sanctions for the alleged violation(s), and specify the time and location of the meeting.

(4) At the meeting, the student conduct officer will present the allegations to the respondent and the respondent shall be afforded an opportunity to explain what took place. If the respondent fails to attend the meeting, the student conduct officer may take disciplinary action based upon the available information.

(5) After considering the evidence in the case, including any facts or argument presented by the respondent, the student conduct officer shall notify the student in writing within ten business days of the decision, the specific student conduct code provisions found to have been violated, the discipline imposed (if any), and a notice of any appeal rights with an explanation of the consequences of failing to file a timely appeal.

(6) The student conduct officer may take any of the following disciplinary actions:

(a) Exonerate the respondent and terminate the proceedings.

(b) Impose a disciplinary sanction(s), as described in WAC 132U-125-035.

(c) Refer the matter directly to the student conduct committee for such disciplinary action as the committee deems appropriate. Such referral shall be in writing, to the attention of the chair of the student conduct committee, with a copy served on the respondent.

(7) If the student fails to appear at the scheduled meeting without prior notification or evidence of extenuating circumstances, the conduct officer may impose a sanction consistent with the existing evidence, as authorized by this code. In addition, a hold may be placed on the student's records restricting the student from further enrollment.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 28B.50 RCW. WSR 14-15-119, § 132U-125-040, filed 7/22/14, effective 9/1/14.]

Chapter 28B.50 RCW. WSR 14-15-119, § 132U-125-040, filed 7/22/14, effective 9/1/14.

Rules

132U-125-035,