Source: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=495B-121&full=true
Timestamp: 2019-10-23 20:39:43
Document Index: 122085141

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495', '§ 495']

Chapter 495B-121 WAC:
WACs > Title 495B > Chapter 495B-121
495B-121-010 Definitions.
495B-121-020 Authority.
495B-121-030 Statement of student rights.
495B-121-040 Prohibited student conduct.
495B-121-050 Disciplinary sanctions.
495B-121-060 Statement of jurisdiction.
495B-121-065 Statement of purpose.
495B-121-070 Initiation of disciplinary action.
495B-121-080 Appeal from disciplinary action.
495B-121-090 Brief adjudicative proceedings—Initial hearing.
495B-121-100 Brief adjudicative proceedings—Review of an initial decision.
495B-121-110 Student conduct committee.
495B-121-120 Appeal—Student conduct committee.
495B-121-125 Student conduct appeals committee hearings—Presentations of evidence.
495B-121-130 Student conduct committee—Initial decision.
495B-121-135 Appeal from student conduct committee initial decision.
495B-121-140 Summary suspension.
495B-121-150 Supplemental sexual misconduct—Procedures.
495B-121-160 Supplemental sexual misconduct—Definitions.
495B-121-170 Supplemental complaint process.
495B-121-180 Supplemental appeal rights.
495B-121-190 Brief adjudicative proceedings authorized.
495B-121-200 Brief adjudicative proceedings—Agency record.
495B-121-010
The following definitions shall apply for the purpose of this student conduct code.
(3) "Student conduct officer" is a Bellingham Technical College administrator designated by the president or vice president of student services to be responsible for implementing and enforcing the student conduct code. The president or vice president of student services is authorized to reassign any and all of the student conduct officer's duties or responsibilities as set forth in this chapter as may be reasonably necessary.
(4) "Conduct review officer" is the vice president of student services or other college administrator designated by the president to be responsible for receiving and for reviewing or referring appeals of student disciplinary actions in accordance with the procedures of this code. The president is authorized to reassign any and all of the conduct review officer's duties or responsibilities as set forth in this chapter as may be reasonably necessary.
(5) "The president" is the president of the Bellingham Technical College. The president is authorized to delegate any and all of his or her responsibilities as set forth in this chapter as may be reasonably necessary.
(7) "Disciplinary appeal" is the process by which an aggrieved student can appeal the discipline imposed by the student conduct officer. Disciplinary appeals from a suspension in excess of ten instructional days or and expulsion are heard by the student conduct appeals board. Appeals of all other appealable disciplinary action shall be reviewed through brief adjudicative proceedings.
(8) "Respondent" is the student against whom disciplinary action is initiated.
(b) By sending the document by email and by certified mail or first-class mail to the party's last known address.
(10) "Filing" is the process by which a document is officially delivered to a college official responsible for facilitating a disciplinary review. Unless otherwise provided, filing shall be accomplished by:
(b) By sending the document by email and first-class mail to the specified college official's office and college email address.
(11) "College premises" includes all campuses of Bellingham Technical College, wherever located, and includes all land, buildings, facilities, vehicles, equipment, and other property owned, used, or controlled by the college.
(12) "Student" includes all persons taking courses at or through the college, whether on a full-time or part-time basis, and whether such courses are credit courses, noncredit courses, online courses, or otherwise. Persons who withdraw after allegedly violating the code, who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the college, or who have been notified of their acceptance for admission are considered "students."
(13) "Day" and "business day" mean a weekday, excluding weekends and college holidays.
(14) "Alcohol" or "alcoholic beverages" means the definition of liquor as contained within RCW 66.04.010 as now law or hereinafter amended.
(15) "Drugs" means a narcotic drug as defined in RCW 69.50.101, a controlled substance as defined in RCW 69.50.201 through 60.50.212, or a legend drug as defined in RCW 69.41.010.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-010, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-020
The board of trustees, acting pursuant to RCW 28B.50.140(14), delegates to the president of Bellingham Technical College the authority to administer disciplinary action. Administration of the disciplinary procedures is the responsibility of the vice president of student services or designee. The vice president of student services or the student conduct officer shall serve as the principal investigator and administrator for alleged violations of this code.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-020, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-030
As members of the Bellingham Technical College academic community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in an independent search for truth. Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility. The responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the college community.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-030, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-040
495B-121-050
495B-121-060
The student conduct code shall apply to student conduct that occurs on Bellingham Technical College premises and facilities, to conduct that occurs at or in connection with college sponsored activities, or to off-campus conduct that in the judgment of the college adversely affects the college community or the pursuit of its objectives. Jurisdiction extends to, but is not limited to, locations in which students are engaged in official college activities including, but not limited to, foreign or domestic travel, activities funded by the associated students, athletic events, training internships, cooperative and distance education, online education, practicums, supervised work experiences or any other college-sanctioned social or club activities. Students are responsible for their conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual receipt of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment. These standards shall apply to a student's conduct even if the student withdraws from college while a disciplinary matter is pending. The college has sole discretion, on a case-by-case basis, to determine whether the student conduct code will be applied to conduct that occurs off campus.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-060, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-065
(1) Bellingham Technical College is maintained by the state of Washington for the provision of programs of instruction in higher education and related community services. Like any other institution having its own special purposes, the college must maintain conditions conducive to the effective performance of its functions. Consequently it has special expectations regarding the conduct of the various participants in the college community.
(3) Sanctions for violations of college rules or conduct that interferes with the operation of college affairs may be applied by the college, and the college may impose sanctions independently of any action taken by civil or criminal authorities. In the case of minors, misconduct may be referred to parents or legal guardians.
(4) The rules and regulations prescribed in this title shall be observed by guests and visitors while on campus, at all college functions and events, and on or within any other college-controlled or college-owned property. Guests and visitors who willfully refuse to obey college security or other duly designated college authorities to desist from conduct prohibited by such rules and regulations may be ejected from the premises. Refusal to obey such an order may subject the person to arrest under the provisions of the Washington criminal trespass law, in addition to such other sanctions as may be applicable.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-065, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-070
495B-121-080
(1) The respondent may appeal a disciplinary action by filing a written notice of appeal with the conduct review officer within twenty-one days of service to the student conduct officer's decision. Failure to timely file a notice of appeal constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal and the student conduct officer's decision shall be deemed final.
(6) Imposition of disciplinary action for violation of the student conduct code shall be stayed pending appeal, unless the respondent has been summarily suspended.
(9) Except as provided elsewhere in these rules, disciplinary warnings and dismissals of disciplinary actions are final action and not subject to appeal.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-080, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-090
495B-121-100
(4) If the president, upon review, determines that the respondent's conduct may warrant imposition of a disciplinary suspension of more than ten instructional days or expulsion, the matter shall be referred to the student conduct committee for a disciplinary hearing.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-100, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-110
(c) One administrative staff member (other than an administrator serving as a student conduct or conduct review officer) appointed by the president at the beginning of the academic year.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-110, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-120
(8) Communications between committee members and other hearing participants regarding any issue in the proceeding, other than procedural communications that are necessary to maintain an orderly process, are generally prohibited without notice and opportunity for all parties to participate, and any improper ex parte communication shall be placed on the record, as further provided in RCW 34.05.455.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-120, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-125
Student conduct appeals committee hearings—Presentations of evidence.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-125, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-130
(2) Within twenty days following the latter of the conclusion of the hearing or the committee's receipt of closing arguments, the committee shall issue an initial decision in accordance with RCW 34.05.461 and WAC 10-08-210. The initial decision shall include findings on all material issues of fact and conclusions on all material issues of law, including which, if any, provisions of the student conduct code were violated. Any findings based substantially on the credibility of evidence or the demeanor of witnesses shall so be identified.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-130, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-135
495B-121-140
(4) The written notification shall be entitled notice of summary suspension and shall include:
(c) The conditions, if any under which the respondent may physically access the campus or communicate with members of the campus community. If the respondent has been trespassed from the campus, a notice against trespass shall be included that warns the student that his or her privilege to enter into or remain on college premises has been withdrawn, that the respondent shall be considered trespassing and subject to arrest for criminal trespass if the respondent enters the college campus other than to meet with the student conduct officer or conduct review officer, or to attend a disciplinary hearing.
(a) The hearing will be conducted as a brief adjudicative proceeding.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-140, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-150
Supplemental sexual misconduct—Procedures.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-150, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-160
Supplemental sexual misconduct—Definitions.
(b) Sexual activity with someone who is incapable of giving valid consent because, for example, he or she is underage, sleeping or otherwise incapacitated due to alcohol or drugs;
(d) Sexual violence which includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating/intimate violence, and sexual or gender-based stalking;
(e) Nonphysical conduct such as sexual or gender-based digital media stalking, sexual or gender-based online harassment, sexual or gender-based cyberbullying, nonconsensual recording of sexual activity, and nonconsensual distribution of a recording of a sexual activity.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-160, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-170
495B-121-180
(2) A complainant may appeal a disciplinary decision by filing a notice of appeal with the conduct review officer within twenty-one days of service of the notice of the discipline decision provided for in WAC 495B-121-170. The notice of appeal may include a written statement setting forth the grounds of appeal. Failure to file a timely notice of appeal constitutes a waiver of this right and the disciplinary decision shall be deemed final.
(3) If the respondent appeals a decision imposing discipline for a sexual misconduct violation in a timely manner, the college shall notify the complainant of the appeal and provide the complainant an opportunity to intervene as a party to the appeal.
(7) In proceedings before the student conduct committee, respondent and complainant shall have the right to be accompanied by a nonattorney assistant of their choosing during the appeal process. The complainant may choose to be represented at the hearing by an attorney at his or her own expense, but will be deemed to have waived that right unless, at least four business days before the hearing, he or she files a written notice of the attorney's identity and participation with the committee chair, and with copies to the respondent and the student conduct officer.
(10) The chair of the student conduct committee, on the same date as the initial decision is served on the respondent, will serve a written notice upon the complainant informing the complainant whether the allegations of sexual misconduct were found to have merit and describing any disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions imposed upon the respondent for the complainant's protection, including suspension or dismissal of the respondent. The notice will also inform the complaint of his or her appeal rights.
(11) The complainant may appeal the student conduct committee's initial decision to the president subject to the same procedures and deadlines applicable to other parties.
(12) The president, on the same date that the final decision is served upon the respondent, shall serve a written notice informing the complainant whether the sexual misconduct allegation was found to have merit and describe any disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions imposed upon the respondent for the complainant's protection, including suspension or dismissal of the respondent. Judicial review of the decision may be available to the complainant or respondent.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-180, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-190
This chapter is adopted in accordance with RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494. Brief adjudicative proceedings shall be used, unless provided otherwise by another rule or determined otherwise in a particular case by the president, or a designee, in regard to:
(1) Parking violations;
(2) Outstanding debts owed by students or employees;
(4) Residency determinations;
(5) Use of library - Fines;
(6) Challenges to contents of education records;
(7) Loss of eligibility for participation in institution-sponsored athletic events;
(d) Any conditions or terms imposed in conjunction with one of the foregoing disciplinary actions;
(e) Summary suspensions; and
(f) Appeals by a complainant in student disciplinary proceedings involving allegations of sexual misconduct in which the student conduct officer:
Subsections (1) through (7) and (9) are types of issues that colleges typically use a brief adjudicative proceeding to resolve and are included here merely for illustrative purposes.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-190, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]
495B-121-200
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. WSR 16-08-029, § 495B-121-200, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16.]