Current through Register Vol. 24-18, September 15, 2024
As members of the 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.
The following enumerated rights are guaranteed to each student
within the limitations of statutory law and college policy, which are deemed
necessary to achieve the education goals of the college:
(1)
Academic freedom.
(a) Students are guaranteed the rights of
free inquiry, expression, and assembly upon and within college facilities that
are generally open and available to the public.
(b) Students are free to pursue appropriate
educational objectives from among the college's curricula, programs, and
services, subject to the limitations of RCW 28B.50.090(3)(b).
(c) Students shall be protected from academic
evaluation which is arbitrary, prejudiced, or capricious but are responsible
for meeting the standards of academic performance established by each of their
instructors.
(d) Students have the
right to a learning environment which is free from unlawful discrimination,
inappropriate and disrespectful conduct, and any and all harassment, including
sexual harassment.
(2)
Due process.
(a) The right of
students to be secure in their persons, quarters, papers, and effects against
unreasonable searches and seizures is guaranteed.
(b) No sanction may be imposed on any student
without notice to the accused of the nature of the charges.
(c) A student accused of violating this code
of student conduct is entitled, upon request, to procedural due process as set
forth in this chapter.
(3)
Sexual misconduct
complainant. In any case involving an allegation of sexual misconduct as
defined in this code, a complainants and respondents are afforded certain
rights under this code including, but not limited to:
(a) The right to be informed of all orders
issued in the disciplinary case in which they are a complainant;
(b) The right to appeal to the student
conduct committee an initial order issued by a conduct officer;
(c) The right to request presidential review
of an initial order issued by the student conduct committee; and
(d) The right to be accompanied to all
hearings by an advisor and/or an attorney at the student's expense.
