Washington Administrative Code
Title 132U - Whatcom Community College
Chapter 132U-126 - Student rights and responsibilities policy
Section 132U-126-085 - Student conduct committee- Initial decision

(1) At the conclusion of the hearing, the student conduct committee shall permit the parties to make closing arguments in whatever form it wishes to receive them. The committee also may permit each party to propose findings, conclusion, and/or a proposed decision for its consideration.

(2) Within twenty business days following the later 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 conclusion on all material issues of law. The decision shall state the related section(s) of the conduct code the respondent is alleged to have violated and if the allegations are sustained. Any findings based substantially on the credibility of evidence or the demeanor of witnesses shall be so identified.

(3) The committee's initial order shall also include a determination on appropriate discipline, if any. If the matter was referred to the committee by the student conduct officer, the committee shall identify and impose disciplinary sanction(s) or conditions, if any, as authorized in the student code. If the matter is an appeal by the respondent, the committee may affirm, reverse, or modify the disciplinary sanction and/or conditions imposed by the student conduct officer and/or impose additional disciplinary sanction(s) or conditions as authorized herein.

(4) The committee chair shall cause copies of the initial decision to be served on the parties and their legal counsel of record. The committee chair shall also promptly transmit a copy of the decision and the record of the committee's proceedings to the president or designee.

(5) In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, 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. A complainant may appeal the student conduct committee's initial decision to the president subject to the same procedures and deadlines applicable to other parties. The notice will also inform the complainant of their appeal rights.