Washington Administrative Code
Title 516 - Western Washington University
Chapter 516-21 - Student conduct code
Section 516-21-290 - Appeal procedures

Universal Citation: WA Admin Code 516-21-290

Current through Register Vol. 24-18, September 15, 2024

(1) Appeals can be made by the respondent (or complainant in incidents involving violence and/or sexual violence, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking or any other type of sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination) and must be made to the dean of students.

(2) The dean of students or their designee reviews the appeal.

(3) Where new information, unavailable at the time of the original meeting, that could substantially impact the original decision, is received, the dean of students or designee may then refer the complaint to the conduct officer for further action as appropriate. The dean of students or their designee may, at their discretion, refer the complaint to a different conduct officer for reconsideration.

(4) In appeals in which the possible or recommended sanction is not expulsion or suspension as determined by the conduct officer, a designee of the dean of students will consider the appeal and hold an informal meeting, giving each party an opportunity to be informed of the conduct officer's view of the matter and to explain their view of the matter.

(5) In appeals in which the possible or recommended sanction is expulsion or suspension as determined by the conduct officer, an appeals board considers the appeal.

(a) The appeals board will provide the respondent and complainant (if applicable) with five days' notice of an appeals hearing date, time and location. An appeal by respondent or complainant will be shared with the other party (parties).

(b) The appeals board meets confidentially and reviews the complaint, the results of the subsequent investigation and its findings, and the conduct officer's decision. The board provides an opportunity for respondent and complainant (if applicable) to share information and the board may call witnesses. The appeals board then deliberates in private.

(c) The chair of the appeals board will ensure that appropriate procedures and due process are in place for any respondent(s) and/or complainant(s), including:
(i) Only one official recording of the meeting is made and no other cameras or recording devices are allowed;

(ii) All written materials are shared with any respondent(s) and/or complainant(s);

(iii) Any respondent(s) and/or complainant(s) may be accompanied through the appeals board by an advisor of their choice and at their own expense;

(iv) Any respondent(s) and/or complainant(s) may make brief opening and closing statements;

(v) Any limits on questioning, including no direct questioning between any complainant and respondent; and

(vi) All witnesses and involved parties are sworn in under oath.

(d) After any appeal, the respondent and complainant (if applicable) may request that a decision be reviewed by the dean of students. This request for review must be made in writing within ten days of the written outcome of an appeal. The dean of students will review the written documentation only; any involved person (e.g., respondent, witnesses, complainant) may be called to meet if necessary and at the discretion of the dean of students.

(e) During limited times during the year, such as break periods and summer quarter, when board members are unavailable, an interim board may be appointed by the dean of students.

(6) Respondent and complainant (if applicable) will be informed of the outcome of reviews and/or appeals simultaneously and in writing within ten days.

(7) If there is no request for appeal received by the dean of students within ten days, the decision of the conduct officer is considered final. If there is no request for review within five days (or ten days of an appeals board decision), the decision is considered final.

Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.35.120(12) and 20 U.S.C. 1681-1688 (Title IX Education Amendments of 1972). 12-01-021, § 516-21-290, filed 12/9/11, effective 1/9/12.

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