WAC 132A-120-061   Formal grievance procedures.  (1) If a grievance cannot be resolved through informal processes, the student may petition for formal grievance procedures by presenting to the college ombudsman within five days of the conclusion of informal procedures a written request for a formal hearing of the grievance. At the time of the presentation of the petition, the student and the ombudsman will establish whether the student wishes to be assisted by counsel, provided that if the student will be represented by an attorney, the college may be represented by an assistant attorney general.

     (2) Members of the college discipline committee will hear the grievance. Three additional members chosen by classified employees will be added to the discipline committee, which will then elect its own chairperson. Each member of the grievance committee shall be provided with a copy of the written request for hearing.

     (a) The committee shall meet within seven days of receiving the statement and shall be free to call witnesses and receive testimony that allows them to reach a fair and prompt resolution of the grievance.

     (b) The committee meeting shall be closed unless all parties to the grievance agree that it shall be public.

     (c) Records of the hearing will be maintained, although it is intended that the hearing will be informal and informational.

     (d) The grievant may withdraw the grievance at any point in the process by requesting termination in writing. Failure of the grievant or appellant to appear at any hearing without prior arrangement will be considered a withdrawal of the grievance or appeal.

     (e) Within three days of the conclusion of the hearing, the committee shall issue a written recommendation, which shall be provided to all parties to the grievance. Additionally, the recommendation will be provided to the dean responsible for ultimate supervision of the employee involved. Within three working days the dean shall accept, modify, or reject the recommendations of the hearing committee and shall notify parties of the decision.

     (3) If the student remains unsatisfied with the decision, he or she may request a review of the decision by the president of the college. Such a request shall be in writing and made within five working days of the recommendation. The president will review the record of the hearing committee, the decision of the dean, and the appeal of the grievant, and will render a final decision on behalf of the college.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140 and chapter 28B.50 RCW. 99-15-072, § 132A-120-061, filed 7/20/99, effective 8/20/99.]