WAC 132K-125-020   Preamble.  Pierce College, an agency of the state of Washington, exists for the development of students and the general well-being of society. To fulfill this purpose, the college provides a variety of continuing educational opportunities which include programs of general education, including university-parallel transfer courses, developmental-remedial programs, vocational-technical curricula and the opportunities to examine the cultural, social and recreational aspects of society.

     Students are encouraged through free inquiry and free expression to develop their capacity for critical judgment and to engage in sustained and independent search for knowledge. 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 student is in the unique position of being a member of the community at large, having the rights and responsibilities of any citizen, and of being a member of the college community. Admissions to Pierce carries with it the presumption that students will conduct themselves as responsible members of such community. This includes an expectation that students will obey the law, will comply with rules and regulations of the college; will maintain a high standard of integrity and honesty; will respect the rights, privileges and property of other members of the college community; and will not interfere with legitimate college affairs.

     Pierce College may take appropriate disciplinary action when student conduct unreasonably interferes with the college's educational responsibilities, its subsidiary responsibilities, or to protect the health and safety of persons on or in college facilities, to maintain and protect college property or private property on college facilities, to protect college records, to provide college services, and/or to sponsor nonclassroom activities such as lectures, concerts, athletic events and social functions.

     The responsibility and commitment to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the freedom to learn and self-development is shared by the students, faculty and staff at Pierce College. The purpose of this statement is to enumerate the essential provisions to safeguard this freedom, the violations of which may constitute sufficient cause for disciplinary action as described in and in accordance with the procedures established in WAC 132K-125-170 through 132K-125-390.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 128B.50.140(13) [28B.50.140(13)]. 99-10-046, § 132K-125-020, filed 4/30/99, effective 5/31/99.]