WAC 132K-126-030   Procedural standards in disciplinary proceedings.  (1) In assisting students to develop responsible behavior, the student code of conduct has been developed to play a complementary role to counseling, guidance, and other forms of student development action. Pierce College has a duty and the corollary disciplinary powers to protect its educational endeavors through the setting of standards of scholarship and conduct for its students and through the regulations of the use of its facilities.

     (2) If any of these rules or regulations are broken, discipline shall be administered so as to guarantee procedural fairness to an accused student. The regular disciplinary procedures, rules of conduct, including the student's right to appeal a decision shall be clearly formulated and communicated. Disciplinary procedures may vary in formality with the gravity of the offense and the sanctions that may be applied. Some student code of conduct violations may be adjudicated informally under prescribed procedures.

     (3) Pierce College shall adhere to procedural fairness by requiring that in all situations the student receive, in advance, the nature of the charges against him or her, an opportunity for a hearing including the right to hear evidence against them and question adverse witnesses (counsel may not question witnesses), and substantial evidence to support the determination.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140(13). 09-06-001, § 132K-126-030, filed 2/18/09, effective 3/21/09.]