WAC 132M-121-100   Initiation of discipline.  (1) Any member of the Lower Columbia College community may file a complaint against a student for violations of the student code of conduct. The complaint should be filed in writing with the vice-president for student success. A complaint should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place, and normally within ten academic calendar days.

     (2) The vice-president for student success or designee is responsible for initiating disciplinary proceedings for violations of the student code of conduct.

     (3) The vice-president for student success may conduct an investigation to determine if the complaint has merit and/or if the matter(s) can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the vice-president for student success or designee. Such disposition shall be final and there shall be no subsequent proceedings. If the charges described in the complaint are not admitted and/or cannot be disposed of by mutual consent, the vice-president for student success or designee may later serve in the same matter as the student conduct committee or a member thereof. If the student admits violating code of conduct rules, but sanctions are not agreed to, subsequent process, including a hearing if necessary, shall be limited to determining the appropriate sanction(s).

     (4) In order that any informality in disciplinary proceedings not mislead any student as to the seriousness of the matter under consideration, the vice-president for student success shall inform the student of the rule that he or she is charged with violating, and what appear to be the range of sanctions, if any.

     (5) The vice-president for student success, or designee, after meeting or attempting to meet with the student, and considering the evidence in the complaint, may take any of the following actions:

     (a) Terminate the proceeding, exonerating the student or students.

     (b) Dismiss the case after providing whatever counseling and advice may be appropriate.

     (c) Impose verbal warning or reprimand not subject to student's right of appeal.

     (d) Impose additional disciplinary sanctions, subject to the student's right of appeal as described in this procedure. The student shall be notified in writing of the action taken, the reason for the decision and information about the appeals process.

     (e) Refer the matter to the student conduct committee for appropriate action. The student shall be notified in writing that the matter has been referred to the committee.

     (6) If the student fails to appear at the scheduled meeting without prior notification or evidence of extenuating circumstances, the vice-president for student success may impose any sanctions authorized by this code.

     (7) The written decision of the vice-president for student success shall become final unless appealed.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140. 08-06-066, § 132M-121-100, filed 3/3/08, effective 4/3/08.]