WAC 132Z-115-005   Student code of conduct.  Introduction and overview.

     Admission to Cascadia Community College carries with it the expectation that students will conduct themselves as responsible members of the college community. Cascadia has adopted policies governing student conduct, including disciplinary procedures and procedures for resolving conflicts related to student discipline. The student conduct system is designed to protect the rights of each individual to support the community values and to assist students in conducting themselves as responsible members of the college community.

     Students are strongly encouraged to become familiar with the code of conduct to enhance understanding of disciplinary procedures and appeal processes. Violations of the code of conduct are treated seriously and may result in disciplinary actions that may include suspension and/or dismissal. Details of the disciplinary process are provided in the sections that follow and students should read those sections carefully. To assist in understanding the process, the following overview is provided:

     Violation or alleged violation of code of conduct.

     • If a student is found to have violated, or alleged to have violated, the college's code of conduct, the matter is normally referred to the vice-president for student success or designee. In some cases, a matter will not be referred to the vice-president if another staff member has successfully addressed the violation with the student in question.

     • If a matter is referred to the vice-president or designee, he/she investigates the allegation, meets with the student, and makes a determination about the validity of the complaint and the severity of the offense. The vice-president may dismiss the charge or impose a sanction which may result in a warning, reprimand, probation, suspension, summary suspension or expulsion.

     Appeals process.

     • If a student wishes to appeal the decision of the vice-president or designee, he/she must submit a written request for an appeal within ten calendar days of the notice of the disciplinary action.

     • Appeals are heard by the conflict resolution council (CRC), a body consisting of one administrator, one faculty member, and one student. The CRC will arrange for a hearing as soon as possible. Students may bring witnesses to this hearing.

     • After hearing the appeal, the CRC makes a recommendation to the college president. The president may uphold the recommendation of the CRC or change the decision. The president's decision is not subject to appeal.



[Statutory Authority: Executive Order 97-02, RCW 28B.10.902 and 28B.20.903. 05-06-003, § 132Z-115-005, filed 2/17/05, effective 3/20/05.]