WAC 132A-127-045. Appeal from disciplinary action

(1) Except as specified for cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct which is set forth in WAC 132A-127-120 , the respondent may appeal a disciplinary action by filing a written notice of appeal with the student conduct officer within 21 calendar days of service of the student conduct officer's decision. Failure to timely file a notice of appeal constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal and the student conduct officer's decision shall be deemed final.

(2) The notice of appeal must include a brief statement explaining why the respondent is seeking review.

(3) The parties to an appeal shall be the respondent, complainant if any, and the student conduct officer.

(4) A respondent, who timely appeals a disciplinary action or whose case is referred to the student conduct committee, has a right to a prompt, fair, and impartial hearing as provided for in these procedures.

(5) On appeal, the college bears the burden of establishing the evidentiary facts underlying the imposition of a disciplinary sanction by a preponderance of the evidence.

(6) Imposition of disciplinary action for violation of the student conduct code shall be stayed pending appeal, unless respondent has been summarily suspended.

(7) A conduct review officer shall conduct a brief adjudicative proceeding for appeals of:

(a) Suspensions of 10 instructional days or less;

(b) Disciplinary probation; and

(c) Written reprimands; and

(d) Any conditions or terms imposed in conjunction with one of the foregoing disciplinary actions.

(8) The student conduct committee shall hear appeals from:

(a) Disciplinary suspensions in excess of 10 instructional days;

(b) Dismissals;

(c) Academic dishonesty cases; and

(d) Disciplinary cases referred to the committee by the student conduct officer, a conduct review officer, or the president.