WAC 172-121-010 Introduction.
Eastern Washington University (EWU) is an academic community dedicated to instruction, advancing knowledge through scholarship and research, and serving the region.
As a public institution of higher education, EWU has a special responsibility to create and maintain an academic environment that promotes freedom of inquiry and expression while protecting the rights, opportunities and welfare of students, faculty, staff and guests. To achieve this, EWU establishes rules, regulations, procedures, policies, and standards of conduct.
Through the student conduct code as well as other EWU policies and directives, EWU sets forth specific behavioral and academic expectations for students and student organizations. It is the responsibility of each student to clearly understand and comply with outlined expectations.
The board of trustees of Eastern Washington University, acting under the authority granted by RCW 28B.35.120, has established the following regulations for student conduct and discipline. The responsibility for enforcement of the student conduct code rests with EWU president and is further delegated to the vice president for student affairs or designee.
These provisions are not intended to protect any person or class of persons from injury or harm.
EWU’s standards of conduct for students with respect to discrimination, discriminatory harassment, interpersonal violence, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and retaliation are contained in WAC 172-125. If a report is received that a student has engaged in such conduct, EWU will follow the process set forth in WAC 172-125. If a report includes potential violations of this code and WAC 172-125 arising out of the same facts and circumstances, the report will be investigated and adjudicated in accordance with WAC 172-125. In no case will this code be used to investigate and adjudicate violations of WAC 172-125.
WAC 172-121-020 Definitions.
For purposes of the student conduct code, chapter 172-121 WAC, the definitions in this section apply.
“Appeal authority” refers to the conduct review official presiding over an appeal under WAC 172-121-130.
“Appellant” refers to any respondent or complainant who appeals the decisions or sanctions of a hearing authority under WAC 172-121-130.
“Conduct review meeting” refers to a meeting before a conduct review officer for allegations that, if substantiated by a preponderance of evidence, would result in a sanction less than a suspension or expulsion and that do not involve felony-level crimes.
“Business days” refers to the days and hours EWU is open for business. Business days are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays as set forth in EWU holiday schedule.
“Complainant” means the person who was subjected to the alleged misconduct. The complainant may or may not be the reporting party. If the person who was subjected to the alleged misconduct does not wish to pursue a student conduct case, EWU may initiate the student conduct process on its own behalf.
“Conduct review officer” or “CRO” refers to the person designated to serve as the decision maker for a conduct review meeting or the presiding officer for a full hearing.
“Council” or “the council” refers to the student disciplinary council as described in WAC 172-121-070.
“Council hearing” refers to a full conduct review hearing before the student disciplinary council.
“Dean of students” refers to the dean of students or designee.
“Director of SRR” or “director” refers to the director of student rights and responsibilities or designee.
“Filing” means to actually deliver documents. Documents required to be filed with a specific person under these rules shall be deemed filed upon actual receipt during office hours at EWU. Papers may be filed by delivering them to the student rights and responsibilities office, sending them via United States mail, properly addressed, postage prepaid, to 129 Showalter Hall, or emailing them to srr@ewu.edu.
“Full hearing” refers to a full conduct reviewing hearing before the council for allegations that, if substantiated by a preponderance of the evidence, could result in a sanction of a suspension or expulsion or that could constitute felony-level crimes.
“Hearing authority” refers to the decision-maker in a conduct review hearing.
“Notify” means to provide notice to a person. A person may be notified in person, by telephone, by sending notice to the person’s EWU email account, by leaving a message on their personal telephone, or by sending the notice in the United States mail, properly addressed, postage prepaid, to the person’s last known address.
“Off-campus” refers to any location or facility that is not owned, leased, rented, or operated by Eastern Washington University.
“Party/parties” refers to the complainant, respondent, and/or EWU.
“Policies” or “EWU policy” refers to the written regulations of EWU, including the standards of conduct for students, residence life handbook, housing contract, EWU policies, and graduate/undergraduate catalogs and handbooks.
“Recognized student organizations” refers to clubs, organizations, societies or similarly organized groups recognized by EWU or the associated students of Eastern Washington University (ASEWU).
“Reporting party” means the person who notifies student rights and responsibilities of alleged misconduct by a student or student organization. The reporting party may also be the complainant, but need not be the complainant.
“Respondent” refers to any student or student organization accused of violating the student conduct code under this chapter.
“Serve” means to send a document through electronic mail addressed to the party’s EWU-issued email address or, if the party does not have a EWU-issued email address, to the email address on record with EWU. Service is complete when the email is sent to the email address. Service may also be accomplished by personal delivery or regular U.S. mail. Notifications via regular U.S. mail are sent to the party’s last known address or the address on file with the EWU registrar, and service is complete on the date the notice is placed in the mail. The student is responsible for maintaining an updated mailing address on file with the registrar. Recognized or registered student organizations are responsible for updating their mailing address with their designated EWU office.
“Session council” refers to the student disciplinary council members selected for a specific hearing or appeal.
“Student” includes all of the following:
- Any applicant who becomes enrolled, for violations of the code committed as part of the application process or committed following the applicant’s submission of the application until the time of official enrollment;
- Any person who is enrolled or has been enrolled at EWU for up to 12 months from the last date they were enrolled;
- Nonmatriculated, international students attending institutes or foreign study programs through EWU; and
- Any person who was previously enrolled at EWU for violations of the code committed while enrolled regardless of when they were enrolled. A person who engaged in conduct in violation of the student conduct code while a student remains subject to action under this code even if the person has graduated, withdrawn, or is not currently enrolled for any reason.
“Title IX coordinator” refers to the Title IX coordinator or designee.
“EWU” means Eastern Washington University.
“EWU official” includes any person employed or contracted by the university, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
“EWU premises” means buildings and/or property (including adjacent streets and sidewalks) which are owned, leased, rented or operated by EWU.
“EWU president” refers to EWU president or designee.
“Vice president for student affairs” refers to the vice president for student affairs or designee.
WAC 172-121-021 Calculation of time periods.
In calculating any of the time periods identified in this code, the day of any act or service of notice is not included in calculating the deadlines. For example, if a student is served with an order on a Monday and the student has 10 calendar days to appeal the order, the date of service (Monday) does not count towards the time period, the next day (Tuesday) does count toward the time period, and the appeal would be due by 5:00 p.m. on the following Thursday.
If the last day of a time period ends on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline is extended to 5:00 p.m. on Monday. If the last day of a time period ends on an EWU holiday, the deadline is extended to 5:00 p.m. on the next weekday following the holiday.
WAC 172-121-030 Rights of students.
Any student or student organization charged with any violation of the student conduct code has the following rights where applicable:
- Right to a fair and impartial conduct review process;
- Right to receive written notice prior to a prehearing conference or hearing;
- Right to remain silent during any conduct review hearing;
- Right to know who filed the complaint against them as described in WAC 172-121-110;
- Right to speak on their own behalf in all proceedings;
- Right to hear all information and view all material presented against them;
- The right to call witnesses for a full hearing as described in WAC 172-121-122;
- The right to ask or submit questions to be asked of witnesses for a full hearing, in a method determined by the conduct review officer, as described in WAC 172-121-122;
- The right to consult an advisor as described in WAC 172-121-105(3);
- The right to be presumed not responsible;
- The right to appeal as provided in WAC 172-121-130; and
- The right to be subjected to EWU disciplinary action only one time for the same conduct.
WAC 172-121-040 Jurisdiction.
Eastern Washington University shall have jurisdiction over student behavior which occurs on university premises or during a university-sponsored program or activity. The university may also exercise jurisdiction over student conduct which occurs at off-campus locations if the behavior adversely affects the university or a university community member. The university has sole discretion in determining what conduct adversely impacts the university or a university community member.
The student conduct code shall apply to conduct without regard to a student’s academic status at the time the conduct took place. This includes all periods from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, including times between academic periods, breaks in enrollment, or outside of normal business hours. The university may continue a student conduct process even after a student withdraws or graduates.
WAC 172-121-050 External authorities.
Many offenses under this code are also violations of federal, state or local laws. A student or student organization may face criminal and civil prosecution as well as university disciplinary action for violation of these laws.
The university reserves the right to take action under this code for any offenses over which it has jurisdiction. Proceedings under this code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings in the courts. University proceedings under the student conduct code are not subject to challenge, delay, or dismissal based solely on criminal charges.
WAC 172-121-060 Notification of criminal arrest.
A student is responsible for informing the university of any off-campus arrest.
When student rights and responsibilities (SRR) is informed of the arrest of a student, the university may send a letter to the student requiring that he or she make an appointment for an interview with the SRR. During this interview, the director of SRR shall discuss with the student:
- The facts involved in the student’s arrest;
- The student’s obligation to keep the university informed of the progress of any criminal charge(s); and
- The student’s obligation to advise the university of the final disposition of any criminal charge(s).
The university will cooperate with law enforcement and other agencies administering a corrective or rehabilitative program for the student.
WAC 172-121-070 Conduct review officials.
(1) The director of SRR or designee shall:
(a) Serve as the primary point of contact for all matters relating to student conduct code violations and proceedings;
(b) Manage the proceedings as described in this chapter;
(c) Maintain all records of conduct review proceedings as described in WAC 172-121-080;
(d) Ensure complaints are promptly investigated and resolved as required by federal and state laws; and
(e) Review off-campus incidents of alleged misconduct and make determinations as to whether the conduct involved adversely affects EWU or the EWU community and whether the conduct process should be initiated.
(2) Conduct review officer (CRO): The EWU president delegates to the vice president of student affairs the authority to designate one or more CRO(s). The director of SRR, dean of students, or any other qualified individual may be designated as a CRO. The CRO(s) shall preside over conduct review meetings and full conduct hearings under this chapter. For conduct review meetings, the CRO shall serve as the decision maker. For full hearings, the CRO shall serve as the presiding officer. As the presiding officer, in full hearings the CRO has authority to:
(a) Determine the order of presentation of evidence;
(b) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(c) Issue subpoenas pursuant to RCW 34.05.446;
(d) Rule on procedural matters, objections, and motions;
(e) Rule on motions for summary judgment;
(f) Rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;
(g) Pursuant to RCW 34.05.449(5), close parts of a hearing to public observation or order the exclusion of witnesses upon a showing of good cause;
(h) Question witnesses in an impartial manner to develop any facts deemed necessary to fairly and adequately decide the matter;
(i) Call additional witnesses and request additional exhibits deemed necessary to complete the record and receive such evidence subject to each party’s opportunity for cross-examination and rebuttal;
(j) Take official notice of facts pursuant to RCW 34.05.452(5);
(k) Regulate the course of the hearing and take any appropriate action necessary to maintain order during the hearing;
(l) Permit or require oral argument or briefs and determine the time limits for submission thereof;
(m) Issue an order of default;
(n) Hold prehearing conferences; and
(o) Take any other action necessary and authorized by any applicable statute or rule.
(3) Student disciplinary council: The council serves as the decision maker for full hearings with respect to a finding of responsibility. The CRO in full hearings serves as the decision maker with respect to determining appropriate sanction(s) and remedies, upon a finding of responsibility.
(a) Council pool: For each academic year, a pool of council members shall be established. All members of the council pool are appointed by the vice president for student affairs.
(i) Council members must meet the requirements of the role to serve on the hearing board. Council member appointments may be revoked.
(ii) Council chair (Conduct review officer): Designated CRO who chairs council proceedings;
(iii) Vacancies: Council pool shall be filled as needed through appointment by the vice president for student affairs.
(b) Session council: When a student disciplinary council is needed for a full hearing, the director or designee, shall identify available members from the council pool to serve as the session council. Each session council must include three members. The council may consist of students, staff, or faculty members. Full hearings are determined by a majority vote of the council.
(4) Investigator: An EWU investigator may be assigned to conduct an investigation. If an EWU investigator is assigned outside of student rights and responsibilities, the investigator will provide a written investigative report to the director of student rights and responsibilities.
(5) Presenter in cases of a full hearing: In full hearings, a person will present a case against the respondent on behalf of EWU. The presenter will call witnesses, ask questions, and offer evidence during the hearing. The presenter may be the director of SRR, designee, or an assistant attorney general appearing on behalf of EWU.
WAC 172-121-075 Conflicts of interest.
- Individuals who play a role in investigating, presiding over, and making decisions pertaining to individual student conduct cases including, but not limited to, the director, Title IX coordinator, dean of students, investigator, and council, shall not have any conflict of interest in the process or a bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent. A conflict of interest exists if the investigator, presiding officer or decision maker is the respondent, complainant, or a witness; if the respondent, complainant, or witness is a family member or friend; if the individual has a personal interest or bias; or if the individual has previously served in an advisory capacity for any of the parties or witnesses. In the event such a conflict arises in the process, the person shall disclose such interest to the parties. Parties to the complaint who believe a university official involved in the process has a conflict of interest may report such concerns to the director of SRR or the dean of students. The director or dean shall determine whether a conflict of interest exists and take appropriate action.
- Challenges to council membership. Members of the student disciplinary council and the conduct review officer (CRO) are subject to the conflict of interest limitations set forth in subsection (1) of this section.
- If a member has such a conflict, the person shall recuse him/herself from further involvement in the case. In the event such a conflict arises after the council has been selected or during a proceeding, the member shall disclose the conflict to the parties.
- A council member’s or the CRO’s eligibility to participate in a case may be challenged by parties to the case or by other council members at any time by submitting a motion to disqualify to the CRO. When such a challenge is made, the session council, excluding the person alleged to have a conflict of interest, shall make a decision on the challenge.
- If a member is disqualified or disqualifies him/herself from a case, the CRO will appoint a replacement.
WAC 172-121-080 Administration and records.
(1) Student conduct code.
(a) Interpretation: Any questions regarding the interpretation or application of this student conduct code are referred to the vice president for student affairs for final determination.
(b) Review: This student conduct code shall be reviewed at least every three years under the direction of the vice president for student affairs.
(2) Records of conduct review proceedings.
(a) Records of conduct review proceedings under this chapter shall be prepared by the conduct review official(s) involved and maintained by the director of SRR. As much as possible, records should include:
(i) An audio recording of a prehearing conference;
(ii) An audio recording of conduct review hearings;
(iii) All letters, statements, memoranda, decisions, orders, notices, and other documents related to conduct review proceedings;
(iv) Any images, articles, recordings, or other materials presented as evidence in a conduct review proceeding;
(v) A statement of matters officially noticed or considered by the council or conduct review officer (CRO);
(vi) Evidence submitted, whether or not accepted, any objections and rulings, any cross-examination questions submitted to the council and rulings on such questions;
(vii) Proposed findings, requested orders, and exceptions;
(viii) Recording of the hearing and subsequent transcript, if any;
(ix) Any staff memorandum to the extent required by RCW 34.05.476;
and
(x) Matters placed on the record after any ex parte communication. “Ex parte” means when a member of the student disciplinary council or CRO communicates with a party about a nonprocedural matter regarding the hearing when the other party is not present.
(b) The director of SRR shall keep records of conduct review proceedings for seven years.
(c) Records of conduct review proceedings are the property of EWU and are confidential to the extent provided in applicable law.
(d) Prior to the final disposition of a case, the respondent may review the records relative to their case. The respondent shall request to review the case records by contacting the CRO. The CRO shall make every reasonable effort to support the respondent’s request.
(3) Student disciplinary records.
(a) Student disciplinary records are confidential and shall be treated consistently with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and applicable law. Disciplinary records shall be maintained in accordance with EWU’s records retention schedule.
(b) Release of student disciplinary records. EWU shall not communicate a student’s disciplinary record to any person or agency outside EWU without the prior written consent of the student, except as required or permitted by law. Exceptions include, but are not limited to:
(i) The student’s parents or legal guardians may review these records as permitted by FERPA (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99).
(ii) Release to another educational institution, upon request, where the student seeks or intends to enroll, as allowed by FERPA (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99).
(iii) In response to a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
(iv) EWU shall release information related to disciplinary records to complainants or other persons as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, and other state and federal laws.
(v) Disciplinary records will be made available to hearing councils and EWU personnel as needed for legitimate educational purposes.
(vi) A student may authorize release of their own disciplinary record to a third party in compliance with FERPA (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99) by providing a written consent to student rights and responsibilities.
(vii) Any student may review their own disciplinary records by contacting student rights and responsibilities.
(viii) A student may obtain a copy of their disciplinary record by making a written request to student rights and responsibilities. Student rights and responsibilities may charge the student a reasonable amount to cover copying expenses.
(ix) EWU may disclose to a student’s parents a violation of any federal, state, or local law, or of any EWU policy or rules regarding use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance so long as the student is under the age of twenty-one at the time of the disclosure to the parent.
(c) When disciplinary records are released, personally identifiable information may be redacted to protect the privacy of others as permitted by law.
(3) Holds:
(a) Types of holds. Holds placed on a student’s academic records may prevent admission, registration, graduation, or other academic or EWU activities.
(b) Discretionary holds: The CRO may place a hold on a student in either of the following situations:
(i) Pending the student’s satisfactory completion of any sanctions imposed by a conduct review hearing; or
(ii) If the student fails to respond to any properly delivered notice from the CRO.
(c) Required holds: The CRO shall place a hold on a student’s EWU record if the student is the respondent to a violation of the conduct code and has withdrawn from EWU, or if the student withdraws from EWU after a complaint is filed against the student. A hold is also required if a student is subject to a pending student conduct complaint at the time of graduation. This hold shall remain in place until the allegation or complaint is resolved.
WAC 172-121-110 Notice of allegations and initial scheduling. (1) Notice of investigation. If the director of SRR refers a complaint to an investigation, the director shall provide the respondent with a notice of investigation that meets the following requirements:
(a) Is made in writing;
(b) Includes a written list of the allegations against the respondent with sufficient details of the allegations based on current information including, if known, date and time of the incident, description of the conduct, and the specific sections of this code allegedly violated;
(c) Indicates that the complaint has been assigned to a EWU investigator and provide the contact information for the investigator;
(d) Provides notice that the respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct and a determination of responsibility will be made at the end of the hearing;
(e) Provides a reminder that the person may have an advisor of their choice throughout the student conduct process;
(f) A statement that students are prohibited from knowingly furnishing false information during the student conduct process; and
(g) Where applicable, information about resources available to the respondent as well as information about EWU’s prohibition on retaliation.
(2) Notice of allegations: If the director of SRR decides to send the case to hearing, following a review of the investigative report if any, the director of SRR shall appoint a CRO to the case and notify the respondent of the CRO and the date of a prehearing conference. Notification of the allegations to the respondent must:
(a) Be made in writing;
(b) Include a written list of the allegations against the respondent with sufficient details of the allegations based on current information, including, if known, date and time of the incident, description of the conduct, and the specific sections of this code allegedly violated;
(c) Provide notice that the respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct and a determination of responsibility will be made at the end of the hearing;
(d) Provide a reminder that the person may have an advisor of their choice and, for Title IX complaints, that EWU will provide them with an advisor upon requests for the purposes of conducting cross-examination;
(e) Provide information about how to review the evidence gathered prior to the hearing;
(f) Provide a statement that students are prohibited from knowingly furnishing false information during the student conduct process;
(g) Inform them of the option to admit responsibility under WAC 172-121-118; and
(h) Include a date, time, and location of the prehearing conference.
(3) Follow up with complainant. The SRR office shall also follow up with the complainant(s) and respondent(s) to inform them of the process of reporting any retaliation or new incidents. If the complainant or respondent engages in retaliatory behavior, EWU shall take immediate steps to protect the complainant or respondent from further harassment or retaliation.
(4) If additional information is learned during the investigation that may rise to additional allegations, EWU must provide the respondent with an updated notice of allegations.
(5) The procedures for the prehearing conference for conduct review meetings are contained in WAC 172-121-121. The procedures for the prehearing conference for full hearings is contained in WAC 172-121-122.
WAC 172-121-118 Admission of responsibility. EWU encourages respondents to acknowledge harm and accept responsibility for repairing harm, to the extent possible, experienced as a result of a student’s conduct. An investigator, CRO, or presiding officer may offer to the respondent at any time the opportunity to admit responsibility for the alleged misconduct. If the respondent decides to admit responsibility, the respondent will sign a document drafted by SRR taking responsibility. The CRO and/or presiding officer, depending on the type of conduct, will schedule a recorded meeting for the respondent to take responsibility on the record and for the CRO and/or presiding officer to determine the appropriate sanctions under WAC 172-121-400.
WAC 172-121-121 Conduct review meeting procedures. (1) Applicability: The conduct review officer (CRO) may hold a conduct review meeting with the respondent if the proposed sanction is less than a suspension and the allegations do not involve felony level criminal behavior.
(2) General provisions.
(a) Hearing authority: The CRO exercises control over hearing proceedings. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the CRO.
(b) Closing hearings: All conduct review hearings will be closed. Admission of any person to a conduct review hearing shall be at the discretion of the CRO.
(c) Consolidation of hearings: In the event that one or more students are charged with the same misconduct arising from the same occurrence, the hearing authority may conduct separate hearings for each student or consolidate the hearings as practical, as long as consolidation does not impinge on the rights of any student.
(3) Appearance.
(a) Failure to appear: In cases where proper notice has been given but the respondent fails to attend a conduct review hearing, the hearing authority shall decide the case based on the information available, without the respondent’s input.
(b) Appearance: The respondent will be provided options for reasonable alternative arrangements if they do not wish to be present in the same room as the other student during the hearing. People may appear at the conduct review hearing in person, through telephone conference, or through any other practical means of communication, subject to the limits set forth below in (e) of this subsection. If a person does not appear at the hearing, the hearing authority will decide the case based on the information available.
(c) Advisors: The respondent may be assisted by one advisor during conduct review hearings as described in WAC 172-121-105. In conduct review meetings, the advisor is limited to advising the student and cannot speak on behalf of the student.
(d) Disruption of proceedings: Any person, including the respondent or advisor, who disrupts a hearing, may be excluded from the proceedings.
(e) Electronic appearance. In the interest of fairness and expedience, the CRO may permit any person to appear by telephone, audio recording, written statement, or other means, as appropriate, if the rights of the parties will not be substantially prejudiced by an electronic appearance as determined by the CRO.
(4) Standard of proof. The hearing authority shall determine whether the respondent violated the student conduct code, as charged, based on a preponderance of the evidence. A preponderance means, based on the evidence admitted, whether it is more probable than not that the respondent violated the student conduct code.
(5) Prehearing conference. The SRR office will schedule a prehearing conference with the respondent. Only the respondent and the respondent’s advisor may appear at the prehearing conference. The purpose of the prehearing conference is to advise the parties regarding the student conduct process. During the prehearing conference, the CRO will:
(a) Review the written list of allegations with the respondent;
(b) Inform the respondent who is bringing the complaint against them;
(c) Provide the respondent with a copy of the student conduct code and any other relevant EWU policies;
(d) Explain the respondent’s rights under the student code;
(e) Explain the conduct review procedures;
(f) Where applicable, explain the respondent’s and complainant’s rights and responsibilities in the conduct review process;
(g) Review the option for admitting responsibility under WAC 172-121-118; and
(h) Explain possible penalties under the student conduct code.
At the end of the prehearing conference, the CRO will either conduct or schedule a conduct review meeting with the respondent as set forth in this subsection or arrange for a meeting to take an admission of responsibility under WAC 172-121-118. If proper notice was given of the prehearing conference and the respondent fails to attend the conference, the CRO may either proceed with the conduct review meeting and decide the case based on the information available, or place a hold on the respondent’s academic records as described in WAC 172-121-080 until the respondent cooperates with the student conduct process.
(6) Scheduling. A conduct review meeting may take place immediately following the prehearing conference or it may be scheduled for a later date or time. If the conduct review meeting will be held at a later date or time, the CRO shall schedule the hearing and serve the respondent with a notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing. The CRO may coordinate with the parties to facilitate scheduling, but is not required to do so. The CRO has sole discretion as to whether to call witnesses.
(7) If the respondent fails to appear at the conduct review meeting, the CRO may conduct the hearing without the respondent present. The CRO may also place a hold on the respondent’s academic records under WAC 172-121-080 until the respondent cooperates with the student conduct process.
(8) Deliberation. After the hearing, the CRO shall decide whether the respondent violated the student conduct code based on a preponderance of the evidence and issue a decision within seven business days.
(a) If the CRO determines that there is not sufficient information to establish a violation by a preponderance of evidence, the CRO shall dismiss the complaint.
(b) If the CRO determines that the respondent violated the student conduct code, the CRO shall impose any number of sanctions as described in WAC 172-121-210, except suspension or expulsion.
(9) Sanctions. In determining what sanctions shall be imposed, the CRO may consider the evidence presented at the hearing as well as any information contained in the student’s disciplinary and academic records. If a student fails to appear for a hearing, then the CRO authority shall review the evidence provided and may consider information available from the student’s disciplinary and academic records in determining what sanction should be imposed. In addition to sanctions under this code, if the student is also an employee of EWU, the CRO’s decision may be forwarded to the student’s supervisor to determine whether any employment actions outside of this code should be taken in accordance with EWU policy.
(10) Notification. The CRO shall serve the respondent with a decision including its findings, conclusions, and rationale. The decision shall address credibility issues if credibility or witness demeanor was a substantial factor in the CRO’s decision. Credibility determinations may not be based on a person’s status as a complainant, respondent, or witness.
The findings shall be based exclusively on the evidence provided at the hearing. The decision must also include:
(a) Identification of the section of the code alleged to have been violated;
(b) A description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the complaint through the determination, including any notifications to the parties, interviews, methods to gather evidence, and hearings;
(c) Findings of fact supporting the determination;
(d) Conclusions regarding the application of the code to the facts along with the rationale for each determination;
(e) Sanctions;
(f) Respondent’s right to appeal.
Where applicable and to the extent permitted by law, the complainant shall be provided with written notice of substantiated violations
(ii) The complainant’s right to appeal, if any;
(iii) Any change to the results that occurs prior to the time that such results become final; and when such results become final (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)).
(c) Information regarding the discipline of the respondent will not be released unless:
(i) The information contained in the record directly relates to the complainant, such as an order requiring the respondent to not contact the complainant; or
(ii) The misconduct involves a crime of violence or other crime as defined in 42 U.S.C. Sec. 13925(a).
(11) Finality. The CRO’s decision becomes final at either the conclusion or the appeal process under this code, if an appeal is filed, or, if an appeal is not filed, the date on which an appeal would no longer be timely.
WAC 172-121-122 Full hearing procedures. (1) Scheduling and notification. Full hearings are used for allegations which, if substantiated by a preponderance of the evidence, could be a felony-level crime or could result in a sanction of suspension or expulsion. Following provision of the notice of allegations to the respondent, as set forth in WAC 172-121-110, the SRR office shall arrange for a prehearing conference unless the respondent has admitted responsibility under WAC 172-121-118.
(2) General provisions.
(a) Hearing authority: The CRO exercises control over hearing proceedings. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the CRO. The CRO chairs the disciplinary council.
(b) Closed hearings: All conduct review hearings will be closed. Admission of any person to a conduct review hearing shall be at the discretion of the CRO.
(c) Consolidation of hearings: In the event that one or more students are charged with the same misconduct arising from the same occurrence, the council may conduct separate hearings for each student or consolidate the hearings as practical, as long as consolidation does not impinge on the rights of any student.
(3) Appearance.
(a) Failure to appear: In cases where proper notice has been given but the respondent fails to attend a conduct review hearing, the council shall decide the case based on the information available, without the respondent’s input. The council may not make an inference about the determination regarding responsibility based solely on a party’s or witness’s failure to appear at the hearing. However, nonappearance by a party may impact the evidence available for the council to make a decision.
(b) Appearance: The parties will be provided options for reasonable alternative arrangements if they do not wish to be present in the same room as the other student during the hearing. The parties may appear at the conduct review hearing in person via a method that allows the council to hear the parties and physically observe them while testifying, subject to the limits set forth below in (e) of this subsection. If a party does not appear at the hearing, the council will decide the case based on the information available. The council cannot draw an inference regarding responsibility based on the failure to appear or refusal to answer cross-examination or other questions.
(c) Advisors: The complainant and the respondent may be assisted by one advisor during conduct review hearings as described in WAC 172-121-105.
(d) Disruption of proceedings: Any person, including the respondent or advisor, who disrupts a hearing, may be excluded from the proceedings.
(e) Remote appearance. In the interest of fairness and expedience, the CRO may permit any person to appear by a method that allows the person to be seen and heard by the council.
(4) Standard of evidence. The council shall determine whether the respondent violated the student conduct code, as charged, based on a preponderance of the evidence. A preponderance means, based on the evidence admitted, whether it is more probable than not that the respondent violated the student conduct code.
(5) Prehearing conference. The SRR office or designee will arrange for a prehearing conference with the parties to advise them about the student conduct process. During the prehearing conference, the SRR office or designee will:
(a) Review the written list of allegations;
(b) Inform the respondent who is bringing the complaint against them;
(c) Provide the respondent and, where applicable, complainant with a copy of the student conduct code and any other relevant EWU policies;
(d) Explain the respondent’s and, where applicable, complainant’s rights and responsibilities under the student code;
(e) Explain the conduct review procedures;
(f) Explain possible penalties under the student conduct code;
(g) Review the option for admitting responsibility under WAC 172-121-118;
(h) Schedule a date for the full hearing; and
(i) Address any preliminary matters or motions.
(6) Notice of hearing. Following the prehearing conference, the SRR director or designee shall schedule the hearing and serve the respondent and, where applicable, complainant with notice of the date, time, location, participants, and purpose of the hearing. At the discretion of the hearing officer, and where the rights of the parties will not be prejudiced thereby, all or part of any hearing may be conducted by telephone or other electronic means. Each party in the hearing must have an opportunity to participate effectively in, to hear, and if technically and economically feasible, to see the entire proceeding while it is taking place. The notices will include information about how to request accommodations or interpreters for any parties or witnesses. Any request for the presence of an emotional support animal or any other accommodation must be directed to disability support services and approved as a reasonable accommodation in advance of the hearing. A person may bring a certified therapy animal with a handler to a hearing. The notice of hearing must be served on the respondent and complainant at least seven business days prior to the hearing. The director may coordinate with the parties to facilitate scheduling, but is not required to do so.
(7) Evidence.
(a) Evidence: Pertinent records, exhibits and written statements may be accepted as information for consideration by the council in accordance with RCW 34.05.452. Council may review proposed exhibits prior to the hearing. Any investigation conducted by EWU will be admitted into evidence as long as the investigator testifies at the hearing. Evidence, including hearsay evidence, is admissible if in the judgment of the CRO it is the kind of evidence on which reasonably prudent persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of their affairs. The CRO shall exclude evidence that is excludable on constitutional or statutory grounds or on the basis of evidentiary privilege recognized by Washington courts. The CRO may exclude irrelevant material. If not inconsistent with this section, the CRO shall refer to the Washington rules of evidence as guidelines for evidentiary rulings. Prior or subsequent conduct of the respondent may be considered in determining opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, identity, a pattern of conduct, credibility, or absence of mistake or lack of knowledge.
(b) The respondent has the right to view all material presented during the course of the hearing.
(c) All testimony of parties and witnesses shall be made under oath or affirmation. Any interpreter shall be proscribed the oath set forth in WAC 10-08-160.
(d) Documentary evidence may be received in the form of copies or excerpts, or by incorporation by reference.
(e) Official notice may be taken of (i) any easily verifiable facts such as dates or weather conditions, (ii) technical or scientific facts within EWU’s specialized knowledge, such as enrollment status or class schedules, and (iii) codes or standards that have been adopted by an agency of the United States, of this state or of another state, or by a nationally recognized organization or association. Parties shall be notified either before or during hearing, or by reference in preliminary reports or otherwise, of the material so noticed and the sources thereof, including any staff memoranda and data, and they shall be afforded an opportunity to contest the facts and material so noticed. A party proposing that official notice be taken may be required to produce a copy of the material to be noticed.
(f) All rulings upon objections to the admissibility of evidence shall be made in accordance with the provisions of RCW 34.05.452.
(8) Discovery. Discovery is not permitted under the code, except for requests for documentary information from EWU. Either party may request EWU to produce relevant documents in EWU’s possession as long as such request is submitted at least five business days prior to the hearing, absent extenuating circumstances. If the CRO determines the request is not relevant to the present allegation, the CRO may deny the request. EWU will provide the requested information prior to the hearing to the extent permitted by state and federal law.
(9) Subpoenas.
(a) Subpoenas may be issued by the presiding officer or an attorney consistent with RCW 34.05.446. However, for the protection of both parties, a party cannot subpoena the other party. A party may request an exemption from this rule by filing a written request with the presiding officer at least 10 days prior to the hearing. The presiding officer will provide a copy of the request to the other party and give them three days to respond. The presiding officer will then decide whether or not sufficient cause exists to grant an exemption to this rule and will inform the parties of the decision. Any subpoena issued must conform to EWU’s subpoena form. Every subpoena shall identify the party causing issuance of the subpoena and shall state EWU’s name and the title of the proceeding and shall direct the person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony or produce designated books, documents, or things under their control.
A subpoena to a person to provide testimony at a hearing shall specify the time and place set for hearing.
(b) A subpoena may be served by any suitable person over 18 years of age, by exhibiting and reading it to the witness, or by giving them a copy thereof, or by leaving such copy at the place of their abode. When service is made by any other person than an officer authorized to serve process, proof of service shall be made by affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury.
(c) The CRO, upon motion by a party or at their own discretion, may quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable or oppressive. Subpoenas may not be used to threaten or intimidate parties or witnesses.
(10) Summary judgment. A motion for summary judgment may be granted and an order issued if the written record shows that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
(11) Witnesses.
(a) The complainant, respondent, and EWU’s presenter may call witnesses at full hearings.
(b) The person who wishes to call a witness is responsible for ensuring that the witness is available and present at the time of the hearing. An attorney may subpoena a witness to appear at the hearing. Non attorneys may request the CRO to subpoena witnesses in accordance with subsection (4) of this section. The CRO has the discretion to deny a request to issue a subpoena or to quash a subpoena issued by an attorney if the subpoena is unreasonable, oppressive, or does not conform to EWU’s subpoena form.
(c) The CRO may exclude witnesses from the hearing room when they are not testifying. The CRO is not required to take the testimony of all witnesses called by the parties if such testimony may be irrelevant.
(d) All parties have the right to hear all testimony provided by witnesses during the hearing.
(e) The parties should inform the CRO of any possible need for an interpreter or any accommodation requests at least five business days prior to the hearing. The CRO will comply with WAC 10-08-150.
(12) Questioning:
(a) Through the CRO, the respondent’s advisor and EWU’s presenter may ask questions of any witness, or party, including cross-examination questions. If the parties do not have an advisor, they may submit questions in writing to the CRO and the CRO may ask the questions. The CRO may also ask questions, but is not required to do so. The CRO may preclude any questions which they consider irrelevant.
(b) The council may ask their own questions of any witness or party called before them.
(13) Remote appearance. The CRO may accommodate concerns for personal safety, well-being, or fears of confrontation of any person appearing at the hearing by providing separate facilities, or by permitting participation by video conferencing, or other means that allows the council and parties to see and hear the party answering questions, as determined appropriate, subject to subsection (3)(b) of this section.
(14) Deliberations and sanctions. Following the hearing, the council will determine in closed session whether, by a preponderance of the evidence, the respondent violated the student conduct code based on the evidence presented at the hearing. If a student fails to appear, the council shall make a decision based on the information available. The council shall make its decisions based on a majority vote. If the council determines the respondent violated the student conduct code, the CRO shall then decide what sanctions and remedies shall be imposed. The CRO may review the respondent’s previous disciplinary history for purposes of determining the appropriate sanction. In addition to sanctions under this code, if the student is also an employee of EWU, the CRO’s decision may be forwarded to the student’s supervisor to determine whether any employment actions outside of this code should be taken in accordance with EWU policy.
The council shall issue a decision including their findings, conclusions, and rationale. The decision shall address credibility issues if credibility or witness demeanor was a substantial factor in the council’s decision. Credibility determinations may not be based on a person’s status as a complainant, respondent, or witness. The findings shall be based exclusively on the evidence provided at the hearing. If the council finds the respondent violated the code, the CRO shall add the decision regarding sanctions and remedies to the council’s decision. Such decisions should be issued within 10 business days from the date of the hearing. The written decision shall also:
(a) Be correctly captioned identifying EWU and the name of the proceeding;
(b) Designate all parties and representatives participating in the proceeding;
(c) Identify the allegations at issue;
(d) A description of the procedural steps taken, including notifications to the parties, interviews with the parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather other evidence, and hearings held;
(e) Contain appropriate numbered findings of fact meeting the requirements in RCW 34.05.461;
(f) Contain appropriately numbered conclusions regarding the application of EWU policies and this code to the facts;
(g) A statement of, and rationale for, the result as to each allegation, including a determination regarding responsibility and any disciplinary sanctions imposed;
(h) Contain a statement describing rights to appeal and the procedures for appealing.
(15) Finality. The council’s and CRO’s decision becomes final at either the conclusion or the appeal process under this code, if an appeal is filed, or if an appeal is not filed, the date on which an appeal would no longer be timely.
(16) Notification to the respondent. The CRO shall serve the respondent with a copy of the decision and notice of the right to appeal.
(17) Notification to the complainant. Where applicable and to the extent permitted by law, simultaneous with notification of the decision to the respondent, the complainant shall be provided with written notice of:
(a) The university’s determination as to whether misconduct o occurred;
(b) The complainant’s right to appeal, if any;
(c) Any change to the results that occurs prior to the time that such results become final and when such results become final (20 U.S.C. 1092(f));
(d) Information regarding the discipline of the respondent will not be released unless:
(i) The information contained in the record directly relates to the complainant, such as a no contact order with the complainant; or
(
(e) Any remedies provided to the complainant. F
WAC 172-121-130 Appeals. (1) Basis: Appeals following a conduct review meeting or full hearing may be filed by the respondent under this section. Appeals of interim restrictions are governed by WAC 172-121-140. Appeals may be filed for one or more of the following reasons:
(a) To determine whether the hearing was conducted according to established procedures that affected the outcome of the matter.
(b) The hearing authority misinterpreted the student conduct code.
(c) To determine whether the decision reached by the hearing authority, or the director of SRR’s decision to not proceed with a hearing, was based on the information presented and that information was sufficient to reasonably establish that a violation of the conduct code did or did not occur based on a preponderance of the evidence.
(d) To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were reasonable and appropriate for the associated conduct code violation(s).
(e) To consider newly discovered, material information that was not reasonably available at the time the determination finding responsibility or dismissal was made that could affect the outcome of the matter. It is the party’s obligation to present all evidence at the time of the original hearing. TEWU is not obligated to grant an appeal and conduct a new hearing when parties do not take reasonable efforts to prepare their cases for the original hearing.
(f) The investigator or hearing authorities had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual complainant or respondent that affected the outcome of the matter.
(2) Filing: Appeals may be filed following a conduct review meeting, full hearing, or dismissal of a complaint, subject to the following provisions:
(a) The appeal must be submitted by 5:00 PM PST to the director of student rights and responsibilities or designee within 10 calendar days from service of the council’s decision following a full hearing or dismissal of a complaint, or within 21 calendar days from service of a decision from a conduct review meeting conducted by the CRO;(b) The appeal shall be in writing and shall include:
(i) The student’s name;
(ii) The nature of the decision and sanctions reached by the hearing official;
(iii) The basis, as described in subsection (1) of this section, for the appeal; and
(iv) What remedy the student is seeking.
(3) Stay of sanctions: Sanctions go into effect immediately after the hearing decision is issued. If the respondent wishes to have a sanction stayed during the appeal process, a request for a stay must be filed with SRR within five calendar days of the decision. The request for the stay will be reviewed by the CRO or presiding officer who presided over the hearing. The stay may be granted in part or in its entirety, at the discretion of the CRO/presiding officer. The decision will be communicated to the respondent. This decision is not subject to appeal.
(4) Appeal authorities:
(a) For dismissal of a complaint, appeals are determined by the dean of students or designee.
(b) For conduct review meetings, appeals are determined by the dean of students or designee.
(c) For full hearings, appeals are determined by the vice president for student affairs or designee.
(5) Forwarding of appeals: The director of SRR shall forward the appeal to the appropriate appeal authority. The submitted appeal will include, at a minimum, the appellant’s written appeal and the written report of the case. The director of SRR may also forward any other written records related to the case.
(6) Review of appeals:
(a) Before rendering a decision, the appeal authority may request additional information or explanation from any of the parties to the proceedings.
(b) Except as required to explain the basis of new information, an appeal shall be limited to a review of the verbatim record of the conduct review hearing and supporting documents.
(c) In making its decision, the appeal authority will only consider the written record before it in relation to the basis for appeal, the appellant’s notice of appeal, where applicable, the other party’s response, and other information and/or explanation it has requested from the parties to the proceedings.
(7) Decisions: After reviewing the appeal, the appeal authority may affirm, reverse, modify, or remand the decision(s) of the hearing authority. The appeal decision shall include an explanation of the appeal authority’s decision and rationale. The appeal decision must be issued within 30 calendar days of the appeal authority receiving all necessary documentation.
(8) Remanded cases: In cases where the appeal authority remands the decision or sanction(s) of the hearing authority, the case will be returned to the hearing authority for reconsideration or other action as specified by the appeal authority. Following such reconsideration, the hearing authority will return the case to the appeal authority for further review/action. The appeal authority will then complete the appeal process or remand the case again. No appeal may, however, be remanded more than two times. After a case has been remanded twice, the appeal authority must affirm or reverse the decision and affirm, reverse, or modify the sanctions.
(9) Sanctions: The appeal authority may affirm, reverse, remand, or modify the sanctions assigned to the respondent. When determining sanctions, the appeal authority may consider the complete record of the respondent’s prior conduct and academic performance in addition to all other information associated with the case.
(10) Notification: Once the appeal authority has made a final decision to affirm or reverse and/or to modify the sanctions assigned, the appeal authority shall forward the decision to the director of SRR. The director of SRR or designee shall serve the respondent , and, where applicable, the complainant, with a brief written statement setting forth the outcome of the appeal. The notification shall also inform the recipient that judicial review of the decision may be available under chapter 34.05 RCW.
(11) Further proceedings. The appeal authority’s decision is final and no further appeals may be made under the student conduct code. Judicial review of EWU’s decision may be available under chapter 34.05 RCW.
(12) Appeals standards:
(a) Appeal authorities must weigh all pertinent information presented to them in determining whether sufficient evidence exists to support reversal or modification of decisions or sanctions.
(b) For appeals based on a deviation from established procedures, such deviations will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless the alleged deviation materially changed the outcome of the case or the sanctions imposed.
WAC 172-121-140 Supportive measures and interim restrictions.
(1) Supportive measures. During the complaint review, the director of SRR or designee, will evaluate the circumstances and determine if any supportive measures to assist or protect the parties during the conduct code process are needed. Supportive measures may be available before or after the filing of a complaint or where no formal complaint is filed. Supportive measures are provided to students free of charge and may include, but are not limited to, safety planning with the university, mutual restrictions on contact between the parties, academic or workplace modifications, providing counseling for the complainant and/or respondent, or campus housing modifications. The purpose of a supportive measure is to provide an equitable process for both students that minimizes the possibility of a hostile environment on campus. Supportive measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the university’s educational programs or activities without unreasonably burdening either party, including protecting the safety of all parties and the university’s educational environment, or deterring harassment.
(1) Interim restrictions. The SRR director or designee may take immediate action(s) against a student or student organization after conducting an individualized safety and risk analysis without prior notice or hearing. Simultaneously, the director shall refer the allegations to the conduct review officer. Interim restrictions are subject to the following:
(a) Interim restriction actions may only be imposed in the following situations:
(i) When a student or student organization poses an immediate threat to:
(A) The physical health or safety of any student or any other individual;
(B) The student’s own physical safety and well-being; or
(C) Any property of the EWU community; or
(ii) When it is believed that the student’s or student organization’s continued attendance or presence may cause disorder, substantially interfere with or impede the lawful activities of others, or imperil the physical or mental health and safety of members of the EWU community.
(b) During the interim restriction period, a student may be restricted by any or all of the following means:
(i) Denial of access including, but not limited to: Assignment to alternate EWU housing or removal from EWU housing, limitation of access to EWU facilities, or restriction of communication with specific individuals or groups;
(ii) Interim suspension, including temporary total removal from EWU or restriction of access to campus.
(iii) Mandatory medical/psychological assessment of the student’s capability to remain enrolled at EWU.
(3) The director of SRR or designee will determine what restriction(s) will be placed on a student.
(4) The director of SRR or designee will prepare a brief memorandum for record containing the reasons for the interim restriction. The director will serve the memorandum on the restricted student and notify all other persons or offices bound by it. At a minimum, the memorandum will state:
(a) The alleged act(s) or behavior(s) of the student or student organization which prompted the interim restriction;
(b) How those alleged act(s) or behavior(s) could constitute a violation of the student conduct code;
(c) How the circumstances of the case necessitated the interim restriction action(s); and
(d) An explanation of the process for emergency appeal reviews.
(5) Emergency appeal review.
(a) If a student has been suspended on an interim basis, the student will automatically receive an emergency appeal review with the vice president for student affairs, or designee. If the interim restriction is something less than a suspension, the student or student organization subject to the interim restriction must file a written appeal with the vice president for student affairs or designee within five (5) business days after service of the interim restriction. In all cases, the student must submit any information the student wishes the vice president to consider submitted within 10 business days after service of the interim restriction. The appealing party should outline the desired modification(s) to the interim restriction as well as the specific challenge(s) to the interim restriction decision. Challenges to interim restriction decisions are limited to the criteria identified in WAC 172-121-140(1) upon which the interim restriction was imposed (threat to health or safety of the EWU community, potential for creating campus disorder, impeding the lawful activity of others, etc.). Appealing parties are limited to submitting their own written statements. Any other evidence should be submitted to the investigator or provided to the CRO under the regular hearing process.
(b) The vice president for student affairs, or designee, will conduct an emergency appeal review after receiving the respondent’s review and complainant’s response, if any. Emergency appeal reviews will address only the interim restriction decision of the director and the basis on which the restriction modification or termination is requested by the appealing party. The emergency appeal review does not replace the regular hearing process. In the emergency appeal review, the vice president will only review materials available to and information considered by the director and/or dean of students at the time the interim restriction was imposed, written statements by the appellant, and information that becomes available as a part of EWU’s investigation that the vice president deems relevant.
(c) During the emergency appeal review, the vice president for student affairs or designee will review available materials and statements. The vice president for student affairs will issue a written decision upholding, modifying, or terminating the interim restriction action. The written decision shall include a rationale for the basis of the decision and be issued within 15 business days of the date of service of an interim restriction.
(d) The interim restriction does not replace the regular hearing process, which will proceed as quickly as feasible consistent with this chapter.
(e) Duration. An interim restriction will remain in effect until terminated, in writing, by the student disciplinary council, CRO, or the vice president for student affairs.
PART III: VIOLATIONS
WAC 172-121-300 Violations. EWU prohibits students from engaging in the conduct described in this section, WAC 172-121-301 through 172-121-324, chapter 172-125, chapter 172-90 WAC, and relevant EWU policies. Clubs, organizations, societies, or similarly organized groups in or recognized by EWU and/or the Associated Students of Eastern Washington University are also subject to all of these standards. Violations of these rules and policy may subject a student or student group to disciplinary action by EWU. Groups may also be subject to disciplinary action for knowingly failing to exercise preventive measures relative to violations of this code by their members.
WAC 172-121-302 Abuse, threats, bullying, and harassment.
(1) Abuse. Assault and other forms of physical abuse. Assault is intentionally touching or striking another person in a harmful or offensive way.
(2) Threats. A threat is any conduct and/or speech that, when viewed objectively, threatens bodily harm to another person or that endangers the health or safety of another person. If the threat primarily involves speech, the speaker also must have consciously disregarded a substantial, unjustifiable risk that the communications could be viewed as threatening violence.
(3) Bullying. Bullying is behavior that is:
(a) Intentional;
(b) Targeted at an individual or group; and
(c) Creates an intimidating and/or threatening environment that is so severe or pervasive, and objectively offensive, that it substantially interferes with another’s ability to work, study, participate in, or benefit from EWU’s programs and activities.
WAC 172-121-306 Unauthorized use of electronic or other devices. Making an audio or video recording of any person while on EWU premises without the person’s prior knowledge or without their effective consent, when such a recording is of a private conversation or of images taken of a person(s) at a time and place where the person would reasonably expect privacy and where such recordings are likely to cause injury or distress. The act of storing, sharing, publishing, or in any way disseminating such recordings or images through any medium is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, or restroom, but does not include taking pictures of persons in areas which are considered by the reasonable person to be open to public view.
PART IV: SANCTIONS
WAC 172-121-400 Sanctions. If any student or student organization is found to have committed any of the offenses described in WAC 172-121-300 through 172-121-324, one or more of the sanctions described in this section may be imposed against the student or student organization. Imposed sanctions are effective as of the date the CRO or council issues its decision unless the decision specifically identifies an alternative date. Failure to comply with any imposed sanction may result in additional sanctions. In addition to the sanction imposed by this code, if a student is also an employee of EWU, EWU may impose additional discipline in accordance with its policies and procedures pertaining to employees.
(1) Individual student sanctions:
(a) Admonition: An oral statement to a student that they have violated EWU rules and regulations.
(b) Warning: A notice to the student or student organization that they have violated the standards for student conduct and that any repeated or continuing violation of the same standard, within a specified period of time, may result in more severe disciplinary action. A warning may be verbal or written.
(c) Censure: A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations. A censure will also state that more severe disciplinary sanctions may be imposed if the student or student organization is found in violation of any regulation within a stated period of time.
(d) Disciplinary probation: A formal action which places one or more conditions, for a specified period of time, on the student’s continued attendance. Disciplinary probation sanctions will be executed in writing and will specify the probationary conditions and the period of the probation. A disciplinary probation notice will also inform the student that any further misconduct will automatically involve consideration of suspension. Probationary conditions may include, but are not limited to:
(i) Restricting the student’s EWU-related privileges;
(ii) Limiting the student’s participation in extra-curricular activities; and/or
(iii) Enforcing a “no contact” order which would prohibit direct or indirect physical and/or verbal contact with specific individuals or groups.
(e) Restitution: Reimbursement to EWU or others for damage, destruction, or other loss of property suffered as a result of theft or negligence. Restitution also includes reimbursement for medical expenses incurred due to conduct code violations. Restitution may take the form of appropriate service or other compensation. Failure to fulfill restitution requirements will result in cancellation of the student’s registration and will prevent the student from future registration until restitution conditions are satisfied.
(f) Fines: The EWU conduct review officer and the student disciplinary council may assess monetary fines up to a maximum of $400 against individual students for violation of EWU rules or regulations or for failure to comply with EWU standards of conduct. Failure to promptly pay such fines will prevent the student from future registration. Failure to pay may also result in additional sanctions.
(g) Discretionary sanctions: Work assignments, service to EWU community or other related discretionary assignments for a specified period of time as directed by the hearing authority.
(h) Loss of financial aid: In accordance with RCW 28B.10.902, a person who participates in the hazing of another forfeits entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships or awards for a specified period of time determined by EWU.
(i) Assessment: Referral for drug/alcohol or psychological assessment may be required. Results of the assessment may lead to the determination that conditions of treatment and further assessment apply to either continued attendance or return after a period of suspension.
(j) Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities for a specified period of time. Suspensions will be executed through a written order of suspension and will state all restrictions imposed by the suspension, as well as the suspension period and what conditions of readmission, if any, are ordered. Suspensions may be noted on the student’s transcript during the period of time the suspension is in effect.
(k) Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the EWU with no promise (implied or otherwise) that the student may return at any future time. The student will also be barred from EWU premises. Expulsions may be noted on the student’s transcript.
(l) Loss of institutional, financial aid funds: Formal withholding of all or a part of institutional funds currently being received by the student or promised for future disbursement to the student for a specified period of time. Loss of financial aid is subject to the processes outlined in this chapter except any such loss must be approved by the dean of students and the vice president for student affairs before such sanction is imposed.
(m) Revocation of degree: A degree awarded by EWU may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of law or EWU standards. Revocation of a degree is subject to processes outlined in this chapter except that revocation of a degree must also be approved by the EWU president.
(n) Education: Requirement to successfully complete an educational project designed to create an awareness of the respondent’s misconduct.
(o) EWU housing restrictions. Separation of the respondent from a residence hall or halls for a definite period of time, after which the respondent may be eligible to return, or permanent restriction. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
(2) Student organizations and/or group sanctions: Any of the above sanctions may be imposed in addition to those listed below:
(a) Probation: Formal action placing conditions on the group’s continued recognition by or permission to function at EWU. The probationary conditions will apply for a specified period of time. Violation of the conditions of probation or additional violations while under probation may result in more severe sanctions;
(b) Social probation: Prohibition of the group from sponsoring any organized social activity, party or function, or from obtaining a permission for the use of alcoholic beverages at social functions for a specified period of time;
(c) Restriction: The temporary withdrawal of EWU or ASEWU recognition for a group, club, society or other organization. Restriction is subject to the processes outlined in this chapter except any restriction must also be approved by the dean of students and the vice president of student affairs before such sanction is imposed;
(d) Revocation: The permanent withdrawal of EWU or ASEWU recognition for a group, club, society or other organization. Per RCW 28B.10.902, any organization, association, or student living group that knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by its members or by others subject to its direction or control shall be deprived of recognition by EWU;
(e) Additional sanctions: In addition to or separately from the above, any one or a combination of the following may be concurrently imposed on the group:
(i) Exclusion from intramural competition as a group;
(ii) Denial of use of EWU facilities for meetings, events, etc.;
(iii) Restitution; and/or
(iv) Fines.
