(1) Within twenty calendar days following the conclusion of the hearing or the committee's receipt of closing arguments (whichever is later), the committee shall issue an initial decision in accordance with RCW 34.05.461 and WAC 10-08-210. The initial decision shall include findings on all material issues of fact and conclusions on all material issues of law, including which, if any, provisions of the student conduct code were violated. Any findings based substantially on the credibility of evidence or the demeanor of witnesses shall be so identified.

(2) The committee's initial decision shall also include a determination on appropriate discipline, if any. If the matter was referred to the committee by the student conduct officer, the committee shall determine any disciplinary sanction or conditions authorized herein. If the matter is an appeal by the respondent, the committee may affirm, reverse, or modify the discipline imposed by the student conduct officer and/or impose any other disciplinary sanction or conditions authorized herein.

(3) The committee chair shall provide copies of the initial decision to the parties and any legal counsel who have appeared. The committee chair shall also promptly transmit a copy of the order and the record of the committee's proceedings to the college president and the vice president of learning and student success.

(4) In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the committee chair, on the same date as the initial decision is served on the respondent, will serve a written notice upon the complainant informing the complainant whether the allegations of sexual misconduct were found to have merit and describing any disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions imposed upon the respondent for the complainant's protection, including suspension or dismissal of the respondent. Complainant may appeal the student conduct committee's initial decision to the president subject to the same procedures and deadlines applicable to other parties. The notice will also inform the complainant of his or her appeal rights.