WAC 132V-121-160

(1) At the conclusion of the hearing, the committee chair shall permit the parties to make closing arguments in whatever form, written or verbal, the committee wishes to receive them. The committee also may permit each party to propose findings, conclusions, and/or a proposed decision for its consideration.

(2) Within 20 calendar days following the later of the conclusion of the hearing or the committee's receipt of closing arguments, the committee shall issue a decision in accordance with RCW 34.05.461 and WAC 10-08-210. The 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 and explained.

(3) The committee's initial decision shall also include a determination of appropriate sanctions, if any. If the matter was referred to the committee by the student conduct officer, the committee shall identify and impose disciplinary sanction(s) or conditions (if any) as authorized in the student code. If the matter is an appeal by a party, the committee may affirm, reverse, or modify the disciplinary sanction and/or conditions imposed by the student conduct officer and/or impose additional disciplinary sanction(s) or conditions as authorized herein.

(4) The committee chair shall cause copies of its decision to be served on the parties and their attorney, if any. The notice will inform all parties of their appeal rights. The committee chair shall also promptly transmit a copy of the decision and the record of the committee's proceedings to the president.

(5) In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct not subject to the college's supplemental Title IX code of conduct, the chair of the student conduct committee, 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 or conditions, or both, imposed upon the respondent for the complainant's protection, including suspension or dismissal of the respondent. The 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 their appeal rights.