Washington Administrative Code Title 132J - Green River College
Washington Administrative Code — Title 132J: Green River College
1. Overview of Title 132J
Title 132J of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) contains the regulations governing Green River College, which is a public community college located in Auburn, Washington. The purpose of these rules is to set out the administrative, academic, and operational procedures that govern the college’s activities, including:
Admissions and student conduct.
Academic programs and graduation requirements.
Faculty and staff regulations.
Financial aid and student services.
Use of college facilities and other general provisions.
These regulations help ensure that Green River College complies with state law and provides a consistent and fair environment for students, staff, and faculty.
2. Structure of Title 132J
Title 132J is divided into Chapters and Sections that address different areas of the college's operations. Some key chapters include:
| Chapter | Area of Regulation |
|---|---|
| 132J-01 | General Provisions – Defines the college's mission, authority, and basic operational guidelines. |
| 132J-04 | Admissions and Registration – Covers student eligibility, application processes, and enrollment. |
| 132J-08 | Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures – Rules regarding student behavior and the consequences for violations. |
| 132J-16 | Academic Policies – Covers grading, degree requirements, and academic integrity. |
| 132J-20 | Financial Aid – Regulations for receiving and managing financial assistance, including scholarships and grants. |
| 132J-22 | Campus Facilities Use – Rules regarding the use of college property and facilities for events, groups, and activities. |
| 132J-30 | Faculty and Staff Regulations – Policies regarding hiring, evaluation, and conduct of college personnel. |
3. Key Provisions of Title 132J
3.1 Admissions and Registration (Chapter 132J-04)
Eligibility: Green River College admits students based on various criteria, including residency, academic readiness, and application completeness. Admission requirements may vary depending on the program (e.g., degree programs, certificate programs, or continuing education).
Registration: After acceptance, students must follow specific registration procedures, including deadlines, course selection, and payment of fees.
Special Programs: Provisions for special populations (e.g., veterans, international students, non-traditional learners) are also detailed.
3.2 Student Conduct (Chapter 132J-08)
Behavior Expectations: Students are expected to adhere to the college’s code of conduct, which includes maintaining respectful behavior, academic honesty, and compliance with state and federal laws.
Disciplinary Procedures: Violations of the code can result in disciplinary actions ranging from warnings to suspension or expulsion. The regulations include a formal procedure for addressing complaints, including due process rights for the student.
Examples of Violations: Cheating, theft, drug use, alcohol abuse, violence, and other disruptive behaviors.
3.3 Academic Policies (Chapter 132J-16)
Grading and Assessment: Details about grading systems (letter grades, pass/fail options), grade appeal processes, and academic probation or dismissal.
Degree Requirements: Regulations for earning degrees and certificates, including general education requirements, credit hours, and graduation procedures.
Academic Integrity: Strong emphasis on avoiding academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating, and falsifying academic records.
3.4 Financial Aid (Chapter 132J-20)
Types of Aid: Includes federal, state, and institutional financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans.
Eligibility: Requirements for receiving financial aid, including full-time enrollment, satisfactory academic progress, and compliance with federal or state standards.
Application Process: How to apply for financial aid, including deadlines, required documentation, and steps to receive funds.
3.5 Use of College Facilities (Chapter 132J-22)
General Use: Green River College facilities are available for student, faculty, and staff use. External organizations may also request to use the campus facilities under certain conditions.
Permits: Requires specific permits for activities such as meetings, events, and demonstrations, especially those involving external organizations or large gatherings.
Restrictions: The use of facilities may be restricted for reasons such as safety, scheduling conflicts, or non-compliance with college policies.
4. Student Rights and Responsibilities
Green River College students are entitled to certain rights, such as:
Freedom of Speech and Expression: Students have the right to express their opinions, within the limits of maintaining campus order.
Privacy: Student records are protected under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), ensuring confidentiality of academic records.
Due Process: In case of disciplinary action, students have the right to be informed of the allegations against them and to participate in hearings before any punishment is enforced.
5. Enforcement and Disciplinary Actions
Violations of the college's policies can lead to various disciplinary actions, including:
Warnings: Formal notification of a violation with the expectation that the student will correct their behavior.
Probation: A probationary period where students are monitored for improvements.
Suspension: Temporary removal from the college for a specified period.
Expulsion: Permanent dismissal from the college.
Disciplinary Procedures:
Notice: Students are informed of the charges against them.
Hearing: Students can request a hearing to defend themselves.
Decision: A decision is made based on evidence presented.
6. Relevant Case Law
While the Washington Administrative Code itself is an administrative regulation, it is sometimes subject to judicial review when there are disputes between the college administration and students or faculty. Below are some hypothetical case law examples that illustrate how Title 132J regulations might be applied or contested in court:
Case Example 1: Green River College v. Student A (2015)
Issue: A student was expelled for violating the student conduct code by engaging in a violent altercation on campus. The student appealed the expulsion, claiming that due process was not properly followed.
Holding: The court ruled in favor of the college, affirming that the disciplinary procedures outlined in Chapter 132J-08 were followed, including the right to a hearing. The expulsion was upheld as reasonable based on the severity of the violation.
Significance: Reinforces that colleges have the right to enforce their conduct codes, and their procedures must provide students with fair notice and an opportunity to be heard, in compliance with state law.
Case Example 2: Student B v. Green River College (2020)
Issue: A student challenged the college’s decision to withhold their financial aid due to insufficient academic progress (failure to meet GPA requirements). The student argued that the college had misinterpreted their academic records.
Holding: The court sided with the college, holding that the financial aid rules outlined in Chapter 132J-20 were clearly communicated and that the student did not meet the standards for continued aid. The court found no error in the college’s application of financial aid regulations.
Significance: This case emphasizes the importance of clearly communicated and consistently applied academic policies, especially those related to financial aid eligibility.
Case Example 3: Faculty Member C v. Green River College (2018)
Issue: A faculty member was disciplined for failing to comply with institutional policies regarding classroom management and behavior toward students. The faculty member claimed that the policies were overly broad and violated their academic freedom.
Holding: The court ruled that the college's regulations on faculty conduct (Chapter 132J-30) were consistent with state law, and the discipline was justified based on the faculty member’s repeated violations of student conduct rules.
Significance: This case upheld the college’s authority to enforce rules that maintain a safe and respectful learning environment, even for faculty members.
7. Key Takeaways
| Area | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| Admissions | Requirements for student eligibility and registration procedures. |
| Student Conduct | Expectations for student behavior and the disciplinary process. |
| Academic Policies | Grading systems, degree requirements, and academic integrity rules. |
| Financial Aid | Eligibility, application process, and requirements for continuing aid. |
| Facilities Use | Policies for campus space utilization, including permits and restrictions. |
| Disciplinary Procedures | Step-by-step process for handling student violations of college policies. |
| Case Law | Courts generally uphold the college’s administrative regulations, as long as due process and state law are followed. |
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