Washington Administrative Code Title 132U - Whatcom Community College
🏛️ Washington Administrative Code – Title 132U
Governing Body: Whatcom Community College Board of Trustees
🔹 1. Overview
Title 132U of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) contains the rules and policies governing Whatcom Community College (WCC). These administrative regulations are created and maintained by the WCC Board of Trustees under the authority granted by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 28B.50, which governs Washington’s community and technical college system.
These rules have the force of law and cover areas such as:
Student conduct and discipline
Campus safety
Public records
Facility usage
Administrative procedures
Tuition and fees
🔹 2. Legal Authority
The WCC Board derives its rulemaking power from:
RCW 28B.50.140 – Grants each community college board the authority to adopt rules and regulations for the government of their respective institutions.
RCW 34.05 – The Washington Administrative Procedure Act, governing how administrative rules are adopted and enforced.
All WAC rules must comply with these enabling statutes.
🔹 3. Major Chapters in Title 132U
Let’s go through the most important sections:
📘 Chapter 132U-120: Student Conduct Code
This is one of the most critical chapters for students and administrators.
Purpose: To maintain a safe, respectful learning environment and outline student rights and responsibilities.
Key Provisions:
Prohibited Conduct: Academic dishonesty, harassment, assault, illegal drug use, disruption of college operations.
Disciplinary Actions: Warning, probation, suspension, expulsion.
Due Process: Students are entitled to notice of charges, an opportunity to be heard, and a fair appeals process.
Title IX Compliance: Includes provisions related to sexual misconduct, stalking, and gender-based harassment.
📘 Chapter 132U-276: Public Records
Purpose: Ensures public access to college records under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56).
Key Provisions:
Request procedures
Response timelines
Exemptions (e.g., student records, personnel files)
Charges for copies
This chapter reflects Washington’s strong commitment to transparency in public institutions.
📘 Chapter 132U-140: Use of College Facilities
Purpose: Establishes rules for internal and external use of college spaces (meeting rooms, auditoriums, grounds, etc.)
Key Provisions:
Facility use must not disrupt college operations.
Commercial use is generally restricted.
Free speech zones and protest rules are included.
Student groups have priority access, with guidelines for third-party usage.
📘 Chapter 132U-150: Parking and Traffic Rules
Purpose: Regulates motor vehicle traffic and parking on campus.
Key Provisions:
Parking permits
Designated parking areas
Fines and penalties for violations
Appeal procedures
These rules support campus safety and order.
🔹 4. Enforcement and Appeals
Violations of WAC Title 132U (especially under the Student Conduct Code) follow a disciplinary process managed by the Student Conduct Officer or designated hearing boards.
Students and employees have the right to:
Receive a written notice of violations
Present evidence
Be represented
Appeal decisions to the college president or a disciplinary review board
🔹 5. Relevant Case Law Involving WAC Title 132U or Community Colleges
Though specific case law referencing WCC's Title 132U is rare, Washington courts have addressed key principles applicable to all community college codes, including:
⚖️ Case 1: Arishi v. Washington State University, 2005 (analogous application)
Facts: A student challenged disciplinary action on due process grounds.
Holding: The court held that students at public colleges have protected property and liberty interests in their education, meaning disciplinary procedures must comply with constitutional due process.
Relevance to 132U: Confirms the legitimacy and importance of procedural protections outlined in WAC 132U-120.
⚖️ Case 2: Clark v. Community College District No. 3, 1998
Facts: A dispute over denial of access to college records under the Public Records Act.
Holding: The court ruled in favor of transparency and held that community colleges are subject to the same disclosure obligations as other state agencies.
Relevance to 132U-276: Reinforces the need for Whatcom to comply with public records laws, including response times and justifications for redactions.
⚖️ Case 3: Doe v. Bellevue College, 2019 (Title IX-based case)
Facts: Student challenged the college’s Title IX disciplinary procedures.
Holding: Court emphasized that colleges must follow clearly published policies and provide meaningful opportunities to respond to allegations.
Relevance to WAC 132U-120: Any student discipline involving harassment, assault, or Title IX allegations must follow both state law and federal guidance (due process + nondiscrimination).
🔹 6. Practical Applications
| Area | Application |
|---|---|
| Student Conduct | If a student is accused of cheating, the college must follow due process rules under WAC 132U-120. |
| Free Speech | A protest must be held in designated areas and not disrupt classes (WAC 132U-140). |
| Parking Ticket | The student can appeal the fine under the procedures in WAC 132U-150. |
| Public Records | A citizen can request faculty salary data, and WCC must respond per WAC 132U-276. |
🔹 7. Summary
WAC Title 132U provides the legal and procedural foundation for operating Whatcom Community College in accordance with Washington state law. The rules ensure:
Fairness in student discipline
Access to public records
Orderly and safe use of facilities
Compliance with state transparency laws
Respect for constitutional rights (due process, free speech)
The courts have upheld the authority of public colleges to enforce these rules, so long as procedures are fair and consistent with state and federal law.
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