Washington Administrative Code Title 132Z - Cascadia College
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) — Title 132Z: Cascadia College
I. Overview of Title 132Z
Title 132Z of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) governs the operations and procedures of Cascadia College, which is part of the Washington State Community and Technical Colleges System. The regulations in Title 132Z are designed to manage the administrative, academic, and operational policies of the college, ensuring the proper functioning of the institution.
Title 132Z contains rules that apply to students, faculty, and staff, as well as policies related to:
Student conduct and rights
College governance and administration
Disciplinary procedures
Records and privacy regulations
Student financial matters
II. Statutory Authority
Title 132Z is grounded in the Washington State Constitution and state law, primarily governed by the Washington Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which is codified under RCW 34.05. The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) provides overarching authority and guidance for policies within individual colleges like Cascadia College.
The regulations within Title 132Z are created under the authority of the Board of Trustees for Cascadia College, with enforcement managed by the College’s administration, including the President’s office and other key departments.
The rules ensure that Cascadia College operates in a manner consistent with:
State educational laws (including those governing public colleges and universities)
Federal student privacy laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
III. Key Chapters in Title 132Z
The structure of Title 132Z is organized into several chapters. Below are the key chapters and their primary focus areas:
Chapter 132Z-01 — General Administration
This chapter lays out the foundational governance of Cascadia College, addressing:
Organization of the College: Defines the administrative structure of the college, including key positions like the President, Board of Trustees, and various committees.
Authority and Responsibilities: Specifies the roles of the college's administrators and faculty in governance and decision-making.
Rules of Conduct: Includes general behavioral expectations for students, faculty, and staff.
Chapter 132Z-10 — Student Rights and Responsibilities
This chapter is crucial in defining the relationship between students and the institution:
Student Rights: Includes provisions for freedom of speech, academic freedom, and due process in disciplinary actions.
Student Conduct: Details the college’s conduct code, including prohibited behaviors (e.g., cheating, harassment, substance abuse) and corresponding consequences.
Disciplinary Procedures: Outlines the process for handling violations of the student conduct code, including hearings and appeals.
Chapter 132Z-20 — Enrollment and Registration
This chapter defines procedures related to:
Admission Requirements: Specifies the application process, eligibility criteria, and necessary documentation for enrolling at the college.
Registration Process: Details the steps for course registration, drop/add policies, and the academic calendar.
Student Fees: Explains the fees associated with enrollment, including tuition, lab fees, and other charges.
Chapter 132Z-30 — Academic Affairs
This chapter deals with academic policies:
Grading Policies: Establishes the grading scale, grading rights, and options for grade disputes.
Graduation Requirements: Details the academic credits, required courses, and any specific departmental requirements for graduation.
Transfer Credits: Addresses the transfer process for students transferring to or from Cascadia College, including the handling of credits from other institutions.
Chapter 132Z-40 — Privacy and Records
This chapter primarily deals with the confidentiality of student records and ensures compliance with FERPA:
Student Record Privacy: Defines what constitutes a student record and how it should be handled under state and federal law.
Access to Records: Outlines who has access to student records (e.g., students themselves, parents under certain conditions, and authorized college staff).
Retention of Records: Establishes guidelines for how long records should be kept and when they should be discarded.
IV. Disciplinary Process and Student Conduct
One of the most critical areas of Title 132Z concerns student conduct, rights, and the disciplinary process.
A. Student Conduct and Code of Conduct
The student conduct code is designed to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff. Some key principles include:
Academic Integrity: Prohibits cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty.
Behavioral Standards: Outlines prohibited behaviors such as harassment, discrimination, and violence.
Respect for Property: Prohibits damage to college property or the property of others.
B. Disciplinary Procedures
Initiating a Complaint: When a violation is alleged, a formal complaint is filed, typically with a Dean of Students or another administrative officer.
Investigation: The college conducts an investigation into the alleged violation, gathering evidence, and speaking with involved parties.
Hearing: If necessary, a hearing is held where the student can present their side of the story, and a decision is made regarding the violation.
Appeals: Students have the right to appeal the decision made by the hearing committee, which may involve further review or a hearing before a higher-level officer.
V. Case Law Principles Related to Title 132Z
Although case law specifically regarding Title 132Z is limited, several general principles related to student rights, due process, and institutional authority can be inferred from broader case law. Here are some of the key principles that apply:
1. Due Process in Disciplinary Actions
The case law principle of due process (rooted in the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment) is central to student rights. In a college context, this means that students must be given:
Adequate notice of any alleged misconduct.
The opportunity to present their case and be heard before a decision is made.
A fair and impartial process, including access to appeal.
For example, in cases where students are suspended or expelled, courts have ruled that institutions must offer a fair process that includes a hearing and the opportunity to challenge the evidence presented.
2. First Amendment Rights
Courts have also held that public colleges must protect students’ First Amendment rights to free speech. However, these rights may be limited if a student’s speech disrupts the college’s mission or violates other regulations (e.g., harassment, hate speech). In cases involving student protests or freedom of speech on campus, courts typically balance the rights of students to express their views with the need to maintain an orderly and respectful environment.
3. FERPA and Student Privacy
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) governs the privacy of student records. Courts have ruled that colleges, including Cascadia College, are required to protect student records from unauthorized disclosure. However, exceptions exist, such as when records are released with student consent or under specific legal circumstances (e.g., in response to a subpoena).
4. Administrative Authority and Discretion
Courts generally defer to the institution’s discretion in matters of academic and disciplinary decisions, as long as the institution follows its own policies and adheres to the principles of due process. Courts have historically upheld the autonomy of educational institutions to set standards of conduct, grading, and behavior, provided these policies do not violate constitutional rights or state laws.
VI. Practical Application
Students: Understand the code of conduct, academic standards, and your rights under Title 132Z. If facing disciplinary action, ensure that due process procedures are followed, and know your right to appeal.
Faculty and Staff: Ensure that you follow the college’s rules and policies when addressing student behavior or academic concerns. Be familiar with Title 132Z’s provisions on grading, conduct, and student rights to avoid violations of due process.
Administrators: Use Title 132Z to enforce policies consistently and fairly, ensuring transparency in all actions involving student discipline and privacy.
VII. Summary
Title 132Z of the Washington Administrative Code establishes the rules and regulations governing the operations of Cascadia College, addressing:
Student rights and responsibilities, including conduct codes, grading policies, and disciplinary procedures.
Academic procedures, including enrollment, registration, and graduation requirements.
Privacy protections under FERPA and related laws governing student records.
The college must adhere to principles of due process and student rights while balancing its administrative authority to maintain order. Understanding these regulations ensures both compliance with college policies and the protection of student rights in all areas of campus life.
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