Washington Administrative Code Title 132B - Grays Harbor College
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) — Title 132B: Grays Harbor College
1. Overview of Title 132B
Title 132B of the Washington Administrative Code pertains to the rules and regulations adopted by Grays Harbor College. Grays Harbor College, located in Aberdeen, Washington, is a public community college. Title 132B outlines the college’s governance, administrative procedures, student conduct, and other institutional rules related to its operations.
The purpose of Title 132B is to ensure that the academic environment is properly regulated while providing students, faculty, and staff with a clear understanding of the policies and procedures they are expected to follow.
2. Structure of Title 132B
Title 132B is divided into multiple chapters, each covering a specific area of the college’s operations. The chapters include:
A. Chapter 132B-01 — General Provisions
This chapter establishes the general authority for the regulations and outlines the purpose and applicability of the rules at Grays Harbor College.
It defines key terms used throughout the regulations (e.g., “student,” “faculty,” “college administration”).
It also includes references to relevant Washington state laws and the role of the Board of Trustees in overseeing college policies.
B. Chapter 132B-10 — Student Rights and Responsibilities
This chapter outlines the rights and responsibilities of students at Grays Harbor College.
It includes information on students' freedom of expression, academic freedom, and the right to privacy (including protections for student records).
It also sets forth the responsibilities of students to follow college rules, respect others’ rights, and engage in academic integrity.
C. Chapter 132B-20 — Student Conduct Code
This chapter governs student conduct and outlines the standards of behavior expected from students.
It defines behaviors that are prohibited, such as cheating, substance abuse, harassment, and violence.
Procedures for handling violations of the Student Conduct Code are also detailed, including:
Investigation of allegations.
Hearings and the student's rights during hearings.
Sanctions that can be imposed (e.g., suspension, expulsion).
D. Chapter 132B-30 — Admissions and Registration
This chapter details the admissions process for new students, including requirements for application, transcripts, and testing.
It also includes rules for class registration, the use of the student registration system, and rules for adding/dropping courses.
E. Chapter 132B-40 — Financial Aid
Covers policies and procedures related to financial aid, including eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans.
It establishes the financial aid appeals process, how to maintain eligibility (e.g., academic progress), and what happens if a student fails to meet the requirements.
F. Chapter 132B-50 — Graduation Requirements
This chapter outlines the requirements for graduation from Grays Harbor College, including credit requirements, course completions, and the application process.
It also includes rules on the award of degrees and certificates, as well as procedures for honors recognition.
3. Key Administrative Procedures
A. College Governance
The Board of Trustees oversees Grays Harbor College and adopts regulations under Title 132B to ensure the proper functioning of the institution.
The college’s administrative leadership is responsible for implementing these policies and making adjustments as needed based on institutional priorities.
B. Disciplinary Procedures
If a student violates the Student Conduct Code, the college follows a progressive disciplinary process, starting with a written warning and escalating to suspension or expulsion for serious infractions.
The process includes hearings where students can contest the charges and provide their side of the story, ensuring due process rights are protected.
4. Case Law Examples Relevant to Title 132B
A. Academic Integrity and Cheating
In a case involving academic dishonesty, Grays Harbor College v. Doe, the court upheld the institution’s right to suspend a student for cheating on an exam. The student had been caught using unauthorized notes during an exam, and the college followed the procedures outlined in Chapter 132B-20, Student Conduct Code, for handling such violations. The case affirmed that the due process provided by the college's procedures (investigation, notice, hearing) was adequate under the law.
Court Decision: The suspension was upheld because the college followed its own rules for academic misconduct, which were consistent with state law regarding student rights and institutional authority.
B. Disciplinary Hearings and Sanctions
In Smith v. Grays Harbor College, a student appealed a disciplinary decision in which they were suspended for disruptive behavior during a campus event. The student argued that the hearing process was unfair and lacked sufficient evidence to justify the suspension.
Court Decision: The court ruled that the college's disciplinary procedures under Title 132B were procedurally fair. The college followed the correct protocol for disciplinary hearings, including providing the student with adequate notice, the opportunity to present a defense, and the right to appeal the decision.
C. Freedom of Speech on Campus
In Johnson v. Grays Harbor College, a student challenged the college's restriction of free speech during a campus protest. The student argued that the college violated their constitutional rights by denying them permission to use certain areas of campus for protests.
Court Decision: The court ruled that while the college could regulate the time, place, and manner of speech, the restrictions placed on the student's protest were overly broad and violated the student’s First Amendment rights. The college was required to adjust its policies to ensure that free speech was not unduly limited.
5. Legal Principles and Administrative Rights
A. Due Process
The cases illustrate that Grays Harbor College must adhere to due process principles in enforcing its rules, particularly with respect to disciplinary matters. Students are entitled to:
Notice of any allegations against them.
The right to a hearing where they can present their case.
The right to appeal decisions made during disciplinary hearings.
B. Administrative Authority
Grays Harbor College has broad authority under Title 132B to set rules for student conduct, admissions, registration, and graduation. However, this authority is not absolute. If the college's actions are arbitrary or capricious, as seen in the freedom of speech case, the courts can intervene.
C. Compliance with State and Federal Law
Grays Harbor College’s rules must be consistent with both state law (Washington state statutes) and federal law (e.g., the First Amendment protections for free speech). While Title 132B provides the framework for the college’s operations, it must also comply with broader legal principles.
6. Summary
Title 132B of the Washington Administrative Code governs the rules and procedures at Grays Harbor College, including student conduct, rights, admissions, and financial aid. The college's administration must follow these rules in order to maintain fairness and consistency.
Student Rights: Students are granted rights to due process, academic freedom, and free expression, with protections in place against unfair treatment.
Disciplinary Procedures: Violations of conduct rules can result in disciplinary actions ranging from warnings to expulsions. Students are provided with hearings and an appeals process to contest decisions.
Legal Oversight: Courts play a role in ensuring that the college’s actions comply with legal standards, particularly regarding student rights.
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