Washington Administrative Code Title 132C - Olympic College
What Title 132C Is
Purpose: Turn board policies into enforceable rules—how the college handles student conduct, safety, public records, facilities use, fees, and more.
Who it covers: Students, recognized student organizations, employees (for certain sections), contractors, and the public while on college property or at college-sponsored activities.
Where it applies: All college property, learning centers, online/remote environments tied to the college, and some off-campus events sponsored by OC.
Core Areas You’ll Find in Title 132C
1) Student Conduct & Discipline
Prohibited conduct: Academic misconduct (cheating, plagiarism), disruptive behavior, harassment or discrimination, threats or violence, hazing, alcohol/controlled substances policy violations, theft or property damage, misuse of college IT systems, weapons violations, and failure to comply with officials.
Jurisdiction: On campus, at college activities off campus, and certain off-campus behavior that significantly affects the college community or operations.
Process:
Report → notice of allegations → meeting with a conduct officer.
Standard of proof: Usually “preponderance of the evidence.”
Rights: Written notice, opportunity to be heard, ability to present information and witnesses, right to an advisor.
Interim measures: No-contact directives, emergency suspensions where safety requires.
Sanctions: Warning, probation, educational assignments, restitution, loss of privileges, suspension, expulsion; student organizations can face suspension/withdrawal of recognition.
Appeals: Typically to a conduct review officer or hearing body; final college decision issued in writing.
2) Sexual Misconduct & Title IX
Covered behaviors: Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation.
Options: Confidential resources, supportive measures (e.g., schedule changes, no-contact orders), and formal complaints.
Grievance features: Trained decision-makers, impartiality, advisor of choice, defined timelines, and remedies/sanctions when responsibility is found.
3) Nondiscrimination & Accommodations
Equal opportunity: No discrimination based on protected status in admissions, programs, employment, or services.
Access services: Procedures for students to request academic or housing accommodations; service animals permitted, emotional support animals via approval.
4) Public Records (Washington Public Records Act)
Right to inspect: Members of the public can request identifiable, existing college records.
How it works: Submit a request describing records; the college acknowledges, estimates time to respond, provides inspection or copies, and explains any lawful redactions/exemptions.
Fees: Copying/production fees may apply per state schedule.
Exemptions: Certain personal, student, and security information may be withheld by law.
5) Student Education Records (FERPA)
Student rights: Inspect and request amendment of their education records; control most third-party disclosures.
Directory information: Limited categories may be released unless a student opts out.
Access limits: Employees only as required for legitimate educational interests.
6) Use of College Facilities & Free Expression
Priority: Instruction and official activities come first; non-college use is secondary and requires scheduling.
Time, place, manner: Reasonable rules on where/when events, assemblies, literature distribution, posting, and amplified sound may occur to avoid disruption.
Commercial activity: Sales, solicitation, and fundraising typically require prior approval; insurance and fees may be required.
7) Parking & Traffic
Permits & zones: Rules for permits, designated lots, accessible parking, and temporary passes.
Enforcement: Citations, fines, immobilization/tow for repeated violations or safety issues.
Appeals: Defined process and timelines to contest a citation.
Safety: Speed limits and compliance with directions from campus safety.
8) Safety, Security, and Emergency Rules
Campus access: Authority to restrict access, issue trespass notices, or remove individuals who threaten safety.
Emergencies: Procedures for alerts, evacuations, and closures; expectations for compliance during incidents.
9) Weapons, Alcohol, Tobacco/Smoking, and Drugs
Weapons: Generally prohibited on college property with narrow exceptions (e.g., law enforcement or specific pre-approved instructional uses).
Alcohol/Drugs: Possession or use is restricted; limited exceptions for approved events consistent with law. Drug-free campus rules apply.
Tobacco/Vaping: Prohibited indoors; outdoors limited to designated areas or subject to distance requirements.
10) Tuition, Fees, and Refunds
Setting & collection: Aligns with state rules on tuition/fees and college-approved special fees.
Refunds: Deadlines and percentages tied to academic calendar and course length; different rules for special programs or noncredit classes.
Residency & waivers: Processes for residency classification and state-authorized tuition waivers (e.g., veterans, seniors, employees/ dependents where applicable).
11) Libraries, IT, and Property Use
Library: Borrowing privileges, due dates, replacement costs for lost/unreturned items.
IT acceptable use: Account security, lawful use, no circumvention of security, no harassment or copyright infringement using college systems.
Property: Rules on keys/access cards, room reservations, and care of facilities.
12) Complaints & Grievances (Non-Conduct)
Academic concerns: Start with instructor/department; defined escalation path.
Service complaints: Offices provide timelines for review and written responses.
Whistleblowing/ethics: Protected channels to report misuse of public resources or violations.
13) Hearings & Procedural Rules
Adjudicative proceedings: Formal or brief hearings depending on the issue.
Records: Official case record, written findings, and final orders; options for reconsideration in limited circumstances.
Representation: Parties may have an advisor or, in some cases, legal counsel.
How Title 132C Is Maintained
Adopted and amended by the Board of Trustees through public process.
Alignment with state and federal law: Changes in state law or federal regulations (e.g., Title IX) drive updates.
Enforcement: College officials (e.g., Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, Public Records Officer, Campus Safety) administer the relevant chapters.
Practical Tips for Students & Visitors
Know your rights and responsibilities: Especially around academic integrity, free expression, and the conduct process.
Keep timelines: Appeals, refunds, citation contests, and complaint windows are time-sensitive.
Use official channels: Conduct issues → Student Conduct Office; discrimination/Title IX → Title IX Coordinator; public records → Public Records Office; parking → Parking/Campus Safety; accessibility → Access Services.
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