Washington Administrative Code Title 132M - Lower Columbia College
Overview: Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 132M – Lower Columbia College
WAC Title 132M contains the specific administrative rules governing Lower Columbia College (LCC), a public community college located in Longview, Washington. These regulations establish the policies for governance, academic affairs, student conduct, and administrative procedures at LCC.
The rules provide guidance on how the college operates under Washington state laws applicable to community colleges and serve as a framework for the college’s internal administration.
Structure of WAC Title 132M
The Title is broken into chapters addressing major operational areas, including but not limited to:
Governance and Administration
Academic Policies
Student Services and Conduct
Faculty and Staff Employment
Financial Management
Campus Safety and Facilities
Detailed Explanation of Key Chapters
1. Governance and Administration
Defines the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, who oversee the college’s operation.
Sets policies for board meetings, including public notice requirements, agendas, and decision-making processes.
Includes provisions for institutional accountability and compliance with state higher education regulations.
2. Academic Policies
Establishes requirements for admissions, including criteria for degree-seeking and non-degree students.
Details the curriculum approval process, academic standards, grading policies, and degree conferral.
Policies on academic honesty and appeals regarding grades or academic standing.
3. Student Services and Conduct
Rules governing student rights and responsibilities, including freedom of expression and nondiscrimination.
Procedures for student disciplinary action related to misconduct such as cheating, harassment, or disruption.
Defines the process for student appeals and grievance resolution.
Regulations regarding student organizations, campus events, and use of facilities.
4. Faculty and Staff Employment
Covers hiring practices, contract terms, and evaluation procedures for faculty and staff.
Includes provisions for professional development, tenure (if applicable), and disciplinary actions.
Compliance with state labor laws and equal employment opportunity requirements.
5. Financial Management
Rules for tuition and fees, refunds, and financial aid administration.
Budget preparation and financial reporting requirements.
Policies on procurement and contracting.
6. Campus Safety and Facilities
Regulations regarding campus security measures and emergency preparedness.
Use and maintenance of college facilities.
Policies for parking, traffic, and campus access.
Relevant Case Law Context
While specific Washington case law directly addressing WAC Title 132M may be limited due to the administrative nature of the rules, broader Washington case law concerning public colleges and administrative rules provides relevant guidance:
1. Wenatchee School District No. 246 v. State, 122 Wn.2d 816 (1993)
Issue: Public educational institutions’ compliance with state regulations.
Holding: Schools must adhere to statutory and administrative regulations governing governance and administration.
Relevance: Supports strict compliance with WAC policies such as those in Title 132M governing governance and academic affairs.
2. Tacoma Community College Federation of Teachers v. Tacoma Community College, 71 Wn. App. 259 (1993)
Issue: Faculty employment rights and contract enforcement under college policies.
Holding: Faculty employment is governed by both collective bargaining agreements and applicable administrative codes.
Relevance: Applies to WAC 132M provisions related to faculty hiring, evaluation, and disciplinary procedures.
3. Johnson v. Seattle School District No. 1, 116 Wn.2d 91 (1991)
Issue: Student rights and disciplinary proceedings.
Holding: Students in public institutions have due process rights in disciplinary actions.
Relevance: Informs the procedural fairness requirements embedded in student conduct rules under WAC 132M.
4. Brock v. City of Seattle, 133 Wn.2d 850 (1997)
Issue: Administrative rulemaking and public participation.
Holding: Agencies must follow proper rulemaking procedures as defined by the Administrative Procedure Act.
Relevance: Validates that amendments or additions to WAC Title 132M must follow state rulemaking processes.
Enforcement and Appeals
Decisions made under WAC Title 132M (e.g., student disciplinary actions, faculty employment disputes) may be appealed internally within the college or externally to Washington’s Office of Administrative Hearings or courts.
The college is required to follow procedural due process, especially in disciplinary and employment matters.
The Board of Trustees has final authority on governance issues but must comply with state law and administrative code.
Summary Table
| Area | Key Provisions | Case Law Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Board roles, meetings, accountability | Wenatchee School District v. State |
| Academic Policies | Admissions, grading, curriculum standards | - |
| Student Conduct | Disciplinary procedures, rights, appeals | Johnson v. Seattle School District |
| Faculty Employment | Hiring, evaluation, contracts | Tacoma Community College Federation case |
| Financial Management | Tuition, budget, procurement | - |
| Campus Safety | Security policies, emergency preparedness | - |
| Rulemaking | Adoption and amendment of regulations | Brock v. City of Seattle |
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