Washington Administrative Code Title 504 - Washington State University
WAC Title 504 – Washington State University
This Title governs the rules, policies, and procedures of Washington State University (WSU). It outlines how the university operates in relation to students, faculty, staff, and the public. These rules ensure fairness, accountability, academic excellence, and the smooth running of the institution.
1. Purpose and Scope
Provides a legal and procedural framework for WSU.
Applies to all WSU campuses (Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Everett, Global Campus).
Covers academic rules, student conduct, faculty rights, administration, safety, and campus services.
2. Major Areas of Regulation
A. Student Conduct and Discipline
Sets standards for student behavior both on and off campus.
Defines misconduct (academic dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, harassment, threats, drug/alcohol violations).
Explains disciplinary processes:
Complaint and investigation.
Hearing before a student conduct board or officer.
Sanctions: warnings, probation, suspension, or expulsion.
Ensures due process for students, including the right to appeal.
B. Academic Rules
Admissions Policies – criteria for entry into undergraduate and graduate programs.
Grading Standards – how grades are assigned, GPA calculation, pass/fail rules, and academic standing.
Academic Integrity – strict rules against plagiarism, cheating, and misuse of research.
Graduate Studies – thesis/dissertation requirements, research ethics, and program completion standards.
C. Faculty and Staff Policies
Recruitment and hiring procedures.
Tenure and Promotion – outlines requirements, review processes, and evaluation standards.
Faculty responsibilities (teaching, research, advising, service).
Employee conduct expectations and disciplinary actions.
Academic freedom protections balanced with professional responsibility.
D. Campus Safety and Security
Firearm and weapon restrictions on campus.
Emergency procedures (fire, earthquake, security threats).
Campus police powers and regulations.
Rules for demonstrations, rallies, or protests on campus.
E. Facilities and Campus Life
Use of university property and buildings.
Regulations for student organizations and clubs.
Housing and residence hall standards (guest policies, noise control, alcohol rules).
Parking regulations for students, staff, and visitors.
Library use, IT policies, and digital resources rules.
F. Research and Intellectual Property
Ethical standards for research involving humans, animals, and the environment.
Ownership of inventions, patents, and copyrights created by WSU faculty or students.
Licensing and commercialization procedures.
Policies against research misconduct (fabrication, falsification, plagiarism).
G. Finance and Administration
Tuition, fees, and payment regulations.
Student financial aid eligibility rules.
Budgeting, accounting, and auditing standards.
Rules for fundraising, gifts, and donations to WSU.
H. Appeals and Grievances
Procedures for students, faculty, or employees to file grievances.
Appeals for academic dismissal, misconduct sanctions, or employment disputes.
Independent review boards or committees ensure fairness.
3. Guiding Principles
Academic Excellence – uphold high standards in teaching, learning, and research.
Integrity and Ethics – enforce rules that ensure honesty and accountability.
Equity and Inclusion – provide a safe, nondiscriminatory environment for all.
Public Service – ensure WSU fulfills its mission as a land-grant university serving Washington state.
Transparency – rules are public, clear, and consistently applied.
4. Summary
WAC Title 504 – Washington State University is essentially the rulebook that governs the entire university system. It establishes policies for students, faculty, staff, research, safety, and campus operations. Its goal is to ensure WSU operates in a way that is fair, safe, academically rigorous, and aligned with its mission as a public research university.
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