Step 1: A Report or Complaint is Submitted
The student conduct process begins when the College receives a report that a student may have violated the Student Conduct Code.  Anyone—such as a faculty member, staff member, student, or community member—can file a report.

Once a report is received, a Student Conduct Officer reviews it to decide whether the information suggests that a violation might have occurred.  The Student Conduct Officer may contact the individual who submitted the report to get more information to make an assessment. If it is determined that there is no violation of the code, the matter may be closed. If there is a potential violation, the Student Conduct Officer may reach out to impacted parties to offer opportunities for alternative resolution or move forward with the student conduct process.

Step 2: Notification and Meeting with the Conduct Officer
If the Student Conduct Officer decides to move forward, the alleged student will receive a written notice explaining:

• What part of the conduct code may have been violated,
• A brief description of the incident,
• Sanctions which may be imposed for the violation
• When and how to meet with the Student Conduct Officer.

During this meeting, the Student Conduct Officer explains the process, listens to the student’s side of the story, and reviews any relevant evidence or information. The goal is to understand what happened and give the student an opportunity to respond.

Step 3: The Student Conduct Officer’s Decision
For very complex cases or cases which have serious campus impact, the Student Conduct Officer may refer the case to the Student Conduct Committee.

If the case is not referred, the Student Conduct Officer decides whether a violation of the Student Conduct Code occurred.

If the Student Conduct Officer finds no violation, the case is dismissed.

If a violation is found, the Conduct Officer assigns appropriate sanctions. Sanctions may include but are not limited to:

• A warning,
• Probation,
• Educational or reflective assignments,
• Suspension
• Dismissal from Seattle Colleges

The decision is provided to the alleged student in writing and includes information about how to appeal.

Step 4: Appeal
Students have the right to request a review if they disagree with the Student Conduct Officer’s decision. 
To appeal, the student must submit a written request within 21 days of receiving the Conduct Officer’s decision. The request may include a statement of why the student believes the decision or sanctions were incorrect or unfair.

For disciplinary suspensions shorter than 10 instructional days, a reviewing officer, typically the Vice President of Student Services, will review the Student Conduct Officer’s determination.  The Student Conduct Officer and the Respondent are given a chance to explain their party’s view and share any evidence they may have.

Afterwards, the reviewing office issues a written decision that can:

• Uphold the Student Conduct Officer’s decision,
• Change the outcome or sanctions,
• Dismiss the case altogether, or
• Refer the case to a Student Conduct Committee for a full administrative hearing.

Step 5: Full Administrative Hearing 
If the student faces a suspension longer than 10 instructional days or dismissal from the College, they are entitled to a full administrative hearing.

Both the Respondent and the Student Conduct Officer may present witnesses, evidence, and statements. The hearing is recorded to ensure fairness.

Afterward, the panel issues an initial decision within 30 days based on the evidence presented.

Step 6: Appeal of the Hearing Panel’s Decision
If the student disagrees with the Student Conduct Committee’s decision, they can appeal to the College President.

This appeal must also be made within 15 days of receiving the panel’s decision. The President reviews the entire case record and any written arguments and then issues a final College decision.

The President’s decision is the last step within the College.

Step 7: Judicial Review)
If the sanction involves suspension or dismissal, students may seek judicial review under the Washington State Administrative Procedure Act (RCW 34.05).