Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please contact the Hearing Coordinator at style hadmin@uw.edu. This applies if you are Deaf or hard of hearing, or if you cannot readily communicate in or understand the English language. An interpreter will be provided at no cost to those who qualify.

If at any time you have a need, concern, or accommodation request connected to a disability or health condition, please contact the Hearing Coordinator at hadmin@uw.edu as soon as possible.

Student conduct and employee processes at the University sometimes, but do not always, require a hearing as part of the process. Sometimes a hearing may be required because specific conduct or policy violations were alleged; sometimes a hearing is required because specific sanctions may not be imposed unless a hearing is held.

No. The Hearing Officer makes independent determinations about the evidence, the findings of fact in the matter, and the conclusions about whether there was responsibility for violating the rules.

Parties do not have to hire an attorney, but they can if they would like. The University has designed its hearing process so that participants do not have to have an attorney representing them. It is up to each party to decide whether they want to hire an attorney for their hearing.

The Hearing Office works to explain the process to all participants and to ensure that parties have an opportunity to be heard. The University also provides staff to work directly with student parties as they prepare for and go through the hearing process.

The Hearing Office understands that individuals may want to work with an attorney. The Hearing Office is not able to recommend or suggest any particular attorneys or law firms.

If you are want to talk with an attorney, you may wish to use these resources:

• The King County Bar Association’s website has a lawyer referral service that can be reached here.
• The Washington State Bar Association’s website has a listing of potential sources of legal help found here.

No. The Hearing Officer will consider many possible sanction options. Under the Student Conduct rules (WAC 478-121-210), one or more of the following sanctions may be imposed:

• Disciplinary reprimand
• Disciplinary probation
• Restitution
• Loss of privileges
• Suspension
• Dismissal

For matters involving student respondents, the hearing officer considers the facts in the matter and the factors for determining an appropriate sanction described by the Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121-210). Those factors include but are not limited to:

• The seriousness, severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the prohibited conduct
• The nature or violence of the prohibited conduct (if applicable)
• The impact on the complainant and/or university community
• Respondent’s past disciplinary record (if any)
• Respondent accepted responsibility for prohibited conduct
• The maintenance of a safe, nondiscriminatory, and respectful environment for learning
• Any other mitigating, aggravating, or compelling factors