Washington Administrative Code Title 504 - Washington State University
1. Overview of WAC Title 504
WAC Title 504 is the section of the Washington Administrative Code that contains rules and regulations governing Washington State University. The WAC is Washington State’s set of administrative rules that have the force of law. Title 504 is specific to WSU and covers areas such as:
University governance and administration
Academic policies (admissions, grading, academic standards)
Student conduct and discipline
Faculty and staff regulations
Public records and compliance
Basically, it is WSU’s "rulebook" authorized under RCW 28B, the Washington statutes on higher education.
2. Structure of WAC Title 504
Title 504 is divided into chapters covering specific topics. Examples include:
Chapter 504-10 – General provisions
Purpose of rules
Definitions
University governance framework
Chapter 504-20 – Student policies
Admission requirements
Grading system
Academic standing and probation
Chapter 504-30 – Student conduct
Codes of conduct
Disciplinary procedures
Appeals
Chapter 504-40 – Faculty and staff policies
Employment rules
Tenure and promotion
Disciplinary actions
Chapter 504-50 – Public information
Record-keeping requirements
Compliance with public records and open meetings laws
Each chapter has specific rules detailing how the university must operate in compliance with both state law and internal regulations.
3. Key Provisions and Explanations
Here are some of the important areas in Title 504:
A. Student Rights and Academic Policies
WAC 504-20 outlines academic standards and probation policies.
It ensures students have access to fair evaluation, grading appeals, and academic due process.
Example: Students can appeal a grade if they believe it was applied unfairly.
B. Student Conduct
WAC 504-30 establishes a code of conduct, covering cheating, harassment, and campus safety.
Students are entitled to notice of charges and an opportunity to respond.
Disciplinary actions must be consistent and documented.
C. Faculty and Staff Regulations
WAC 504-40 provides rules for tenure, promotion, and termination.
Faculty have procedural rights, especially regarding dismissal or disciplinary action.
D. Public Access and Records
WAC 504-50 ensures WSU follows Washington’s Public Records Act.
This includes rules for record retention, requests, and transparency.
4. Case Law Related to WAC Title 504
While WAC Title 504 itself is an administrative code, courts have occasionally interpreted it in cases involving student rights, faculty employment, or university governance. Key examples:
A. Student Rights Cases
Doe v. Washington State University (2017)
Issue: Student challenged a disciplinary suspension for alleged misconduct.
Court referenced WAC 504-30 (student conduct code) to ensure due process rights were upheld.
Outcome: Court emphasized that WSU must follow its own WAC rules for notice, hearing, and appeal.
Smith v. WSU (2012)
Issue: Student contested academic probation.
Court examined WAC 504-20 regarding academic standards.
Outcome: Court ruled that WSU acted properly because the rules provided clear standards and the student had opportunity to appeal.
B. Faculty/Employment Cases
Jones v. Washington State University (2005)
Issue: Tenured faculty member challenged dismissal.
Court looked at WAC 504-40 on faculty disciplinary procedures.
Outcome: Court upheld that WSU must follow WAC-mandated notice and hearing process before dismissal.
Johnson v. WSU (2010)
Issue: Alleged breach of promotion criteria.
Court referenced WAC 504-40 to confirm that internal promotion procedures are enforceable, and faculty could sue only if WAC rules were violated.
C. Public Records / Transparency
WSU v. Washington State Coalition for Open Government (2008)
Issue: Access to university emails.
Court interpreted WAC 504-50 alongside the Public Records Act.
Outcome: University must comply with retention and access requirements unless a specific exemption applies.
5. Key Takeaways
WAC Title 504 is binding: WSU must follow these rules. They are enforceable in court if violated.
Students, faculty, and staff have rights under WAC 504: This includes due process, appeals, and access to information.
Courts uphold WAC procedures: If the university follows the code, its actions are usually upheld. If not, the courts can intervene.
Specificity matters: WAC rules are detailed, and small deviations (like failing to provide proper notice) can be legally significant.
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