WSU suspension appeal denied

A motion to stay the suspension of Nicolas Ratkowski from Washington State University was denied Friday in a superior court hearing. Ratkowski, who has an extended record of conduct violations going back to 2009, filed a motion for a court order to stay the suspension.

Ratkowski’s motion, filed Oct. 9 by Tacoma attorney Charles A. Johnson, noted he has been scheduled to graduate in December. It added he now has a grade average of 3.15 as a criminal justice major and plans to apply to attend law school.

Ratkowski’s conduct hearing was conducted after he was cited for driving under the influence on the fourth of July. The conduct ruling noted he had violated two provisions of student conduct.

The conduct board ruling Sept. 4, which was affirmed in a WSU appeal hearing Sept. 30, said the university had exhausted its resources for helping the student stay out of trouble.

The state’s objection to the stay noted Ratkowski had a record of six alcohol violations, three marijuana violations, a security breech at Scott-Coman residence hall and subsequent trespass violations.

Ratkowski was previously suspended from the university in November 2009 after a series of violations including being cited for being a minor in possession, having alcohol in his dorm room, having a beer pong game set up in his dorm room and running on the women’s floor of Scott Hall. It noted he was cited for criminal trespass in the residence hall in March of 2010 during the time he had been suspended.

Ratkowski was re-admitted to WSU on probation in August of 2011. The conduct record noted he committed another conduct violation when he was observed taking an examination in a psychology class while under the influence. The charge in that case said he attempted to ignite the examination paper with a lighter.

Ratkowski was placed on disciplinary probation after that hearing.

After ruling against staying the suspension Friday, Judge Frazier instructed Adam Malcom, assistant attorney general who represented WSU, to prepare the order.

Ratkowski’s suspension allows him to apply for re-admission next August.