Sec. 2.9. Exceptions to hearing officer's report and argument thereon

(a) Within 15 days after service of the hearing officer's report, the respondent and the superintendent may respectively serve upon each other, exceptions to the report and briefs in support of the exceptions. Answering briefs may be served and filed with the superintendent within 15 days after service of the original brief. Argument in opposition to recommended findings of fact shall include specific page references to the transcript.

(b) If either the respondent or superintendent desires oral argument before the hearing officer, written request therefore shall be made no later than the last date for filing briefs. Upon such request, or on its own motion, the superintendent shall direct oral argument and shall serve notice upon the respondent of the time when and the place where such oral argument shall be heard.