Student Rights
Grade Appeal
Students may appeal a final grade during the subsequent quarter and not beyond such time. The student schedules a meeting with the instructor to discuss the final grade which is determined by the total points earned versus the total points possible. Absences are also taken into consideration. If no resolution is achieved, the student is to go to their Department or Academic Advisor in the Education Department to fill out the Grade Appeal Petition form. The student's request will be reviewed and he/she will be notified of the petition results within weeks.
Student Grievance
The student grievance process aims to provide prompt and equitable resolution for any student who believes a college decision or action has adversely affected his or her status, rights, or privileges. The student must make a reasonable effort to resolve the issues on an informal basis. Within 30 days, the student must meet with the Department Chairperson or the Education Director and may be required to complete a written statement about the grievance. If there is no satisfactory resolution, the student then forwards the written statement to the Vice President of Education, who will submit the statement to the Committee on Student Concerns. This committee acts as advisor to the Vice President of Education, who is responsible for final resolution of the problem. For further information or copies of the Student Grievance Procedures, contact the Office of the Dean of Academic Development.
Student Work
FIDM is proud of the work produced by its students and reserves the right to photograph, publish, display, or retain work done by students and alumni.
Student Records (Non-Directory Information)
All FIDM student records are kept private in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Schools are permitted to disclose education records without consent to parents in some circumstances, [for example]:
- When the student has violated a law or the school's rules or policies governing alcohol or substance abuse, if the student is under 21 years old
- When the information is needed to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals in an emergency
FIDM keeps a record of the disclosure and provides it upon request to students who wish to know if their parents have been notified. Written consent from the student is required for release of records to outside parties, except for those agencies authorized by law.
- Review their educational records
- Challenge information (not including grades) they believe to be inaccurate, misleading, or not in accord with their right to privacy
- Contact the U.S. Department of Education if they feel that the FERPA policy is not being administered correctly
- Exercise limited right to refuse
Questions about this policy should be directed to the Vice President of Education at the Los Angeles campus.
Sexual Harassment Policy
It is the policy of the college to maintain a working and learning climate free from sexual harassment of its students, employees, or those who apply for student or employee status. By definition, sexual harassment emphasizes sexuality or sexual identity and includes any unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that has the intent or effect of unreasonably interfering with education and/or work performance. Violation of the sexual harassment policy will result in disciplinary action.
Students with Disabilities
FIDM does not discriminate on the basis of a student's disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), either in the admissions process or after admission. Students are required to provide verification of a disability and consult with the ADA Coordinator to develop a plan of reasonable accommodations upon matriculation to FIDM.
In order to receive reasonable accommodations, students diagnosed with a learning, psychological, or physical impairment are required to meet with the ADA Coordinator to verify the disability. Examples of documentation accepted by FIDM for a learning or psychological disability are an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a 504 Plan, a Psycho-educational Evaluation or a Psychological Evaluation. Accommodations cannot be substantiated unless verification is provided directly to the ADA Coordinator. Students requesting accommodations receive the How to Request ADA Accommodations from the ADA Coordinator. Once verification is established the student and the ADA Coordinator will discuss options for reasonable accommodations and complete the Student Request for ADA Accommodations. Documentation provided by students remains confidential with the ADA Coordinator for a period of seven years and is only released with student's signed consent. Questions concerning FIDM's policy, procedure, and accommodations should be forwarded to the campus ADA Coordinators.
Consumer Information
Any questions or unresolved problems concerning the college or its faculty and staff should be forwarded in writing to the FIDM Vice President of Education at 919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
Directory Information
FIDM may release directory information, including the student's name, address(es), telephone number(s), major, current enrollment status, dates of attendance, degrees (including date and level of distinction), details about participation in officially recognized activities, and name of the most recent school attended by the student. This information may be released to prospective employers, in media releases, in announcements of scholarships and awards, and for purposes approved by the college administration. The student may request that directory information be withheld by notifying the Vice President of Education in writing.
Within the Classroom
Class Hours for the Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco campuses:
3-Unit Classes
| ClassBegins | ClassBreaks | ClassEnds |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 | 9:30 - 9:45 | 11:15 |
| 12:00 | 1:15 - 1:30 | 2:45 |
| 3:00 | 4:00 - 4:15 | 5:45 |
| 6:00 | 7:00 - 7:15 | 8:45 * |
6-Unit Classes
| ClassBegins | ClassBreaks | ClassEnds |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 | 9:30 - 9:45 | 2:30 |
| 11:15 - 12:00 | ||
| 12:00 | 1:00 - 1:15 | 5:30 |
| 3:00 - 3:45 |
*Evening classes are offered at the Los Angeles and San Francisco campuses.
Class Hours for the Orange County campus:
3-Unit Classes
| ClassBegins | ClassBreaks | ClassEnds |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 | 10:30 - 10:45 | 12:15 |
| 1:15 | 2:30 - 2:45 | 4:00 |
| 4:15 | 5:30 - 5:45 | 7:00 |
Class Size and Scheduling
The college has an obligation to provide the optimum scheduling and faculty staffing for the programs offered. Should changes of any sort be necessary, they will not affect the student's ability to fulfill all requirements. Every effort is made to keep a reasonable number of students in each class based on the subject matter and nature of activity in the course.
Textbooks and Supplies
Textbooks and supplies are issued during the first class meeting. Students sign a class roster, which includes an itemized list of books and supplies received for each registered class. Students verify that all items listed are received and in perfect condition before leaving the first class session. Students who drop a class submit a signed Class Change Form to the Registrar. All unused books and/or supplies for each dropped class are returned to the College Services Department by the end of the sixth week of class. Students are charged for books and supplies that are not returned. Students who are absent when textbooks and supplies are issued are responsible for obtaining them from the Bookroom before the end of the second week of class. Bookroom hours are posted at each campus and on the FIDM Portal.
Spray Mount
All types of spray mount adhesive and spray paint are prohibited from being used on all FIDM campuses.
Field Trips
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field trips.
Student Newsletter
The FIDM Student Newsletter is published weekly at all campuses and is available in the Student Activities lounge, student lounge on each campus, or online through the FIDM Portal. All FIDM departments make important announcements for students using the Newsletter.
Visitors
The college restricts attendance in class sessions to those who are formally registered in the course. Visitors are allowed on campus for official business or when approved by an Administrator.
Smoking, Eating, and Cellular Phones
Eating, drinking, and cell phone (including camera function and text messaging) use are not permitted in FIDM's classrooms, halls, Library, or elevators. FIDM is a non-smoking campus. In compliance with local ordinances, smoking is only permitted outside the buildings.
