Student Conduct & Responsibilities

FIDM is committed to providing a workplace and school environment free of alcohol, illegal drugs, un-prescribed drugs, or paraphernalia used for these substances.  Violation of this policy may result in immediate dismissal from academic programs or college-related employment. In compliance with local ordinances, all FIDM campuses are non-smoking; smoking is only permitted outside of the building. Information on substance abuse programs, prevention awareness, and all other counseling services is available upon request and accessible on the FIDM Portal.

All academic work submitted by a student must be original work.  Cheating or academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, all forms of giving or getting unauthorized help or using unauthorized materials on examinations and projects. Plagiarism, a form of cheating, involves obtaining or attempting to obtain academic credit by copying the words or ideas of another (from a book, magazine article, or website, for example) and passing them off as one's own without documentation – that is, without acknowledging the source with quotation marks, footnotes, and lists of works cited.  Cheating and plagiarism are cause for formal counseling.  Students who cheat or plagiarize will receive a "0" on the assignment and may be subject to further disciplinary action.  Violations of the academic honesty policy are reported to the Coordinator of Student Affairs (LA) or the Education Department (SF, OC, SD).

FIDM is committed to a collegiate environment in which respect for others and proper comportment is demonstrated.  Hateful language – including profanity, racial, gender, or religious slurs – is unlawful and in direct opposition to a proper education environment.  FIDM promotes a professional environment free from hostility and will not tolerate harassing, bullying, intimidating, or threatening behavior or communication. Any violation will result in disciplinary action including suspension of services, privileges, or dismissal.

Students are responsible for conducting themselves as professionals while in the classroom and on the campus.  Eating and drinking are not permitted in FIDM's classrooms, halls, Library, or elevators. Excessive talking, rudeness or disruption of class will not be tolerated.  Electronic devices (mp3 players, cellular phones, etc.) are considered disruptive and must be turned off during class time and in any environment in which other students are studying, researching, or gathering for educational purposes, unless permitted by an instructor or designated staff member.

It is the policy of the college to maintain a working and learning environment 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, which has the intent or effect of unreasonably interfering with education and/or work performance.  Violation of the sexual harassment policy will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action.

FIDM is committed to the safety of its students, faculty, and staff.  Students are prohibited from bringing firearms onto any FIDM campus.  Illegal weapons or threatening gestures with an object that can be used as a weapon will lead to immediate dismissal.  Students are required to visibly wear their valid FIDM photo identification cards while on FIDM premises.  Campus access is restricted to posted hours of operation. Please see FIDM Portal for hours of operation.  The college restricts attendance in class sessions to those who are formally registered in the course.  Visitors are not allowed on campus unless for official business or when approved by an Administrator.  All authorized visitors are required to check-in with the Security desk to obtain a guest/visitor pass.

Any student who defaces, vandalizes, or destroys FIDM property (including but not limited to library materials, computers, elevators, restrooms, parking structure, etc.) will be dismissed from the college.  All types of spray mount adhesive and spray paint are prohibited from being used on all FIDM campuses.

The solicitation and distribution to students of non-FIDM materials and the use of the college facility for non-FIDM business purposes is prohibited.  Posting flyers, pamphlets, posters, or other means of advertising on the walls or bulletin boards and selling products on campus is not allowed.

FIDM values the importance of learning preparation and study. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with the assigned readings and homework assignments and to manage his/her learning time. A minimum of two hours preparation for each hour in class is recommended for research and study time outside of class.

Times and days are: M - F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Other days are written as: Tu, Th, Sa, and Su. Where there is space to spell out the entire word, it is ok to do so if it is used consistently throughout the document.

FIDM requires students attending the college to make reasonable progress toward the completion of their educational objective. All students are expected to maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Students who are receiving federal or state financial aid and who fail to meet FIDM's Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements may lose their eligibility for financial aid. Additional information is available from the Student Financial Services Department.

It is the students' responsibility to provide current contact information to the college.  Students can make the following changes:

• Cell Phone and Email - can be updated on the FIDM Portal.
• Address and Home Phone Number - can be updated by the following:  Student Advisement Department, Financial Services Department, and the Education Department (SF, OC, SD).
• Name Change - can be updated in the Financial Services Department by presenting a current California Driver License, a State Identification Card, or a Passport. 

Off Campus

In an effort to provide FIDM Students with a quality education which keeps pace with our rapidly changing world, we have found it essential to implement new technology standards for email, Internet, and access to a computer.

• Email - All students should have an email account that they use on a regular basis. It is necessary to have an email account not only for maintaining contact with instructors, but also to obtain access to the FIDM Portal.
• Access to a Computer - All students should have an email account that they use on a regular basis. It is necessary to have an email account not only for maintaining contact with instructors, but also to obtain access to the FIDM Portal.
• Internet Access - All students should have an email account that they use on a regular basis. It is necessary to have an email account not only for maintaining contact with instructors, but also to obtain access to the FIDM Portal.

On Campus

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising has invested substantial assets in order to provide students with the most updated versions of technology software to help prepare students for their prospective industry. Students are expected to exercise good judgment to ensure that all of their electronic communications reflect the high ethical standards and convey mutual respect and civility. In accordance, the following terms and provisions state the Student Technology Use Policy for the college.

Students may not:

1. Advocate or encourage violence against any government, organization, group, individual, or property, or provide instruction, information, or assistance in causing or carrying out such violence, regardless of whether such activity is unlawful. Violations will be reported to the appropriate civil authorities.
2. Change FIDM computer or hardware system settings or disconnect, connect, or switch off any hardware from computers, including, but not limited to printers, projectors, or other FIDM technology resources.
3. Introduce or activate any viruses, worms, harmful code, and/or Trojan horses; evade spam filters to the FIDM network.
4. Use FIDM email accounts, web-related content, or computer resources for personal gain, gambling activities, partisan political purposes, or with the intent of harming a particular individual.
5. Create, download, install, or store programs and software on FIDM systems.
6. Use FIDM network resources to send or post unsolicited messages or email, whether commercial or not:
   1. to any recipients who have requested that messages not be sent to them.
   2. to a large number of recipients, including users, newsgroups, or bulletin boards, at one time; send or post a message or email with deceptive, absent, or forged header or sender identification information.
   3. resell FIDM's services, in whole or in part, to any entity or individual.
   4. hold FIDM, or its affiliates to public scorn or ridicule.
7. Use the FIDM network or computer resources to play games, use non-FIDM chat-rooms, download, display, perform, send, receive, or store any content that is obscene, pornographic, lewd, or lascivious.
8. Have food or beverages near computer terminals or in the computer labs.
9. Search, read, copy, alter, or delete another person's files or use another person's user ID or password.
10. Transmit intimidating, harassing, threatening, discriminating messages, or forging electronic communication. Propagate chain letters or pyramid schemes, whether or not the recipient wishes to receive such mailings.
11. Communicate with their instructor via personal telephone number or email address, text messaging or any social media, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
12. Use the FIDM network or computer resources to plagiarize or reproduce copyrighted materials, trademarks, or other protected material in any electronic form without express written permission from the material's owner. This includes FIDM's trademarks, college logo, and seal.
13. Distribute or duplicate copyrighted software or programs without appropriate licensing agreements. Access, send, receive, display, perform, disclose, store, or execute any content:
    1. in violation of any copyright, right of publicity, patent, trademark, service mark, trade name, trade secret, or other intellectual property right.
    2. in violation of any applicable agreement, or
    3. without authorization.
14. Use the FIDM network or computer resources to plagiarize or reproduce copyrighted materials, trademarks, or other protected material in any electronic form without express written permission from the material's owner. This includes FIDM's trademarks, college logo, and seal.

Violating this policy in whole or in part could result in restrictions to computer resources access or further disciplinary action by the college (such as dismissal from school) and/or criminal prosecution by appropriate legal authorities.

The computer labs are designated for students working on academic projects. Out of consideration for all students, recreational computer use is not allowed at busy times when students with academic work are waiting. Use of computers for recreational purposes is not permitted within the classroom when the class is in session.

For more detailed information, please visit the FIDM Portal at http://myfidm.fidm.edu. Recommended computer specifications by department can be found under the FIDM Resources tab.

The FIDM Portal website offers the following essential online tools, services, and information for students:

• Web Registration
• Student Message Center where students pick up messages from the FIDM staff
• Transcript Requests
• Campus Event Calendar
• Check Financial Clearance and Registration
• Check what Financial Aid documents are due
• Faculty and Staff Directory
• Campus Hours
• Tuition Payments

Students need a PIN number to register for their FIDM Portal account. A PIN number is given to each student upon acceptance into the college. Students have 90 days to register for an account before it expires. Once students register for an account, they will no longer need a PIN number. If the pin number has expired or is lost a new PIN may be requested through the FIDM Portal. If the 90-day registration period has expired students should see a Student Advisor.

The following are categories which can be viewed online:

• WELCOME PAGE
  • Student's cell phone number & email address
  • FIDM News
    • College
    • Academic
    • Career Center
    • Financial
    • Library
    • Student Activities
  • Quick Links
    • News
      • Campus Newsletter
      • FIDM Calendar
    • Registration
    • Pay Tuition
    • My Grades
    • My Classes
    • My Housing
• My FIDM
  • My Classes
  • My Grades
  • My Housing
  • My Messaging
  • My Tuition
• ACADEMICS
  • eOrientation
  • Success Seminars
  • Web Registration
  • Schedule of Classes
  • Student Handbook
  • Registration Information
  • Grades & Transcripts
  • Graduation Information
• CAREER SERVICES
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Career Resources
• eLEARNING
  • eLearning Course Sign In
  • eLearning Overview
  • eLearning Announcements
  • eLearning Support
• FIDM RESOURCES
  • Campus Hours
    • Studios & Workshops
  • Faculty & Staff Directories
  • Technology Information, Training & Discounts
  • Personal Counseling Information
  • Substance Awareness Policy
  • Health Insurance Information
  • Online Safety
  • Podcasts
• FINANCE
  • Contact a Financial Aid Officer
  • Financial Aid Forms Student Loan Counseling
  • Scholarship Resources
  • Student Loan Counseling
• LIBRARY SERVICES
  • Online Databases
  • Library Events & News
  • Search for Books Online