Student Rights

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. If no resolution is achieved, the student should go to his/her 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 two weeks. 

The student housing grievance process aims to provide prompt and equitable resolution for any student who believes a decision or action by FIDM Housing has adversely affected his/her status, rights, or privileges. The student must first make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue on an informal basis with the Resident Advisor. If there is no satisfactory resolution, the student(s) should provide a written statement about the grievance to the LA Housing staff (see FIDM Portal Staff Directory). The FIDM Housing staff may arrange a meeting with the student(s) for further investigation of all grievances filed. Should a student concern remain unresolved, the student then forwards the written complaint to the Executive Director of Admissions (LA Campus) who will consult with the FIDM Housing Committee and provide final resolution.

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. Final projects must be picked up no later than the end of the quarter in which the project was assigned. After that time, the projects become the property of FIDM.

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
• Educational records may be shared between departments within FIDM that have a legitimate educational interest in the records.

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. Under this act, students may:

• 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.

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. Each FIDM campus has a staff representative designated to assist students with academic accommodations. The designated staff members are as follows: Coordinator of Student Affairs (LA) and Directors of Education (SF, OC, SD). Students are required to provide verification of a disability and consult with the campus representative 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 campus representative 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 provided unless verification is provided directly to the campus representative. Students requesting accommodations receive the How to Request Accommodations form from the campus representative. Once verification is established, the student and the campus representative discuss options for reasonable accommodations and complete the Student Request for Accommodations form. The student then distributes the form to his/her instructor(s). Documentation provided by students remains confidential for a period of seven years and is only released with student's signed consent. Documentation, however, is provided to staff with a legitimate interest or responsibility with ADA students. Questions concerning FIDM's policy, procedure, and accommodations should be forwarded to the campus representative.

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.

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 at any time that directory information be withheld by notifying the Vice President of Education in writing.