Disability Accommodation & Grievance Policy

1.  Statement of Non-Discrimination and Accommodation
   1. FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising ("FIDM") does not discriminate on the basis of disability.
   2. Individuals with disabilities are entitled to a reasonable accommodation to ensure that they have full and equal access to the educational resources of FIDM, consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1990 (29 U.S.C. § 794) (“Section 504”) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12182) (“ADA”) and their regulated statutes and regulations and corresponding state and local laws.
   3. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.  The ADA prohibits a place of public accommodation from discriminating on the basis of disability.  The applicable law and regulations may be examined in the office of the ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator, who has been designated to coordinate the efforts of FIDM to comply with Section 504 and ADA.
   4. ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator: Kim Wetzel, 919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90015; 213.624.1200 ext. 3530; kwetzel@fidm.edu
      
2. Requests for Accommodation
   1. Individuals with disabilities wishing to request a reasonable accommodation must contact the ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator. A disclosure of a disability or a request for accommodation made to a faculty or staff member, other than the ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator, will not be treated as a request for an accommodation. However, if a student discloses a disability to faculty or staff member, they are required to direct the student to the ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator.
   2. The ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator will provide a student or applicant with a Request for Accommodation Form. To help ensure timely consideration and implementation, individuals requesting an accommodation are asked to contact the ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator and/or submit a Request for Accommodations form at least two weeks prior to when the accommodation is needed.
   3. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations may be asked to provide medical documentation substantiating the physical and/ or mental impairment(s) and the need for the requested accommodation(s), including, but not limited to when the limitation or impairment is not readily apparent and/or a requested accommodation does not clearly relate to the impairment(s).
      
      Such documentation should specify that an individual has a physical or mental impairment and how that impairment substantially limits one or more major life activities. In general, the supporting documentation must be dated less than three years from the date a student requests a reasonable accommodation and must be completed by a qualified professional in the area of the student’s disability, as enumerated below:
   
   

   Disability	Qualified Professional
   Physical disability	MD, DO, NP
   Visual impairment	MD, ophthalmologist, optometrist
   Mobility, orthopedic impairment	MD, DO, NP
   Hearing impairment	MD, Audiologist (Au.D) *audiology exam should not be more than a year old
   Speech and language impairment	Licensed speech professional
   Learning disability	PhD Psychologist, college learning disability specialist, and/or other appropriate professional
   Acquired brain impairment	MD neurologist, neuropsychologist
   Psychological disability	Psychiatrist, PhD Psychologist, LMFT or LCSW
   ADD/ADHD	Psychiatrist; PhD Psychologist, LMFT or LCSW
   Other disabilities	MD, DO, or NP who practices or specializes within the field of the disability.

   
   
   

   Documentation used to evaluate the need and reasonableness of potential accommodations may include a licensed professional’s current medical diagnosis and date of diagnosis, evaluation of how the student’s disability affects one or more of the major life activities and recommendations, psychological and/or emotional diagnostic tests, functional effects or limitations of the disability, and/or medications and recommendations to ameliorate the effects or limitations. FIDM may request additional documentation as needed.

   In general, FIDM does not consider an Individualized Education Program (“IEP”) as sufficient medical documentation to evaluate the need and reasonableness of potential accommodations. However, we will consider a current IEP (less than three years old) as reasonable medical documentation for students who request the following accommodations: (1) a test reader or (2) a quiet place to take a test. Any other requested accommodation(s) will require medical documentation completed by a qualified professional in the area of the student’s disability, as specified in the chart located within this policy.

   4. After the ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator receives the Request Form and the required documentation, they will engage the student or applicant in an interactive process to determine what accommodations may be reasonable. 
   5. The ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator will maintain a list of all students receiving accommodations and will coordinate the implementation of those accommodations with each student’s instructors at the beginning (or in advance) of each quarter. 
   6. Students may file a grievance using the Grievance Process below or may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights or a similar state entity.
   7. FIDM will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, if needed, to participate in this grievance process. The ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator will be responsible for such arrangements.
3. Grievance Process
   1. FIDM has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 and/or the ADA.
   2. Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability, including disagreements regarding requested accommodations, may file a grievance pursuant to the procedure outlined below.
   3. Procedure
      1. Grievances must be submitted to the Vice President of Education, Barbara Bundy, 919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90015; 213.624.1200, ext. 3000; bbundy@fidm.edu. Grievances must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
      2. Grievances must be in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought.
      3. FIDM will investigate the complaint and will not retaliate against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation of the grievance.
      4. All reasonable effort will be made to provide a written determination to the student or applicant within (30) days after its filing. If a written determination cannot be made within (30) days of the complaint’s filing, the student or applicant will be advised and provided an update as to the status of the investigation at reasonable intervals.
      5. Based on the results of the investigation, FIDM will take all appropriate actions to prevent any reoccurrence of discrimination and/or to correct any discriminator effects.
      6. The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent an individual from filing a complaint or discrimination on the basis of a disability with the U. S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights and/or a similar state agency.

From the first day of class, students begin to integrate into a network of industry leaders, FIDM Faculty and influential FIDM Graduates. The Career Center works with FIDM Students and Graduates one-on-one to ensure a targeted and efficient job search.

The Career Center believes that what is learned in the FIDM classroom, combined with the experience gained from working alongside industry professionals, enhances career growth post-graduation. Career Center Coaches provide students and graduates with the best resources to help them hone the skills they have learned at FIDM and effectively apply them to the working world.

Some of those services include:

• Career Network: 24/7 access to connect directly to the Career Center; resources, documents, employment opportunities, industry job links, and appointment scheduling
• One-on-one individual career coaching and planning
• Resume and portfolio review
• Interviewing and networking assistance
• Internship assistance
• Part-time and full-time employment opportunities through Career Network
• Academic and paid internships through Career Network
• Volunteer opportunities
• Career Center Alumni events: Alumni Mixers, Industry Partnerships, Portfolio Exhibition, on-campus recruitment, and virtual career fairs, and workshops
  

Internships 

Internships are opportunities for students to combine academic training with employment in fields related to their course of study. Students who are interested in gaining this type of “real life” experience should meet with a Career Coach. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, have proof of medical insurance, and be in the second, third, or fourth year of a FIDM undergraduate degree. Students enrolled in Professional Designation, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs are eligible to apply for internships after their first quarter. Internships must be secured and paperwork completed prior to the end of the quarter preceding the internship’s start date (e.g., by the end of Winter quarter for an internship starting in Spring.) To receive academic credit, students must confirm their plans with their department prior to applying and will be asked to complete specific coursework. International students may be eligible to complete internships, subject to federal/state regulations, if they qualify for FIDM’s Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) program.

Industry Relations 

Career Center Coaches and Staff constantly work to build and maintain relationships with employers to find quality industry jobs and internship leads within all the FIDM majors. Through on-campus recruitment, site visits, internships, job opportunities, and special projects, the Career Center stays in tune with the latest career trends. Job opportunities are posted daily on the Career Network. Students and Alumni have full access to job leads, internship leads, resume builder, and employer company history through Career Network.

The Housing Department is committed to assisting students with finding the residential plan that best suits their needs. FIDM does not own or operate any dormitory or apartment facilities. The FIDM Housing Department offers third-party apartment rentals through FIDM (FIDM Student Housing) as well as independent housing referrals. This popular option creates an exciting community of FIDM Students with FIDM Housing Staff on-site or easily accessible. Space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. All apartments are two bedroom/two bathroom units. FIDM Housing options are within walking distance of the campus. The current quarterly cost for FIDM Housing consists of a one-time, non-refundable, initial placement fee of $350 along with one quarter of rent ($4,100* for a shared bedroom or $8,200* for a private bedroom). *Subject to change annually.

Independent Housing listings are available through the FIDM website and provide current students with apartment options. For accepted students, roommate and apartment listings are available via the FIDM Portal. All students are responsible for contacting apartment complexes and potential roommates directly, as FIDM Housing does not verify any listing. Independent referrals come from current FIDM Students, FIDM Alumni, students from other local colleges, and local residents that live in the area. Referral housing location distances range from less than a mile to a 17-mile radius of the campus. Prices vary from $1,000 to $1,500 monthly to share a room, and $1,700 to $2,400 to rent a private room. Please visit the properties website for the most up-to-date rates. The properties that are used by FIDM Student Housing are also available to students independently; however, the leasing packages and rates may vary.

The IDEA Center provides students with assistance in the areas of writing, math, reading comprehension, study and research skills, time management, speech presentation, Photoshop, Illustrator, sketching, and more.

The FIDM Library is a curated collection of materials supportive of all our creative and business majors. The collections include over 25,000 books and eBooks, 200 magazines, and 40 research databases as well as several trend forecasting reports for market intelligence. In addition, newspapers, trade papers, scholarly journals and video resources support the curriculum. 

A selection of textiles and material swatches are available to collect and use for inspiration and class projects, and the library subscribes to the Material ConneXion® database for research information on over 7,000 innovative and sustainable materials. 

Our team of librarians and specialists provide instruction, reference, and research support to students, faculty and alumni. The library catalog and research databases are online and accessible to students while on or off-campus, on any device, ensuring that the Library’s resources are readily available to inform and inspire.

The Personal Counseling Department provides counseling support for all students to address emotional, social, and academic issues pertaining to their personal and professional goals. The counseling session focuses on basic counseling needs such as problem solving, conflict resolution, goal setting, communication improvement, time management, and stress management related to academic and personal issues, as well as crisis counseling. Although FIDM’s goal is to maintain confidentiality, if a student expresses suicidal tendencies or plans to harm others, the Personal Counselor will contact the parents and the appropriate authorities as required legally.

The Personal Counseling Department can provide referrals for licensed therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as clinics and agencies to all students who are seeking mental health and healthcare support while attending FIDM. All counseling sessions are held in a supportive, safe, and confidential environment. In the event of any emotional situation or crisis, students should contact a personal counselor for an appointment immediately. If the student has an urgent need to speak with a counselor and the counselor is not immediately available, please contact the Front Desk. FIDM will make every attempt to reach a Personal Counselor, a family member or friend, or they will call 911. 

The Registrar’s Office manages student records, produces strategic reports, and supports the college’s mission by facilitating students timely program completion. The Registrar’s Office provides the following services:

• Verifies enrollment, including student deferments
• Processes FIDM transcript requests
• Supplies Advisement Sheets listing the quarterly sequence of courses for each program/major
• Provides registration information and the Schedule of Classes on the student portal prior to web registration for each quarter
• Processes grades submitted by instructors

(Note: Questions regarding a specific grade should be directed to the instructor or the Education Department)

The Department of Student Success assists with the advancement and completion of a student’s academic program by providing direction and support for all aspects of the FIDM educational experience.

Each academic program is considered an uninterrupted sequence. If it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw or take a leave from the college, a Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form must be completed with the Department of Student Success. An Approved Leave of Absence may be taken for only one full quarter. Any student taking an Unapproved Leave of Absence or withdrawing from the college after the second week of classes will need to repeat the class and will be charged full tuition and course-related fees when they re-register for the class. If any books and/or supplies have changed for the repeated class when the student ultimately takes it, the student will be responsible for their purchase. Students on a Leave of Absence are eligible to receive assistance from the Career Center. Students receiving a Cal Grant award must notify the California Student Aid Commission (https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/) of their Leave of Absence or they will lose their award.

Regarding a refund: A refund will be calculated when a student either withdraws from all classes or takes an Unapproved Leave of Absence. Students are reminded that when a refund is calculated based upon a student’s Leave of Absence, it is the student’s responsibility to reapply for all financial aid prior to returning to the college.

As a supplement to the catalog, a current tuition schedule is available from the Admissions Office.

Student Services Fees

Fee	Purpose
$9.00	FIDM Transcript – A signed request must be sent to the Registrar’s Office with the correct fee. Allow a minimum of five working days for processing transcripts.
$25.00	Late charge for payments ($500 or more) made 5 days after due date
$15.00	Additional/Replacement diploma fee
Variable	Additional 3-unit class
$350.00	CARE challenge fee (per 3 units)
$25.00	Returned check
$850.00	Developmental Writing
$500.00	Study Abroad Program Fee
	Repeating a Failed Course* A student who needs to repeat a course will be charged tuition and fees at the prevailing rate. Course-related resource fees are applied at the same time that the student registers for the repeated course. Three (3) hour, zero (0)-unit courses such as GNST 0400 Writing Skills will be charged tuition and fees at the prevailing rate.
	Repeating a Passing Course* Students who repeat a course in order to improve their grade point average (GPA) will be charged tuition and fees at the prevailing rate.
	*Does not include books and supplies

• Visit your Student Success Advisor