1. Are students required to get the COVID-19 vaccination?

During the Fall 2021 quarter, FIDM implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all students who wish to engage in in-person instruction, live in student housing, or participate in on-campus student activities. Please note the following:

• Students need to be fully vaccinated by the first day of classes (07/07/2022).
  
• Brand new initial international students who cannot meet the July 7, 2022 deadline, need to contact Ben Weinberg at ext. 3405 or bweinberg@fidm.edu.
• To inquire about getting vaccination within the US see: https://myturn.ca.gov/.
  

• For New students - email a photocopy of your proof of vaccination to FIDMIDCard@fidm.edu by June 24, 2022.
  
• For Continuing Students - provide either your vaccination card or photo proof of your vaccination to the Security Desk in the Rotunda (desk by garage elevator on the main entrance level of the campus) and you will be given a vaccination sticker to put on your student identification to verify your vaccination.
• For students who are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccination due to a medical disability or closely held religious beliefs please contact Kim Wetzel at kwetzel@fidm.edu or 213-624-1200 x3530 and ask for a COVID-19 Vaccine Request for Exemption/Accommodation Form.

FIDM International F-1 Students

You must be fully vaccinated with a WHO or US approved COVID-19 vaccination which includes:

• Pfizer/BioNTech - BNT1622b2
• Astrazeneca - SKBio AzD1222 (also known as ChAdOx1s, SII Covidshield, SKBioScience) 
• Serum Institute of India 
• Janssen mRNA-1273 
• Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine - Beijing Bio Institute of Biological Products 
• Sinovac CoronaVac - Beijing Based Sinovac 
• Moderna (US approved)
• Johnson & Johnson (US approved)

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Kim Wetzel 213-624-1200 ext. 3530 or kwetzel@fidm.edu

2. What are the COVID-19 on-campus safety protocols?

In accordance with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, all unvaccinated individuals are required to wear “well-fitting medical grade (3 or 4 ply), surgical masks, or higher-level masks such as N95, KN95, or KF94”. Additionally, for indoor settings, face masks are recommended, but not required, for individuals who are fully vaccinated.

Accordingly, we ask that you continue to be mindful of and comply with the following campus safety protocols:

• Unvaccinated individuals must wear face masks over nose and mouth when on campus
  
• It is recommended, but not required, fully vaccinated individuals wear a face mask while indoors
  
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid Close Contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you are feeling ill
  

We want to thank you all for taking care of yourselves and each other.

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Wetzel, Executive Director, Human Resources at kwetzel@fidm.edu or 213.624.1200 ext. 3530.

1. When does the Summer Quarter begin and end?

The quarter begins on Thursday, July 7 and ends Monday, September 19.

2. How can I get tutoring help with my classes?

The IDEA Center offers in-person tutoring at the LA Campus in addition to our Zoom tutoring sessions.

• Please e-mail IDEACenter@fidm.edu or call 213-624-1200 x4558 or x4554 if you have any questions
• We are located in the Library on the third floor

Quick Path to a Zoom Tutoring Session for:

(English, Math, Merch Math, Financial Accounting, Illustrator, Photoshop, Intro to Adobe, Computer Sketching, Portfolio Prep, etc.)

Go to Canvas

Click on Courses

Click on IDEA Center

Quick Path to a Zoom Tutoring Session for:

(Sewing, Pattern Drafting/ Draping, Computer Grading, Pattern Making etc.)

Go to Canvas

Click on Courses

Click on FIDM Student Hub in Canvas

Click on Lab Schedule

You can then see the Summer 2022 schedule and Zoom invitation link for the tutoring session that you wish to join.

We look forward to seeing you!

1. What is the difference between a remote class, an eLearning (online) class, hybrid, and on-campus and/or remote class?

FIDM Students will have five different types of courses available this quarter: On-Campus classes, Online Learning, eLearning, Hybrid and/or Remote Classes. FIDM has offered pure eLearning courses for more than 15 years and these online courses are designed to allow students flexibility in scheduling. Assignments and work are due each week at the same time, but can be done at any time during that week. These courses use online tools such as the discussion board and chat rooms to promote interaction with the instructor and peers while allowing students to access and do work at their own pace and time. Some of these classes will have live online web meetings one or two times during a quarter for presentations, but there are not scheduled required times each week.

Remote classes are classes that will be taught live at the same time and day each week as if in a classroom. Students access the class by entering through the Canvas course site and then clicking on a posted link for a Zoom meeting. The instructor and students will be online together and meet in real time. Each instructor will have live meetings throughout the quarter and will run the class as if it were in a classroom. Students should schedule a remote class as if it were on campus and be mindful of potential schedule conflicts.

Hybrid classes are Remote classes that also include some on-campus classroom meetings or labs, in accordance with public health guidelines.

On-Campus and/or Remote classes, which are classes that will be available as both on-campus and/or remote for each class session.

1. When will Web Registration be available on the FIDM Portal?

PLEASE NOTE: There is a video on the new Web Registration under Contact Us, How To Tutorials.

Listed below are the dates when each Registration Group will be able to first register, beginning at 6:00 a.m. Registration will then continue for each Group 24/7 until 12:00 a.m. Thursday July 21(end of add/drop).

Thursday, June 2: All MBA, Bachelors, Advanced Study, Professional Designation

Friday, June 3: Two Year Associates with Credits Earned (units completed) 46 and above

Monday, June 6: Two Year Associates with Credits Earned (units completed) less than 46

2. I just don't know what courses I should register for and I can't find my advisement sheet?

• PLEASE contact your Department Advisor, Department Chair or Department Director. Registering incorrectly can affect your graduation date and financial aid.

3. What if it's the first day of class and I have not registered for ANY of my classes?

• If you are financially cleared, you will be able to access Web Registration; if not financially cleared, contact the Student Advisement Office.

4. If I want to ADD another class to my schedule once the quarter starts, what should I do?

• If you are financially cleared, you will be able to register for the class through Web Registration. You will see a message if the section is closed or you have not met the prerequisite. If you have any questions about what to add, be sure to contact your Department Advisor, Department Chair or Department Director first.
• Deadline to add a class: The second-class meeting (first class meeting if Saturday 5-week/6-hour class or one-unit MFTG elective).

5. How do I DROP a class?

• It is the student’s responsibility to DROP the class through Web Registration. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your Department Advisor, Department Chair or Department Director first.
• Deadline to drop a class: Second week of classes (first week if Saturday 5-week/6-hour or one- unit MFTG elective).
  

6. What if I'm having trouble getting into the FIDM Portal to ADD or DROP a class?

• Please contact your Student Advisor and they will assist you.

1. What are the Recommended Computer Specifications for All Majors?

View computer specifications for your major.

2. Do I need to bring my own device to class?

No, FIDM has re-wired the Wi-Fi on the campus so that you will be able to bring your own device, if you would like to. If you do not yet have a device that is portable, you can still use FIDM lab computers when a computer is necessary. FIDM is encouraging students to begin bringing their own devices and in the future it may be necessary but as of now, it is not required.

Because the Wi-Fi has been upgraded, you are now able to use FIDM Wi-Fi for up to three (3) separate devices. There is Wi-Fi connectivity throughout all of the floors on the FIDM Campus including the first floor, the Hope Street building, and the promenade by the park. If you need help accessing the FIDM Wi-Fi, please contact eLearning at eLearning@us.fidm.edu.

1. What happens to my financial aid to pay for housing?

Students who are eligible to receive financial aid to help with their Summer 2022 housing costs will receive their overage check during the first week of the Summer quarter which starts on July 7, 2022. Please contact FIDM’s Fiscal Operations staff if you have any concerns regarding your overage at fiscaloperations@fidm.com.

2. I want to take a Leave of Absence. Can I do that? How will that affect my financial aid?

A student can take a leave of absence as normal by initiating the process by contacting their Student Advisor. Financial Aid staff will then work with the student to determine their financial aid eligibility for their return.

3. How can I meet with Financial Services?

Student Financial Services Staff is available on campus Monday through Friday during normal office hours. Students may also communicate with Student Financial Services Staff by emailing financialaid@fidm.com, fiscaloperations@fidm.com, or call 213-624-1200 ext. 4210.

1. How do I make a payment?

Payments by cash or check will be accepted through the cashier’s office in Financial Services, but we encourage students to use one of the following payment options.

• Checks or Bill Pay from your bank can be mailed to the following address. Please make sure to include the student name and identification number in the memo section.
  
  FIDM
  919 S Grand Ave.
  Los Angeles, CA 90015
  ATTN: Cashier office.
  
  
• Credit card payments through the portal. There is a fee for this service.
• ACH Payments using your Bank account and routing number.
  
• Wire transfer. There is a $25 fee for this service. Please contact us at fiscaloperations@fidm.com for instructions on how to use this.

2. How will I be able to clear for Summer registration?

If you have a hold on your account, please send an email to fiscaloperations@fidm.com, or call 213-624-1200 ext. 4210.

1. When and where will the graduation ceremony take place?

The 2023 Graduation Ceremony will take place at the end of Spring quarter. More details will be posted on the website and portal as they are confirmed.

2. What if I graduated last quarter? Will I still receive a diploma?

Yes, if you are Financially Cleared and have completed the online "Apply for Degree" that can be found under Academics on the Portal, you will receive your diploma within 4-6 months.

3. Will course availability impact my graduation date?

All students must complete all graduation requirements in order to graduate. If your required courses are not taught this quarter, it is important to contact your Department Chairperson to see if another course has been approved as a substitution or if you will need to take any remaining units in the Spring quarter.

How and when will Summer Orientation be conducted?

We will be conducting Summer orientation on campus for new students on Tuesday, July 5, and Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Important details will be posted on the Portal. Any questions should be directed to your Admissions Advisor.

Orientation is only in person.

1. How will I get my books and supplies for the Summer 2022 Quarter?

Purchasing Books and Supplies, STARTING SUMMER 2022 QUARTER

• After your registration is complete, you will have the option to purchase your books and supplies from FIDM or from an outside source.
• To access the link to the FIDM bookstore, go to the Student Portal and select the Academics tab in the navigation menu on the left side and then select My Books & Supplies.
• Click on the current term. Your registered courses with required materials will appear on the Course Materials page. Select items to be added to cart.

PLEASE NOTE: If you elect to purchase anything from an outside vendor, these are not processed by the FIDM bookstore.

If you are purchasing through FIDM, you can elect to pick up books and supplies on campus at the P1 bookroom, or pay to have them shipped.

• To finalize your order, click Checkout and complete order process.

FOR MORE DETAILED INSTRUCTION ON HOW TO ORDER YOUR BOOKS AND SUPPLIES, YOU MAY CLICK ON THE LINK FOR THE BOOKS AND SUPPLIES VIDEO BELOW.

Books and Supplies video

1. How will Veteran students be affected?

Students receiving VA education benefits can check for the latest program updates at the va.gov website, or by calling the GI Bill number at (888) 442-4551 to speak to a VA Education Counselor.

For questions regarding your VA education benefits at FIDM, please contact one of FIDM’s Certifying School Officials: Patricia Martinez, Coordinator, VA Education Benefits at pmartinez@fidm.edu, or Lynne Stroner, School Certifying Official at lstroner@fidm.edu. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for a reply to your questions, and please include your student ID number on the subject line.

1. Since FIDM plans to provide hybrid courses, and a large number of face-to-face courses for the Summer 2022 quarter, as an F-1 student, can I continue to take all my classes online and remain in status with legal presence in the U.S.?

Since FIDM is attempting to return to providing a majority of curriculum offerings in-person for the Summer 2022 quarter you will be expected to maintain your F-1 status by abiding by pre-covid regulations, which require you to have a minimum of 9 units in class out of your 12 units minimum requirement. All brand-new initial F-1 students are already obligated to have in-person courses as the basis of their I-20 and F-1 visa issuance and U.S. entry. Continuing students will be expected to abide by pre-pandemic requirements (minimum of 9 units in class out of 12 units minimum for the quarter) as much as possible for the Summer 2022 quarter (if for any reason you are unable to take a minimum of 9 units in class contact FIDM's International Student's office BEFORE the Summer 2022 quarter begins)

2. As a continuing F-1 student being permitted to stay in status while taking all courses online during the Summer 2022 quarter (ONLY IF THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION BASED ON THE COURSES OFFERED), do I still have to maintain minimum unit requirements to stay in status?

Yes, you should take at least four courses (12 units) every quarter as well as continue to make normal progress toward degree completion and retain your non-immigrant status regardless of how your curriculum is affected by the pandemic.

3. What do I do if the program end date listed on my I-20 is impacted by course availability?

If you maintain your F-1 status, your I-20 can be extended to give you more time to complete your program. Make sure you notify FIDM's International Student's Office that you need your I-20 extended BEFORE it expires (prior to the program end date currently listed on your I-20).

4. If I finish my last quarter online from my home country, can I still apply for OPT?

To apply for OPT you must re-enter the U.S. BEFORE your program end date and submit your I-765 application to the USCIS to request work authorization for OPT. You are still eligible, but you must file from within the U.S. and you have to be able to re-enter the U.S. before the program end date listed on your I-20 even though you have up to 60 days after your program end date for the USCIS to receive your application. Further you must have been in non-immigrant visa status for one academic year to qualify for the OPT benefit.

5. If I finish my last quarter from my home country, will I still be able to re-enter the U.S.?

Students who continue to make normal progress in their course of study remain eligible for admission into the United States. However, because of the changing array of travel restrictions, students should refer to their local embassy’s website through the U.S. Department of State for any updates about visa issuance. Also, DHS and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) websites provide information about current travel restrictions to the United States. If re-entry is possible, students should be able to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status before the program end date listed on their I-20 (for those who complete their program during Summer 2022 quarter that would be before September 19, 2022).

6. If I need to re-enter the U.S. but my travel endorsement on my I-20 is older than six months (if you are on OPT) or one year (if you are a current student) or I never got one before I left, how do I get a new signature?

If the travel endorsement section of your I-20 has been signed before then it is valid for six months for those on OPT and one year for those who are current students. The SEVP has stated that electronic signatures may be issued to facilitate travel endorsements. FIDM will utilize the method of emailing a scanned version of the physically signed Form I-20.

7. If I am a brand new (initial) F-1 student at FIDM for the Summer 2022 quarter, can I enter the U.S.?

In accordance with current guidance, F and M students in new or initial status after March 9, 2020, will not be able to enter the United States to enroll in a U.S. school as a nonimmigrant student for the Summer 2022 term to pursue a full course of study that is 100 percent online. If you have in-person courses for the Summer 2022 quarter, you can qualify to apply for an F-1 visa and enter the U.S. to begin study.

8. As a non-immigrant F-1 student at FIDM do I have to have medical insurance coverage?

All FIDM International Student's mandatorily must have health insurance coverage while they are pursing studies at FIDM.  FIDM International students need to either verify their existing coverage in the U.S. while studying purchased prior to attending or purchase a FIDM/International Students Insurance policy at: https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/school_requirements/1210/Fashion_Institute_of_Design_%26_Merchandising.html.

9. Do I have to have a COVID-19 vaccination to enter the FIDM campus, housing facilities or participate in FIDM events in person for the Summer 2022 quarter? 

All FIDM students, faculty and staff must be able to verify a WHO approved COVID-19 vaccination before being permitted to be on the FIDM campus, in FIDM housing facilities or participate in any in-person FIDM events.

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders About COVID-19 located at: https://www.ice.gov/coronavirus under the Nonimmigrant Students & SEVP-Certified Schools, Frequently Asked Questions section you can download the applicable PDF form.

1. I have a condition that may require me to have accommodations, is that possible if I'm taking classes online?

Yes, for students who already have approved reasonable accommodation(s), many of the accommodations will be available for the online classes. Others may not be needed. Your instructors will receive notification regarding your approved accommodation(s). Please contact Kim Wetzel, ADA 504 Compliance Coordinator at kwetzel@fidm.edu for further information.

2. How do I apply for disability accommodations for FIDM's online classes?

Visit the link available on our website FIDM.edu, under Student Services and Student Policies for FIDM’s Disabilities Accommodation & Grievance Policy.

1. Can students make an appointment with a Personal Counselor?

 Yes, students may email Personal Counselors Katherine Besignano, kbesignano@fidm.edu or Jasmine Dixon, jdixon@fidm.edu, to schedule an in-person, or confidential phone or video counseling session.

2. Will the Personal Counseling Department offer mental health workshops and events?

The Personal Counseling Department will offer in-person mental health workshops and events throughout the quarter.

3. Where can I find off-campus resources related to health and mental health service online?

Counseling and safety resources, including a self-care list are available on the Student Portal under Student Services/Counseling & Safety. Currently, the Personal Counselors are working with FIDM Social Media and Student Activities to post wellness and support tips, tools, and resources on Instagram @FIDM.

1. May I live in FIDM Housing and take my courses online?

Yes, as long as you are enrolled and remain in a minimum of two classes for the Summer 2022 quarter, you may remain in FIDM Housing.

1. When is the Library open?

The Library is open Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. No appointment is needed.

2. Can students get help from a librarian remotely?

Absolutely, we're here to help you wherever you are! For research help, questions about using any of our resources, or any other Library-related questions, please email us at library@fidm.edu. You may also call 213-486-2009 and leave a voicemail. If there’s no answer, please leave us a voicemail and we will return your call shortly.

3. Can I access library resources online?

Yes! We have a wide range of resources available on Canvas, in the Library Resources course. This is where you can access the Library catalog, subscription databases, and digital trend forecasts.

4. How do I find ebooks from the Library?

The library has a large collection of ebooks available to read on your device. Many ebooks can be found right in the catalog; limit your search to Format: ebooks. For specialized ebook collections you can find detailed information from our ebook guide at https://fidm.libguides.com/ebooks.

5. Are there other online library resources?

Our Library Research Guides are easy to use and provide overviews of our best bet resources for your subject. Find the Library Research Guides link with others on the Library Services tab.

6. Do I have access to the Library’s DVD Collection or streaming video?

You can visit the library to check out DVDs, and you also have access to more than 66,000 streaming video titles spanning the widest range of subject areas including business, fashion, film, health, history, music, science, and more. The widest variety of titles is available through Academic Video Online, a select collection of documentaries can be found on Docuseek, and a small curated selection of recent feature films and documentaries can be found on Kanopy. All of these services are available from the Research & Trend Databases list on Canvas.

1. What are the requirements for visiting the LA Campus?

Visitors will be required to:

• Check in at security in the rotunda
• Unvaccinated individuals must wear a face mask over their nose and mouth when on campus
  
• It is recommended, but not required, fully vaccinated individuals wear a face mask while indoors
• Stay home if you're feeling sick
  
• Answer the following questions:

1. 1. Are you feeling sick today?
   2. Have you experienced symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting in the past 48 hours?
   3. In the last 14 days, have you been in close contact with anyone who is known to have tested positive for COVID-19 or anyone who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19? (Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of an infected/symptomatic individual for a cumulative total of 15 minutes within a 24-hour period.)