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 (01/05/2023).
  
• New initial international students who cannot meet the January 5, 2023 deadline, need to contact Carrie Harris at ext. 3405 or charris@fidm.edu.
• All students inquiring about getting a COVID 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 December 30, 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 and gain access to the campus.
• For students who are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccination due to a medical disability or a closely held religious belief, please contact Kim Wetzel at kwetzel@fidm.edu or 213-624-1200 x3530 and to ask for information on how to apply for a COVID-19 Vaccine Exemption or Accommodation.

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?

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

• Stay home if you are feeling ill
• 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

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 Winter Quarter begin and end?

The quarter begins on Thursday, January 5 and ends Monday, March 20, 2023.

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 Winter 2023 schedule and Zoom invitation link for the tutoring session that you wish to join.

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

Listed below are the dates when each Registration Group will be able to first register on the FIDM Portal at https://myportal.fidm.edu/cmcportal/.

Tuesday, December 6: All MBA, Bachelors, Advanced Study, Professional Designation

Wednesday, December 7: Two Year Associates with Credits Earned* = 45 or more

Thursday, December 8: Two Year Associates with Credits Earned* = 44 or less

* "Credits Earned" is the number of credits in your program you have completed with a passing grade. It does not include credits in progress this quarter.

PLEASE NOTE:

• You must be financially cleared to register.
• Registration begins at 6:00 a.m. your first day, and is available 24/7 through Wednesday, January 18 (the last day to add or drop).
• Go to this website to find helpful tutorials: https://express.adobe.com/page/Ftj157eznPEwG/

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

• PLEASE contact your Student 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 register for classes using FIDM Portal 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 using FIDM Portal 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 using FIDM Portal Registration. If you have questions, contact your Student Advisor, Department Chair or Department Director.
• The deadline to drop a class is the last day of the second week of the term. (The deadline is the 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 for assistance.

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 Winter 2023 housing costs will receive their overage check during the first week of the Winter quarter which starts on January 5, 2023. 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 Winter 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 on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Microsoft Theater. For more details, please refer to the Graduation Handbook posted on the website and portal.

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 Winter Orientation be conducted?

We will be conducting Winter orientation on campus for new students on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. 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 Winter 2023 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.
  MAKE SURE YOU ALSO CHECKOUT FROM VITALSOURCE IF PURCHASING E-BOOKS.

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

See Attached Handout

1. How can I get VA Education Benefits Information?

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 FIDM’s Certifying School Official: Patricia Martinez, Coordinator, VA Education Benefits at pmartinez@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. How many units must be taken every quarter as a continuing F-1 student?

12 units are required every quarter (most classes are 3 units) to make normal progress toward degree completion and retain your non-immigrant status. If for any reason you are unable to take a minimum of 12 units per quarter, you must contact FIDM's International Student's office BEFORE the start of the quarter which reflects enrollment of less than 12 units. Please note as an F-1 student maintaining 12 units per quarter, 9 units MUST be taken on campus with only 3 units permitted to be taken online. If for any reason you are unable on enroll in 9 units on campus you MUST contact FIDM's International Student office. While in the last quarter of your degree program, you are only obligated to take whatever courses remain to finish program requirements, regardless of whether or not they meet the minimum number of required units.

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. 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 Winter 2023 quarter that would be before March 20, 2023).

5. 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. You will still need to print it out IN COLORED INK ONLY and sign it, please note you cannot present it digitally at a consulate meeting or at the U.S. point of entry.

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

All FIDM International Students are required to have health insurance coverage while they are pursing studies at FIDM. FIDM International students need to either verify that they already have prior health insurance or must purchase coverage in the U.S. within the first quarter of attendance. FIDM/International Students can purchase their Insurance policy at:https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/school_requirements/1210/Fashion_Institute_of_Design_%26_Merchandising.html.

7. 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 Winter 2023 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. How do I apply for ADA accommodations?

Visit the link available on our website FIDM.edu, under Student Services and Student Policies for FIDM’s Disabilities Accommodation & Grievance Policy. For additional information on how to apply for ADA accommodations, please contact Kim Wetzel, ADA 504 Compliance Coordinator at kwetzel@fidm.edu or 213.624.1200 ext. 3530.

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. For additional information on how to apply for ADA accommodations for online or on campus classes, please contact Kim Wetzel, ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator at kwetzel@fidm.edu or 213.624.1200 ext. 3530.

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

 Yes, students may email Personal Counselors Katherine Besignano, kbesignano@fidm.edu or Gwen Matos, gmatos@fidm.edu, to schedule an in-person, 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. 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. 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
• 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 sharing the same airspace with an infected individual for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period.)